[iduhfuse]

Hi all, I really would like to get a pair of HE400 based on many reviews and searching through various forums. However I recently discovered the 400i and 400s models. What is the better headphone? What separates the HE400 vs the i and S versions.

 

[cel4145]

I have not heard the i or s model.

People have talked about the differences between them and the original HE-400 in these threads:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/698974/hifiman-he-400i-impressions-and-discussion
http://www.head-fi.org/t/766529/new-2015-hifiman-he400s

 

[Green Golden Retriver]

Nice comparison

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Hi all, I really would like to get a pair of HE400 based on many reviews and searching through various forums. However I recently discovered the 400i and 400s models. What is the better headphone? What separates the HE400 vs the i and S versions.

HE400iis a new version of the HE400.

HE400S is a completely different driver with less than flat response but higher sensitivity.

 

[Green Golden Retriver]

HE400iis a new version of the HE400.

HE400S is a completely different driver with less than flat response but higher sensitivity.

Between these which sounds the best?

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Between these which sounds the best?

Not even by objective terms will there be a straight answer to that.

HE400 and HE400i are flat from 20hz to 1000hz, but then nosedive, go up to a peak, nosedive a bit...

HE400S has no flat spots but doesn't have similarly drastic peaks and dips either.

What can matter more is the sensitivity...HE400S has the sensitivity of the HD650 at a lower impedance, or an older Grado with a sound closer to the HD600. A DAP at moderate output levels will be enough, but of course you'd still need a really good amp if you want to make sure you have some overhead. HE400 and HE400i have more need for an amp.

 

[Green Golden Retriver]

Not even by objective terms will there be a straight answer to that.

HE400 and HE400i are flat from 20hz to 1000hz, but then nosedive, go up to a peak, nosedive a bit...

HE400S has no flat spots but doesn't have similarly drastic peaks and dips either.

What can matter more is the sensitivity...HE400S has the sensitivity of the HD650 at a lower impedance, or an older Grado with a sound closer to the HD600. A DAP at moderate output levels will be enough, but of course you'd still need a really good amp if you want to make sure you have some overhead. HE400 and HE400i have more need for an amp.

Ok thanks for explanation

 

[Fegefeuer]

HE-4 beats them all in resolution, macrodynamics and staging. HE-400 has miniscule cleaner bass but you can bluetack the HE-4 for better bass and enjoy better mids and treble too. but unfortunately is very hard to get. When my first HE-4 died through a piece of plastic breaking for whatever reason and piercing the driver I hunted a long time for a successor.

Meanwhile dozen of HE-400i, HE-400S and HE-400's flew off the shelves of Usedland that I could have grabbed. I didn't even think of it. They are not bad headphones by any stretch but they are not the specialty that is the HE-4.

 

[Green Golden Retriver]

HE-4 beats them all in resolution, macrodynamics and staging. HE-400 has miniscule cleaner bass but you can bluetack the HE-4 for better bass and enjoy better mids and treble too. but unfortunately is very hard to get. When my first HE-4 died through a piece of plastic breaking for whatever reason and piercing the driver I hunted a long time for a successor.

Meanwhile dozen of HE-400i, HE-400S and HE-400's flew off the shelves of Usedland that I could have grabbed. I didn't even think of it. They are not bad headphones by any stretch but they are not the specialty that is the HE-4.

He400 was my first full size and I still have them until this day