[nothing4me]

Looks like they changed the headband and that's about it. Was thinking about getting one as a present for someone. Anyone get a chance to try it out?

https://hifiman.com/products/detail/304

 

[NA Blur]

The way the headband attaches to each earcup has been updated and it looks like metal vs plastic. Should be some pretty good changes. The site says they didn't change the driver or enclosure so you are going to get the same planar sound as the original 400i.

 

[nothing4me]

Thanks. I ordered a pair. I'll try them out and do a small write up in this thread over the weekend. Regardless, I think they're gonna love the gift since it's going to sound miles better than anything they've tried in their life lol

 

[NA Blur]

I love my pair of 400i's. One of the most underrated headphones that scales tremendously well with better amplification.

 

[MadMike]

I love my pair of 400i's. One of the most underrated headphones that scales tremendously well with better amplification.

My 400i's have been in hibernation since I got the Focal Elear- no contest.

 

[nothing4me]

My 400i's have been in hibernation since I got the Focal Elear- no contest.

$170 vs $1000... I personally returned my Elear.

 

[kalibur]

How would this 2020 version compare with the Sundara?

 

[bagwell359]

Haven't heard the 2020 version, but the Sundara is more realistic than the the 400i I know made in '16. It's also better than the 4XX made in '17.

400i is great for a gift, is a very good fun can.

 

[nothing4me]

How would this 2020 version compare with the Sundara?

Haven't heard the 2020 version, but the Sundara is more realistic than the the 400i I know made in '16. It's also better than the 4XX made in '17.

400i is great for a gift, is a very good fun can.

Should be the exact same thing as the older 400i. It says on their product website that they use the same exact drivers.

 

[bagwell359]

Should be the exact same thing as the older 400i. It says on their product website that they use the same exact drivers.

Ummm. They claim the HE5se and HE6se were copies with updated materials of the old models. I proved beyond any shadow of doubt that they were full of bilge water on both counts, being physically different on I forget 14 counts was it? Truthfully I lost count - it was a LOT. So...

 

[bagwell359]

Haven't heard the 2020 version, but the Sundara is more realistic than the the 400i I know made in '16. It's also better than the 4XX made in '17.

400i is great for a gift, is a very good fun can.

As long as I'm steeped in HFM cans now and for the couple of years, my ratings:

HEKse - 9.8
HEKv2 - 9.6
Arya - 9.55
HE6se - w mods and EQ - 9.55 (lacks soundstage of Arya, but technicals massive, much less ringing then the HE-6, but bass not a match for HE-6.
HE-6 6 screw - 9.4
HEKv1 - 9.25
HE-5 mods & EQ) - 9.2
HEX v2 - 9.0 (w/ EQ)
HE500 - no mods 8.4
Ananda - 8.4
Sundara - 7.7
HE5LE - 7.0 - needs EQ badly
HE4** - 6.0 - I've EQ'd the heck out of several models. Fun can, but badly outclassed by the Sundara or Ananda - the most natural alternates these days
HE5se - strange can, like a lifeleass Sundara w/o the bass. 5.0

 

[NA Blur]

I placed an order for the 400i 2020 version and it should be here later this month ( July .) I'll try and give a brief description here and note any flaws that I hear compared to the 400i ( older version .)

 

[filthyweeb]

i hope they gonna selll them in EU also i always wanted to try he400i.

 

[nothing4me]

I got them and tried them out. Sounds pretty much the same as 400i, but the build quality seems way better. It doesn't feel like it's going to fall apart in my hands. The new headband is softer than I expected so that's nice.

For music with bass that goes below 20hz, the 400i left me wanting though... I'm spoiled by the 10hz and below models. Nevertheless, this is an amazing headphone and I can't believe it's this cheap. Planar magnetic tech has come so far and to be able to get it this dumb cheap now is something to clap about. If you have friends, spread it around and let them taste what planar magnetics have to offer!

 

[shyamelge]

The new headband is softer than I expected so that's nice.

Is the new headband more comfortable?