Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Good build quality for the price
- Comfortable, especially with the updated headband design
- Decent detail retrieval and resolution throughout the frequency range
- A good entry point for trying planar drivers
- Good imaging and instrument separation
Product Considerations
- Stock cable is of very low quality and microphonic, replacement is recommended
- Sub-bass is lacking, and the bass response may not satisfy bass enthusiasts
- Treble can get fatiguing with potential peaks
- Pads flatten out quickly
- An amplifier is needed to shine
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HIFIMAN Sundara: HE400se has a brighter sound, while the Sundara is smoother with a warmer quality, and the Sundara is significantly better overall and worth the upgrade
- Vs HIFIMAN HD560S: HE400se has a smoother treble presentation
Takeaway: The HE400se provides a taste of planar sound at an affordable price and is great for those wanting to experiment with modifications. The HE400se is definitely worth it for anyone looking for open back headphones with great sound.
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Manufacturer details
- Frequency Response : 20Hz-20kHz
- Impedance : 32Ω
- Sensitivity : 91dB
- Weight : 385g
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- HIFIMAN offers a wide range of headphone models, varying in tonality from warm to neutral to balanced, allowing for different listening preferences and catering to various audiophile tastes.
- The brand is known for their "Stealth Magnet" design which reduces wave diffraction turbulence to lower distortion and improve transparency.
- They incorporate planar magnetic drivers in many of their headphones, known for their speed, detail, and impactful bass response.
Select products
EDITION XS:
- Positioning: An entry-level headphone offering compact design and affordability.
- Description: Features stealth magnets design with a frequency response from 8Hz to 50kHz and low impedance for basic home or portable use. Compared to the mid-range options like AUDIVINA and HE1000SE, it provides essential performance for smaller rooms.
AUDIVINA:
- Positioning: A mid-range headphone balancing clear audio performance with a reasonable price.
- Description: Uses refined driver technology to deliver a natural sound signature and balanced frequency response for typical home listening setups. Compared to the simple approach of Edition XS and the more precision-focused HE1000SE, it offers enhanced detail while keeping costs moderate.
HE1000SE:
- Positioning: A mid-range headphone engineered for improved clarity and dynamic range.
- Description: Offers an extended frequency response from 8Hz to 65kHz and higher sensitivity for clearer audio reproduction in critical listening. In contrast to AUDIVINA's balanced performance, HE1000SE emphasizes precise tuning and a robust build.
SUSVARA:
- Positioning: A high-end headphone crafted for immersive and detailed sound reproduction.
- Description: Incorporates advanced driver engineering that extends its frequency range from 6Hz to 75kHz, supporting a wider and more open soundstage. Compared to mid-range models like HE1000SE and AUDIVINA, it offers broader performance and refined tuning.
SUSVARA UNVEILED:
- Positioning: A premium headphone representing the pinnacle of the brand's lineup.
- Description: Features cutting-edge materials and driver technologies that produce exceptionally detailed sound across its wide frequency spectrum. When compared with SUSVARA and other models, it delivers superior engineering and an expansive performance.
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Product Strengths
- Improved sensitivity compared to previous Arya models, making it easier to drive with portable devices
- Well-built and comfortable for long listening sessions due to intelligent weight distribution and plush earpads
- Outstanding sound quality with superb resolution, dynamics, and an expertly balanced tuning
- More natural and cohesive sound presentation than previous Arya versions, with improvements in bass weight and midrange
- Addresses the bright treble issues of previous iterations, offering a more relaxed listening experience without sacrificing detail
Product Considerations
- May be prone to nicks and scratches
- May still sound fatiguing for some listeners over extended listening sessions due to brighter treble around 8kHz
- The product comes in a basic cardboard case, with minimal accessories
- System matching could be a consideration, due to a slight treble elevation
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Arya Stealth, the Arya Organic offers more energy, improved dynamics, a wider soundstage, and better resolution
- The Arya Organic features better tuning and resolution than the Arya Stealth, making the Stealth sound boxed-in, claustrophobic, and too dark in comparison
- The Arya Organic provides a more dynamic midrange, better texture, and overall outperforms the Sennheiser HD8XX, elevating the listening experience
Takeaway: The Arya Organic offers a refined and balanced sound with improved comfort and build, making it a worthwhile upgrade for many listeners. It is an excellent choice for those seeking high resolution and a natural presentation in a comfortable, easy-to-drive package.
Video review
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Video review
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Product Strengths
- Beautiful design and build quality with premium materials, like a magnesium yoke and genuine leather headband
- Good comfort with memory foam earpads and breathable cloth, though some find the pads shallow
- Well-rounded tonal balance with surprisingly strong bass for an open-back headphone
- Easy to drive and forgiving with different audio sources
- Clear and spacious sound presentation, with accurate imaging
Product Considerations
- The price point may be higher than some consumers want to pay
- The relatively small size might not fit all head shapes comfortably
- Stock cable is reported to have memory and be unwieldy
- Sound staging isn't the widest
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal Azurys: Some prefer the sound of the Azurys for some songs and use cases
- Vs Sennheiser HD600: Hadenys has improvements in the bass and treble response, and there's more oomph and weight in the bass
- Vs Focal Clear MG: Hadenys manages to provide a remarkable amount of Clear MG for a lower price
- Vs Focal Elex: dynamics are not on par with the Focal Elex
- Vs Sennheiser HD 660S2: The Focal manages to feel as solid, while looking better, wearing better and sounding better
Takeaway: The Hadenys offers a stylish design, comfortable fit, and well-rounded sound, making it a versatile headphone for enjoying music at home. Its solid construction and easy-to-drive nature make it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a premium listening experience.
Video review
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Uses premium materials like carbon fiber, metal, sheep lambskin earpads, and zebra wood faceplates for a luxurious feel, with excellent build quality
- Has a mostly neutral sound signature, with lambskin pads bass response is very good with a tasteful emphasis placed on the sub-bass region, and a decent midrange
- Provides good detail retrieval, resolution, and transparency of sound, the drivers can show plenty of information and micro detail
- A pad swapping system allows changes to sound characteristics, with lambskin pads and breathable fabric pads included
- Comes with a quarter-inch adapter and a 4-pin XLR adapter for use with portable or desktop devices
Product Considerations
- The stock cable is 3 meters long, which is too long for desktop use
- Headband adjustment can be a little stiff to move
- With leather pads, the highs can get slightly sharp
- There is a slight sharpness in the upper treble that might pose a problem for some listeners, using fabric pads can mitigate this
- Weight distribution could be better, there's not enough padding on the headband, and the clamp force is low, this distributes all the weight across the top of the head, which can be bothersome after 40-50 minutes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan Susvara: Has a similar driver structure
- Vs HiFiMan HE1000 Unveiled: Is close in terms of technical performance like resolution, transient response, soundstage, depth, and openness
- Vs HiFiMan Arya Stealth: Has a better build quality and bass response
Takeaway: The FiiO FT7 is a well-built, comfortable headphone that offers a neutral-leaning-warm sound that can be tailored with different earpads. The FT7 competes with other headphones that cost significantly more, making it a great pick at its price point.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent resolution and imaging capabilities
- Features a nanometer thickness diaphragm and Stealth Magnet design that improves transient response and lowers harmonic distortion
- Easy to drive, it is among the most efficient open-back planar magnetic headphones on the market right now
- Features a tight, textured, and clean bass response
- Good detail retrieval and vocal clarity
Product Considerations
- Treble might be too much for some listeners
- May not be the most lively in macro-dynamics
- Reviewers note a slightly dry timbre
- Lean, slightly cold mid-range
- The included 3-meter cable is not useful for desktop use
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Similar to the Meze 109, but a planar
- Sounded a little bit more hifi than the Austrian Audio Hi-X 65
- Has a more warm, natural feel than the original Ananda
- Easiest to drive when compared to the Edition XS
- Superior in technical performance when compared to the Hifiman Sundara
Takeaway: The Ananda Nano is a well-tuned headphone with superior resolution and marvelous timbre, particularly good for electronic music and those who care about vocal clarity. It's a planar alternative that’s incredibly fast and detailed, with excellent imaging and soundstage.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Stylish and cool silver and black color scheme.
- Impressive build quality, with an aluminum and faux leather construction.
- Comfortable to wear, with deep-set, wide-opening hybrid earpads.
- The design provides a multi-entry cable system to use cables with left and right 3.5mm TRS stereo connectors.
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers found that the headband barely has any clamp force, leading to a less secure fit.
- Standard 3.5, dual 3.5 millimeter headphone cables that have TS connections, or even most TRS connections on it, are not recommended, as it can short something out.
- It is not recommended to take this product outdoors, as wind can damage the thin planar magnetic membrane.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Deva Pro is a clear step up for resolution compared to HE400SE, and does not add sibilance in the treble.
- Sennheiser HD58X bass response is comparable to that of the Deva Pro.
Takeaway: The Deva Pro is a stylish and well-built headphone with good sound quality. It is comfortable to wear, making it a solid option for wireless and wired use.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent soundstage and imaging, creating a spacious listening experience
- Detailed and clear sound reproduction, especially for a headphone in its price range
- Good bass presence and depth
- Comfortable design with improved headband compared to older HiFiMan models, though this is disputed
- Generally easy to drive, though it may benefit from a dedicated amp
Product Considerations
- Headband comfort can be subjective; some find the padding insufficient or experience pressure points
- Build quality, specifically the plastic parts, may feel cheap or less premium
- Upper treble can be bright, potentially causing fatigue or sibilance for some listeners, though others dispute this
- Open-back design is not suitable for all listening situations due to sound leakage
- Some find the midrange to be recessed or lacking warmth, this may depend on the source and amp pairing
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan Sundara: Edition XS has better bass and soundstaging
- Vs HiFiMan Ananda: Edition XS offers similar performance for a lower price, but Ananda has better balanced upper mids and treble
- Vs Audeze LCD-X: Edition XS is cooler in the midrange, while LCD-X is warmer
- Vs Sennheiser HD660S2: Edition XS has a far superior soundstage, imaging, and detail level
- Vs FiiO FT3: The Edition XS is more precise and detailed, with a more neutral sound signature
- Vs Focal Elex/Elear: Edition XS excels at soundstage and imaging, but Elex excels in dynamics
Takeaway: The HiFiMan Edition XS offers great sound quality, particularly its spacious soundstage and imaging, at an attractive price. It is a solid choice for audiophiles seeking a detailed and open listening experience.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Easy to drive, working well with various amps and even portable devices, making it versatile for different setups
- Detail and resolution are exceptional, holding its own against headphones at higher price points
- Wide and tall soundstage
Product Considerations
- The egg-shaped ear cups can sit low and put pressure on the jaw for some users
- Treble can be a little too intense and aggressive for some listeners, potentially causing fatigue during longer listening sessions
- Some reviewers find the mids to be slightly thin compared to the original Ananda
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan Edition XS, the Ananda Stealth is superior in almost every way, with tighter and better-controlled bass, more dynamics, and better detail retrieval
- Vs HiFiMan Ananda (non-stealth), the Stealth version has deeper and punchier bass, a warmer midrange, and more liquid vocals
- Vs HiFiMan Arya Stealth, the Ananda Stealth sounds a lot like the Arya Stealth, but not quite as good, with the Arya having slightly better detail
- Vs LSA HP2 Ultra, the Ananda Stealth is preferred on solid-state amps, with more warmth and better treble extension
Takeaway: The Ananda Stealth is a solid all-rounder that can be used across different sources. It offers a step up in great sound quality for the price.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Comfortable design, especially with velour ear pads, making them suitable for long listening sessions
- Solid and sturdy build quality, often using metal components
- Balanced and neutral sound with a decent soundstage, making them appropriate for mixing
- Good stereo reproduction and detailed tonal depth
- Wide frequency response allows for hearing details in mixes and spacious sound
Product Considerations
- Open-back design leads to sound leakage and poor noise isolation
- High impedance (250 ohms) may require an amplifier to achieve sufficient volume and optimal performance
- Non-detachable cable can be a point of failure and inconvenience for replacement
- Can sound harsh due to boosted treble frequencies
- Coiled cable can be heavy and pull on devices
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- DT 990 PRO has a more immersive soundstage but less bass emphasis and poor noise isolation, compared to the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
- DT 990 PRO has a bit more low-end, while the Sennheiser HD 560S has a more even top-end
- DT 990 PRO has more balanced mid and treble, but the Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X has wider soundstage and can play loud sound without distortion
- DT 990 PRO is better built with a wider soundstage, while the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x provides passive noise isolation and emphasized bass
- DT 990 PRO offers better value with excellent build and better bass extension, while the Sennheiser HD 600 has a slightly more spacious soundstage
- Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO has better bass response but sharper treble, the DT 990 PRO is still a great option for professionals
Takeaway: The DT 990 PRO are comfortable headphones with great sound, suitable for studio use in quiet environments or for gamers who want to hear all the details. They may need an amp, but will allow users to work confidently on their music.
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