HiFiMan HE400i 2020 Review

The HiFiMan HE400i is a kind of classic planar headphones, this model allows you to enter the world of high-quality sound for a very affordable price. We have already reviewed the HE400i and added them to the “Our choice”, and then there was no doubt about the profitability of this offer. However, during this time, we have collected a lot of reviews, including our subscribers who complained directly about the fastening of the headband. And the HE400i model corrects exactly this point.

All the technical characteristics remain the same, these are still the same excellent planar headphones with neutral sound delivery and excellent presentation, but now with the convenience of DEVA – which in our opinion are among the best in terms of ergonomics.

At the same time, the HE400i went a little further, and got rid of the wire that went through the headband to the second bowl in DEVA (recall that DEVA has a standard 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable), now you connect each earphone separately with a standard 3.5 mm cable as it is done in Sundara or almost any other models. This makes the HE400i 2020 design almost perfect.

Considering the build quality, it is appropriate to compare revision 2020 with the first version of the HE400i. And here we can not say that the quality has become better or worse, HIFIMAN have always been distinguished by the high build quality of their headphones and 2020 is no exception. The headband is perfectly fitted and wrapped in a good leatherette material. The bowls do not rotate, but there is enough play in the adjustment mechanism to get a good fit and seal, we are sure that this will be enough for most users.

While the bowls seem to be made of metal or thick plastic, the grating cups appear to be plastic, but the material is quite pleasant and does not cause a feeling of cheapness. The grilles look exactly the same as the HE400i, but the bowls are much cheaper to touch, apparently due to their light weight. In General, compared to the HE400i, these are noticeably lighter headphones and the weight is also more evenly distributed over the head when compared with the first revision.

Pads on the HE400i 2020, are a hybrid of leatherette and velour with a plastic ring backing. They consist of fenestrated leatherette on the inside, solid leatherette on the outside, and velour for the part that fits your face. These are all the same old time-tested pads as on the first version of the HE400i.

However, they differ from DEVA where the pads are more elastic and the part that contact with the face has a perforation, this solution seems more convenient to us, and we would like to see the pads exactly like in DEVA.

The cable that comes with the HE400i 2020 is one of the newest types of hifiman cables and consists of a somewhat rigid cable wrapped in black braided material.

This two-pole, right and left, 3.5mm connectors and ends in an angled 3.5mm unbalanced connection with a quarter-inch adapter. Despite some rigidity of the cable, it feels quite high-quality and dense. It is quite suitable for permanent use and it does not need an upgrade.

Considering that the technical characteristics are no different from the first revision of the HE400i, and in fact the new revision uses all the same membranes as before, the sound remains the same. It’s still the same even and balanced pitch across almost the entire range. We will not talk about the features of the new revision sound presentation, you can read it in our review of the classic HE400i model.

Let’s just note once again that this is a really perfected sound delivery that planars can give at a price of up to $300. Given the price for which Hifiman is now giving away the 2020 version in their store, they repeat the success of the first revision HE400i and still do not give any competitor a chance to offer something similar now

Conclusion

The Hifiman HE400i 2020 is a strong performer with a neutral dynamic sound. The 2020 version added incredible comfort to the already stunning transparent and crisp sound delivery. If you’re looking for detail or a balanced sound, this is the best planar magnetic headphones you can possibly get for under $300. HE400i 2020 still remain today the entry point to high-quality sound for affordable price that once gave us the classic HE400 model.

HiFiMan HE400i 2020 Specifications:

Frequency Response: 20Hz – 35kHz
Impedance: 35 Ω
Efficiency: 93dB
Weight : 370g (13.05oz)
Headphone Cable (1.5 meter or 4.9 Feet; 3.5mm plug)
Earpads：1 pair (on the headphone)
¼”(6.35mm) headphone adapter