Submitted by slooploop2 t3_yfp3ad in headphones
SiegwardZwiebelbrudi t1_iu4illa wrote
Reply to comment by listener-reviews in Hifiman HE400SE Versus HD560S - Modestly Priced Madness by slooploop2
> 400SE sounds broken in more ways than on
Knowing Hifiman it probably was broken in more ways than one. I own a HE400Se, run it from a Dx3pro+ and its one of the nicer headphone experiences i had. (with very basic eq, little bass little 2k bump)
slooploop2 OP t1_iu4jj6m wrote
I don’t think the problems were FR-related; it generally followed the same curve subjectively as every other modern Hifiman I’ve heard, but the intangibles are so, so bad.
Brbi2kCRO t1_iu5evv8 wrote
HE400se has high midrange distortion.
SiegwardZwiebelbrudi t1_iu4k2jl wrote
...at least thats how you felt
slooploop2 OP t1_iu4kprl wrote
Yup! I only have my ears so I certainly can’t speak from other people’s perspectives.
iluvufrankibianchi t1_iu7bxxk wrote
I would imagine so.
VizFlux t1_iu4vs3q wrote
I tried various releases of the HE-400 series, including some of the more recent versions. The 400i, 400S, 4xx, 400 (2020), and 400SE. I haven't enjoyed my time with any of the drivers, and have been happier purchasing non-functional units for headband assembly parts rather than enjoying "cheap thrills" of Hifiman.
After reading the review, I found a lot of OP's comments about the frequency response ring true for me as well. Having a deep recession to get a boost to the soundstage doesn't appeal to me relative to the veil that vocal overtones experience when the fundamental frequency is so dominant.
I don't use as much EQ on budget headphones because of the subjective downgrade in dynamism, due to the limited technical ability of said headphones, becoming ever more present when listening critically. I would rather save up and buy a headphone that checks more boxes for me, or get a cheaper headphone that will work with dongles and cheap portable gear.
It seems we won't agree, because of one reason or another. If it's QC, why should a consumer have to mull through a lottery or RMA a headphone multiple times in order to get a "good unit" in hand? On the other hand, I'm invalidated by not being willing to accept a handful of budget headphones as "good enough" when my surrounding gear is so tailor-made for what I like to listen to.
listener-reviews t1_iu4kfxr wrote
I heard the unit they reviewed. It was not good, but definitely not broken.
SiegwardZwiebelbrudi t1_iu4ltiz wrote
you mean you know kyle?
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