Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions$189
$189
He 4xx where does it stand against the He 400s. 400i and the classic 400
Drop + HIFIMAN HE4XX Planar Magnetic Headphones
$149
01 / 13
Drop + HIFIMAN HE4XX Planar Magnetic Headphones
bookmark_border
$149
44.8k Sold
·
Ready to Ship
·
Free Returns in USA
●
Members who purchase earn
447
Drop Rewards
Frequently bought together:
Review Highlights:
expand_less
Q&A Highlights:
expand_less
search
close
Sort by: Top Conversations
keyboard_arrow_downWill
8470
Chief Product Officer
Aug 1, 2017
Hello friends, welcome to our latest Massdrop collaboration announcement!
From our first conversation with Fang, we wanted to work on an accessible priced, open back, planar driver headphone, based on the HE-400 line (HE-4, HE-400, HE-400i, HE-400S, etc). Initially, the conversation wasn’t going anywhere, but following the success of the HE-350 and RE-00, we started to make progress. In the year since those launches, we’ve worked closely with the team at HIFIMAN to develop the 4XX, based on the related Massdrop community activity.
Here are some of the parts I’m most excited about:
HIFIMAN Planar Drivers - This is the tech that put HIFIMAN on the map. When reviewing planar magnetic headphones, most people talk about the speed of the driver and the low frequency “slam”. Speed (as a subjective term) generally creates a greater sense of realism; after you reach the point of diminishing returns on resolution, speed is (imo) going to have a huge impact on your experience. Through our collaboration, this technology is available at an all time low cost of $169.99. Focus-A Earpads - Earpads have a massive impact on the sound, and an even bigger impact on the comfort of the headphone. Unfortunately, we often have to compromise here, choosing a less comfortable earpad because it results in better acoustic performance. Focus-A pads are universally regarded as incredibly comfortable. Soft velour is the only material that contacts your skin, and the foam inside is soft to match.
New Headband + Colorway - Where HiFiMAN’s original headband design had some structural challenges (heavy materials, small contact points), they had a stylistic elegance few would debate (unless you’re a Float fan, then you get to complain). In working on this collaboration, we were able to bring back the original headband structure, while solving the construction problems cited in Massdrop discussions. The colorway is new as well, featuring midnight blue earcups with black accents throughout. Thanks for your interest and feel free to respond here with questions. That said, if the answer to your question is clearly stated in the description, I will apply a 10 day shipping delay to your next Massdrop order (jk but please read, our team spends tons of time making the descriptions as useful as possible).
This has been a great project and we’re excited to finally make the announcement : )
HIFIMAN Planar Drivers - This is the tech that put HIFIMAN on the map. When reviewing planar magnetic headphones, most people talk about the speed of the driver and the low frequency “slam”. Speed (as a subjective term) generally creates a greater sense of realism; after you reach the point of diminishing returns on resolution, speed is (imo) going to have a huge impact on your experience. Through our collaboration, this technology is available at an all time low cost of $169.99. Focus-A Earpads - Earpads have a massive impact on the sound, and an even bigger impact on the comfort of the headphone. Unfortunately, we often have to compromise here, choosing a less comfortable earpad because it results in better acoustic performance. Focus-A pads are universally regarded as incredibly comfortable. Soft velour is the only material that contacts your skin, and the foam inside is soft to match.
New Headband + Colorway - Where HiFiMAN’s original headband design had some structural challenges (heavy materials, small contact points), they had a stylistic elegance few would debate (unless you’re a Float fan, then you get to complain). In working on this collaboration, we were able to bring back the original headband structure, while solving the construction problems cited in Massdrop discussions. The colorway is new as well, featuring midnight blue earcups with black accents throughout. Thanks for your interest and feel free to respond here with questions. That said, if the answer to your question is clearly stated in the description, I will apply a 10 day shipping delay to your next Massdrop order (jk but please read, our team spends tons of time making the descriptions as useful as possible).
This has been a great project and we’re excited to finally make the announcement : )
Zorker
2
Nov 13, 2020
That's my question, too! I'm hearing people talk about plugging balanced cables into the mini-stereo jacks on these headphones. I could be wrong, but I have never, ever heard of any mini-stereo jacks being wired to handle both standard cables and balanced cables. The wiring is definitely different and I can't believe the jacks can support both types of interface.
Who knows for sure on these HE4XX headphones? I'm dying to hear.
A_Typical_Drop
9
Dec 9, 2017
He gushes yes, but he'll complain to high heaven about the exact same product for ANYTHING they do wrong. If somebody goes through all his reviews and just buys things because he likes them just means said person has bad spending habits.
amoeba1126
460
Dec 11, 2017
A_Typical_DropThis is a pretty naive opinion. Let's start with your first assumption, that Z has a good audio opinion. Quite frankly, he does not express anything that suggests he has a good audio opinion. When virtually every video review you put out is basically saying how the headphones are the new best ever, that's really crappy opinion. It also means his "opinion" about audio is literally all over the place. There were literally some headphones he gushed over that he should not be gushing over based on his review of previous headphones that he gushed over. In fact, the vast majority of the headphones world considers his opinion, while somewhat entertaining, very poor or nonsensical.
So with that out of the way, let's discuss the second part of your argument of people who would buy headphones based on his opinion pieces. What sort of people actually watch Z? That would be people looking to be entertained by foolery (it's like Jackass, you know it's stupid but it's also funny because it's so stupid) and people who don't know any better and are watching him due to his high view count that are looking for advice. We can cross out the first group of people who would base purchasing advice on his videos, which unfortunately leaves us with the people who legitimately do need good advice and watching his videos. These are also the same exact people who should NEVER watch Z for advice on headphones.
So with that out of the way, let's discuss the second part of your argument of people who would buy headphones based on his opinion pieces. What sort of people actually watch Z? That would be people looking to be entertained by foolery (it's like Jackass, you know it's stupid but it's also funny because it's so stupid) and people who don't know any better and are watching him due to his high view count that are looking for advice. We can cross out the first group of people who would base purchasing advice on his videos, which unfortunately leaves us with the people who legitimately do need good advice and watching his videos. These are also the same exact people who should NEVER watch Z for advice on headphones.
Evshrug
3772
Community
Sep 16, 2019
Hmm, I didn’t find the Koss to have a shouty midrange, but neither did I find the HD 650’s midrange to be shouty. Different shaped ears literally do amplify and make each of us hear differently though, so thanks for letting me know so I can get a better idea. I don’t have the same ears as Metal571 either, but he’s a good guy who genuinely puts effort into his reviews.
Yes, I think the Teak would have smoother mids for you, and you would probably prefer it. The Teak and it’s brothers have some of the best soundstage and “open feeling” of any closed-back headphones (this is largely because they are vented and not fully sealed; the only closed back headphone I’ve heard that beats it is the HD 820, and that one manages that feat while being fully sealed!). I would like the Teak for myself one day.
SOULSIK
1500
Aug 11, 2017
He 4xx where does it stand against the He 400s. 400i and the classic 400
A community member
Feb 21, 2019
SOULSIKI find it much closer to the 400i than the 400s. It is virtually identical sonically to the 400i, except the 4XX has a bit of a lisp on sibilants that I don't experience with the 400i. Between the 4xx/I and theS model, the S is more balanced where the xx/I are a bit top heavy. But the I model has more articulation/vibrance in the bass. The S can be driven to higher levels with weaker sources than the 4XX/I.
(Edited)
Will
8470
Chief Product Officer
Nov 27, 2017
Hey Everyone,
Thank you all for making the HE-4XX a huge success! It’s been great to see comments and reviews of the headphones start to come in as people receive them. The remainder of 4XX orders are on the way to all purchasers.
And the reviews have been great so far! A few select quotes from members in the discussion below:
“Probably the best product I’ve bought on Massdrop. These headphones are absolute heaven. “ @Sense
“The highs are high the lows are low, the sound is sparkling and crisp. Well rounded notes like a fine wine. For the money, you can't get any better!” @fisherman58
“Wow.... Just got mine a moment ago, plugged it into my Note 8, and they literally blew me away.” @Zaren Knowing that all of the original drop headphones have been delivered or are on their way, we have another exciting update for anyone who missed out on the previous round. We’re pleased to announce the 4XX is dropping again starting today! These units are from a different production batch, but HiFiMAN was able to deliver them ahead of schedule. After shipping out our units to members in the original drop, our team was able to finish QC of the new batch and is ready for them to be added to our ‘Massdrop Made’ collection as an in-stock drop with 1,900 units available. Thank you all for being a part of this drop. We’re excited to be able to have even more members get their hands on a HE-4XX.
“The highs are high the lows are low, the sound is sparkling and crisp. Well rounded notes like a fine wine. For the money, you can't get any better!” @fisherman58
“Wow.... Just got mine a moment ago, plugged it into my Note 8, and they literally blew me away.” @Zaren Knowing that all of the original drop headphones have been delivered or are on their way, we have another exciting update for anyone who missed out on the previous round. We’re pleased to announce the 4XX is dropping again starting today! These units are from a different production batch, but HiFiMAN was able to deliver them ahead of schedule. After shipping out our units to members in the original drop, our team was able to finish QC of the new batch and is ready for them to be added to our ‘Massdrop Made’ collection as an in-stock drop with 1,900 units available. Thank you all for being a part of this drop. We’re excited to be able to have even more members get their hands on a HE-4XX.
RyCan
144
Sep 17, 2018
I'm very curious at the electrostats. Prior to a couple days ago they were so far out of my budget I hadn't let myself look at them. With that Koss drop my interest is definitely piqued. However, I saw a few comments about lack of bass on the original and going from pleather to velour usually doesn't increase bass response...
AveryC
1571
Nov 17, 2017
Hi Everyone,
Good news! We’re planning on sending your Massdrop x HIFIMAN HE4XX Planar Magnetic Headphones a bit ahead of schedule.
If you need to change your delivery address please contact community support through your transactions page (https://www.massdrop.com/transactions) by Sunday (11/19).
Looking forward to you all receiving the HE4XX!
Good news! We’re planning on sending your Massdrop x HIFIMAN HE4XX Planar Magnetic Headphones a bit ahead of schedule.
If you need to change your delivery address please contact community support through your transactions page (https://www.massdrop.com/transactions) by Sunday (11/19).
Looking forward to you all receiving the HE4XX!
MeanDeener
53
Nov 23, 2017
AveryCYay! Mine have shipped!
Ugh...DHL, they're the worst, I miss Ascendia already... oh well a month early is awesome
Ugh...DHL, they're the worst, I miss Ascendia already... oh well a month early is awesome
gasmaskdude
78
Nov 26, 2017
AveryCDear Massdrop team,
Please disregard the whiners. Thank you for this, keep up the great work. All i'm hoping is that this wasn't rushed and the quality is as good as promised.
Regards
Please disregard the whiners. Thank you for this, keep up the great work. All i'm hoping is that this wasn't rushed and the quality is as good as promised.
Regards
TiffanyPoodleslide
1402
Dec 3, 2017
First Mod for Stage improvement;
Very non-destructive and simple...
so, after a lengthy listen on these HE4XXers, I found myself thinking that the stage could be improved just a tad. Lifting the bottoms of the cans ever so slightly from my jaw-line opened the sound BEAUTIFULLY. Grabbed a bit of the foam from a packing box, cut a couple of strips and mini-blocks from it, and, using some silk tape, which doesn't leave messy adhesive behind upon removal, attached the strips to the bottom rim of the pads. VOILÁ! Enough separation is achieved that the stage is improved dramatically. If it's not enough. one can shove the mini-blocks into position between the face and that taped-on strip. These clamp enough that the blocks don't just fall out during wear*.
* unless you are doing jumping jacks.....
:)
Very non-destructive and simple...
so, after a lengthy listen on these HE4XXers, I found myself thinking that the stage could be improved just a tad. Lifting the bottoms of the cans ever so slightly from my jaw-line opened the sound BEAUTIFULLY. Grabbed a bit of the foam from a packing box, cut a couple of strips and mini-blocks from it, and, using some silk tape, which doesn't leave messy adhesive behind upon removal, attached the strips to the bottom rim of the pads. VOILÁ! Enough separation is achieved that the stage is improved dramatically. If it's not enough. one can shove the mini-blocks into position between the face and that taped-on strip. These clamp enough that the blocks don't just fall out during wear*.
* unless you are doing jumping jacks.....
:)
TiffanyPoodleslide
1402
Apr 18, 2018
naaaahhhh.
It's distressed - just about character and the style of, oh, being a work table/bench.
Sandpaper and varnish would just ruin the ambience.
;)
Redbaaron
231
Apr 19, 2018
Alright, I'm now more convinced than ever that the solution is venting the pads, not moving the cups farther apart. It's really bothering me right now...and I don't want to cut or tear up my spare pads :(
Redbaaron
231
Dec 11, 2017
If anyone is on the fence because they think the finish looks cheap, maybe these photos will help. Even after hearing people say they were nice, I was still pleasantly surprised. They're about twice as heavy as the HE350 and they feel far more finished.
One previous commenter thought the finish on the metal had been scraped off, when in reality it is just textured and shiny, catching a bright highlight (see second photo).
One previous commenter thought the finish on the metal had been scraped off, when in reality it is just textured and shiny, catching a bright highlight (see second photo).
YossiAshkenazi
4
Sep 10, 2017
Looking for advice from the community: I joined the HIFIMAN HE4XX Planar Magnetic Headphones on Massdrop. I intend to use it in my office to listen to music stored on my desktop, mostly classical and jazz music. I'm looking for a reasonably priced DAC/AMP combo that would work well with these headphones. Thanks.
ExacoMvm
35
Sep 23, 2018
F**k i wish i've read this earlier :D Well, atleast i wont have to buy an DAC anymore ( i guess ).
Showing 725 of 2517
Recent Activity
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionCollaborate With Us
For Brands & DesignersFollow Drop