HIFIMAN HE-400i Planar Magnetic Headphones

Just in case anyone else is wondering about this question, I have tried the HE400se, He400i (both 2016 and 2020 versions), and the HE4XX, as well as many Hifiman headphones all the way up the chain, and aside from the OG HE400, the 2016 HE400is are my favorites from the HE400 series. The 400se is a much drier sounding headphone that comes across as a bit more neutral in comparison. The 4XX is a warmer sounding headphone that sounds a bit veiled and seems tonlose some of the detail especially through the mids. The 2020 version of the HE400i sounds nearly identical to the 2016 with some very minor differences that are so small that they aren't even audible on many tracks, but they are significantly less comfortable than the 2016 version with the suspension headband. I also think the HE400i scales with better signal chains to a greater extent than the HE400se, though I can't comment on how the HE4XX scales because I didn't get as much time with varied gear when I had them around. If I was looking to purchase an HE400 headphone today and wasn't willing to pickup a used OG HE400, then I would definitely buy my 2016 HE400is all over again without a doubt. I actually like them quite a bit more than the HE5XX. That said, with versions if the HE560 and the Sundaras available for under $300 brand new these days, it makes sense to start with them *if* your budget allows (I prefer the HE560s and find the Sundaras a bit too bright, but that's for another post). The 2016 HE400is are still a very relevant headphone in today's market and they're a great, exceptionally comfortable budget planar. ***Disclaimer: All of this is just my opinion based on my experiences and, as with anything in audio and head gear, YMMV.