HiFiMAN HE400S Full-Size Planar Headphone Released for $299 USD

HiFiMAN, after releasing their “State-of-the-Art” HE1000 Planar headphone last May, has recently announced the lowest priced Planar headphone on the market featuring remarkable performance, comfort and value. The new Planar headphone is non-other than the HiFiMAN HE400S that comes with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of only $299, making it the cheapest Planar headphone in the market. People who have tried the new HE400S said that it would blow competition in the same price rage. We can’t comment about that for now since we haven’t auditioned one yet. But hopefully we will have a chance to review one soon. Check out the full press release below for more details about the HE400s.

HiFiMAN Introduces HE400S Full-Size Planar Headphone

HiFiMAN, a leading designer/manufacturer of high performance headphones and portable audio products, announced their most affordable full-size planar magnetic headphone, the HE-400S. At $299 MSRP, the HE400S is the least expensive planar headphone on the market yet it delivers unequaled performance, styling and comfort in its class. The HE400S is available now for immediate delivery.

Weighing in at just over 12 ounces (350 grams), the HiFiMAN HE-400S is more than 30% lighter than comparable headphones allowing the listener to comfortably enjoy music for hours on end with minimal listener fatigue. A newly-designed ergonomic headband, found in more expensive models, is lighter with an improved pressure pattern that is also key to the phone’s exceptional comfort. The headband is designed to accommodate a wide range of head sizes. The new beveled velour ear pads provide both increased comfort and improved sound quality while the silver ear cups offer a stylish, high-tech look.

On the technical front, the HE-400S challenges the status quo with newly-designed single-ended planar magnetic drivers in open-back design that deliver the clarity, lifelike soundstage and spatial imaging that HiFiMAN is known for. Sensitivity is increased to 98dB, which allows the efficient HiFiMAN headphone to be driven easily with a portable audio device such as an iPod or smartphone though ultimate performance would only be achieved if paired with a quality amplifier. Impedance of the HE400S is 22 Ohms.

To capture every bit of sonic detail, a newly-designed hybrid cable, comprised of Oxygen-Free Silver and Copper was chosen for HE400S. Also new from HiFiMAN are 2.5mm plug-in connectors for ease of use and quick connection as well as ease of replacement.

According to HiFiMAN Founder and President, Dr. Fang Bian, “The original HE-400 was the best-selling, full-size headphone in the company’s history and in fact, we still get requests to build more. Over the years, we have invested a lot of resources into planar magnetic technology, ergonomics and industrial design. Products like our new HE1000 surely reflect these major investments however the benefits also extend into our most affordable model, the HE400S. Light weight, comfort, high sensitivity and of course great sound are all a direct result of our extensive research and development.”

Key Features of the HiFiMAN HE-400S:

• Planar magnetic technology provides remarkable detail and lifelike clarity with superior soundstage and spatial imaging
• Lowest priced planar magnetic headphone on the market
• Increased efficiency so it is even easier to drive. Can be used with portable audio devices such as an iPod or smartphone or high performance amp
• Ergonomic headband provides optimum comfort and wide range of adjustment
• Lightest weight in class for increased comfort for hours of listening enjoyment.
• Beveled velour ear pads provide increased comfort and improved sound
• Newly-designed cable with easy plug-in connectors

Price and Availability

As mentioned earlier, the new HiFiMAN HE400s Planar Headphone comes with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $299 USD only, making it very attractive and competitive in terms of pricing (assuming that it sounds great). The HE400S is now available and can be purchased at Amazon.com or from Head-Direct.com (The HiFiMAN Store).