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If you have $150 and you want to experience the magic of planar magnetic drivers, the HiFiMAN HE400SE is basically your only option. And luckily for you, it’s a great one.

What is a Planar Magnetic?

In short, it’s a thin diaphragm suspended between magnets. This design allows for incredibly fast transients, very low distortion, and great bass texture. Planar bass is unique—it’s fast, punchy, and doesn’t get “boomy” or muddy like many dynamic drivers.

The Sound Profile

The HE400SE is surprisingly neutral. It doesn’t have the intense bass boost of the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro, but it has a cleaner, more refined sound overall. The soundstage is quite wide, and the separation between instruments is better than almost anything else at this price point.

The Trade-offs

The build quality is… well, it’s HiFiMAN. It won’t feel like a luxury product. But for the price, the sound performance is so good that you really can’t complain.

If you like these, check our HiFiMAN Sundara review 2026 for the next step up.