Hifiman HE400i vs Sennheiser hd650

If you are to walk in a store looking for headphones and you are stuck between choosing a Hifiman he 400i and a Sennheiser hd650 which headphones would you take? These two are almost similar as they produce good sound quality. This is problematic as one can struggle to choose the best. However, no matter how much two gadgets can be similar, there is always one which is better than the other. One should consider durability, adjustability, sound quality, portability, usage, accuracy, quality and size.

Hifiman HE400i

Ventilation

Sennheiser hd650 headphones have a special design that allows ventilation. The cable of these headphones is made out of premium materials making it much more durable than the headphones themselves.

Sound quality and frequency

Both headphones produce excellent sound quality that is almost the same. The frequency response of Sennheiser hd650 is from 10 Hz to 39.5 kHz. This range gives out the sound with extra bass. Whenever headphones are mentioned, the sound is what comes to the mind. They produce more neutral sound than hifiman he400i. They are best known for their best bass performance. 

However, they can be a little bit inconsistent when it comes to the treble range. A hifiman he400i comprises enhanced frequencies that allow background sound in and out of the headphones which destructs the music being listened to. It allows the next person to listen to what you are listening to which may affect both of you. 

It produces transparent sound and does not enhance produced sound. Unlike the Sennheiser hd650, hifiman he400i does not produce sound with extra bass. It gives out decent bass quality. Paying particular attention to the above assessment, one can choose to have headphones that add bass to the music or not and headphones that are not outdoor friendly because they allow external sounds to meddle with music being played or headphones that do not allow it at all. This is a matter of preference and you have to consider the type of music you listen to. 

Sennheiser hd650

Treble

The treble response also depends on the positioning of the headphones and ear shape. When you are using Sennheiser hd650 headphones, the instruments and vocals are very detailed. You can easily pick out the instruments in a song. Sennheiser hd650 headphones are not as good as the hifiman he 400i. Hifiman he400i gives the great output as the sound can be enhanced without noticing. It has good accuracy in producing detailed sound. 

It is even and flat but remains consistent, clear and well balanced, which brings out great vocals and instruments sound. It maintains the range where the majority of audio content is in most music. Treble is excellent and consistent however the treble lacks in clarity. It is clear in vocals, lead instruments and cymbals. The sound reproduction is great which makes sure the bass is tight and the treble is transparent.

Comfort and Flexibility

A hifiman he400i tends to cause a bit of fatigue if you use them for a longer period of time. They are good studio headphones but if used outside the studio there comes a moment when your ears become tired. If you are that type of a person who does not spend more time listening to music then you can have these.

If you are a music lover, then you can have a Sennheiser hd650 which appears to be more comfortable. It is also known as a one-size-fits-all type of headphones. It is well padded but not ideal if you wear spectacles and it is fragile. This leaves out preference as an important factor when you are choosing headphones between the two.

Portability and Cables

The hifiman he400i headphones are specifically designed for home use. They are used with a receiver or an amplifier. If you prefer portable headphones, the best way is to buy a Sennheiser hd650 which is lighter than a hifiman he400i.

You cannot use hifiman he400i outdoors when you jog or take a walk when they can be best used with an amplifier. They are perfect for studios. Sennheiser hd650 headphones come with three cables but they do not come with a microphone so you cannot use them for calls and voice chat. 

This limits yourself as a user and can be inconvenient. The hifiman he 400i comes with a cable that’s 1.5 meters long and a connector cable which is a renowned 3.5 mm plug. You can plug the connector directly or you can use a 6.3 mm adapter. Removable cables are more convenient which makes a hifiman he400i convenient to use as well. If you are a disc jockey or an athlete you would not want to have a cable strain your neck or irritate you.

Durability

The hifiman he400i headphones are made out of high-quality materials which makes them durable. There are sturdy plastic joints that connect the frame and the ear cups and that makes the ear cups more durable. However, they are not stable and might slip off yours. They cannot be safely used during a training session, in the gym or when you are taking a walk. 

A hifiman he400i lasts longer than a Sennheiser hd650 because it is good quality. Sennheiser hd650 headphones are fragile. Some of the parts are not durable and this means that you need to replace some of the parts after a certain period of time. This also means that after years of usage, be prepared to replace some parts. However, they are easy to replace and available.

Appearance vs Reality

Sennheiser hd650 headphones usually come in fancy boxes, fancy cables and housing whereas Hifiman he400i lacks flashy effects. However, Sennheiser hd650 headphones are not flashy for nothing. They are as good as hifiman he400i headphones.

When two users of these two types of headphones meet, they might take hours to agree on which is the best type of headphones. In as much as each device has its own unique features, it has its own weaknesses as well. As a user, you, therefore, need to serve your preferences. If you prefer durability, a certain type of code, fancy headphones, portability or accuracy you know what to pick.

Rob is a musician and audiophile at heart. He plays 5 instruments. Besides music, Rob enjoys a good whiskey and the outdoors.
Robert S. Thompson

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