Sennheiser HD 650 vs HIFIMAN HE400i

Sennheiser HD 650 review
vs
HIFIMAN HE400i review

It is interesting to test two headphones of Chinese and German production HIFIMAN HE400i vs Sennheiser HD650. Both models are open back, over ear, and wired design.

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Features

HIFIMAN HE400i will reproduce a louder sound connected to a mobile device with its impedance of 35 Ohm vs 300 Ohm of Sennheiser HD650 that will require a mobile amp to deliver the sound in its full strength. The frequency response is quite enough in both the models, though HIFIMAN has a more narrow range of 20Hz-35KHz vs 10Hz-41KHz of Sennheiser. The sensitivity is decent, 93 vs 103 dB.

Sound

The sound coming from HIFIMAN HE400i is excellent: it is clear, shiny, and detailed. It is pretty well for neutral listening. There are no pumping bass, but quite enough for a balance with mids and highs. The vocals and instruments sound very bright and seem to me even sharp with some tracks. I suppose it would please most users.

Sennheiser HD650 has clear trebles and mids that are in the front of the stage, not muddy or fatiguing. The bass is not strong, but balanced. They are very neutral for listening. The soundstage is there, but I would call it more intimate than broad.

Comfort and design

Metallic finish on ear cups and leather details made HIFIMAN HE400i look premium. Sennheiser HD650 look quality with their glossy finish and suede-like paddings. Both have adjustable headbands, large comfortable ear cups, but still I find both a bit tight for long wearing. However, they are very light with 370 and 260 g. Both have unfoldable cups but HIFIMAN’s may lay flat. Still they are too bulky to carry with and have no case or bag to transport them safely.

Sennheiser HD 650 pros and cons

Sennheiser HD 650 pros and cons

Pros

  • Large, comfortable, breathable cups for its open design
  • Light, well padded, and not too tight for long wearing
  • Decent soundstage, bright sound, good balance to please most listeners
  • Quality built and nice look

Cons

  • Cumbersome unfoldable design and leaky sound do not allow to use it out

HIFIMAN HE400i pros and cons

HIFIMAN HE400i pros and cons

Pros

  • Detachable cable and extra audio cable allows to change the length and make the use safer if it tangles over something
  • Smart classic retro design looks premium and feels like sturdy built
  • Pleasant soft padding and optimal size of cups for comfy wear on most ears

Cons

  • Not designed to use in public and out for leaky sound and bulky, unfoldable design

Votes 3 3
Rating 2.3 2.3

Headphones comparison chart

Overall
Sennheiser HD 650
7.5
HIFIMAN HE400i
6.5
6
7
Sennheiser HD 650

Sennheiser HD 650 review

May 14, 2020

The wired headphones Sennheiser HD 650 are open-back and made for real audiophiles. If you are think...

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Common

Product

Sennheiser HD 650
HIFIMAN HE400i

Model

HD 650
HE400i

Brand

Sennheiser
HIFIMAN

Reviews

1766
8

General

Wearing style

over ear
over ear

Enclosure

open back
open back

Wireless

Wired

Specifications

Transducer

dynamic
planar magnetic

Driver size, mm/inches

Impedance, Ohm

300
35

Frequency response, Hz

10Hz-41KHz
20Hz-35KHz

Total harmonic distortion (THD), %

0.05

Sensitivity (SPL), dB

103
93

Magnet type

Weight (headphones), g/oz

260/9.1
370/13

Comfort

Adjustable headband

Foldable

Noise cancelling

Active noise cancelling

Adjustable noise cancelling level

Microphone

Built-in microphone

In-line microphone

Detachable microphone

Cables

Detachable cable

Audio cable length, cm/ft

300/9.8
150/4.9

Jack connection (TRS)

3.5
3.5

Balanced connection

Control

Built-in control buttons

In-line control

Touch control

Voice control

App control

Control functions

Wireless connectivity

Bluetooth

has not
has not

Bluetooth version

has not
has not

aptX

has not
has not

aptX HD (Hi-Res Audio)

has not
has not

Bluetooth profiles

has not
has not

NFC

Wi-Fi

Battery

Battery type

has not
has not

Battery life, hrs

has not
has not

Charging time, hrs

has not
has not

Charging port

has not
has not

Charging cable

has not
has not

Speed charge

has not
has not

Battery free listening mode

has not
has not

Battery level indicator

has not
has not

Additional features

Water resistance

Light indication

Additional audio features

In the box

Audio cable

Carry case

Charging cable

has not
has not

1/4 Adapter (6,35 mm)

Interchangeable ear pads

User manual

Manual

Sennheiser HD 650
HIFIMAN HE400i
Sennheiser HD 650
HIFIMAN HE400i

Headphones HeadphonesArena comparison rating

  • better
  • worse
  • 7.5
  • 6.5
  • 7.5Sennheiser HD 650
  • 6.5HIFIMAN HE400i

The Sennheiser HD 650 is better headphones in this comparison. Check Sennheiser HD 650 price