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Drop + HIFIMAN HE-X4 Open Back Over-Ear Planar Headphone US$119.90 (~A$171.46) Delivered @ Drop

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Drop + HIFIMAN HE-X4 Open Back Over-Ear Planar Headphone US$119.90 (~A$171.46) Delivered @ Drop
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jasswolf on 18/08/2022 - 20:49 drop.com (2223 clicks)
Last edited 19/08/2022 - 15:18 by 1 other user

This is a slight variant on the HIFIMAN HE400SE driver implementation, just in the older HE400/HE4XX style headband, but they sound extremely similar. If you're not going to do much competitve gaming, this is virtually unbeatable at this price. $10 USD further off if it's the first purchase on your Drop account (either through sign-up or referral), which would take it to $155.73.

Probably the best review to demonstrate the above is here, with the related HE400SE review here.

Looking forward to not responding to any requests for comparisons to the HD 598, the HyperX Cloud II, or the Fidelio X2HR in the comments. Enjoy!

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closed Comments

  • aec on 18/08/2022 - 20:59
    -5

    someone has already made a report about the title.

    WTF this kind of stupid reports!

    • jasswolf on 18/08/2022 - 21:07
      +4

      It was me, requesting the product page be added. This has been listed a few times on OzB.

      Oh and for the record, that's not my neg.

  • findcaiyzh on 18/08/2022 - 21:08

    Missed the X2HR deal from amazon uk. how about this one?

    • jasswolf on 18/08/2022 - 21:17
      +3

      I'd call that an extremely fortunate turn of events.

    • Hamez89 on 18/08/2022 - 21:57

      This is a step up in every way from the x2hr. Just need to properly drive it

  • hippo2s on 18/08/2022 - 21:17

    heaps of reviews on YouTube

    • jasswolf on 18/08/2022 - 21:19

      And I linked the most complete two. Andrew and the gang measure it to a high standard, and articulate their experience with relevant comparisons.

  • Domingo on 18/08/2022 - 21:20
    +1

    If you're not going to do much competitve gaming, this is virtually unbeatable at this price.

    Why no good for competitive gaming?

    • jasswolf on 18/08/2022 - 21:25
      +9

      The cheaper you go down the HIFIMAN scale, the more they will automate and streamline manufacturing, assembly, and testing, so they have wider tolerances for performance.

      What happens in this case is that you're losing a bit on timbre and imaging compared to some open back dynamic driver headphones in the $180-$400 range. I'd call it behind the Sennheiser HD 560S with respect to imaging, but ahead of the 6XX. It will seem a little diffuse for some spatial cues, but your audio chain, as well as headphone positioning and ear anatomy will be factors.

      But what you get in return is great tonality and excellent detail seperation and resolving ability for the price. If you're more casual with what you want in front of your PC or console, or you tend to sink more time in movies or music while at home, this is outstanding value if you can't afford to save and go into the $300-$700 range.

      Compared to what people pay for gaming headsets, this is just a great set-and-forget headphone, provided you have an separate mic solution if you're in voice comms on the regular.

      • Brrrrt on 19/08/2022 - 00:00

        i still dont quite understand sorry, so how would this compare with a equiv priced gaming headset? im using the steelseries arctic 5, for example.

        is it like better in the music department but fells short in game somehow?

        • jasswolf on 19/08/2022 - 03:24

          I haven't heard the Arctic 5 in a while, but this would walk all over it. It's possible the Steelseries headset might allow you to pick up directionality of a sound slightly better in some situations with very busy audio passages, but that's also a byproduct of how much detail is lost from the cheap and relatively amateurish implementation that tends to happen with such products.

          • Brrrrt on 19/08/2022 - 18:31

            @jasswolf: got it cheers. just realised its open back(?) does that mean if my pc fans are loud i will hear it more than i do with a closed back headphone?

            • jasswolf on 20/08/2022 - 00:37

              @Brrrrt: Yes, it will be less isolating, but these days most enthusiast PC users have low noise or semi-passive gear. If that's you, it will be fine for critical listening and movie watching, and when you're gaming you mostly won't notice the fan noise.

              It's rare that you'll experience a game that has such dynamic range and dramatic arrangement in the audio as to distract you through fan noise in a tense moment.

  • findcaiyzh on 18/08/2022 - 21:29
    +2

    $117.90 for me?

    Subtotal $89.00
    Shipping $20.00
    Taxes $8.90
    Total USD $117.90

    • jasswolf on 18/08/2022 - 21:30

      I didn't realise they had increased base shipping to $20 USD, I'll adjust prices accordingly.

      Remember you get $10 off if you're on a new account, and they're very easy to make. ;)

      • Sonnyjimbo on 19/08/2022 - 00:01
        +1

        Hmm I got tax on the total after shipping - 109+10.9 = $119.9
        No big deal just thought I'd mention.
        Thanks for posting the deal, Jasswolf.

        • findcaiyzh on 19/08/2022 - 11:01
          +1

          Yes, same here, the next step re-calculates the tax

    • findcaiyzh on 19/08/2022 - 11:04

      Order placed: $108.90 with welcome coupon.
      -157.91 in R now.

  • TeddyBear on 18/08/2022 - 22:06

    How is the build quality?

    • jasswolf on 18/08/2022 - 22:19
      +1

      Not amazing, not awful. The older iterations of this style had specific issues which were cleaned up and rectify. Despite all the talk about HIFIMAN build quality in the past, they do try to balance comfort, budget and QA.

      The first review I linked covered the past concerns with the design and how that's improved. It's also indexed if you want to skip to that part.

  • ColinC on 18/08/2022 - 22:22

    With these Planar Magnetic Headphones, is it worth getting the amplifier too? To release the full potential of the headphones

    • jasswolf on 18/08/2022 - 22:36
      +3

      They will improve with amplication that better supplies their current needs (versus voltage swings for dynamic headphones), as well as a good quality DAC to better deliver the sound to analog without over or under-aliasing it while providing a resolving signal, but really you're just aiming beyond entry level dongles and sound cards.

      Here's a great list: https://andyaudiovault.com/donglemadness/

      There's a few 4.5-star and 4-star dongles in that list that are in the $30-$50 range from AliE when sales hits.

      • ColinC on 18/08/2022 - 23:36

        Wow. most of the iPhone lightning DAC are expensive, a few times more than the USB-C

        • jasswolf on 19/08/2022 - 02:46

          You can use things liek a Lightning to USB camera adaptor and then convert that to USB-C, but it gets cumbersome as a portable option.

      • ColinC on 18/08/2022 - 23:44

        BTW, if I were to get HAKUGEI, I suppose I should get the Lightning To 3.5mm Female for this headphone, is that right?

        • jasswolf on 19/08/2022 - 02:47

          I would be looking at something like the Tempotec Sonata HD V instead, which is offered on AliE with a Lightning option. At the very least, wait for the sales starting on August 22nd.

  • Benno123 on 18/08/2022 - 22:31
    +1

    Man, these hifiman planar magnetics are getting super cheap. I paid like $350 for my HE400i's back in 2016! Not sure how the build and sound quality compare though. I'll have to look into that

    • jasswolf on 18/08/2022 - 22:33

      Build quality would be about the same, arguably improved, and sound quality would be better in most respects.

      There would be plenty of bigger steps forward though.

  • Khartoum on 18/08/2022 - 22:41
    +12

    Jasswolf needs some sort of verified headphone expert tag for his contributions to ozb.

  • freefall101 on 18/08/2022 - 22:56
    +5

    How do these compare to the HD 598, the HyperX Cloud II, or the Fideli…

    Oh. Fine then, I’ll just buy it and shut up.

    • Tnetennba on 19/08/2022 - 14:11

      Is there a reason we can't ask? I already have some HyperX Cloud II - I am a noob and far from an audiophile. I care about comfort (big head+glasses) and decent quality. Is there some meme reason I can't ask how it compares?

      • jasswolf on 19/08/2022 - 15:03
        +7

        In terms of technical performance, if S+ tier is the best in the world, the Cloud II is around a D, the Fidelio is a C-, and the 598 is a C bordering on C+. The HE-X4 would be a B, bordering on B+.

        In terms of tonality, the Cloud II is a C (and notably v-shaped for a closed back), the Fidelio is a B- (v-shaped for an open back), and the 598 is a B (warm neutral for an open back). The HE-X4 would be a B+ to A. It's ridiculous hard to do better for the money without a great used headphone sale falling on your head, and it will be an audible difference even on crappy audio gear.

        It's doing a lot right for a low price, and the comfort should be fine for a big head, though probably at the back of this pack (just not miles back). I'm a regular glasses wearer as well, and my advice is not to pick a headphone on 'comfort', because chances are you need to sit down and figure out headband adjustments, angle of the headband, and if the headband needs some basic stretching to better conform to your headshape, and then there's things you can do like add comfort nuggets if you can't balance between pressure at the top of your head and clamping force.

        Then there's the folk who complain about earpads or the padding over the driver touching their ears… as though such things don't become more comfortable over time (assuming you're not excessively clamping the headphone to your head. Once you've confirmed your head anatomy isn't freakishly large or the headphone is freakishly small, work based off of audio quality, and recognise that you can affordably adjust things to suit.

        The problem I have with constantly commenting and running comparisons is that search engines look at what I'm writing here and determine relevancy, and it leads to these older, shitter - some shit to begin with - recommendations and they stay relevant. The X2HR is a cheap trick for those who don't know any better. The HD 598 is a twice-superseeded headphone, and the Cloud II was a marvel for the gaming-sphere because it was built out from the Takstar Pro 80, which was a budget audiophile marvel in its time, almost 10 years ago. Times change.

        I think every would like the comments section here to not be 'HI I'M NEW TO THIS AND I REFUSE TO GOOGLE ANYTHING, WHY IS THIS THING MY MATES ALL PARROT WITHOUT RESEARCH NOT THE RIGHT ANSWER??'. Yes, we can all be tired, or confused, and have brainfades, but if you have questions and I'm linking resources, let curiousity take you at least one step further, please.

        I'm also hoping like hell you know the difference between an open back and a closed back headphone in terms of typical bass response, soundstage, detail/resolution, and imaging. If you need a closed back in the $100-$150 price range, you should be looking at things like the AKG K361, the AKG K371, and the Shure SRH-840A, with the best value being the K371.

        Damnit, look what you made me do

        • blues99 on 19/08/2022 - 15:09
          +1

          is your IRL name crinacle?

          • jasswolf on 19/08/2022 - 15:11

            @blues99: No, but he's a great resource, and yes I am roughly using his subjective metrics to describe this. I tend to land near to his take on things.

            • blues99 on 19/08/2022 - 15:14
              +1

              @jasswolf: thanks - I bought and am looking forward to hearing if my Ed Sheeran MQA from Tidal sound better on these, no jk.

        • DeluxeBull on 20/08/2022 - 10:01
          +1

          Thanks this comment sold me.

  • CheapCoffee on 19/08/2022 - 02:53

    Upgrading on Phillips X2 that I've been using for last 5 years or so. Pretty happy to pick this one up.

  • Quom on 19/08/2022 - 06:48
    +1

    I hate to ask, but is there a simple way to work out the best bang for buck amp or amp/dac? I tried researching it and got as far as 'actually everything you've spent time reading about amplifiers doesn't apply to planars as they typically need the opposite to most headphones (high volts and low amps or vice versa)' and then it felt like my brain might melt. It also made me realise that most reviews wouldn't necessarily be relevant.

    • jasswolf on 19/08/2022 - 15:08
      +1

      Should have read the comments section: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/12559873/redir

      Let me know if you're after desktop amp, DAC, or DAC/amp recommendations instead, but you'll find yourself spending 2-3x this.

      • Wzzfzz on 19/08/2022 - 16:02

        Thanks for the post. Do you think it worth getting the THX ONE at the same time?

        • jasswolf on 19/08/2022 - 16:10
          +2

          You might find it a touch lacking in dynamic and bass performance, but it will sound spacious and clean. It's also been a lot cheaper, and you'll still need a DAC or you'll just be double amping mediocre audio from your sound card.

          Start with something like the Tempotec Sonata HD V or the HAA FEE HE12 or HE13, and maybe demo some similar THX-design amp circuits at a store. Then, you'll have a portable solution for USB-C devices while you hone in. The AAA ONE's technical strengths are arguably too much for the HE-X4 to really make use of, but you will hear the tonal impacts (though DAC choices will impact tone a bit more provided an amps power delivery is in step with a headphone's design).

      • Quom on 20/08/2022 - 07:50

        I did look at those, I just struggled to be sure which ones were suitable or if they all would be. Then if you actually 'need' the S class $269USD ones for cheaper headphones. I see now though that you've offered suggestions from that list which I'll have a look at.

        I missed your comment about current vs. voltage though. But yeah, that's where I get stuck because I'm yet to find a resource that offers the 'you need to check X in the specs of the DAC/AMP to make sure it is Y times your headphones Z' type of thing like there is for dynamics. As someone who isn't that 'into' headphones it's hard to find specific information (I really have tried) because you google and 99% of advice is towards dynamic headphones because it's what 99% of people are buying then just a 'ignore this if you're buying planars cos they work different (and then no explanation of what precisely you need to do).

        As to what I need I guess a DAC/amp combo is likely cheaper and not too fussed between portable vs desk. It will likely be exclusively running audio from my PC to the headphones but if a comparable portable unit is cheaper than a desktop and would work just as well I'm really not opposed to that. Although a volume knob on the unit might be worth paying slightly more for.

        Only other consideration is that in the distant future I might move up to the XS (or similar) although the specs seem pretty similar, so likely anything that can drive the X4 could drive that.

        Basically cheaper is better, but want something that's 'suitable' so if there's minimal difference between $80-200 I'd prefer $80 but if spending $200 would be a night and day difference I guess I'd rather pay once than decide to upgrade later.

        • jasswolf on 20/08/2022 - 14:10
          +2

          $300 ($100 DAC, $200 amp) is where things would push past a good $80-$120 dongle, and it would be most notably in terms of soundstage and resolving ability.

          Given you plan to push further on the headphone side, I would still advise to wait and opt for a dongle option for now.

          I'm not across desktop DAC/amp combos as of right now, as the Khadas Tone:2 got price jacked due to parts issues, but it would have been a good option at $200ish in an AliE sale, especially given it could morph into a balanced DAC down the line.

          Strongly advise working up from the portable dongle, especially if you have a USB-C port to work with on your devices.

          • Quom on 20/08/2022 - 15:20
            +1

            @jasswolf: Thanks so much for all the help, I'll go look through the dongle reviews.

          • Laserface on 23/08/2022 - 14:24

            @jasswolf: @Jasswolf, any suggestions for a Decent headphone amp? I have a Raspberry Pi running volumio with a nice DAC Hat (innomaker) so just looking for an amp in the $150-200ish range (AUD, could stretch to USD tho)

            edit: for the hifimans. I just bought some to upgrade my SHP9500s

            • jasswolf on 23/08/2022 - 16:51
              +1

              @Laserface: Schiit Magni 3+ if you're after a discrete amplifier (which should have a fuller more dyamic sound to it that should help with imaging), otherwise there's a host of solid state amp boards, with standard options being:

              • Schiit Heresy/JDS Atom+/Topping L30
              • Topping L30 II
              • Drop + THX AAA Linear One ($149 USD or less)

              But op-amps can sound a little too lean despite their technical prowess, which makes for a notably brighter sound when paired with a more analytical (read: more aliased) DAC. Combined with the HE400SE, that might sound too sharp in the treble.

              I would make an argument for waiting for something like the SMSL SP200 to drop price again, but only if you're not going to be throwing a lot of IEMs into the mix. If you can score a Schiit Asgard 3 for under $350 in the used market, definitely opt for that if you ever want to go for headphones like the HIFIMAN HE-6, the Nan-6, or the Sennheiser HD600/HD650/HD6XX.

              There's also DIY options if you're interested in going further up the value curve for around $200 USD, but they may be subject to parts shortages still. Good example of this would be the Nelson Pass ACP+.

  • robbie613 on 19/08/2022 - 08:38

    How do these compare to the HIFIMAN HE400SE stealth https://amzn.asia/d/3QM1Vrw ?

  • mavis30551 on 19/08/2022 - 16:37

    Do they do lossless audio?

    • jasswolf on 19/08/2022 - 23:46
      +1

      Lossless audio relates to digital compression, and would be reflective of a sound source not a headphone's speaker driver. In the future, some bluetooth headphones might support lossless compression - or something remarkably close to it - but we're not quite there yet.

      Lossless is otherwise a standard of audio you seek for your stored music, or from a music streaming service.

  • congo on 19/08/2022 - 17:43
    +1

    Great value headphone! Hard to beat this price range.
    Unless you wait for the HE400SE to go on sale (low of $196 so far).

    The only negative is that it has a bit of sibilant, the cable, and you would need an amp to power it.
    But I have too many headphones already…

    • jasswolf on 19/08/2022 - 23:46

      This is basically the HE400SE with a different headband, and different colourway on the enclosure, which is mentioned in the description.

      I normally wouldn't recommend the HE-X4, but this is such a low price.

      • congo on 20/08/2022 - 16:22

        Yes, very good price. It’s hard to beat.
        What would you recommend (under $300)?

        • jasswolf on 20/08/2022 - 16:29

          You mean what else? Would depend on the use case and what existing headphones a person has.

          In no particular order: AKG K612 (sub-$200), Sennheiser HD 560S (sub-$220), AKG K371 (sub-$150), 1More Triple Driver Over-Ear (sub-$150), Shure SRH840A (sub-$150), and I think the Drop + Sennheiser HD 6XX will sneak into this range in October/November.

  • findcaiyzh on 19/08/2022 - 21:36

    Is this good - Creative SXFi Amp? The cheapest one in 4.5
    https://andyaudiovault.com/creative-sxfi-amp/

    • jasswolf on 19/08/2022 - 23:50
      +2

      I have no personal experience, but it seems well rated enough. I would consider it alongside the Tempotec Sonata E44, Sonata HD V, the Hidizs S9 Pro, and the HAA FEE HA12 and HA13, as per my earlier comment.

      Check reviews of those and confirm which suits your preferences, but I would probably look for something with a tiny bit of warmth, but otherwise with excellent staging, imaging and transients.

      • findcaiyzh on 21/08/2022 - 11:44

        I just placed an order for Creative SXFi Amp
        It is small and currently discounted at $89.95 in Creative AU.

        • jasswolf on 21/08/2022 - 12:49

          Let me know how it goes, because other reviews weren't as glowing, so maybe there were early firmware issues?

          • findcaiyzh on 25/08/2022 - 09:21

            @jasswolf: Received. Not sure about the music. but the movie and games are much better lol
            Seems need to turn off sxfi when listening music

            • jasswolf on 25/08/2022 - 12:35

              @findcaiyzh: Yes, it would substantially alter tonal balance with SFXI on. You don't want to preference it over 3D/HRTF audio engines in games either

              Make sure it's set to at least 24-bit & 48kHz.

  • findcaiyzh on 22/08/2022 - 14:37

    @jasswolf, LETSHUOER S12 is $118.30USD @linsoul. Is it good price?

    • jasswolf on 22/08/2022 - 14:43

      Assuming that's including delivery, and tax is accounted for (whether it be applied or not), yes. If there's more charges, it's a fairly standard price.

      Are you sure you want the S12 over the Timeless or Hook-X?

      • findcaiyzh on 22/08/2022 - 14:49

        Reach the PayPal page, there is no extra charge.
        I am not going to place an order. HE-X4 should be enough for me around 1 year or 2.
        just saw the https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/716086. linsoul is cheaper now.

        • jasswolf on 22/08/2022 - 14:53

          You'd probably prefer one of the other two planar IEMs anyway.

          I'd expect to see some very competitive planar options at $100-$120 sometime in the next 12 months too. The first one was tuned too aggressively, so it's a skip.

  • DeluxeBull on 01/09/2022 - 18:29

    Did anyone get their HE-X4 yet?

    Tracking my item still stays "ARRIVAL AT DESTINATION COUNTRY" since Saturday. No progress.

    • zehro on 01/09/2022 - 19:31

      Mine was sitting in Sydney for a few days, but has now been handed to Couriers Please.

    • blues99 on 01/09/2022 - 20:23

      same

  • Quom on 08/09/2022 - 07:18

    Has anyone else had theirs not move since being handed over to the partner carrier on the 1st?

    Feels crazy that the headphone amp I ordered like a week later from China is going to beat it here.

    • blues99 on 08/09/2022 - 16:34

      Mine delivered today after not moving for about a week via Auspost for last mile, too along time to clear customs from tracking.

  • giventofly on 09/09/2022 - 12:50
    +2

    Just received mine.

    Listening via a Hidizs S9 Pro.
    I like it.

    Super comfy. Sounds pretty great at all levels, especially noticed the imaging and wide soundstage at low levels.

    Bass is not boomy, it's reasonably clean and reigned in. Pronounced mids which help with the detail.

    Build quality could be a lot better, and I think these will need to be mollycoddled

    Overall very happy with the purchase.

  • blues99 on 11/09/2022 - 10:03
    +1

    Really liking mine thanks OP, build quality seems surprisingly good for price, and great clarity, happy running with a balanced cable via my zen dac v2.

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