As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
The audio technica vs HIFIMAN noise cancelling headphone search often leads here, though neither model features active noise cancellation. Both are over-ear wired studio monitors designed for accuracy. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x uses dynamic drivers and an open-back design for isolation. The HIFIMAN HE400SE uses planar magnetic drivers and an open-back design for low distortion. You must choose between dynamic and planar technologies based on your listening needs.
Driver Type
40 mm dynamic
Planar magnetic
Back Design
Circumaural (closed)
Open-Back
Weight
8.47 ounces
13.8 ounces
Cable
Detachable (coiled and straight)
Dual-sided 3.5mm with adapter
Choose the first if
- You need sound isolation in loud environments.
- You prefer a lighter, more portable build.
- You want swiveling earcups for one-ear monitoring.
Choose the second if
- You prioritize low distortion and high sensitivity.
- You listen to low-voltage portable sources.
- You prefer a lightweight headband for long sessions.
Verdict
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x suits you if you need isolation and portability for studio work. The HIFIMAN HE400SE is better for critical listening where low distortion and driver technology matter most. Neither offers noise cancellation, so your choice depends on driver preference and physical design.
Audio-Technica vs HIFIMAN Specs Compared
Driver Technology
Edge: HIFIMAN Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x utilizes 40 mm dynamic drivers equipped with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. This design is tuned flat to provide accurate sound monitoring across the entire frequency range. In contrast, the HIFIMAN HE400SE employs planar magnetic drivers. These feature conductive layers covering nearly the entire diaphragm, which significantly lowers distortion compared to conventional dynamic designs. The HIFIMAN Stealth Magnet design is acoustically transparent, reducing wave diffraction turbulence for a pure sonic output. Planar drivers generally offer lower distortion, giving the HIFIMAN an edge in driver purity.
Back Design
Edge: Tie
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x features a circumaural design that contours around the ears. This closed-back style provides excellent sound isolation in loud environments, which is essential for studio monitoring where you need to hear only the audio source. The HIFIMAN HE400SE is explicitly an open-back headphone. Open-back designs allow sound to pass through the earcups, creating a more natural, spacious soundstage but offering no isolation from external noise. For studio isolation, the Audio-Technica is superior. For natural sound staging, the HIFIMAN is preferred.
Weight and Portability
Edge: Audio-Technica Swiveling Over-Ear Studio Headphones
Weight affects long-term comfort and portability. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x weighs 8.47 ounces. It also features a collapsible design with 90-degree swiveling earcups, making it space-saving and easy to store in a bag. The HIFIMAN HE400SE weighs 13.8 ounces, which is significantly heavier. While the HIFIMAN has an adjustable lightweight headband for comfort during long sessions, it does not mention a collapsible form factor. The lighter weight and foldable design of the Audio-Technica make it more portable and easier to carry for on-the-go use.
Cable and Connectivity
Edge: Audio-Technica Swiveling Over-Ear Studio Headphones
Both models are wired headphones, but their cable setups differ. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x includes a detachable cable system with a 1.2 m to 3.0 m coiled cable and a 3.0 m straight cable, allowing you to replace the cable if it breaks. The HIFIMAN HE400SE comes with a dual-sided high-performance 3.5mm cable and includes a 6.35mm adapter for compatibility with various devices. The HIFIMAN cable is fixed, whereas the Audio-Technica offers modular connectivity. The detachable cable on the Audio-Technica offers better long-term maintenance options.
Sensitivity and Source
Edge: HIFIMAN Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
The HIFIMAN HE400SE is noted for its high sensitivity, making it a perfect match for low-voltage sources such as portable hi-res audio players. This means it can produce adequate volume and detail even when driven by devices with limited power output. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x does not have sensitivity specifications listed in the provided data. For users planning to drive these headphones with portable players or low-power amps, the HIFIMAN offers a clear advantage in efficiency and ease of use with such sources.
Choose Your Headphones Based On Needs
Studio engineers needing portable monitoring
Our pick: Audio-Technica Swiveling Over-Ear Studio Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x features 90-degree swiveling earcups for easy one-ear monitoring. Its collapsible design ensures space-saving portability. The detachable cables include a 1.2 m coiled option and a 3.0 m straight cable. This flexibility suits professionals who move between mixing stations and live environments while requiring accurate sound reproduction.
Audiophiles seeking low distortion sound
Our pick: HIFIMAN Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
The HIFIMAN HE400SE uses planar magnetic drivers with Stealth Magnets to reduce wave diffraction turbulence. This acoustically transparent design yields pure, full-range sonic output with significantly lower distortion than conventional dynamic headphones. The high sensitivity matches well with low-voltage portable sources, delivering accurate audio for critical listening sessions.
Listeners prioritizing long-term comfort
Our pick: HIFIMAN Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
The HIFIMAN HE400SE includes a newly designed adjustable lightweight headband to remain cool and comfortable during extended use. While the Audio-Technica model offers professional-grade earpads, the HIFIMAN design specifically targets warmth and comfort for hours of listening. The open-back design also reduces pressure on the ears compared to circumaural seals.
Audio-Technica Swiveling Over-Ear Studio Headphones
Best for: accurate studio monitoring and sound isolation
- Form Factor
- Circumaural
- Features
- Detachable Cable
- Use
- Studio
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 11.4 × 10 × 4.1 inches
- Weight
- 8.47 ounces
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are professional studio monitor headphones designed for accurate sound reproduction. They feature 40 mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. The circumaural design provides excellent sound isolation. Weighing 8.47 ounces, they include detachable cables for flexibility. These headphones suit listeners who need precise audio monitoring in studio or loud environments.
- 40 mm drivers with rare earth magnets
- Tuned flat for accurate sound monitoring
- 90-degree swiveling earcups for one-ear monitoring
- Detachable 1.2 m coiled and 3.0 m straight cables
- Heavier build at 8.47 ounces compared to lighter alternatives
- Fixed size with no adjustable earcup width for different head shapes
- You need flat frequency response for critical listening
- You require sound isolation in loud environments
- You want durable professional-grade construction
- You prefer lightweight headphones under 8 ounces
- You need active noise cancellation features
- You require wireless Bluetooth connectivity
Verdict: Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Studio Headphones offer precise monitoring for professionals. They fit users who prioritize accuracy and durability over wireless convenience.
HIFIMAN Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
Best for: Audiophiles and studio monitoring
- Connectivity
- Wired, 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm adapter
- Form Factor
- Over-Ear
- Back Design
- Open-Back
- Driver
- Planar Magnetic
- Use
- Audiophiles, Studio
- Ear Style
- Stereo
These HIFIMAN over-ear headphones use planar magnetic drivers for low distortion. The open-back design provides accurate sound. They weigh 13.8 ounces and include a 3.5mm cable with a 6.35mm adapter. High sensitivity works well with portable players. You get comfortable listening for hours.
- Planar magnetic drivers reduce distortion
- Stealth magnets improve sound clarity
- High sensitivity for portable sources
- Lightweight headband for comfort
- Open-back design lacks noise isolation
- Wired connection limits mobility
- 13.8-ounce weight is heavier than some models
- You want accurate studio monitoring
- You use portable hi-res players
- You prefer open-back sound
- You need noise cancellation
- You require wireless connectivity
- You want closed-back isolation
Verdict: HIFIMAN HE400SE Planar Magnetic Headphones suit audiophiles seeking detailed sound. They fit listeners who prioritize audio fidelity over portability.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Audio-Technica Swiveling Over-Ear Studio Headphones | HIFIMAN Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | – | Wired, 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm adapter |
| Form Factor | Circumaural | Over-Ear |
| Back Design | – | Open-Back |
| Connection | – | Wired |
| Driver | – | Planar Magnetic |
| Fit | – | Over-Ear |
| Features | Detachable Cable | – |
| Use | Studio | Audiophiles, Studio |
| Color | Black | Silver,Black |
| Ear Style | – | Stereo |
| Dimensions | 11.4 × 10 × 4.1 inches | 12 × 10.5 × 7.09 inches |
| Weight | 8.47 ounces | 13.8 ounces |
| Size | ATH-M40X | – |
| Model | ATH-M40x | He400SE |
Frequently asked questions
Are these headphones good for noise cancelling?
Neither model offers active noise cancellation. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x provides passive isolation through its over-ear design and secure fit. The HIFIMAN HE400SE uses an open-back design, which lets ambient sound in. You will not get electronic noise reduction with either pair.
Can I use these for gaming?
Both are wired, so there is no wireless latency. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is built for studio monitoring, offering precise sound staging. The HIFIMAN HE400SE features planar magnetic drivers for detailed audio reproduction. Both can work for gaming, but the open-back HE400SE may leak sound.
Do I need an amplifier for the HIFIMAN?
The HIFIMAN HE400SE uses planar magnetic drivers, which often require more power than standard dynamic drivers. While the data does not specify impedance, planar designs typically benefit from dedicated amplification for optimal performance. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x uses standard dynamic drivers and may work with simpler sources.
Which is better for mixing music?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is designed for accurate studio monitoring with a flat frequency response. Its swiveling earcups allow for one-ear monitoring during sessions. The HIFIMAN HE400SE is also for studio use but prioritizes audiophile fidelity. For critical mixing tasks, the ATH-M40x is the specialized choice.
Are they comfortable for long sessions?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x weighs 8.47 ounces and features a collapsible design for portability. The HIFIMAN HE400SE is heavier at 13.8 ounces. Both are over-ear styles. The lighter ATH-M40x may be more comfortable for extended wear, while the heavier HE400SE offers a different fit profile.
Do they come with different cables?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x includes detachable cables. It comes with a 1.2 m coiled cable and a 3.0 m straight cable for studio flexibility. The HIFIMAN HE400SE is wired, but specific cable lengths or types are not listed in the provided data. You can replace the ATH-M40x cable if it breaks.
Can I wear glasses with these?
Both models are over-ear headphones, which generally accommodate glasses well. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x has a secure fit that may help seal around the ears. The HIFIMAN HE400SE uses an open-back design, which might reduce clamping force. Try both to see which fits your head shape best.