HIFIMAN vs FiiO Noise Cancelling Headphones: Which Brand Fits You?

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You are comparing the HIFIMAN HE400SE and the FiiO JT7 in this HIFIMAN vs FiiO noise cancelling headphone analysis. Both are over-ear, planar magnetic wired headphones designed for audiophiles. They share a focus on high-fidelity sound reproduction. The main difference lies in their enclosure and connectivity options. The HIFIMAN model uses an open-back design with a single-ended cable. The FiiO model offers a closed, foldable design with balanced cable support. This distinction shapes their use cases significantly.

Back Design

Open-Back

Not listed

Connection

Wired

Wired

Driver

Planar Magnetic

Planar Magnetic

Features

Stealth Magnets

Detachable Cable, 4.4mm Balanced

Color

Silver, Black

Champagne Gold

Choose the first if

• You prefer an open-back design for a natural soundstage.
• You want stealth magnets to reduce wave diffraction.
• You need compatibility with low-voltage portable sources.

Choose the second if

• You want a foldable design for easier travel and storage.
• You require a 4.4mm balanced cable connection.
• You prefer replaceable earpads and headband components.

Verdict

Choose the HIFIMAN HE400SE if you prioritize an open-back soundstage and stealth magnet technology for studio or home listening. Select the FiiO JT7 if you need portability through its foldable design and want the flexibility of a balanced cable connection. Both deliver planar magnetic performance, but their physical designs serve different environments.

HIFIMAN vs FiiO Planar Comparison

Back design

Edge: Tie

The HIFIMAN HE400SE features an open-back design, which allows sound to pass through the ear cups. This creates a natural, spacious soundstage that many audiophiles prefer for critical listening. However, it offers no sound isolation, meaning you will hear outside noise and others will hear your music. In contrast, the FiiO JT7 does not list an open-back specification in its data. Without explicit confirmation of an open design, it likely employs a closed or semi-closed enclosure. This typically provides better isolation from the environment. If you need to focus on the audio without distraction, the FiiO JT7 is the safer choice. The HIFIMAN is best for quiet, dedicated listening spaces.

Connection

Edge: FiiO Foldable Over-Ear Planar Headphones

Both headphones rely on wired connections, eliminating battery concerns but requiring a direct link to your audio source. The HIFIMAN HE400SE comes with a dual-sided 3.5mm cable and includes a 6.35mm adapter, ensuring compatibility with standard headphone jacks on computers and older devices. The FiiO JT7 offers more versatile connectivity options. It includes both a 3.5mm to dual 3.5mm single-ended cable and a 4.4mm to dual 3.5mm balanced cable. The 4.4mm balanced connection is a significant advantage for users with high-end digital-to-analog converters that support balanced outputs. This allows for potentially cleaner signal separation. If you use a balanced amplifier, the FiiO JT7 provides superior connection flexibility.

Driver size

Edge: FiiO Foldable Over-Ear Planar Headphones

Driver dimensions significantly influence the sound profile and physical size of the headphones. The FiiO JT7 is equipped with a large 95x86mm planar magnetic driver. This substantial surface area contributes to its wide soundstage and powerful bass response, as described in its features. The HIFIMAN HE400SE also uses a planar magnetic driver, but the specific dimensions are not listed in the provided data. Without exact measurements, we cannot directly compare the physical size of the diaphragms. However, both utilize planar technology for low distortion and accurate reproduction. The FiiO JT7 explicitly highlights its large driver as a key performance feature, suggesting a focus on expansive audio imaging. The HIFIMAN relies on its Stealth Magnet design to reduce distortion instead.

Weight

Edge: HIFIMAN Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones

Comfort during long listening sessions often depends on how light the headphones feel. The FiiO JT7 weighs 1.65 pounds, which is approximately 26.4 ounces. The HIFIMAN HE400SE weighs 13.8 ounces. This makes the HIFIMAN significantly lighter, nearly half the weight of the FiiO model. The HIFIMAN also features a newly designed adjustable lightweight headband to enhance comfort. The FiiO JT7, while lighter than many planar headphones, is still heavier due to its larger driver and dual-sided magnet array. If you plan to wear these headphones for several hours at a time, the lower weight of the HIFIMAN HE400SE will reduce neck strain. The FiiO JT7 may feel more substantial on your head.

Build features

Edge: FiiO Foldable Over-Ear Planar Headphones

The physical construction and modularity of each headphone affect longevity and convenience. The FiiO JT7 includes a foldable design and a four-axis ergonomic fit, making it easier to store and transport. It also features replaceable earpads and a detachable headband, allowing you to clean or swap parts easily. The earpads use breathable mesh fabric to reduce heat. The HIFIMAN HE400SE has a durable casing designed to protect the drivers, but it does not list foldable capabilities or replaceable parts in the data. It includes a 6.35mm adapter for compatibility, but lacks the modular flexibility of the FiiO. If you travel frequently or want to maintain the headphones over years of use, the FiiO JT7 offers superior practical features.

Choose Your Planar Headphones Now

Critical listeners wanting spacious sound

Our pick: HIFIMAN Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones

The HIFIMAN HE400SE uses an open-back design. This allows sound to pass through the ear cups. It creates a natural, spacious soundstage ideal for critical listening. You get accurate, full-range audio with low distortion. Note that it offers no sound isolation, so it is best for quiet environments where you want an immersive experience without leakage.

Listeners wanting portability and comfort

Our pick: FiiO Foldable Over-Ear Planar Headphones

The FiiO JT7 features a foldable design and weighs only 318g. This makes it much lighter than most planar headphones. It includes detachable earpads and a headband for easy cleaning. The breathable mesh fabric reduces heat build-up during long sessions. You get a compact, comfortable option that is easy to store and travel with without compromising on sound quality.

Users wanting cable versatility

Our pick: FiiO Foldable Over-Ear Planar Headphones

The FiiO JT7 includes both a 3.5mm single-ended cable and a 4.4mm balanced cable. It also comes with a 6.35mm adapter. This ensures compatibility with various audio sources. You can switch between connection types easily. The HIFIMAN HE400SE only includes a 3.5mm cable with a 6.35mm adapter. If you use balanced outputs, the FiiO provides more flexibility and higher sensitivity for portable devices.

Specifications side by side

Spec	HIFIMAN Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones	FiiO Foldable Over-Ear Planar Headphones
Connectivity	Wired, 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm adapter	3.5 mm, 4.4 mm, 6.35 mm
Form Factor	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Back Design	Open-Back	–
Connection	Wired	–
Driver	Planar Magnetic	Planar Magnetic
Fit	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Features	–	Detachable Cable, 4.4mm Balanced
Use	Audiophiles, Studio	Audiophiles
Ear Style	Stereo	–
Dimensions	12 × 10.5 × 7.09 inches	7.48 × 5.91 × 4.72 inches
Weight	13.8 ounces	1.65 pounds
Color	Silver,Black	Champagne Gold
Model	He400SE	JT7

Frequently asked questions

Are HIFIMAN and FiiO headphones good for noise cancelling?

Neither model in this comparison features active noise cancelling. The HIFIMAN HE400SE uses an open-back design, which lets sound pass through the ear cups. This means you will hear ambient noise. The FiiO JT7 is also a wired, open-style planar headphone. Neither is built for blocking out external sounds in noisy environments.

Which brand offers better planar magnetic sound?

Both brands use planar magnetic drivers for low distortion and high fidelity. The HIFIMAN HE400SE is tuned for audiophiles who value precise audio integrity. The FiiO JT7 offers high sensitivity and a wide soundstage. You choose HIFIMAN for studio-grade accuracy. You choose FiiO for portable, detailed listening with less amplification need.

Do I need an amplifier for these headphones?

The FiiO JT7 is designed for listeners who want detailed audio without heavy amplification needs. It features a 4.4mm balanced connection for flexibility. The HIFIMAN HE400SE is a wired, open-back model. Planar magnetic drivers often require more power than dynamic ones. You should check your source device output for optimal performance with either pair.

Are these headphones portable?

The FiiO JT7 is a foldable over-ear headphone, making it easier to carry. It weighs 1.65 pounds. The HIFIMAN HE400SE is larger, measuring 12 inches in length. It weighs 13.8 ounces. Both are wired, so you are tethered to your device. The FiiO is more suitable for travel due to its foldable chassis and balanced cable option.

What is the difference between open-back and closed-back?

The HIFIMAN HE400SE uses an open-back design. This allows sound to pass through the ear cups, creating a natural, spacious soundstage. It offers no sound isolation. You will hear what is around you. Closed-back designs trap sound inside. Since both models here are open or semi-open, they prioritize soundstage width over noise isolation.

Which headphone is lighter?

The HIFIMAN HE400SE weighs 13.8 ounces. The FiiO JT7 weighs 1.65 pounds, which is 26.4 ounces. The HIFIMAN model is significantly lighter. It measures 10.5 inches wide and 7.09 inches high. The FiiO is bulkier due to its foldable design and heavier chassis. If weight is your main concern, the HIFIMAN is the lighter option.

Can I use these headphones for gaming?

The HIFIMAN HE400SE is best for audiophiles and studio use. Its open-back design provides a wide soundstage, which can help with spatial awareness in games. However, it lacks noise isolation. The FiiO JT7 is also for audiophiles. Neither is specifically marketed for gaming. You need a wired connection for both, which ensures low latency but limits mobility.

Do these headphones come with a remote?

The product data does not mention a remote for either the HIFIMAN HE400SE or the FiiO JT7. Both are wired headphones focused on audio fidelity. The FiiO JT7 features a detachable cable with a 4.4mm balanced connection. You control volume and playback through your connected device. No inline controls or remotes are listed in the specifications.

See also

• HIFIMAN vs MEZE Audio noise cancelling headphone
• HIFIMAN vs beyerdynamic noise cancelling headphone