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 [REVIEW] HiFiMan HE-500, The 'user-friendly' planar mag headphone

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Quazacolt
post Jun 4 2012, 11:41 AM

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QUOTE(wilzc @ Jun 4 2012, 08:27 AM)
From memory. The HE500 does bass just fine, spite being open. The HE-6 does it even better!!!  The brilliant part about orthodynamics is that they can more air easily and quickly, thus won't have much problems with the bass. LCD-2s and -3s are also just as wonderful with the lows.

However, if an orthodynamic would be made into a closed headphone, when ported or dampened well, the bass = monstrous.
*
i can attest the LCD3's bass being a good performer smile.gif

though the AD2k performs just as good, if not better in some aspects (eg: bass depth/slam)
not to mention being waaaaaaay cheaper
wilzc
post Jun 4 2012, 12:24 PM

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I've only heard the AD2000 once. And I have to disagree on the bass slam part.

You previously just mentioned that open headphones lack bass presence and all. Then now backtrack saying that the AD2k has.

The slam on the HE-6 and LCDs are stupendously good. And will satisfy all but the biggest bassheads, where the closed Fostex 'Thunderpants' TR50p will do.

The AD2000 does go really low I have to say. The extension is great, but the power is nowhere close to an orthodynamic, IMHO.

Your opinions seem to be very 'coloured' and biased towards your darling AD2000. I can understand. Everyone gets used to their own prized possession and the longer one uses these, the more they're familiar with the sound and the more they think its a world beater. Which is why I try my best to stay neutral.

I've had this friend who owned the A2000x and claims its one of the best he's ever heard. He traded them for a Beyer T5p, and now the T5p is the best headphone in the world. Unfortunately for the online community, he's got quite a robust following. And as such, his tribe all seem to think that nothing he says is wrong (he does have a vast knowledge of headphones and earphones).

That being said. I think the AD2000s are a great great piece of investment. They'll hang around really well with the likes of the HD700, Shure SH1840, RS1s and even the HE-500 (although I'd take the hifiman anyday). But their packaging itself shows that Audio Technica did not intend for these to compete with the absolute top rung. BUT, such is audio that if the sound signature matches your preference, the AD2000 will be more preferred than even say the STAX-sr09.




Quazacolt
post Jun 4 2012, 01:06 PM

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QUOTE(wilzc @ Jun 4 2012, 12:24 PM)
I've only heard the AD2000 once. And I have to disagree on the bass slam part.

You previously just mentioned that open headphones lack bass presence and all. Then now backtrack saying that the AD2k has.

The slam on the HE-6 and LCDs are stupendously good. And will satisfy all but the biggest bassheads, where the closed Fostex 'Thunderpants' TR50p will do.

The AD2000 does go really low I have to say. The extension is great, but the power is nowhere close to an orthodynamic, IMHO.

Your opinions seem to be very 'coloured' and biased towards your darling AD2000. I can understand. Everyone gets used to their own prized possession and the longer one uses these, the more they're familiar with the sound and the more they think its a world beater. Which is why I try my best to stay neutral.

I've had this friend who owned the A2000x and claims its one of the best he's ever heard. He traded them for a Beyer T5p, and now the T5p is the best headphone in the world. Unfortunately for the online community, he's got quite a robust following. And as such, his tribe all seem to think that nothing he says is wrong (he does have a vast knowledge of headphones and earphones).

That being said. I think the AD2000s are a great great piece of investment. They'll hang around really well with the likes of the HD700, Shure SH1840, RS1s and even the HE-500 (although I'd take the hifiman anyday). But their packaging itself shows that Audio Technica did not intend for these to compete with the absolute top rung. BUT, such is audio that if the sound signature matches your preference, the AD2000 will be more preferred than even say the STAX-sr09.
*
by default, without any amping, closed cans will always have superior bass than open cans. same case goes for my ad900, i only have bass from it via my govibe peak's bass boost.

considering that, having the same amp to drive the ad2k, the default signature of the ad2k is more veiled/more towards the mid/low frequencies. which ultimately yes, much better bass.
that said, LCD3 definitely have more control and finesse over the ad2k though, which comes at a really hefty price if i may add; the worthiness of it is really subjective and to me personally, it's on the "no" side.
raw depth/bass slam though, the ad2k still wins, and bear in mind both are under the same govibe peak amp for fairness' sake.

cant comment much bout the hifimans since i dont think i've audited them. (i cant remember if jaben brought it to the KLAV, if yes then i may have audited it sweat.gif )

and yes, i do admit that my opinions are very biased towards the AT AD series, because atm it is the only series/lineup that can satisfy my needs for genre bandwidth coupled with the amp i have. do remember, AT's general sound signature/coloration towards the mids and towards female vocals are a charm of its own that as far as i know, no other manufacturers can come close to it. (you may refer to their much revered woodies)

the only thing lacking is the top/bottom end, and more towards the lack of bass for the AD series being open cans (ad700 and above. anything below are just mainstream scaled down "toys" that does not have the AD line up airy sound signature) and that's where the govibe peak comes in. high gain and bass gain, and voila perfect. i get highs, lively mids, (yes, it is very much colored) and moving bass, and that airy sound signature that brings me as close as it could to a speaker setup. (as you probably didn't knew, im more towards a speaker person lol) its a combination of everything that makes it in my long list of requirements, and so far i believe the lcd3 is the only one that came close, and in other ways better than the ad900/ad2k.

admittedly, while i have not been able to audit every setup (especially the ones lurking at home with their desktop setups), i do believe the senn HD800 is a very potential contender; and believe me i have heard a LOT of setups even the flagship headphones that are listed out on the other thread. (akabane's woodie collection is as awesome as ever wink.gif ) The only problem with the hd800 is that not many have the full setup that could bring that potential in hd800 out which is quite unfortunate. the last time i get to audit a hd800, the owner's amp (schiit lyr) was sent for warranty and my govibe peak cannot drive it at all sweat.gif

with all that said, id really like to try out the hifimans too given the opportunity *coughhinttscough*
silwen
post Jun 4 2012, 04:18 PM

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QUOTE(Quazacolt @ Jun 4 2012, 01:06 PM)
by default, without any amping, closed cans will always have superior bass than open cans. same case goes for my ad900, i only have bass from it via my govibe peak's bass boost.

considering that, having the same amp to drive the ad2k, the default signature of the ad2k is more veiled/more towards the mid/low frequencies. which ultimately yes, much better bass.
that said, LCD3 definitely have more control and finesse over the ad2k though, which comes at a really hefty price if i may add; the worthiness of it is really subjective and to me personally, it's on the "no" side.
raw depth/bass slam though, the ad2k still wins, and bear in mind both are under the same govibe peak amp for fairness' sake.

cant comment much bout the hifimans since i dont think i've audited them. (i cant remember if jaben brought it to the KLAV, if yes then i may have audited it  sweat.gif )

and yes, i do admit that my opinions are very biased towards the AT AD series, because atm it is the only series/lineup that can satisfy my needs for genre bandwidth coupled with the amp i have. do remember, AT's general sound signature/coloration towards the mids and towards female vocals are a charm of its own that as far as i know, no other manufacturers can come close to it. (you may refer to their much revered woodies)

the only thing lacking is the top/bottom end, and more towards the lack of bass for the AD series being open cans (ad700 and above. anything below are just mainstream scaled down "toys" that does not have the AD line up airy sound signature) and that's where the govibe peak comes in. high gain and bass gain, and voila perfect. i get highs, lively mids, (yes, it is very much colored) and moving bass, and that airy sound signature that brings me as close as it could to a speaker setup. (as you probably didn't knew, im more towards a speaker person lol) its a combination of everything that makes it in my long list of requirements, and so far i believe the lcd3 is the only one that came close, and in other ways better than the ad900/ad2k.

admittedly, while i have not been able to audit every setup (especially the ones lurking at home with their desktop setups),  i do believe the senn HD800 is a very potential contender; and believe me i have heard a LOT of setups even the flagship headphones that are listed out on the other thread. (akabane's woodie collection is as awesome as ever wink.gif ) The only problem with the hd800 is that not many have the full setup that could bring that potential in hd800 out which is quite unfortunate. the last time i get to audit a hd800, the owner's amp (schiit lyr) was sent for warranty and my govibe peak cannot drive it at all  sweat.gif

with all that said, id really like to try out the hifimans too given the opportunity *coughhinttscough*
*
When you say audit and audited, do you actually mean audition? It's left me somewhat confused.


jkwanness
post Jun 4 2012, 06:12 PM

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lol back to topic.... ban-kun, how many hours have you burnt them in to give the impressions?
hongrui
post Jun 4 2012, 06:29 PM

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QUOTE(Quazacolt @ Jun 4 2012, 01:06 PM)
with all that said, id really like to try out the hifimans too given the opportunity *coughhinttscough*
*
jaben should have them.

TSBan-kun
post Jun 4 2012, 08:49 PM

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QUOTE(jkwanness @ Jun 4 2012, 06:12 PM)
lol back to topic.... ban-kun, how many hours have you burnt them in to give the impressions?
*
About 48 hours now. Gonna target 200 hours.


QUOTE(hongrui @ Jun 4 2012, 06:29 PM)
jaben should have them.
*
They have the HE-6, HE-400 and HE-5, but no more HE-500s. I always seem to grab the last unit they have, lol.
Quazacolt
post Jun 4 2012, 11:20 PM

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QUOTE(silwen @ Jun 4 2012, 04:18 PM)
When you say audit and audited, do you actually mean audition? It's left me somewhat confused.
*
my apologies on messing up audit/audited and audition/auditioned sad.gif

my excuse is the lack of sleep (night job, which is 1am to 7am not on shift, on 24/7 call lol, fukken servers) then straight laundry into ripping CDs into service car until now posting this post. yea i havent slept since yesterday night
sad.gif


Added on June 4, 2012, 11:55 pm
QUOTE(Ban-kun @ Jun 4 2012, 08:49 PM)
About 48 hours now. Gonna target 200 hours.
They have the HE-6, HE-400 and HE-5, but no more HE-500s. I always seem to grab the last unit they have, lol.
*
hmm whats the difference between he5LE/HE-500? same price

have you considered the he5?

This post has been edited by Quazacolt: Jun 4 2012, 11:55 PM
Slevin Sent
post Jun 5 2012, 03:09 PM

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QUOTE(Quazacolt @ Jun 4 2012, 11:20 PM)

hmm whats the difference between he5LE/HE-500? same price

have you considered the he5?
*
haha my second love wub.gif

love it with copper cable... smooth and lively~ shd go jaben try HE500... hmm shd be different hmm.gif or shd i save money for SR009 (shd able to buy it after 10years LOLz)
Quazacolt
post Jun 5 2012, 03:12 PM

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QUOTE(Slevin Sent @ Jun 5 2012, 03:09 PM)
haha my second love  wub.gif

love it with copper cable... smooth and lively~ shd go jaben try HE500... hmm shd be different  hmm.gif or shd i save money for SR009 (shd able to buy it after 10years LOLz)
*
jaben have both the he-5LE and he-500?
Slevin Sent
post Jun 5 2012, 03:14 PM

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QUOTE(wilzc @ Jun 4 2012, 12:24 PM)

The slam on the HE-6 and LCDs are stupendously good. And will satisfy all but the biggest bassheads, where the closed Fostex 'Thunderpants' TR50p will do.

*
u tried it before? I really wonder how it sound... hmm.gif shd i mod mine~~~ hmm.gif
hongrui
post Jun 5 2012, 03:17 PM

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QUOTE(Quazacolt @ Jun 5 2012, 03:12 PM)
jaben have both the he-5LE and he-500?
*
ban-kun said he bought the last HE-500. so presumably Jaben is OOS for HE-500 for the time being
Slevin Sent
post Jun 5 2012, 03:20 PM

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QUOTE(Quazacolt @ Jun 5 2012, 03:12 PM)
jaben have both the he-5LE and he-500?
*
No sure but i think they only hv HE500 now... i tried the HE5LE with hifiman tube amp long time ago~ everything is good maybe smt the treble abit hot (cannot remember properly)~

well for now i use T50RP as poor man electrostatic~ forget that it sounds flatter than the horizon... its super smooth and very forgiving~
Quazacolt
post Jun 5 2012, 03:20 PM

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QUOTE(hongrui @ Jun 5 2012, 03:17 PM)
ban-kun said he bought the last HE-500. so presumably Jaben is OOS for HE-500 for the time being
*
curious on the he-5LE too, as they are the same price o_O

paper spec sheets etc seems like the 5LE is superior (and lighter too!) than the he-500...
hongrui
post Jun 5 2012, 03:26 PM

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heard the HE-5LE long long ago before i got my T1. wasn't impressed with it. lol. can't remember how it sounds like now.
TSBan-kun
post Jun 5 2012, 07:24 PM

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QUOTE(Quazacolt @ Jun 5 2012, 03:12 PM)
jaben have both the he-5LE and he-500?

curious on the he-5LE too, as they are the same price o_O

paper spec sheets etc seems like the 5LE is superior (and lighter too!) than the he-500...
*
They have both, yes, but I bought the last HE-500. They can still place orders for you if you want.
IMO, you're better off with the HE-500. When I auditioned the 5LE, I find the midrange and treble very withdrawn. The treble also sounds zingy, artificial like.

Not very impressed. It's also difficult to drive, 2 watts or so iirc. the 5LE was hooked into a govibe portatube when I auditioned it. So yeah.
Although for some reason the T1 paired with the portatube was actually very nice.
Quazacolt
post Jun 5 2012, 09:10 PM

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QUOTE(Ban-kun @ Jun 5 2012, 07:24 PM)
They have both, yes, but I bought the last HE-500. They can still place orders for you if you want.
IMO, you're better off with the HE-500. When I auditioned the 5LE, I find the midrange and treble very withdrawn. The treble also sounds zingy, artificial like.

Not very impressed. It's also difficult to drive, 2 watts or so iirc. the 5LE was hooked into a govibe portatube when I auditioned it. So yeah.
Although for some reason the T1 paired with the portatube was actually very nice.
*
maybe it was a case of inadequate driving power from amps? i mean, hifiman spec sheets kinda put the 5le being better than 500, then again, spec sheets means little in audio laugh.gif

im actually more intrigued over the -500gram weight, as i either listen for long periods, or i just use my speakers lol.
TSBan-kun
post Jun 5 2012, 09:19 PM

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QUOTE(Quazacolt @ Jun 5 2012, 09:10 PM)
maybe it was a case of inadequate driving power from amps? i mean, hifiman spec sheets kinda put the 5le being better than 500, then again, spec sheets means little in audio laugh.gif

im actually more intrigued over the -500gram weight, as i either listen for long periods, or i just use my speakers lol.
*
With better driving power maybe, but I'm more of a realistic audiophile, I get what I can afford and make sure my gear is fit for it, not shelling out monies for trophy amps/setups just because.

I can assure you, you won't feel a damn thing even with 500g sitting on your head. The clamping pressure takes care of that, and it doesn't crush your skull into a vice too. Leave it to the chinese...

This post has been edited by Ban-kun: Jun 5 2012, 09:21 PM
Quazacolt
post Jun 5 2012, 09:28 PM

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QUOTE(Ban-kun @ Jun 5 2012, 09:19 PM)
With better driving power maybe, but I'm more of a realistic audiophile, I get what I can afford and make sure my gear is fit for it, not shelling out monies for trophy amps/setups just because.

I can assure you, you won't feel a damn thing even with 500g sitting on your head. The clamping pressure takes care of that, and it doesn't crush your skull into a vice too. Leave it to the chinese...
*
http://www.audio-technica.com.sg/con_product.php?prodid=10
or
http://www.audio-technica.com.sg/con_product.php?prodid=13

250gram lol.

for short listening, sure, you're absolutely correct. however i am almost certain after 5-6 hours or more, the weight is gonna carry a toll on your head. hell, even my 250gram headphones are fatiguing after that long hours, and AT cans with their 3d wing head bands make some really comfortable wearing lol (lets not forget the extra puffy modded w5k earpads lol)
TSBan-kun
post Jun 5 2012, 09:54 PM

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QUOTE(Quazacolt @ Jun 5 2012, 09:28 PM)
http://www.audio-technica.com.sg/con_product.php?prodid=10
or
http://www.audio-technica.com.sg/con_product.php?prodid=13

250gram lol.

for short listening, sure, you're absolutely correct. however i am almost certain after 5-6 hours or more, the weight is gonna carry a toll on your head. hell, even my 250gram headphones are fatiguing after that long hours, and AT cans with their 3d wing head bands make some really comfortable wearing lol (lets not forget the extra puffy modded w5k earpads lol)
*
Unless you wear headphones 8 hours a day for a living, chances are you won't be affected.

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