HeAudio 1.3, 1.2B and the new JADE Stat Headphones

[pabbi1]

Why does Birgir have 3500+ posts, and is still a '100+' member? Odd...

[spritzer]

Originally Posted by pabbi1

Why does Birgir have 3500+ posts, and is still a '100+' member? Odd...

It's because I'm special. I was one of the first contributors so it had to be manually configured hence locking the description. I quite like it actually.

[immtbiker]

After 30 hours (don't want to leave my tube amp on when I'm not home) the 1.3's have changed drastically. They are still not at the 1.2 level, but the bass has become really enjoyable and the recessed mids and mid-range reverb are a thing of the past.
When I first got them, I was listening to Gov't Mule's Mighty High, which is a compilation of Gov't Mule songs done with a reggae flair. The vocals and reggae guitar were cavernous and could be heard all the way out past my shoulders, when all my other headphones had them closer to my ears.
Now the midrange lost all of it's reverb and has moved in where it belongs.

Listening to Patricia Barber's "Crash" is a rewarding experience. The song is very busy, fast and complicated. The 1.3's are extremely quick and concise, giving all of the instruments an individual place to call home. They are reacting properly and the sound is clean and accurate. There is no muddle.

If the manufacturer says to give them 200 hours (a typical burn-in request) I can hope that these will sound equal to or better than the 1.2's when the time period is over. Anyone who doesn't believe in burn-in needs to listen to these new, out of the box, and then with some time on them. I think their opinion would change.

The wood is also easing up and the pads are starting to take on a comfort level that I wanted them to. They can be worn for hours with no fatigue.

[catscratch]

Originally Posted by immtbiker

If the manufacturer says to give them 200 hours (a typical burn-in request) I can hope that these will sound equal to or better than the 1.2's when the time period is over. Anyone who doesn't believe in burn-in needs to listen to these new, out of the box, and then with some time on them. I think their opinion would change.

I did a similar experiment comparing a burned-in SR-003 back to back with a brand new one. The difference was substantial, and made me a believer.

[vcoheda]

Originally Posted by catscratch

I did a similar experiment comparing a burned-in SR-003 back to back with a brand new one. The difference was substantial, and made me a believer.

it works with cigarettes too. one new and one burned in - quite a difference. i would say substantial.

[LFF]

Can someone post pics of the 1.2?

Also, how do these compare directly to the HE90/HE60?

I have always wanted an HE90, so if this compares favorably, I think I may have to start saving.

[vcoheda]

Originally Posted by LFF

Can someone post pics of the 1.2?

from the nov. 10 NY meet. the amp in the pictures is the one i now have.

[immtbiker]

Originally Posted by LFF

Can someone post pics of the 1.2?

Also, how do these compare directly to the HE90/HE60?

I have always wanted an HE90, so if this compares favorably, I think I may have to start saving.

[juzmister]

Hey, I'm looking into a pair...What amp would you recommend? Thanks! Also, is it possible at all to buy v1.2? It looks alot nicer!

[immtbiker]

The better the amp the better the sound.
The Woo Audio has nicer synergy with the HeAudio stats than the Stax 007t does and the ES-1 sounds better than the WooAudio.


BTW-Point of interest.

I remember when I got my first pair of O2's when they first came out, the manual recommended using a pillow or something soft in between the cans when burning them in.
Evidently their theory is that the stators and the mylar strip need something to bounce against rather than air otherwise the electrostats could be damaged. This will probably aid in the burn in process, because just like a cars engine, the performance of the headphones lifetime's duties could be affected by it's early days. IMHO.

[Towert7]

Ah, the two of you must be having fun with your new headphones!

I think with a little cosmetic refinement, these would be a serious consideration (assuming the sound quality is fit to the price point).

It'll be interesting if I get to hear a pair someday, as I'm interested in hearing how they sound.

[Michgelsen]

Originally Posted by immtbiker

BTW-Point of interest.

I remember when I got my first pair of O2's when they first came out, the manual recommended using a pillow or something soft in between the cans when burning them in.
Evidently their theory is that the stators and the mylar strip need something to bounce against rather than air otherwise the electrostats could be damaged. This will probably aid in the burn in process, because just like a cars engine, the performance of the headphones lifetime's duties could be affected by it's early days. IMHO.

I believe that turned out to be nonsense, but somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

[shokunin]

Does anyone know what / if the HE electrostatic amp is made what the price will be?

If they want more market penetration with these, then some more affordable amps need to be available in the market. Seems like a perfect product-gap that HE could fill.

[spritzer]

Originally Posted by Michgelsen

I believe that turned out to be nonsense, but somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

It's utter nonsense. The diaphragms doesn't move much and mylar's tensile strength is astounding. The glue can give out and large, unsupported diaphragms can sag but headphones are much too small for that to happen. The forces we are dealing with here are very small.

Burn in is very real on electrostatics as the diaphragm is put under a lot of stress when stretched and when it is vibrated with use a large number of small wrinkles in the mylar disappear. The time it takes is tied to just how much tension was used during manufacture.

[vcoheda]

how good is bass usually on electrostatics. b/c the bass on these things is like .. . Whhhut! :P