Sennheiser HE60

In A/B comparisons it's a much drier sounding headphone than the Omega 2, less blossom in the low end and not as rich and smooth in the midrange. It gives an impression of greater transient speed although they are in reality very comparable there. I like both of them a lot and longer than immediate comparisons give a greater understanding than the simple "omega 2 is bassy, HE60 is faster" type. Its biggest weakness in comparison is that it doesnt go down as deep in the bass as the Omega 2, but the bass that is there is nice and tight and the headphones is better controlled out of a lower end Stax amp than the Omega 2 is because its easier to drive. I'm afraid that I cant comment on how much changes with a KGSS in play.

I think you should get them reterminated to a Stax plug, or alternatively replace the cable with the Stax high bandwidth cable. Best to have them directly connect to amps that aren't as rubbish as the HEV70 and use an adapter, when needed, to reconnect them to their original socket.

Looks like you got a good deal!

I am not as well-acquainted with the O2 as some other members around, but lets just say I've listened to it enough to have a vague idea how how it compares.

The O2 has a level of warmth, depth and bass extension which the HE60 lacks. However, I don't think it gets the timbre of instruments as spot on as the HE60 (ie leaning a bit towards the rich side). Like one member said recently (can't remember exactly who), the O2 doesn't serve you detail on a plate. One really has to listen carefully to appreciate how resolving it actually is. There's a sort of subtlety to the fine details, which are delicated masked behind a smooth, liquid sound. On the other hand, the relative brightness of the HE60 allows fine details to jump out at you rather effortlessly and gives the impression of greater clarity and speed. Upon careful comparison, the O2 is actually just as clear, but not very apparent. It's rather surprising how the O2's bass can be so liquid smooth and big, yet never seem to lag behind even during the most complex and demanding of pieces (listen to the lower strings in Shostakovich and Mahler's symphonies). Lastly, neither has a big soundstage. Both image very precisely, but the O2 does give the impression that performers are placed slightly further away. I also think the O2 has a slight upper hand when it comes to reproducing reverberation and ambience cues.

Some will tell you the O2 is better and others the HE60 so it comes down to personal preferences. For me, both are immensely competent and at this point in time I would not be able to choose a victor. Owning both would be an absolute luxury and that is what I am striving for The perfect headphone is indeed a hybrid between the two (which I have yet to find).


Re: cost of HEV70
I've seen them sell for around $200-300


EDIT: interesting how Duggeh's views are totally in line with mine

Hey there, sorry to hijack the thread but how does HE60 compare to ESP950?

Put it up for sale on eBay and Head-Fi and see what happens. Stranger things have sold..

I would most definitely get the HE60 either reterminated or get Stax adapter. HE60 actually sounds pretty good out of KGSS, though ultimately, tubes are the way.

While I didn't have the both here at the same time they aren't that far off from one another and the ESP950 is a steal at half the price. I do think that the ESP950 should be modded to fully realize it's potential and the first order of business would be to to remove the damping "screens" in each cup.

I do like the HE60 and I might pick up a new set sometime soon but they are a clear step down from the SR-007, mostly due to the slightly fuzzy imaging and the midrange coloration which is always there. They are very enjoyable and impress a lot more then the more reserved Omegas and I even prefer them to the He90 due to the cleaner bass. Most should be refurbished by now though as the rubber o-ring inside breaks down and that breaks the baffle seal

wow.

i'm suprised someone did that trade. i would consider yourself lucky. the HE60 is very nice, even from the HEV70.

I've done that "refurbishment" already. Any suitably sized and springy elastic band will do.

Good to know, since I will have a ESP950 in my hands soon

As long as it provides the correct amount of pressure and is large enough to fit the groves almost anything will do. The old o-rings can be repaired with super glue and it works wonders since this is stationary.

Replace that cable ASAP!!

Nope. I want to have the nice life time warranty.

HE60 w/ rare blue grills.

WUSS!!!!

I just replaced the earcups and the headband of my HE60, which had been idle for a while. Its almost mint condition now.

I wonder where I could get an adaptor from Sennheiser to Stax, as I am not really keen to recable with a Stax cable or reterminate. Anybody who offers these? I recently aquired a SRM-1 MK2 and would like to give that a try. I had one of these with a Lamda Pro Signature years ago before I switched to the Sennheiser.