New Hifiman HE-5LE planar magnetic headphone - Page 102

The 5LE need long break-in, IMHO.  They really did not come into their own for me until after 200 hours.  So before you a/b, make sure the 5LE are delivering at full capacity.  : )

Well I just received HE5LE newer version (I think glossy ones are newer) in black box, extra velour pads, extra connectors and 2 cables. HP fit my head perfectly. They are heavy, something like PS1000 but not so looose on head as Grados.

My first impression is "Thank God I didnt take HE500" because they sound so smooth already. I dont want mellower and sweeter sound. For moment I even thought they are some kind of veiled comparing to Beyers but thats because of their signature. Now as they are on my head I feel sound is getting more clear or my brain jus accomodate to changes. Anyway 3 first words coming to my mind while listening is: fantastic balance (better than Beyers which sounded soo balanced vs Denons, much more natural and full sound and great bass from beginning. I hear almost no harsh highs, no accent for that area. Thats why I think it was good idea getting them over HE500. They sound more intimate and less airy than Beyers but we will see how they evaluate in time. Still 2 hours of listening and comparision, which is hard because Beyers after Hifimans sound "compressed" like?:)

Very good news is I have very nice amp for them and I can listen loud/very loud at 11 o clock ( amp operates between 7-17 where Ilisten to 250ohm Beyers at 9 o clock mostly). Still dont have nice source but it will change soon so i expect even more changes for "+".

Once they have more playing hours ill try OCC 7N cable.

Reading this thread, I sort of miss the HE-5LE's needle-sharp treble and accuracy.. =/

I'm basically destined to cycle through HE-500, HE-5LE, and LCD-2 for all my days to come.

Ummm, technical question. How do you strip connector? I cant "open" it. Is there any tutorial for it?:D Or you just have to solder through that window?

Been a while since I've posted. I'm sending my almost two-year-old HE-5LEs back to Head-Direct tomorrow for repair and hoping for a good experience. The right ear cup detached during normal, non-abusive usage. I was a bit surprised to see that the ear cup was attached with  nothing more than a pair of small screws screwed directly into plastic. I contacted Head-Direct and Ms. T said that Head-Direct would repair the out-of-warranty headphones and return them to me for $60.  So off they go. I'll keep everyone posted. 

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I'm a new HE-500 owner but my early impressions have me thinking maybe the 5LE is a better match for my tastes.

Does the HE-5LE use a different driver than the HE-500 or is it simply a matter of different "tuning?"

Do most of you use beefy head amps or speaker taps? If speaker taps, can you direct me someplace for a quick education on them? I have a powerful vintage Carver Receiver that I currently use but I don't know the specs on the headphone jack...

v/r

I use very powerful amp from EarStream, nbew company from Poland. Its called Sonic Pearl and its great and very transparent audio device.

www.head-fi.org/gallery/album/view/id/650635/user_id/55846

Its so powerful that I listen to HE5LE at 9 oclock through CD player and 10-11 is more then loud. My friend uses it with HE6. So I think those speaker amps for Hifimans are exaggerated

Quote:

Originally Posted by palmfish 

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I'm a new HE-500 owner but my early impressions have me thinking maybe the 5LE is a better match for my tastes.

 

Does the HE-5LE use a different driver than the HE-500 or is it simply a matter of different "tuning?"

 

Do most of you use beefy head amps or speaker taps? If speaker taps, can you direct me someplace for a quick education on them? I have a powerful vintage Carver Receiver that I currently use but I don't know the specs on the headphone jack...

 

v/r

HifiMAN revamped the drivers for the 500, with the 500 weighing in at about 25% more than the 5LE.  

Both my dedicated headphone amps, a modified [hybrid] Bada PH-12 and a [ss] KMF, did a more than adequate job with both the 5LE and the 500.  But I did notice better bass control and definition when I drove the 5LE directly from the speaker taps of the Linn Intek integrated.  In some respects I liked the sound of the dedicated amp better than the Linn, and vice versa.  In the end, though, I preferred both the 500 and the 5LE with the KMF.  

The HE-6 needs a bit more than what the KMF can provide.  With the volume knob maxed, the KMF offers moderately adequate listening levels (and enough to demonstrate the 6's superiority in many respects), but more headroom would be better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zibra 

I use very powerful amp from EarStream, nbew company from Poland. Its called Sonic Pearl and its great and very transparent audio device.

 

www.head-fi.org/gallery/album/view/id/650635/user_id/55846

 

Its so powerful that I listen to HE5LE at 9 oclock through CD player and 10-11 is more then loud. My friend uses it with HE6. So I think those speaker amps for Hifimans are exaggerated

Your "friend" uses the HE-6 on what?  I can tell you as an owner of the HE-6, Speaker amps are not exaggerated.  I use duel 300 watt mono blocks for my HE-6 rig.  You have to listen to be in the know.  If you haven't heard you have no idea.

Quote:

Originally Posted by preproman 

 

 

Your "friend" uses the HE-6 on what?  I can tell you as an owner of the HE-6, Speaker amps are not exaggerated.  I use duel 300 watt mono blocks for my HE-6 rig.  You have to listen to be in the know.  If you haven't heard you have no idea.

Jesus are you serious dude? Thats nuts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris_Himself 

Jesus are you serious dude? Thats nuts.

Not nuts - just right..  Really you just got to hear the difference.  I really think the HE-6s are speakers..

I am looking for a pair of Kora Titan monoblocks to drive my HE-6.  : }

Quote:

Originally Posted by pataburd 

I am looking for a pair of Kora Titan monoblocks to drive my HE-6.  : }

Are they Class A?

I'm trying to find out how does Class D amps sound on the HE-6s.