HifiMAN HE-6 Planar Magnetic Headphone - Page 68

I currently own a pair of DT880's, but will most likely sell them when I order my HE-6's. I try not to buy multiple things for the same purpose. I would love to have 10 pair of headphones, I just don't see the monetary value of it. So yes, I am a 1 headphone guy, which is why I do not care if it is a headphone amp or speaker amp. I have no intention of using it with anything but the HE-6's, now or in the future.

I may later buy some IEM's, but those would just be for portable use.

I am looking for one of those as well because I want to try my Exposure XXV

so far have found this from Moon Audio (same cable as K1000 ?)

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeadphoneAddict 
 and I just need a speaker terminal adapter to try it again with these new HE-6.

I have had great success with Virtue Audio amplifiers (VirtueAudio.com).  They are very small, but output approx. 40 wpc.   As they are T-amps, both positive and negative speaker terminals are actively driven, thus effectively providing a balanced output.   I have owned the Virtue One Classic and now own the Virtue 2.2.   Both drive all of my balanced phones beautifully.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TruBrew

I know that a speaker amp is no longer necessary for these cans, but is is also not a bad idea. Does anyone have suggestions of a very good speaker amp for them. I am guessing it needs to be an integrated amp, so it has volume control. I am not opposed to a headphone amp, I just want to make sure I am getting everything out of them I can. I would like something fully balanced if possible.

Thanks, I will take those into consideration. I am happy with as many suggestions as I can get. If you could explain a point for me. you say that both positive and negative terminals are actively driven. What exactly does that achieve and how does it differ from most amps?

As the XLR pin basing is the same for both the K1000 and the HE-5LE and HE6, the K1000 pigtail can be used for both. It is a very easy DIY project as the XLR connectors have the pins identified by number. It is not necessary to spend big buck for one of these adapters!

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawkhead

I am looking for one of those as well because I want to try my Exposure XXV

 

so far have found this from Moon Audio (same cable as K1000 ?)

 

 

 

 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by DannyB 

 

HE-6 and Ed 10

 

Anyone out there have experience with the HE-6 and the Ultrasone Ed10 regarding similarities and/or differences?

I will offer some when I finally get my Ed 10, but they are not shipping in the USA yet.

Could you tell me which pins go where i.e. left/right +ve and -ve

TIA
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by HiFlight 

 It is a very easy DIY project as the XLR connectors have the pins identified by number. It is not necessary to spend big buck for one of these adapters!

 

Most headphone amplifiers and integrated amplifiers only drive the + lead of the speaker connection.  The negative is a common ground.  In balanced amplifiers (and t-amps) the positive is driven "up" and the negative is driven "down", so to speak.  They negatives are NOT common, thus one cannot use a regular headphone jack with a t-amp, as the common ground presents a dead short between the channels and will likely damage the amp.  The advantage to this type of amplifier is that the output voltage is effectively doubled, resulting in twice the voltage swing of a SE output.   Eliminating the common ground return also improves stability and accuracy of imaging and often a perceptibly larger soundstage.   This can be demonstrated very effectively by listening to a binaural recording played through a balanced amplifier into balanced phones.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by TruBrew 

Thanks, I will take those into consideration. I am happy with as many suggestions as I can get. If you could explain a point for me. you say that both positive and negative terminals are actively driven. What exactly does that achieve and how does it differ from most amps?

Sure....basing is as follows:

Pin 1 = Lt + 

Pin 2 = Lt -

Pin3 = Rt +

Pin4 = Rt -

When making up a connector, it is very helpful to use a cable that has 4 different colors for the 4 internal wires.  Otherwise, check and double-check with an ohmmeter prior to soldering. 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawkhead

Could you tell me which pins go where i.e. left/right +ve and -ve

 

TIA

Thanks I will DIY now
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by HiFlight 

Sure....basing is as follows:

 

Pin 1 = Lt + 

Pin 2 = Lt -

Pin3 = Rt +

Pin4 = Rt -

 

When making up a connector, it is very helpful to use a cable that has 4 different colors for the 4 internal wires.  Otherwise, check and double-check with an ohmmeter prior to soldering. 

 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawkhead

Could you tell me which pins go where i.e. left/right +ve and -ve

 

TIA

All these talk of headphone amps not enough to drive them adequately intrigues me too.  I hope I wouldn't need a pair of 100 pound monoblock ML

amps that can spotweld steel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wuwhere 

All these talk of headphone amps not enough to drive them adequately intrigues me too.  I hope I wouldn't need a pair of 100 pound monoblock ML

amps that can spotweld steel.

To be fair, we haven't had a case of someone using the HE-6 with both a powerful headphone amp and also a speaker amp in the same room, and with the production model, not the prototype. I'm hoping it does get better with a speaker amp, but it may not. It certainly does going from a lower powered (but high enough gain) headphone amp to a higher power headphone amp.

I would love to hear them on my Six Pac mono amps that I modified to balanced with the capacitor supply being all poly and oil caps. One of the best amps I have ever heard but alas, it is in storage 8 thousand miles away. 

You need your own island just to store your audio gear. Need something? Row over and pick it up.

My understanding from all the read is the production is more efficient (?) and easier to drive than the prototype.

However, it (production) still benefits being driven from a loudspeaker amp. And this is the direction I will be going.

A loudspeaker amp would have more headroom than an hp amp.