HifiMAN HE-6 Planar Magnetic Headphone - Page 209

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlawli 

Isn't this a function of the word length (bit depth or resolution) of the digital volume control? So that e.g., if the music were recorded using a 192 khz sampling rate and a 24 bit sample size and the digital volume control uses and 32 bit word length, then there will be no reduction in resolution when volume is < 100%. Does anyone know if the Oppo volume control is analog or digital; and if it is digital, its resolution?

 

Just trying to help with the Volume issues of lost resolution etc etc on lets say the Oppo player.....I found this on the  

Remember I'm no expert and really have not figured out this Digital-vs Analog  Volume Control Issue, about "lowering the Resolution" output!  But as Skylab said and I agree, to me it only stands to reason to keep the source's vol.at 100%......Here's what OPPO says................Item 5)  

1. Improved volume control function for the analog audio output. Volume control was previously implemented using the DSP (Digital Signal Processor). This version utilizes the DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) chips to perform volume control. This change brings the following benefits:
2. Fix for the sub woofer hum that happens when the player's volume is set to less than 100 while outputting SACD in DSD format over HDMI;

• Volume control in DSD mode for SACD. Previously volume control does not work for DSD mode. With this version, all analog audio outputs of the BDP-83SE and the dedicated stereo output of the BDP-83 can apply volume control in DSD mode. (Note: OPPO recommends setting the player's volume at 100 and using the volume control of your amplifier or receiver.)

I'd love to read more from anyone on this Vol.Control Issue..... Even if this question/answer needs to be moved to a different post..........
 

IMO I tend towards leaving the digital data unmolested as much as possible.  In light of Oppos own recommendations, my opinion is not swayed.  Whether or not I cloud pick the difference is up for debate for sure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab 

I'm not sure. I need to find out, although I will leave mine at 100% anyway, very likely.

So far I like the 95 very much though. Sorry to everyone for the OT post.

I have followed the 83SE and 95 threads on avs, and from what I know you should be safe with the 95's volume setting @ 100%

I don't think Oppo can say for sure, the last reply from Oppo that I read posted on avs was don't go below 85%. So until Oppo comes out and say's going below 85% is fine I would suggest to leave the volume setting at 100%.

I would also suggest not to use the bass control or trim levels of the 95, just set your speakers for MC to large and use your possessor for any bass control and don't use DRC.

Also if you are using a HDMI out for video plus analog out for audio and want to play a SACD DSD not PCM turn off your display first and make sure after you start your SACD that the PCM light is off.

I have had zero issues with the headband sliding  or the cables. Everything on my He6 works as I had hoped for. I did have some minor paint issue when mine arrived but covered it with a sharpie. really not noticeable. I did get the shock treatment very mildly only once or twice and does not happen on a frequent basis, The one thing I love is the sound stage and transparency so much so it and my D7000 are the only two cans I now own. I see no others in my future as both keep me smiling. The one thing I love about HiFiman Fang has IMO done more for this community than any other manufacturer. He goes to meets and has consistent loaner programs and is a real asset to headfi. He will return to his homeland and we will only see him twice a year once at a Canjam. He will be missed..

These seem to be the headphones I am looking for from what I've read between the HD800 and the LCD2.  I enjoyed the SA5K more than the PL750 which puts me in the "neutral/bright" camp.  My plan would be to purchase the HE-6 and eventually drive them with a Virtue Two.2 as that seems to be a good value with plenty of power on tap.

The reason for this post though, is to inquire how these headphones work with rock, metal and electronic music since most of the posts are describing jazz, stringed and orchestral music (which isn't to say I don't enjoy, but I'd like the next headphone I purchase at this level, to cover all the bases).  Examples of artists in particular would be: Megadeth (metal), Pendulum(electronic), and Rush(rock).  Opinions on how well they perform these genres would be greatly appreciated.

Comments about the headband sliding are interesting. I'd noticed this but thought I was imagining things.

Good to know nobody was gaslighting me with my stereo.

It's a minor thing. If the sliders weren't so stiff, I'd actually consider it a design feature rather than fault; Since I tend to reposition my headphones frequently while wearing, I'm rarely happy with a default slider position anyway.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfiveeight 

The reason for this post though, is to inquire how these headphones work with rock, metal and electronic music since most of the posts are describing jazz, stringed and orchestral music (which isn't to say I don't enjoy, but I'd like the next headphone I purchase at this level, to cover all the bases).  Examples of artists in particular would be: Megadeth (metal), Pendulum(electronic), and Rush(rock).  Opinions on how well they perform these genres would be greatly appreciated.

I haven't listened to much metal on them, but they might be my favorite headphones for electronica and rock. In fact, I can't think of any genre of music that doesn't sound good on these. There are certainly headphones do better with certain recordings (especially well-recorded acoustic music), but of the few high-end phones I've tried, I haven't heard any yet that are as versatile as the HE-6.

Just found that the HE-6 graph has been publised on Headroom. Now please don't flame the messenger as I take these graphs with several grains of salt. But it does appear that the HE-6s have a spike in the treble similar to the T1s, but over a wider range of higher frequencies.

As well, a musicman59 mentioned that the T1's had more bass impact, and I was a little perplexed...but maybe not anymore. As well, not too dissimilar upon first glance to the HD800s. Please note I have not yet heard the HE-6s.

Just a few more "observations" I've made on the square wave responses:

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacedonianHero 

Just found that the HE-6 graph has been publised on Headroom. Now please don't flame the messenger as I take these graphs with several grains of salt. But it does appear that the HE-6s have a spike in the treble similar to the T1s, but over a wider range of higher frequencies.

 

As well, a musicman59 mentioned that the T1's had more bass impact, and I was a little perplexed...but maybe not anymore. As well, not too dissimilar upon first glance to the HD800s. Please note I have not yet heard the HE-6s.

 

 

 

 

Based solely on that graph, One would expect the HE-6 to have more DEEP bass impact that either the T1 or HD800, and slightly less upper bass impact.  The HE-6 is also amazingly flat through the lower midrange.  All that correlates well with what I hear.

Further, the HE-6 has always struck me as having a slightly elevated treble, and on average it does.  All three headphones have a upper treble peak; which will be most noticeable will depend on the music, listener, and associated gear.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab 

 

Based solely on that graph, One would expect the HE-6 to have more DEEP bass impact that either the T1 or HD800, and slightly less upper bass impact.  The HE-6 is also amazingly flat through the lower midrange.  All that correlates well with what I hear.

 

Further, the HE-6 has always struck me as having a slightly elevated treble, and on average it does.  All three headphones have a upper treble peak; which will be most noticeable will depend on the music, listener, and associated gear.

Now again...several grains of salt here (as I have not yet heard the HE-6s), but the treble between them and the HD800s is quite similar to about 18kHz ish, except that the treble peak on the Sennheiser does start a bit sooner, but it does last a bit longer on the HE-6s.

I was taken a bit by surprise by the square wave responses as well in terms of how similar they compare with the HD800s...and based on visual graphical responses, the LCD-2s still do look like to be the top of the heap. Again...several grains of salt being used on my part with these measurements.

Yes, I personally prefer the spectral balance/FR of the LCD-2 versus the HE-6 (and HD800).  I do think that the farther up any treble peak starts, the less offensive it is, though, so this is likely why I am not bothered by the HE-6 the way I am by the HD800.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab 

I do think that the farther up any treble peak starts, the less offensive it is, though, so this is likely why I am not bothered by the HE-6 the way I am by the HD800.

I guess the T1s fit that bill too with the HE-6s? But it does look  that we're talking about 500Hz ish for the treble peak that starts sooner on the HD800s.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab 

 

Based solely on that graph, One would expect the HE-6 to have more DEEP bass impact that either the T1 or HD800, and slightly less upper bass impact.  The HE-6 is also amazingly flat through the lower midrange.  All that correlates well with what I hear.

 

Further, the HE-6 has always struck me as having a slightly elevated treble, and on average it does.  All three headphones have a upper treble peak; which will be most noticeable will depend on the music, listener, and associated g

Since I am no engineer and take graphs as a grain of salt because if should measure any tube amp you would buy none iif you went by the graphs. That being said there is no offensive treble in the HE6 and sound wise it is IMO above the T1 and HD800 by a wide margin and has better sound stage then the LCD2 with air and space. That being said for people looking  at graphs who like what they have and goo by the measurements to each his own. For me the hE6 is everything I want it to be. If you ever saw tube amp measurements you would buy none and thats the main reason manufactures do not submit to Stereophile. I made my choice and am very happy with mine and as always your ears tell the story for me the HD800 was untolerable and the T1 while very good had less transparency. Transparency is what I crave most with air and space.. I respect everyone opinion andhave never purchased based on graphs it has always been by audition with my gear and  it fits my bill but may not be for everyone. As always YOMV

Interestingly, the HE-6 is the most extended in the very top octave, of those three.  That also correlates well to what I hear.