Amazing and Dynamic HE6
Apr 4, 2012 at 2:48 AM Post #271 of 334
Big difference between 5 watts class A over Class AB for driving the HE-6 so you cannot compare the EF-6 with Lyr.
 
5 watts of class AB just doesn't do it.
 
Apr 4, 2012 at 10:07 AM Post #272 of 334
Quote:
Big difference between 5 watts class A over Class AB for driving the HE-6 so you cannot compare the EF-6 with Lyr.
 
5 watts of class AB just doesn't do it.


Also the Lyr doesn't output 5W, but "only" 4W into 50 Ohms IIRC.
 
 
Apr 4, 2012 at 10:20 AM Post #273 of 334
Quote:
I didn't like the Lyr with the HE-6, that was one of the amps that I tried. But it might not have been a power issue as much as other factors. Yes, I did use upgraded tubes.


I know you used upgraded tubes.  I'm the one who bought them when you sold the amp. 
biggrin.gif

 
Definitely true that the Lyr puts about 4w into 50 ohms, and probably goes from Class A into push-pull Class A/B after 1w, but all I commented on was the ability of the Lyr to drive the HE-6 plenty loud.  I'd agree with Grokit, it didn't sound anywhere nearly as good as it does now on my integrated amp, but it wasn't a bad bet for $450.  I'm sure the Mjolnir will do a better job driving the HE-6 than the Lyr did, but we obviously won't know how it'll sound until it's manufactured.  The EF6 with 5w Class A does quite a good job.
 
Apr 4, 2012 at 6:51 PM Post #274 of 334
I agree, I think the Mjolnir will be a good bet for the HE-6.

But of course the proof will be in the pudding.
 
Apr 5, 2012 at 12:44 AM Post #276 of 334
I agree Frank but didn't want to sound Krazy suggesting speaker amp power. I"m running about 35w per channel at 50 ohms but don't use all of it. The headroom the extra power gives keeps everything quiet and dynamic.
 
Apr 5, 2012 at 7:17 PM Post #278 of 334
Quote:
so i should get a speaker amp then, what speaker amp/amps do you think is a good match?


If you want cheap amplification, get a vintage speaker amp or a T-amp.  The Audiokarma forums are a good place to look for vintage speaker amp information.
 
If you're looking to spend a few kilobucks, you can get a good integrated amp from pretty much any company.
 
Apr 6, 2012 at 8:14 PM Post #279 of 334
Or a pro-audio speaker amp, my Alesis RA150 is made for powering near-field monitors in a recording studio and matches up quite well with the HE-6. It has balanced and SE inputs, and can be found for $150 - $200 new.
 
Apr 8, 2012 at 5:30 PM Post #280 of 334
There are so many amps. Budget would be a better question. There are a few threads commenting on the power needs of the HE-6.

The cans are planars and will suck a normal power supply dry and still have needs. A quality built amp with a hefty power supply is more important than the amount of watts. A high current amp will do well with these. Many have been using 70s-90s vintage receivers. The drawback in that route is the need to have the capacitors replaced as the punch and fine details will be impacted by lesser performing caps.


http://www.head-fi.org/t/529873/amps-that-can-drive-the-hifiman-he-6-planar-headphones
 
Apr 20, 2012 at 4:42 PM Post #281 of 334
I just bought a pair of HE-6s and I'm hoping to tap into the collective knowledge of the Head-Fi community:
 
1. Anyone have any idea whether the Trends TA-10.2SE speaker amp can adequately power the HE-6s? I note that it does
 
2 x 15W @ 4ohm
2 x 10W @ 8ohm
 
If you assume halving of wattage from there on out, it would imply something like 1.25W at 50 Ohms, maybe a bit more. Is there any sort of consensus on what the HE-6 really need to shine?
 
2. When I bought my used HE-500s, they came with a short cable that was bare wires on one end, and a female 4-pin XLR on the other. I assume this is for connecting the HE-500s (or HE-6s) to speaker amp output terminals. Can I just do that directly? Or do I have to use the HiFiMAN HE Adapter? I assume the HE adapter is more for use with high-power amps, is that right? If not, then I don't understand the point of the lead that came with my HE-500s, which looks like a genuine HiFiMAN product. Since it has a 4-pin Female XLR jack on one end, and speaker terminals on the other, I don't see how you would use that with the cable I have (bare wires with female XLR). What does the HE adapter actually do?
 
Any input would be appreciated!
 
Apr 20, 2012 at 7:24 PM Post #282 of 334
 
Quote:
I just bought a pair of HE-6s and I'm hoping to tap into the collective knowledge of the Head-Fi community:
 
1. Anyone have any idea whether the Trends TA-10.2SE speaker amp can adequately power the HE-6s? I note that it does
 
2 x 15W @ 4ohm
2 x 10W @ 8ohm
 
If you assume halving of wattage from there on out, it would imply something like 1.25W at 50 Ohms, maybe a bit more. Is there any sort of consensus on what the HE-6 really need to shine?
 
2. When I bought my used HE-500s, they came with a short cable that was bare wires on one end, and a female 4-pin XLR on the other. I assume this is for connecting the HE-500s (or HE-6s) to speaker amp output terminals. Can I just do that directly? Or do I have to use the HiFiMAN HE Adapter? I assume the HE adapter is more for use with high-power amps, is that right? If not, then I don't understand the point of the lead that came with my HE-500s, which looks like a genuine HiFiMAN product. Since it has a 4-pin Female XLR jack on one end, and speaker terminals on the other, I don't see how you would use that with the cable I have (bare wires with female XLR). What does the HE adapter actually do?
 
Any input would be appreciated!

 
 
IMO you need at least 4 to 5 watts in 50 ohms to really make them shine. IMO you need minimum 25 to 30 watts at 8 ohms. I ran them with a Pass Labs 30 watts at 8 ohms and they sounded great.
The adapter is recommended when you are using an amplifier of 80 watts/ch or more. Below 80 watts you don't need the adapter.
 
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Apr 20, 2012 at 9:22 PM Post #285 of 334
Are you sure it has balanced inputs ?
Quote:
Or a pro-audio speaker amp, my Alesis RA150 is made for powering near-field monitors in a recording studio and matches up quite well with the HE-6. It has balanced and SE inputs, and can be found for $150 - $200 new.

 
 
 

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