HiFiman HE-500 (HE as in High End) please post your impressions. . loan pair for UK pg. 28. - Page 137

At what point would you say a speaker amp would not be able to be used to power an HE-500?

I don't want to inadvertently damage the HE-500 with my curiosity.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rezolver 

How do you find the amp to sound with male or female vocals? I'm looking for something euphoric, where the vocals sound effortless.

Other amps I've considered are; Mapletree Audio Ear HD, or the WA2. Anything in the range of $0 to $1000.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJG888 

Opera Consonance Cyber 20.

The midrange is extremely open and transparent, and the dynamic range is more than sufficient. Unlike the Lyr and the Sunrise, this is not a hybrid, but a genuine transformer-coupled single-ended valve amp (triode-connected EL84s), delivering a genuine 1W into the HE-500s. One word of caution, though: there is a slight 50Hz hum which is barely audible with the HE-500s, but could become an issue if you intend to use it with IEMs. Also, performance is dramatically boosted by a tube upgrade. I now use a NOS Mullard CV4003 on the input and a pair of Psvane EL84-Ts. The stock tubes are not very good.

I can't think of anything negative to say about this headphone. Let me sleep on it... 

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgs9200m 

I can't think of anything negative to say about this headphone. Let me sleep on it... 

That could be a bit uncomfortable.

Am I the only who finds the pleather pads more comfortable than the velour? Or who can't hear any difference between the two?

Quote:

Originally Posted by pp312 

 

That could be a bit uncomfortable.

 

 

Am I the only who finds the pleather pads more comfortable than the velour? Or who can't hear any difference between the two?

I find the pleather more comfortable as well - less clamping force and not itchy like velour at times and a better fit. The only thing that velour has is on hot days it doesn't sweat up like pleather.

Although I can easily notice a difference in the sound. The velour has more treble, air and bigger soundstage. Bass is relatively the same.

I've been away for a while and guys I'll just say this.  The decware taboo is the best amp I've still heard with the he-500.  I've been using it with speakers as well and it performs to my high expectations.  The speakers I have aren't super amazing but it's relaxing to use speakers when I can and the speakers have a smooth and crystal clear sound. (napa acoustic 87db efficient or something so they dont get all that loud but it's fine for me).  Anyway I can't possibly envision in my mind a better pairing than the taboo and he-500.  I haven't heard any of the monster amps that people recommend, but as far as I am concerned the taboo has amazing neutrality and transperancy beyond any amp I've used(the he-500 adds its touch of signature warmth).  I'm using a mhdt labs havana dac and I've only used a bifrost and some fiio products before that as DACs.  Unfortunately a DAC is the kind of product you can only really try with your own setup but I cannot see how anyone could be unhappy with HE500/Taboo.  Anyway best of luck and keep posting your findings I'll be reading.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Llloyd 

I've been away for a while and guys I'll just say this.  The decware taboo is the best amp I've still heard with the he-500.  I've been using it with speakers as well and it performs to my high expectations.  The speakers I have aren't super amazing but it's relaxing to use speakers when I can and the speakers have a smooth and crystal clear sound. (napa acoustic 87db efficient or something so they dont get all that loud but it's fine for me).  Anyway I can't possibly envision in my mind a better pairing than the taboo and he-500.  I haven't heard any of the monster amps that people recommend, but as far as I am concerned the taboo has amazing neutrality and transperancy beyond any amp I've used(the he-500 adds its touch of signature warmth).  I'm using a mhdt labs havana dac and I've only used a bifrost and some fiio products before that as DACs.  Unfortunately a DAC is the kind of product you can only really try with your own setup but I cannot see how anyone could be unhappy with HE500/Taboo.  Anyway best of luck and keep posting your findings I'll be reading.

decware taboo? never heard that one..interesting...i have a 337 that pairs also very well with my he500 with some different tubes in it....i will check the decware out..its for sure much more expensive then mine...but nevertheless..i will try to listen to one...u never know..maybe one day soon there is a excellent sounding 337 for sale her on headfi

Quote:

Originally Posted by pp312 

 

That could be a bit uncomfortable.

 

 

Am I the only who finds the pleather pads more comfortable than the velour? Or who can't hear any difference between the two?

I find them unlistenable with the pleathers, they ruin the soundstage, image, and cause the bass to flood into the mids.  I do like the comfort better though

Quote:

Originally Posted by LugBug1 

I find them unlistenable with the pleathers, they ruin the soundstage, image, and cause the bass to flood into the mids.  I do like the comfort better though

May I borrow your ears? I can't hear any difference. 

I use the Beyer DT990 pads - they give a warmer more intimate feel to it. Softer than the stock velours. Slighly less deep. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardilla 

I use the Beyer DT990 pads - they give a warmer more intimate feel to it. Softer than the stock velours. Slighly less deep. 

Are they easy to fit? I might give them ago.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pp312 

 

That could be a bit uncomfortable.

 

 

Am I the only who finds the pleather pads more comfortable than the velour? Or who can't hear any difference between the two?

I feel exactly the same about the pleather.  The velour feel harder, the pleather softer.  The pleather create a seal around my ears that I like which the velours don't.  And I don't hear any difference in the sound at all.  My only complaint that applies to both is that they're not deep enough.  Another 1/2 inch would be perfect so that my ears don't make contact with the driver covers.