I have both the HE-300 and X1. I'm kind of torn with the HE-300 though, it is just not a good all rounder like the X1. I think the bass emphasis on the X1 vs. the mid-centric sound of the HE-300 is the difference.
 
I'll update with more thoughts in a bit.
 
I ended up with more content than I thought so I'm going to create a thread.

Bump.

Hey,
I own the Fidelio x1 and really like them because i can almost listen to everything with them . Im intetested in the he300 because i am looking for an even warmer full sized open headdphone. so my question are they warmer than the x1 and how mush differs treble and bass quantity cause i assume both to be less than the x1?

I got my HE-300's today and I think I can safely say i'm a big fan. When I opened the package I wasn't quite sure what to expect since this is my first experience with a Hifiman product. I must say I was pretty impressed. These cans are really great looking. I love the Hifiman style and had to snap a few pictures. 

 


 

 
 
As to the sound I'm still getting used to it. I mentioned in the other thread (felt removal) that these sounded fantastic and I'm standing by that. I feel like as many have said, they have a slightly warm but still very clear and precise sound. If you do remove the felt it takes the detail resolving to a whole new level but I found it to be a bit fatiguing with poorly recorded music so they were quickly put back to stock. I'm unfortunately limited to my computers on-board sound card and my phone as sources right now. But even with these fairly poor sources the HE-300's sound amazing. They still manage to resolve details and bring out all the subtleties in the music while not becoming edgy or harsh. The bass is powerful but not overwhelming (such as my Sennheiser HD-439's with two ports open). My biggest criticism has got to be the cable. As others have mentioned the microphonics are atrocious. The cable seems to be of very good sonic quality but it is rather rigid and the hard plastic sheathing is what i think lends to the out of control microphonics. It very well could be that it's only a problem some would face but since i'm at my computer while listening when i move the cable rubs against my keyboard, desk, and clothes. Even the slightest brush against something is audible. I may see if I can find something to sheath the cable in to resolve this issue. Other than that I'm an extremely happy camper. I can't wait to upgrade the source and amplification components of the system. I'm sure they will only get better with better components. 

ryant said:

I got my HE-300's today and I think I can safely say i'm a big fan. When I opened the package I wasn't quite sure what to expect since this is my first experience with a Hifiman product. I must say I was pretty impressed. These cans are really great looking. I love the Hifiman style and had to snap a few pictures. 












As to the sound I'm still getting used to it. I mentioned in the other thread (felt removal) that these sounded fantastic and I'm standing by that. I feel like as many have said, they have a slightly warm but still very clear and precise sound. If you do remove the felt it takes the detail resolving to a whole new level but I found it to be a bit fatiguing with poorly recorded music so they were quickly put back to stock. I'm unfortunately limited to my computers on-board sound card and my phone as sources right now. But even with these fairly poor sources the HE-300's sound amazing. They still manage to resolve details and bring out all the subtleties in the music while not becoming edgy or harsh. The bass is powerful but not overwhelming (such as my Sennheiser HD-439's with two ports open). My biggest criticism has got to be the cable. As others have mentioned the microphonics are atrocious. The cable seems to be of very good sonic quality but it is rather rigid and the hard plastic sheathing is what i think lends to the out of control microphonics. It very well could be that it's only a problem some would face but since i'm at my computer while listening when i move the cable rubs against my keyboard, desk, and clothes. Even the slightest brush against something is audible. I may see if I can find something to sheath the cable in to resolve this issue. Other than that I'm an extremely happy camper. I can't wait to upgrade the source and amplification components of the system. I'm sure they will only get better with better components. 

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Were these purchased new? If so, are the silver cups metal or plastic? Another reviewer was saying the cups were metal, but I don't think they are.

Mine were purchased new and I'm certain they are plastic cups. I believe there was one revision that possibly shipped with metal cups but i know that is a bit cloudy as well. Either way these are plastic.

ryant said:

  Mine were purchased new and I'm certain they are plastic cups. I believe there was one revision that possibly shipped with metal cups but i know that is a bit cloudy as well. Either way these are plastic.

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It's always been plastic, just really thick plastic that some might have confused with metal. All Hifiman headphones up to HE6 have had plastic cups. The only time it wasn't plastic was the original HE5 which was of wood.

So guys, is it a bargain at USD149 now? I'm still resisting pulling the trigger since I have a HE-400. But USD149...

georgelai57 said:

So guys, is it a bargain at USD149 now? I'm still resisting pulling the trigger since I have a HE-400. But USD149...

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I'm tempted to buy another pair for no good reason, just because it's a good deal. $200 is a great deal, but I feel $149 is phenomenal!

It is a solid headphone whether you remove the felt or not. I have removed the felt and replaced the material with a thinner fabric. It's a very happy medium.

Overall I'm excited that the HE-300 family will probably be growing thanks to Black Friday.

Bought it 2 days ago! No update on shipping though but I'm hella psyched

thracian said:

Bought it 2 days ago! No update on shipping though but I'm hella psyched

Click to expand...

I think you're going to enjoy them. What are your main cans before these? HE-400?

transformatron said:

I think you're going to enjoy them. What are your main cans before these? HE-400?

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LCD2 AND HE400 :X sold them both though.

Semi-necro bump!
 
 
Received the HE-300s a couple hours ago and have to say I am really diggin' the sound.  I know Hifiman's planars get all the love, but these phones deserve some.
I have listened to the HE-500 (balanced and SE) and they rocked it good.  Love their sound and currently want to sell a few things to get 'em or go for the HE-4.
 
Once I conformed the headband to my head I was ready to roll with the 300s.  Tried both pads, pleather and velour.....velour ftw easily.  No jerg mods.....yet!
 
The mids on these are deliciously sexy indeed!  They're like Ultrasones with vocals....
 
 
Where ya at jerg?????  
 
Have 'em plugged into the NFB-11.32 atm.....Excellent combo!
 
I only have one minor complaint- You need something close to a degree from MIT to swap pads...lol......The four tabs and the plastic rings and I did not become friends....I'm still telling 'em a few choice words....

A year later still kicking!!! Great cans!!!