[AgentXXL]

 

   
If I remove them and adjust the orientation, they won't lock back into place. That and the built-in 'tilt' of the pads will be slightly off on the left side. Like I said in my original post, these minor esthetics don't bother me too much, but I do know that it does concern others. I can live with the seams slightly out of alignment, especially since I can't see them when I'm wearing the headphones. As long as they sound good, I'll put up with it.
 
Dale

Ah so the seams are not aligned when the actual 3D shapes of the pads are, in that case then yeah there's not much you can do to make it OCD-level perfect.

 
Exactly... I could 're-align' the pads such that the seams lined up but then they wouldn't lock into place and the built-in tilt of the pads would be off on the left side. This would shift the 3D shape of the pads that is designed to orient the cups around your ears and make as close to possible of a comfortable seal. If the tilt is off on one side, there will be a small gap somewhere along the cup face such that it doesn't 'completely' seal. This will definitely change the audio characteristics... I'm not OCD enough to request replacement Focus pads from Hifiman, but I suspect others on here are.
 
Dale

 

[SoAmusing777]

Well, the key thing is that EF-6 was made specifically for the HE-6... Which means that in theory, the synergy should be 100% and thereby the best it can be

Also the amp alone is 1500$

True. True.

 

[AgentXXL]

 

Hmm, you think so eh? Because that guy from before was using an EF6 with both, and the HE-6 came out on top. Maybe he should have pair the 560 with a different amp? Idk what the EF6 is like besides providing a lot of power.

Well, the key thing is that EF-6 was made specifically for the HE-6... Which means that in theory, the synergy should be 100% and thereby the best it can be

Also the amp alone is 1500$

 
I"m going to try the HE-560s with an EF-6 and a Bryston BHA-1, both very powerful amps that are certainly not inexpensive. Like others have mentioned, I expect these amps will increase the bass quantity, but because of the planar design, the extra power will boost all ranges of the 560. I'll hopefully get to the BHA-1 before Friday, but not sure when I'll be able to arrange time with the EF-6. Regardless, they both should be an interesting listen.
 
Dale

 

[conquerator2]

5 - 7 hours away! :rolleyes:

 

[AgentXXL]

5 - 7 hours away!

 
Keep a drool rag handy... 

 
Dale

 

[Headphoner]

Edit.

 

[snejk]

  Sorry for keeping you waiting for so long. We are so sorry for the inconvenience we brought to you. Your order is not shipped yet because the FocusPad-A is in high-demanding while our stock is limited. It is what we have not expected. We have sent a batch of FocusPad-A to our USA warehouse via International Express Mail and we will arrange the US orders at the beginning of next week ASAP.
 

Dale, did you receive this message after contacting Head-Direct or did they send it to you of their own accord? 

 

[tuna47]

I find that a tube amp like the lyr gives the 560 a great sound mellows them out. They are brighter than 500s but not too bright definately not dry

 

[AgentXXL]

 

  Sorry for keeping you waiting for so long. We are so sorry for the inconvenience we brought to you. Your order is not shipped yet because the FocusPad-A is in high-demanding while our stock is limited. It is what we have not expected. We have sent a batch of FocusPad-A to our USA warehouse via International Express Mail and we will arrange the US orders at the beginning of next week ASAP.
 

Dale, did you receive this message after contacting Head-Direct or did they send it to you of their own accord? 

 
They sent it to me on their own, about 45min after I placed my order. I hadn't complained, nor had I thought it had even been processed for shipping. Someone at Head-Direct was pretty quick on the draw...
 
Dale

 

[MattTCG]

Should the seams of the pads be oriented to 6:00?

 

[cute]

  Should the seams of the pads be oriented to 6:00?

Yup!

 

[MattTCG]

Well, if the pads are intended to be oriented at 6, then mine were off somewhat at 10:00. I don't think that this will change the sound much if any. If it does I'll change my impressions post. After changing the orientation of the pads, I saw that there are two very small locking tabs that prevent the pads from be rotated at all. I would say that this is part of the design and that the pads are supposed to be locked into this position. 

 

[cute]

My Focus A pads shipped from the same address where my preorder HE560 was sent, so I assume they are recycling the pads returned on preorder HP.

 

[snejk]

   
They sent it to me on their own, about 45min after I placed my order. I hadn't complained, nor had I thought it had even been processed for shipping. Someone at Head-Direct was pretty quick on the draw...
 
Dale

Thanks. I ordered about the same minute as the info on the A-pads were up here. Payment received but have not received any info on shipment (or lack thereof).

 

[MattTCG]

Correct pad orientation essentially eliminates the issue with my ear touching the dust screen. I'll go back and change that remark. Now I'll need a little time to see if it's changed the sound signature at all.