Latest Thread Images

Featured Sponsor Listings

Hifiman HE1000 Planar Dynamic Headphone

Oct 11, 2015 at 3:43 PM Post #6,436 of 15,179
kapanak said:
How about those of us that do not believe in cable changes (other than appearance and ergonomics reasons)? I believe cable preferences and testing do not belong in headphone threads. It is fine to state your own preference, but the testing and comparison belong elsewhere.
Click to expand...

When I performed my requested review of the HE1000 (beta), as reported in The Official HE1000 Impressions thread, I not only compared it to two other headphones, but also compared its performance with six different amps.

Folks seemed to appreciate the inclusion of different amps in my HE1000 reviews. Are cables different than amps in reviewing headphone performance?
 
Oct 11, 2015 at 3:48 PM Post #6,437 of 15,179
ruthieandjohn said:
When I performed my requested review of the HE1000 (beta), as reported in The Official HE1000 Impressions thread, I not only compared it to two other headphones, but also compared its performance with six different amps.

Folks seemed to appreciate the inclusion of different amps in my HE1000 reviews. Are cables different than amps in reviewing headphone performance?
Click to expand...


Severely different. While telling the difference with amps is hard, it is fairly common to compare amps, especially since orthodynamics have different power requirements than dynamics. Cables, not so much. Once again, cable comparisons belong in an entirely different forum. I suggest you folks drop it before mods come in like they did in the HD800 thread.
 
Oct 11, 2015 at 4:23 PM Post #6,438 of 15,179
kapanak said:
 
How about those of us that do not believe in cable changes (other than appearance and ergonomics reasons)? I believe cable preferences and testing do not belong in headphones threads. It is fine to state your own preference, but the testing and comparison belong elsewhere. And you're selling your HEK, so what do you care? XD
Click to expand...


 
So you would disallow an entire process by someone who said he heard differences in cables and  you would be ok with that same person hearing differences in amps, just because you don't "believe" in cables? If we allow for differences in amps, how are cables any different if people hear differences?
 
Why do I care? It will at least help the new buyer 
biggrin.gif
 
 
Oct 11, 2015 at 4:35 PM Post #6,440 of 15,179
conquerator2 said:
  Better question is why are you selling the HE1000 
biggrin.gif
 
blink.gif
 
frown.gif
Click to expand...

 
 
I listen to a lot of techno/electronic music and the bass slam just doesn't cut it for me. It just doesn't hit as hard and the huge soundstage on it doesn't help. Sounds feel distant. I recently acquired the LFF Enigmas, and haven't been able to put them down since the past 4 days. This is what I was expecting to happen with the HE-1000, but it never really did. They're really good headphones, just not suited for what I listen to. So, they've got to go.
 
Oct 11, 2015 at 4:42 PM Post #6,441 of 15,179
jozurr said:
   
 
I listen to a lot of techno/electronic music and the bass slam just doesn't cut it for me. It just doesn't hit as hard and the huge soundstage on it doesn't help. Sounds feel distant. I recently acquired the LFF Enigmas, and haven't been able to put them down since the past 4 days. This is what I was expecting to happen with the HE-1000, but it never really did. They're really good headphones, just not suited for what I listen to. So, they've got to go.
Click to expand...

Ah, the Enigma is closed as well. I think I know what you mean.
I don't know what your setup is, but as long as you enjoy the Enigmas more, 
beerchug.gif

Pretty sure I wouldn't though, given what the HEK did and hopefully will do for me 
biggrin.gif

 
Oct 11, 2015 at 4:57 PM Post #6,442 of 15,179
conquerator2 said:
  Ah, the Enigma is closed as well. I think I know what you mean.
I don't know what your setup is, but as long as you enjoy the Enigmas more, 
beerchug.gif

Pretty sure I wouldn't though, given what the HEK did and hopefully will do for me 
biggrin.gif
Click to expand...

 
Using the DAC-19 and Gustard H10 and a vintage Sansui receiver (which sounds amazing on all headphones!). The HE-6 out of the speaker taps as well as the headphone out had a much harder bass slam.
 
Basically, want to feel more like in a Berlin club with a Funktion One system than a live jazz concert (some stuff just sounds sublime on the HE-1000. It spoils you. Can't go back to anything else). Just different tastes in music I suppose.
 
You seem pretty stoked about the HE-1000. Hope it comes through to you soon!
 
Oct 11, 2015 at 5:04 PM Post #6,443 of 15,179
jozurr said:
   
Click to expand...

We actually have a similar setup, not entirely, but quite.
Yeah, I am pretty stoked, but there are at least two variables - a] different setup than what I've heard them one and, more importantly, b] sample variation... So I won't know how mine will sound till I receive it :D
Still, wanting to feel like you're in the club, the HE1000 would definitely not be my recommendation for that [I wouldn't say live jazz either, but... something in between :P]... But you can say you owned it 
wink_face.gif
 
 
Oct 11, 2015 at 5:09 PM Post #6,444 of 15,179
I can find you people who will swear the only difference between amps is the power they supply...guess amp talk and comparisons as they relate to the HEK should be banned as well!
 
Oct 11, 2015 at 5:45 PM Post #6,445 of 15,179
Oct 11, 2015 at 6:07 PM Post #6,446 of 15,179
doctorjazz said:
I can find you people who will swear the only difference between amps is the power they supply...guess amp talk and comparisons as they relate to the HEK should be banned as well!
Click to expand...


i am with you on that...people are obsessive with their dogmas...i am a sceptic who like to try...and i like to trust and experience..by myself...if someone express opinion with respect  about different cables
redface.gif
why it must be "verbotten" ? HEK is a revealing headphone certainly and this is interesting to know what it will be revealing for someone about many cables ...
 
Oct 11, 2015 at 7:22 PM Post #6,447 of 15,179
kapanak said:
I'd take the Yggy over the Vega, and I've heard them side by side. Vega is overpriced. It's just a glorified Sabre DAC after all.
Click to expand...


I'd thought the same about sabre DAC's until I heard the Gryphon Kalliope, sabre based DAC but up there with the best easily. It's all about the implementation.

Also I wouldn't write cable comparison off as irrelevant, for those who are open to cable changes it helps them decide on how to get the best out of their headphones. Those who disbelieve in cables can simply skip the segment.
 
Oct 11, 2015 at 7:33 PM Post #6,448 of 15,179
fririce0003 said:
I'd thought the same about sabre DAC's until I heard the Gryphon Kalliope, sabre based DAC but up there with the best easily. It's all about the implementation.

Also I wouldn't write cable comparison off as irrelevant, for those who are open to cable changes it helps them decide on how to get the best out of their headphones. Those who disbelieve in cables can simply skip the segment.
Click to expand...

 
I am not writing off cables completely, I am simply pointing out that a comparison does not belong in this thread, since there is absolutely no subjective or objective way any of us could relate to another person's impressions of CABLES of all things.
 
Oct 11, 2015 at 8:15 PM Post #6,449 of 15,179
this will not be a review of cable.... but a testimony (a subjective one but nevertheless a real one ) of the power of discrimination of the HEK between a bunch of cable... It is necessary to have a high level headphone to discriminate...This is about the Hek and it is necessary to have a systematic and obsessive and talented reviewer,  i think kayandjohn is able to do  this Herculean work ...i will not say more...you decide...
atsmile.gif
But perhaps in another thread about cable it will be more in his place...
 
Oct 11, 2015 at 10:25 PM Post #6,450 of 15,179
                                                                                                         My HE-1000 Review
 
 
 
Equipment:​
 ​
Macbook Retina​
JDS Labs 02​
  
 
 
 
Introduction:
 
I recently took a trip to my ‘local’ headphone store for the purpose of part-exchanging my lcd x’s for another pair of headphones. The store is owned by a very friendly couple named Paul and Wendy and is located in Bedfordshire, England. It’s in the middle of nowhere (which I like) and has quite possibly the best headphone collection and setting the UK has to offer.
 
Though this review my sound more like a plug so far, I feel compelled make the other UK headfi’ers aware of this place, because it is, quite frankly, amazing and the Disney World equivalent for audiophiles. The lay out is perfect, the choice is never-ending, and the listening environment is what most would consider the ideal for testing, comparing and enjoying audio-gear in general.
 
But.. to the point. I was there for a reason and that reason was to pick between the LCD 3’s and the HE-1000. I knew the 3’s well and had been auditioning them not 2 weeks before, so I wanted to spend most of my time with the HE-1000.
 
Once the coffee had been made, the biscuits had been aligned neatly on the white crockery and my laptop had been unpacked and plugged in, it was time to do business.
 
And there they were, the headphones I’d been following since the start of the year - the headphones that were considered to be  ‘game changers’  by the community - the headphones that shook the world! 
 
Ok.. I’m getting carried away.
 

 
 
I was first taken back by the look of them - this is a handsome headphone with a very unique and retro design. They are also incredibly light for a planar; especially when compared to Audeze’s.
 
After the espresso had kicked in and biscuits had not been touched (I don’t eat sugar), I was ready to pick the first song.
 
It was ‘Mmmm Mmmm’ by Crash Test Dummies.
 
No seriously, that was my first song. 
 
Ok stop laughing please.
 
Once it started, amazement quickly followed. I knew this song very well, and had heard it on all of the TOTL headphones - but had never heard it quite like this before. The guitars sounded so nimble, the overall presentation sounded so natural and organic, and voice sounded so effortless. I remember hearing about the HE-1000 from a headfi video, and Jude saying that it sounded like an electrostatic.. And without having this on my mind already prior to listening, this was the very first thing that came to mind. It absolutely sounded like an electrostatic headphone.
 
As the song went on, the more relaxed I became and the more I started to enjoy the music. It quickly changed from me just being there to test something, to me feeling like I was in my living room just enjoying myself.
 
Ok maybe I could have put that a little better…But anyway, I knew I was dealing with something very special.
 
For the sake of the people reading this, I’m going to try and summarise the different characteristics I found with the HE-1000 after the listening to many different songs and genres before this turns into an overly-wordy novel.
 
So..
 
Soundstage/Imaging
 
The best soundstage I’ve ever heard. No hyperbole, no knee-jerk reactions, this is the best and most realistic soundstage I’ve ever heard from a headphone. Not exaggerated like the HD800; it has more width, depth and realism than the 009’s, and at no point lacked intimacy like the Abyss can be guilty of. To my ears it really was close to perfect. The imaging wasn’t as pinpoint as the HD800 but I believe the instrument separation - specifically - was right behind them. A really amazing experience. One of my test songs ‘Bring It On Home’ by C.C Colletti never sounded so good. I actually don't like this version of the song, and think it’s an abomination when compared to the original by Led Zeppelin, but it SOUNDS amazing and is the perfect test to see what headphones are capable of. Though it can be hard to isolate the soundstage and imaging capabilities of headphones - because of the bias you may hold for the overall signature of them - I don’t think I was getting carried away. From all the songs I listened to, at no point did I not enjoy the overall stereo image that the 1000’s gave me.
 
Mid-Range
 
I’m just gonna throw it out there now. I think they are slightly recessed - not massively, but enough to know they are. The mid-range isn’t dull and doesn't make singers sound particularly distant, but I would like it to be a little more forward sounding. The textures in general are something special. Guitars, violins, vocals were really exceptional. They sounded incredibly realistic and seemed to amaze me every time the song decided to change its course. The detail is, imo, on par with the HD800.. And dare I say at times they are more detailed? Maybe my enjoyment was playing a part in this.
 
Treble
 
Polite, never hard, never sharp and never edgy. But after volume changes are made, said characteristics can go from Doctor Jekyll to Mr Hyde in the blink of an eye. I understand this may cause some controversy but I believe it needs to be said. I think the treble is wonderful but can change drastically with volume. I’d heard about Hifiman’s latest offering losing it’s integrity at higher volumes but now I was witnessing it first hand.. And it was on more occasions than I’d hoped.
 
After testing songs ‘Western Eyes’ by Portishead and ‘People Are Srange’ by The Doors (two songs I normally throw into the mix and use to measure the sibilance, or lack of sibilance headphones tend to expose), the HE-1000 treated me worse than I wanted it to. Manageable at normal volumes but crucifying at higher volumes. The longer my listening session went on, the more this problem seemed to rear it’s ugly head. Drums became splashy and trumpets became piercing when I ever decided to give it a little more oomph. This was not a constant thing, and at times when I expected it - during certain violin based music or vocals I would consider to be poorly recorded - it didn’t give me any issues, but it DID exist (to my ears) and I’m surprised more people haven’t made a point of it.
 
Bass
 
Sub-bass in particular, was nothing short of amazing. Something else I’d read about, but something I wasn’t really prepared for. It didn’t reveal itself properly until I started to play drum and bass/dubstep tracks - but when it did, it was exceptional, and seemed to go on forever. A very real feeling bass that was above and beyond anything I had heard previously. Minus the visceral thump on my chest this felt so realistic it was frightening, and made me say ‘oomph’ out-loud on a few occasions. It picked up notes from tracks I’d heard hundreds of times before and had never noticed until now. Some would consider it slightly exaggerated (I might be one of them) but I don’t care; It was the best trait this headphone had - even above the soundstage.
 
The mid-bass to me needed a little more thickness. For genres like drum and bass, hiphop and dubstep it needed to be a little more meaty and as others have said before me - it lacked a bit of impact needed for certain songs - something I loved about the LCD x’s.
 
My Thoughts
 
This headphone made quite an impact on me, and it has made me think about it almost every day since the audition.
 
I ultimately decided to go with the LCD 3f’s as I felt they covered more genres for me - but make no mistake - technically they are in a different league to the 1000’s. Had it not been for the treble issues I had, these would already be in my collection.
 
Closing Notes
 
I’d like to thank Paul and Wendy for putting up with my fickle purchases/decisions and allowing me to visit the shop so many times before making my final decision. The next step might be even more complicated :)
 
For those in the UK that are interested here is the website for HiFi Lounge:
 
http://www.highendheadphones.co.uk
 
 
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 17 (members: 0, guests: 17)
Back
Top