[purk]

  Having hold to compare both, and having spent some time with V2, I would say the improvement (if any) are marginal at best. The V2 microfibre ear pads are definitely more comfortable (and cooler to wear for longer listening sessions) for guys like me.

The cable upgrade is a joke, and the asking price for the V2 upgrade is $200 too high imo

 
I'm completely opposite actually.  I'm finding the V2 to improve over the soundstage department as well as imaging.  That alone is just worth it to me.  They still sound a tad soft but the soundstage & imaging sure make them to sound more real than ever for me.

 

[Toolman]

Your findings might just be as valid as mine...I do need more quality time with V2 just to be sure, but thus far the V1 sounded mighty fine with me (with the correct cables). So far the ABX time is in less than ideal environment

 

[musicman59]

  If the ear pads don't bother you, then I would say save the money for the upgrade and purchase a proper cable. I found that to be most beneficial for my HEK

I agree. I personally really like them with the Dane Reference or the MIT Vero Reference.

 

[matthewhypolite]

I'm running my V1s with a DHC Spore 4 fusion cable, which offered an improvement for me. I think i just wanna get my hands on the earpads now. 

 

[Kiats]

HE-1000 v2 arrived Friday. Thanks to Jeremy @AV One in Singapore for making the exchange so painless and convenient.

 

[Roybenz]

Nice! Please post impressions

 

[LeeMark]

I posted this in the Amp section but no reply, I have the HEKs and use it off the ALO Panam from my MacBook. This Black Friday I want to upgrade the Amp/Dac and spend no more than 2K.  What do people feel about the WA7 fireflies with the tubed power supply ($1539 with 10% discount) or the Grace m920 (1399 on Massdrop).   I listen to all types of music (except rap/country), either FLAC or through TIDAL. Any and all help appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

 

[purk]

  I posted this in the Amp section but no reply, I have the HEKs and use it off the ALO Panam from my MacBook. This Black Friday I want to upgrade the Amp/Dac and spend no more than 2K.  What do people feel about the WA7 fireflies with the tubed power supply ($1539 with 10% discount) or the Grace m920 (1399 on Massdrop).   I listen to all types of music (except rap/country), either FLAC or through TIDAL. Any and all help appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

Why not getting the GS-X MKII?  That amp should be fantastic for your HEK and many other headphones.  I know that price is a little higher than your budget but that is a spectacular amplifier for it.  You can buy a sourcelater.  I would not get the Grace M920 to drive the HEK because the amp section is too weak for that.

 

[doctorjazz]

I like the MicroZOTL2 driving my HEK v1. Can get it with stock switching power supply for $1100, upgrade to LPS (Linear Tube Audio sells an LPS, or you can get a more expensive one elsewhere) later if you wish.
There is a thread on Head-Fi for it. There is also a thread on ZOTL mods.
My $0.02
http://www.head-fi.org/t/771234/microzotl2-tube-headphone-amp-and-preamp-a-breakthrough-device

 

[LeeMark]

Maybe I didn't make it clear, I wanted a combo amp and dat, just to use n the office.  The GS-X MKII looks great but it is backordered and I still would have to get a DAC, pushing the price to close to 4K.
 

  Why not getting the GS-X MKII?  That amp should be fantastic for your HEK and many other headphones.  I know that price is a little higher than your budget but that is a spectacular amplifier for it.  You can buy a sourcelater.  I would not get the Grace M920 to drive the HEK because the amp section is too weak for that.

I think I was a little unclear, I wanted a combo amp and dac, just to use in the office.  The GS-X MKII looks great but it is backordered and I still would have to get a DAC, pushing the price to close to 4K.

 

[LeeMark]

I like the MicroZOTL2 driving my HEK v1. Can get it with stock switching power supply for $1100, upgrade to LPS (Linear Tube Audio sells an LPS, or you can get a more expensive one elsewhere) later if you wish.
There is a thread on Head-Fi for it. There is also a thread on ZOTL mods.
My $0.02
http://www.head-fi.org/t/771234/microzotl2-tube-headphone-amp-and-preamp-a-breakthrough-device

I have read good things about this with the h HEK, but I still would need a DAC, any suggestions of one that might match well with this?

 

[doctorjazz]

There are so many DAC's out there, probably others can give recommendations that have tried a few (I haven't tried too many). Have been using a Geek Out Signature Edition v1, which sounds really nice to me (haven't compared to the high priced spread, have the CEntrance HiFi M8, sounds much better than that one). There is a V2, and I see them used on the for sale sections at times. LH Labs Pulse is supposed to be nice sounding, but I've read about people having technical difficulties with them, so I'm hesitant to recommend them (and I haven't heard it myself, but I assume it would have a similar house sound), unless you can get a used one at a very good price (they are out there for sale).

 

[MacedonianHero]

  Why not getting the GS-X MKII?  That amp should be fantastic for your HEK and many other headphones.  I know that price is a little higher than your budget but that is a spectacular amplifier for it.  You can buy a sourcelater.  I would not get the Grace M920 to drive the HEK because the amp section is too weak for that.

You said it purk! The GS-X MKII + HE1000 V1 or V2 is a brilliant pairing, but I do prefer the latter for it's improved dynamics!

 

[purk]

  You said it purk! The GS-X MKII + HE1000 V1 or V2 is a brilliant pairing, but I do prefer the latter for it's improved dynamics!

I'm with you all way here.  Love the V2...definitely a better headphones.

 

[Tro95]

Removed. Please see xxx1313's post next.