[seacard]

I have recently discovered how much I enjoy the Hifiman HE1000SE. I love the airy presentation, the detail, the layering, the openness. In fact, I like it just as much as my Susvara.

But I won't be bringing it to work, where I spend a lot of time listening to music. I've always used the HD6XX at work, but after the HE1000, it sounds veiled and congested and distant.

Is there a cheap(er), work-friendly headphone that will offer a similar sound signature? Is that the Sundara? The Edition XS? The Ananda? I'd like to be under $500, if possible.

 

[msing539]

The Edition XS is much closer than the Sundara to what you're looking for.

 

[seacard]

The Edition XS is much closer than the Sundara to what you're looking for.

Is the Ananda even further along? Or a different branch / sound signature?

 

[msing539]

Is the Ananda even further along? Or a different branch / sound signature?

Sorry, I have not heard the Ananda for enough time to compare it against the XS.

 

[helloh3adfi]

You work with open-back headphones? Aren't you your coworkers annoyed?

 

[seacard]

You work with open-back headphones? Aren't you your coworkers annoyed?

Ha ha, I have my own office so open cans are actually better so I can hear knocking on my door. But I don't want to keep anything expensive at work, and certainly nothing major in terms of amps / DAC.

 

[helloh3adfi]

Well then it's ok. Then again how can you hear the door knocking if you play music? They would need to use a battering ram then. The Edition XS should also have a Hifiman house sound, but don't expect this or the Ananda to be comparable to a HE1000. Equalizing could help and if the clamp is too loose, just bend it inwards.

 

[bagwell359]

XS or perhaps a HEX v2 if you can find one that's in good shape and U don't mind used.

 

[msing539]

If you really want to go cheap, there's also the Fidelio X2HR. It's no SE, but for a relatively inexpensive open back, it does a surprising amount well. It's what I use for work.

 

[dunring]

The Hifiman Ananda is my favorite when you figure in price and fun factor. Some headphones I'd leave at work are the Phillips SHP9500, Hifiman HE400i or AKG K371Pro (closed back) to have fun with and not worry about theft too much. Used the Ananda can be gotten around 425-450 on ebay.