A new hifiman

[JediMa70]

Because of my birthday I got also a gift card for Hifman, 300 value. So I would like to know (according to the headphones I own already) which one could be a good choice under for 500 - 700.
I know only the ones I have so I'm really clueless about the other models, like HiFiMAN HE6se but there are more to choose

 

[MindBreak]

Happy Birthday!

Unfortunately I don't have much to add to help you make your decision as I have only owned Arya Stealth and Sundara. The HE6se requires a lot of power to make them sing (or so I am told), and there are various mods for them to tune them even further. If you like to tinker then they might be an interesting addition to your collection.

 

[bagwell359]

Because of my birthday I got also a gift card for Hifman, 300 value. So I would like to know (according to the headphones I own already) which one could be a good choice under for 500 - 700.
I know only the ones I have so I'm really clueless about the other models, like HiFiMAN HE6se but there are more to choose

what music do you like? volume played at? and have you heard headphones other than yours you like a lot?

Since I cannot assume anything so far:

for clarity/bass impact - the HE-6 SE or SE v2 on refurb at the HFM site are quite a deal.

If you like better staging - then one of the long cups. You don't say which Arya you have, so I assume the OG. I find it a bit hot, and like the Arya Stealth better. But for the biggest improvement see if you can find a used HEK Stealth, or hold out for a new one. Very substantial move up IMO.

 

[MindBreak]

what music do you like? volume played at? and have you heard headphones other than yours you like a lot?

Since I cannot assume anything so far:

for clarity/bass impact - the HE-6 SE or SE v2 on refurb at the HFM site are quite a deal.

If you like better staging - then one of the long cups. You don't say which Arya you have, so I assume the OG. I find it a bit hot, and like the Arya Stealth better. But for the biggest improvement see if you can find a used HEK Stealth, or hold out for a new one. Very substantial move up IMO.

3 generations old and Arya Stealth still gets the recommendation.

 

[cfranchi]

Sundara is one of the best tuned planar out there. You can’t go wrong with it, no fancy frequency response or weird sound stage.
If you really want to taste Hifiman egg shape then try Edition XS. With your budget you can have both Sundara and XS.

 

[bagwell359]

I forgot to mention that one should do ones best to hear for themselves. I've owned 14 different HFM headphones, and heard most of the others - so I'm opinionated.

The XS and Sundara both tend to brightness IMO, but if you want two new cans and are willing to use PEQ, than its a viable option.

OTOH, the low bass of the Sundara isn't as good as the 560 or any HE-6. The XS is rougher in the highs than your Arya. IMO of course. They seem sort of a side grade for you.

 

[JediMa70]

what music do you like? volume played at? and have you heard headphones other than yours you like a lot?

Since I cannot assume anything so far:

for clarity/bass impact - the HE-6 SE or SE v2 on refurb at the HFM site are quite a deal.

If you like better staging - then one of the long cups. You don't say which Arya you have, so I assume the OG. I find it a bit hot, and like the Arya Stealth better. But for the biggest improvement see if you can find a used HEK Stealth, or hold out for a new one. Very substantial move up IMO.

Good questions so let me try to answer:
- what music do you like?
I like any kind of music, specially rock, classical, jazz, blues, Celtic, Metal and really many different genres

- and have you heard headphones other than yours you like a lot?
no not really, the ones I heard and liked and I don't own anymore it's because I sold them to upgrade my collection. The one I liked the less were Meze 99 classics (really bad quality bass) and i starting to dislike a lot my Grado, too uncomfortable to wear

- I usually like a good soundstage (which is the only flaw about the HD600 that i truly love for classical music) and a neutral sound but with good imaging and good bass when it's needed.

I own the Arya Stealth

I owned the EDXS that I loved but I sold them to buy the Arya and I'm happy with this choice.

 

[bagwell359]

Good questions so let me try to answer:
- what music do you like?
I like any kind of music, specially rock, classical, jazz, blues, Celtic, Metal and really many different genres

- and have you heard headphones other than yours you like a lot?
no not really, the ones I heard and liked and I don't own anymore it's because I sold them to upgrade my collection. The one I liked the less were Meze 99 classics (really bad quality bass) and i starting to dislike a lot my Grado, too uncomfortable to wear

- I usually like a good soundstage (which is the only flaw about the HD600 that i truly love for classical music) and a neutral sound but with good imaging and good bass when it's needed.

I own the Arya Stealth

I owned the EDXS that I loved but I sold them to buy the Arya and I'm happy with this choice.

Ok, then XS is out.

HE-6 SE images better than the HD-600, but not as well as the Arya Stealth. I believe our tastes in transducers is probably fairly close given what you wrote.

So you use the 600 on the DV I assume, and the Arya on one or all of the SS amps. Are those your two main cans?

I have not heard it yet, but lots of folks going ga ga over the DCA Noire X.

The HFM HEK Stealth if you can reach it.

 

[JediMa70]

Ok, then XS is out.

HE-6 SE images better than the HD-600, but not as well as the Arya Stealth. I believe our tastes in transducers is probably fairly close given what you wrote.

So you use the 600 on the DV I assume, and the Arya on one or all of the SS amps. Are those your two main cans?

I have not heard it yet, but lots of folks going ga ga over the DCA Noire X.

The HFM HEK Stealth if you can reach it.

Yes I think so, same tastes, I use Fiio for fun listening, then Arya and Rx70 (manily the first ) for hi quality music, HD 600 for classical on DV and SMSL, and grado for Metal. The other ones are more random

 

[dunring]

I've got the HE6SE but the Edition XS is the best overall since it doesn't require ampzilla to equalize with a preamp reduction. A Custom Cans firm version support strap adds a lot to the comfort on them.

 

[JediMa70]

I've got the HE6SE but the Edition XS is the best overall since it doesn't require ampzilla to equalize with a preamp reduction. A Custom Cans firm version support strap adds a lot to the comfort on them.

So this basically kills the He6 becasue I already happily replaced the EDXS with Arya ST.