For the past month the HE-60 has taken over my main system connected to the Meridian G08 and KGSS through Bogdan Gold/Silver Spirit XLR cable. The Stax Omega 2 usually has the job of delivering sweet sounds but the HE-60 is busy offering a picture into the music that is unique in the headphone world. Except perhaps, for the HE-90.
Sweet, sweet pile of Orpheus:
The question has intrigued me and I’m sure others as well: Just how close does the “Baby Orpheus” sound when compared to the big daddy HE-90?
I have to start by saying I’m never a fan of applying percentages to compare two different headphones. That is like trying to apply an absolute value to a completely subjective viewpoint. The last 5% of improvement in someone else’s mind may be the difference of a headphone that sounds good and a headphone that totally immerses me into the music. That may be the 5% that takes me there and reaches my goal of total immersion so that I am transplanted into the concert hall along with my favorite band.
I had the lucky opportunity to spend an afternoon with a couple of other Head-Fiers in a small setting to completely focus on high end electrostatic gear. I spent a great amount of time comparing the two Sennheiser electrostats on a variety of amps including the Stax 007t, Headamp KGSS, Singlepower electrostatic prototype, but mostly (and bestly IMO) the HEV-90. Through two different adaptors I was able to hook up the HE-60 to the HEV-90: an HE-60 to Stax adaptor using the Saturn engine wiring harness that we were so lucky that bozebuttons discovered, and a Stax to Fischer (HE-90) adaptor.
The HE-60 and HE-90 share a family resemblance that is unique in the headphone world. Both share inherent traits of speed and clarity of tone combined with a natural sound. The first trait I look for in a headphone is transparency, meaning there is an ability to give the illusion that reproduced instruments are real. The HE-60 is a terrific headphone; certainly among the top for me. The HE-90 builds upon the HE-60 in several key areas to make it as good or better than any headphone ever produced.
I enjoy all types of music, but my reference for evaluating gear is orchestral music. My test CD of choice is a Telarc DSD recording of Schubert “Death and the Maiden” arranged for orchestra by Mahler performed by Rosenkrans and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. I think classical is most appropriate for evaluation since it offers a natural soundstage and is harmonically rich and layered. Plus I enjoy it.
Placing the HE-90 on my head, the most noticeable differentiation to the HE-60 (besides the plush leather headband and soft velvet ear cushions) is the sense of openness. The HE-60 has soundstage width akin to its dynamic brethren – the HD-600 and HD-650, albeit with a better layered and defined sense of space. The HE-90 obliterates the HE-60 in this regard. The HE-90 soundstage is holographic. That is not to say it is speaker like, as I feel the R10 is. It remains intimate yet it immerses me in the concert hall where I can look around to examine different sections of the orchestra at will. Perhaps the larger soundstage is the result of larger diaphragms.
The lineup (notice larger cup and diaphragm on the HE-90):
The next difference I noticed was the nature of tone. That elusive combination of clarity and depth of tone is tackled the HE-90. Midrange is achingly present, while the high end is smooth and clear as can be. In the same situation (particularly with overproduced recordings) the HE-60 can yield a lean or bright sound. Interestingly, the HE-90 is the more forgiving headphone. This is a double edged sword though: with metal like gpalmer’s Megadeth CD, the HE-60 rocks out a bit more and allows more of the distortion through that is part of the metal experience. One may or may not be inclined for such an experience.
Both headphones have coherent bass that is tough to compete with. The HE-90 offers better definition and has more air around bass notes. There were two HE-90s on hand for comparison. One was leaner than the HE-60 in the bass, while the other was about the same in terms of quantity.
I was enjoying the music so much that any other differences that may exist went unnoticed. The differences in soundstage and tone are significant enough to make the differentiation in price worthy of consideration. While the HE-90 paired with the HEV-90 approaches the pinnacle of my goals for music reproduction, the HE-60 offers a glimpse of some of the same magic at a more affordable price. The HE-60 is no Orpheus, but taken on its own is one of the most enjoyable headphones I have had the pleasure of listening to music with.
*Note: I have not listened to the HEV-70 amplifier in over a year and I can’t use mine since I don’t have the proper voltage AC adaptor. All opinions are using HEV-90 and aftermarket amplifiers.
