[jaker782]

Hi, I would like to offer up my HE-5XX that I literally just received today (serial #00018). I've only opened the box to make sure there are no defects and to snap a few photos. I intended to cancel my order after deciding I didn't need this headphone, but surprisingly received an early shipping notification before I could cancel. I can return it for a refund minus shipping, but figured I'd offer these up here first.

Price includes CONUS shipping and PayPal fees. I am losing some money here, and you'd be saving a few bucks on tax and would get a brand new, unused low serial number unit.

 

[Olumm]

I don't trust any of the reviewers that received them early... what do they sound like?

 

[jaker782]

Well, I've decided not to listen to them, but maybe I should. I literally just opened the box to look at them, take pics, and put them right back in the box.

 

[Olumm]

Well, I've decided not to listen to them, but maybe I should. I literally just opened the box to look at them, take pics, and put them right back in the box.

I think you would be providing a service here if you did... plus I am selfish.

 

[Philimon]

We would like you to listen and say a few words.

 

[jaker782]

We would like you to listen and say a few words.

I suppose I can do that. Stay tuned...

 

[Olumm]

I suppose I can do that. Stay tuned...

Good man. BTW... I am interested.

 

[sennfan83261]

You do know that Drop offers a 30-day "full refund" on these if they are returned in "like new" condition. I hope "full refund" means money back to whatever payment method that you used rather Drop credits, lol.

 

[jim723]

I would be interested in the sound impression too. I also ordered them and cancelled just in time before shipping. I am wondering if I did the right thing.

 

[jaker782]

You do know that Drop offers a 30-day "full refund" on these if they are returned in "like new" condition. I hope "full refund" means money back to whatever payment method that you used rather Drop credits, lol.

I looked at the 'Drop Studio" return policy and it appears I do get a full refund, minus shipping cost so figured I'd just offer them here and cover shipping.

 

[jaker782]

My impressions have been moved to the proper thread here:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/drop-x-hifiman-he-5xx.945708/page-20#post-15957282

 

[sennfan83261]

I looked at the 'Drop Studio" return policy and it appears I do get a full refund, minus shipping cost so figured I'd just offer them here and cover shipping.

I wonder if the "Drop Studio" return policy is transferable. I doubt it. These do have Hifiman's 1-yr warranty according to Drop. I understand that Hifiman allows warranty transfers so long as the original receipt is in possession and from an authorized Hifiman dealer.

Compared to the HE-500 (which I've owned but haven't heard in over a year), the magical midrange just isn't there, not as much "oomph" in the vocal region that I adored so much about the HE-500 (and HD650), just overall thinner sounding in this area. If you are after speed though, this is where the 5XX outshines the 500. The clarity and detail are an improvement for sure. I am hearing a well rounded, neutral tuning overall with a slight bass emphasis. The 5XX actually reminds me of the Sundara with better bass.

Thanks for this early impression.

 

[jaker782]

I've updated my impressions to mention I was listening to them single ended out of my Liquid Platinum. I was running these at around 10am on the dial, which was surprising to me due to the low impedance and high gain of the LP.

 

[Olumm]

Thanks for your thoughts, Jaker. I was sooOOOoooo hoping that Drop would have been able to recreate that magical unicorn that was the HE-500. It sounds like they got close, and even improved on some areas.... but alas... it's just not the same.

 

[Zyoomy]

Have you heard the deva to make a comparison?