HE-5..initial musings

[gopack87]

I didn't realize how thin the wood casing was. That looks like part of the reason for it splitting.

 

[MikePio]

ouch, well, today I just checked my HE-5's since I am really paranoid about the wood cracking, and guess what???!?!? There is a slight crack next to the screw, it is not that big, actually you can barely see it, but I am just hoping it doesn't spread. This is disappointing, since this seems pretty widespread now... This is kind of a bummer, since for 600 bucks the wood should not crack, I know it can happen, but this many people have reported it, so it must be a design flaw, to thin wood maybe, like already mentioned. The warranty will cover this, though the chances are it might crack again, hope mine does not progress to such a state as BDH's phones (sorry mate)...

so there is some QC issues here...

 

[bdh]

I think eventually he'll need to put a ring of some sort around the wood to reduce tension on it - the wood's natural tension, tension due to temperature and humidity changes, handling tension, etc.

 

[gopack87]

Thanks for reporting this guys, I guess I'll have to pass unless they fix the mentioned issues. I mean, what happens if I or someone accidentally drops these phones?

 

[tim3320070]

I think lemon oil would help the wood? I used to put that on my fretboard of my guitars to keep them from cracking.

 

[champ]

Yes, lemon oil. I put it on my wooden racing shell to protect it from the elements.

 

[wower]

Shame about your phones bdh. Looks like the crack is straight thru. Thanks for the pics tho, it's good info for the thread.

 

[Zoide]

bdh: I'm very sorry for what happened to your cans. I can only hope you can get a speedy replacement, and that the issue stops reappearing. On another note, I noticed you have the Edition 9's as well. As a fellow Ed9/HE-5 owner, how do you think they compare? I posted some initial HE-5 impressions on the last page, and I think I like them more than the Ed9's. Still a bit too soon to say given the low burn-in time and such.

 

[bdh]

I haven't yet compared them directly with the Ed. 9 as I don't listen to the Ed. 9 anymore, but I'm definately sure the HE-5 is more detailed. However, whether the HE-5 can satisfy you long-term for rock music over the Ed. 9 is a question only you can answer, however I think with enough tweeking, I would listen to the HE-5 over the Ed. 9 everytime I could listen to an open can, but time will tell.

 

[smeggy]

damn, that's quite some crack! Looks like he'll need to make the cups a little less snug and use some padding to allow expansion.

 

[Beagle]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikePio /img/forum/go_quote.gif ouch, well, today I just checked my HE-5's since I am really paranoid about the wood cracking, and guess what???!?!? There is a slight crack next to the screw, it is not that big, actually you can barely see it, but I am just hoping it doesn't spread. This is disappointing, since this seems pretty widespread now... This is kind of a bummer, since for 600 bucks the wood should not crack, I know it can happen, but this many people have reported it, so it must be a design flaw, to thin wood maybe, like already mentioned. The warranty will cover this, though the chances are it might crack again, hope mine does not progress to such a state as BDH's phones (sorry mate)... so there is some QC issues here...

Is it possible that these cracks occur in shipping, perhaps handling or change of temperature in aircraft?

I'm wondering if it would be a good idea for HE5 owners to treat the wood with something to keep it on the moist side of brittle.

Quote:

Originally Posted by smeggy /img/forum/go_quote.gif damn, that's quite some crack! Looks like he'll need to make the cups a little less snug and use some padding to allow expansion.

Sounds like you're looking at a Victoria's Secret catalogue!

 

[FrankCooter]

bdh, sorry to hear about your split cup ring. At this time mine have no evidence of cracks after about six weeks. Regardless, I think a design revision is in order.

I'm also a DX-1000 owner and enthusiast. They've been my primary headphones for the past two years, easily besting the RS-1's I used previously.

While not in complete agreement, your comments comparing the HE-5 to the DX-1000 were of great interest to me. The DX-1000 has exellent imaging and sound stage. The bass is among the best of any headphones I've ever heard. But the real strength of this headphone is it's lush, involving mids.I find the oft described "echo" effect a non-issue.

The HE-5 is a more resolving headphone, presenting a great deal of transients, note attack/decay, and lots of micro-detail. It's a very clean, life-like, presentation that in some ways reminds you of an electrostatic. But at the same time, there is a dynamic punch and midrange richness usually associated with a good dynamic. For me, definitely no lack of emotion here.

The HE-5 scales up greatly with more powerful and better quality amplification. Try it on a small, preferably DHT, speaker amp.

In the end I'll dump my RS-1's, But I'll keep both the HE-5 and the DX-1000.

 

[tintin47]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikePio /img/forum/go_quote.gif ouch, well, today I just checked my HE-5's since I am really paranoid about the wood cracking, and guess what???!?!? There is a slight crack next to the screw, it is not that big, actually you can barely see it, but I am just hoping it doesn't spread. This is disappointing, since this seems pretty widespread now... This is kind of a bummer, since for 600 bucks the wood should not crack, I know it can happen, but this many people have reported it, so it must be a design flaw, to thin wood maybe, like already mentioned.

3 is not that many out of probably hundreds of units sold, but I would agree with smeggy that the issue could be pretty easily fixed with some padding and a less snug ring.

 

[mrarroyo]

Sorry to see the picture of your cracked HE5, I hope you get quick resolution.

 

[toprock03]

Hey guys -

Ive now had my HE-5/EF5 combo for about 24 hours and im loving them! Stevie Ray Vaughn in "Tin Pan Alley" is unreal. Anyways Im sad to report a problem already. The felt over the ear cup is already starting to tear, and ive been extremely careful in handling the phones. I'd hate to have to send them back, but I dont see much of an option at this point. Has anyone else had this issue? I'll attempt to include a picture

Thanks in advance,

Adam