[Sasaki]

I got HE5LE as a demo for our Tokyo headphones show.

Here is a picture comparison between former HE5.
Click to see larger.

　　　　　　　　　
HE-5LE and HE-5

　　　　　　　　　
HE-5 on the left, HE-5LE on the right

Quick impressions here. HE-5LE is just out of box. HE-5 has some burnt-in already.
HE-5LE sits on my head better. HE-5LE fits contour of my head well.
HE-5LE seems like crisper and more articulate. HE-5 is warmer,more laid-back.
I think the new cable of HE-5LE is richer than HE5 cable. But I can not say further for the difference at this moment.

Anyway both sounded excellent, sharp yet sweet. Very nice headphones.

 

[Zoide]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sasaki /img/forum/go_quote.gif HE-5 is warmer,more laid-back.

Strange, I thought it would be the other way around, with the HE-5LE having tamer highs :S

 

[Nankai]

Run-in is important.

 

[Zoide]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nankai /img/forum/go_quote.gif Run-in is important.

Good point

 

[Sasaki]

I meant laid-back from a feeling like far from the stage. not on highs but general atmosphere of the sounding.
This is a relative comparison being same cable attached(original he5 cable).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoide /img/forum/go_quote.gif Strange, I thought it would be the other way around, with the HE-5LE having tamer highs :S

 

[Zoide]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sasaki /img/forum/go_quote.gif I meant laid-back from a feeling like far from the stage. not on highs but general atmosphere of the sounding. This is a relative comparison being same cable attached(original he5 cable).

What about the "warmer" part?

 

[Sasaki]

My feeling may comes from wooden housing. Again this is only an early impression

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoide /img/forum/go_quote.gif What about the "warmer" part?

 

[Currawong]

I wish I could join you in Tokyo and try both. The HE-5s tended to mellow with use, so I imagine the LEs will do the same.

 

[Sasaki]

Come and join us! I will bring both. Now I am burning-in LE..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Currawong /img/forum/go_quote.gif I wish I could join you in Tokyo and try both. The HE-5s tended to mellow with use, so I imagine the LEs will do the same.