HE60 / HEV70

[seacard]

As some of you may remember, I posted my impressions of all the dynamic headphones I've heard a few months ago, and said I was moving on to electrostatics. Conclusions... Those impressions are still good except two: I spent another month or so with the Qualia, and like them less than before, and I spent a lot of time with the HD650s, and like them a lot more. My order would now go:

1. R10
2t. HD650
2t. K701
4. K1000
5. Q010

Anyway, having spent a few months with the 4040 system, the Stax Sigmas, and the Stax Lambda Pros, I was ready to give up and return to a dynamic setup. They were all missing the body and the weight of my favorite dynamic headphones. I sold all 3 of those sets, and just as I was throwing in the towel, I came across a pair of HE60s/HEV70. Why not, I thought.

These have very quickly become my favorite headphone. They still lack the body of the dynamics, but have just enough to keep me happy. On the other hand, the clarity, detail, airiness of these more than makes up for any thinness.

Anyway, I'm considering getting rid of my Balanced Supra (which I love and is probably the best amp I've ever heard) and my dynamic headphones, and going for the ES1.

My only concern is that there are basically three headphones worth considering at this level - HE60, Omega II, and HE90. I also keep seeing people selling the HE90s and going to cheaper setups (jjcha, insomniac within the last month), which makes me think it's just not worth the money to go this route.

Kevin Gilmore also spoke a year ago about a new "king of the hill" electrostatic headphone. Since then, there has been no news about this. Does anybody have any idea what he was talking about?

 

[bperboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by seacard Kevin Gilmore also spoke a year ago about a new "king of the hill" electrostatic headphone. Since then, there has been no news about this. Does anybody have any idea what he was talking about?

Could he have been speaking of the new offering from Sennheiser, whenever that comes? Or a new amp that he was making?

 

[jjcha]

I can't imagine how good the HE60 would sound out of the ES-1. I imagine it would be absolutely fantastic.

I hear what you mean about electrostats lacking a body/fullness you want out of your dynamics. I think that's why I like this SR-X so much as well. It has more presence than the Lambdas, Omega 2, HE90 and Qualia 010 even. I haven't spent enough time with HE60 to say how they compare.

Honestly, if I were still pulling the salary and not a student looking at mortgage payments on the new condo and tons of airline dollars going to spend time with the g/f (she lives in Japan), I would have kept the HE90. Kind of easy to sell now since I haven't listened it enough to really know if I like it or not. Also now that I've got the 010 back after basically a year and a half of loaning it out, it's reconfirmed that it is my sound, so I guess it will do for now.

Seriously, it sounds like you found something nice with the HE60. I'd go for it if I were you, to be honest.

Best,

-Jason

 

[Nomad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bperboy Could he have been speaking of the new offering from Sennheiser, whenever that comes? Or a new amp that he was making?

He wasn't talking about amps, but about an incoming headphone.

It seems Sennheiser is not making pure electrostatic headphones anytime soon.

It could be a new can from Stax. It's about time for Stax to come up with a new flagship, taking a look at their history. There were some rumors several months ago about a new OmegaIII that were false.

I'm afraid only time will tell.

 

[Nomad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by seacard On the other hand, the clarity, detail, airiness of these more than makes up for any thinness.

The HE60 can show some thinness. I wouldn't say the same about the HE90. And it is smoother too.

 

[foo_me]

If you like the HE60/HEV70 combination, you'll probably love the HE60 with the ES1. I've never heard the HE60/HEV70, but it seems that most people think it doesn't take the HE60 to its full potential, while something such as the ES1 could very well do it.

I just got the ES1 and I can't imagine ever giving it up. Everything is just right for me. The only thing I want to do is get more tubes

Given that you know how well Mikhail makes his amps, I don't think it's that much of a gamble to try the ES1.

I also gave up my dynamic setup...Qualia 010, PS1, L3000 to go electrostatic and given the current available dynamic setups...I don't think I'll turn back.

 

[amartignano]

My HE60/HEV70(with improved power supply) is probably my favourite setup ever. Too "hot" in this hot summer, so I'm listening mainly to the Grado Rs1 now... but the electrostat Senns are only waiting some fresh air to rise again

Wonderful headphones, quick and naturally detailed as only electrosat can do, and with enough body to surclass all Lambda and satisfy also dynamic headphone's true lovers (as I am/was). Surprsing dynamic too!

bye
Andrew

 

[tom hankins]

I would think alot of the thin sound of the HE60 can be corrected with the ES-1. I've owned both the HE60/HEV70 and a balanced Singlepower/HD650 combo and really liked the HE60 but not as much as the dynamic combo. However with better amplification (for the HE60)I think it would be a toss up. If the SDS/XLR can turn the HD650 into what it did...I would think the ES-1 would do the same, if not more for the HE60.

 

[Carl]

Although I've been listening mainly to the SR-X lately, the HE60 is still definately my favourite headphone. The Baby O is secure enough in it's own technical competancy that it doesn't need to constantly show off what it can do, rather focusing on musicallity.

 

[babyoh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by amartignano My HE60/HEV70(with improved power supply) is probably my favourite setup ever. bye Andrew

What do you mean by "improved power supply"? What mods have you done to it?

 

[Carl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by a529612 What do you mean by "improved power supply"? What mods have you done to it?

He replaced his wallwart with an external power supply

http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showp...1&postcount=39

 

[babyoh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl He replaced his wallwart with an external power supply http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showp...1&postcount=39

Where can I buy something like that? Don't know much about electronics.