Hifiman HE-4 Impressions Thread

[MeshuggahFan]

Hello there!
He-4 vs Edition XS?
I can get a used pair pretty cheap. I have read all post i this threat since 2015. But still not sure he-4 will have meaning compared to my XS. I cant own 2 headphones simultaneously

 

[hanouk]

The HE-4 and Edition XS are probably two very different sounding headphones, two different philosophies.

I haven't heard the XS but heard some newer Hifiman models, such as the Arya or Edition X V2. Generally, modern Hifiman headphones (with maybe the exception of the HE-6 SE / V2) are diffuse sounding, with tall soundstage and a relatively good FR.

The HE-4 is brighter than those, but much more dynamic and with better macro-contrast. Staging isnt as spacious, but wide enough for my tastes.

 

[MeshuggahFan]

The HE-4 and Edition XS are probably two very different sounding headphones, two different philosophies.

I haven't heard the XS but heard some newer Hifiman models, such as the Arya or Edition X V2. Generally, modern Hifiman headphones (with maybe the exception of the HE-6 SE / V2) are diffuse sounding, with tall soundstage and a relatively good FR.

The HE-4 is brighter than those, but much more dynamic and with better macro-contrast. Staging isnt as spacious, but wide enough for my tastes.

Thank you for your answer. Can you tell me more about he-4 vs he-6sev2

 

[MeshuggahFan]

I will post a comparasion between he-4 and Edition XS soon

 

[pbui44]

I cannot wait to hear about your HE-4 and Edition XS comparison. By Price comparison, the Adorama Hifiman HE-6SE sold through this specific link is the current successor to the HE-4 and still needs at least a Schiit Magnius or Drop x Darkvoice DV336SE OTL tube amp for it to be properly driven:

https://www.adorama.com/hmhe6sev2.html?emailprice=t

Even then, the HE-6SE still does not have that slight-V-Shaped sound signature that the HE-4 is known to make to create that uniquely awesome planar sub-bass, so you still have a very rare model, indeed.

 

[MeshuggahFan]

Sorry for my english.
Both eq'ed to Harman, cant stand their stock tuning. XS is stock. He-4 has hifiman he400i 2020 pads, custom cable, grills off, star cover ripped (it really crippled the soundstage).
Impact (and dont want to use "punch" becose most people just about the low spectrum). By impact i mean macro contrast: a drum hit, bot just bass drums, also snares, hihats et., a pick on a string, a powerfull sint. Its really important to me and he-4 does really hit. Thats my HiT chart He-4>Ed Xs>hd600>he400i>he400s.
Speed: XS is faster, not by much, but noticeable.
The soundstage is taller on XS, yet deeper and wider on HE-4. Instruments seem larger on ED XS, thats a big plus for me.
Imaging is much better on HE-4, as it displays the music as a sphere around your head, while XS has many hallow zones, which are really disturbing. Instruments movement is more diefined in He-4. Thats really important for me.
Bass: XS goes deeper into subbase. On Bladerunner 2049 soundtrack it vibrates my skull harder. Yet HE-4 mid and high bass packs more punch and visceralylity, it feels more real, thick and pleasant. I prefer He-4's as most music doesnt often go that low so mid and high bass performance is more important.
Mids are more lush, thick and pleasant on ED XS, yet again HE-4 has more contrast so i can really feel the difference between metal scream and soft jazz vocals.
Highs are better on XS, just better. Less grainy, more detailed, smoother yet faster. Miss those highs.
So yes, i sold my ED XS, because Imaging and Macrocontast are so important for me.
Yet i dont feel complete, because i've lost speed. I my country He6sev2 cost 35% more than ananda se, so i am thinking about NaN-6. Its a bit cheaper than He6sev2, has better macrocontrast, as they say and i am really found off the design - a perfect bland of Hifiman, Audeze and Abyss.
I am now a proud He-4 owner, but cant say that they are perfect. A great deal for their price.

 

[bagwell359]

Sorry for my english.
Both eq'ed to Harman, cant stand their stock tuning. XS is stock. He-4 has hifiman he400i 2020 pads, custom cable, grills off, star cover ripped (it really crippled the soundstage).
Impact (and dont want to use "punch" becose most people just about the low spectrum). By impact i mean macro contrast: a drum hit, bot just bass drums, also snares, hihats et., a pick on a string, a powerfull sint. Its really important to me and he-4 does really hit. Thats my HiT chart He-4>Ed Xs>hd600>he400i>he400s.

The HE-4's do have the impact for sure.

Speed: XS is faster, not by much, but noticeable.
The soundstage is taller on XS, yet deeper and wider on HE-4. Instruments seem larger on ED XS, thats a big plus for me.
Imaging is much better on HE-4, as it displays the music as a sphere around your head, while XS has many hallow zones, which are really disturbing. Instruments movement is more diefined in He-4. Thats really important for me.
Bass: XS goes deeper into subbase. On Bladerunner 2049 soundtrack it vibrates my skull harder. Yet HE-4 mid and high bass packs more punch and visceralylity, it feels more real, thick and pleasant. I prefer He-4's as most music doesnt often go that low so mid and high bass performance is more important.
Mids are more lush, thick and pleasant on ED XS, yet again HE-4 has more contrast so i can really feel the difference between metal scream and soft jazz vocals.
Highs are better on XS, just better. Less grainy, more detailed, smoother yet faster. Miss those highs.
So yes, i sold my ED XS, because Imaging and Macrocontast are so important for me.
Yet i dont feel complete, because i've lost speed. I my country He6sev2 cost 35% more than ananda se, so i am thinking about NaN-6. Its a bit cheaper than He6sev2, has better macrocontrast, as they say and i am really found off the design - a perfect bland of Hifiman, Audeze and Abyss.
I am now a proud He-4 owner, but cant say that they are perfect. A great deal for their price.

Yes the treble of the 4 is the issue and it can't really be fixed. But I think you can find a better pad for it.

 

[MeshuggahFan]

Powering them with Marantz 2252B (have it on a loan). Well, my tube poweramp (4.5watt 8 omhs) wasn't powerfull enough for these headphones. Atack definitely improvered. Still find myself missing the TUBE soundstage. 2252B+He-4 is a harsh combo, my cheap tube preamp helps a lot.

 

[pbui44]

Did you try using your tube poweramp as a pre-amp to feed your Marantz 2252B?

 

[MeshuggahFan]

Did you try using your tube poweramp as a pre-amp to feed your Marantz 2252B?

Yes, from tube preamp straight to main input . Sounds much better then aux input. Marantz's preamps eats a lot of detail, atack and imaging.
Oh, sorry, missread. Unfortunateelly, i have this Marantz on a loan from a friend, because my tube poweramp died.

 

[stryker7314]

Okay the SMC connection sucks or there's operator error, either way I always have a hard time getting a dependable connection. Is there a mod service to use 3.5mm or something else. How are yall dealing with this?

Any tips to fix their issues, I twist them a little counterclockwise so they screw on straight and they appear to be tight but the connection is temperamental, is there anything I can tighten to make it connect better?

 

[stryker7314]

Double post.

 

[Fegefeuer]

Where are you located?

 

[stryker7314]

Where are you located?

North Carolina

 

[pbui44]

Call these places for a quote:

https://www.audioexchangeofraleigh.com/

https://www.audioadvice.com/

https://ncstereoman.com/info/category/home/