[bagwell359]

I think the 5k can get a bit annoying with these depending on the track, but better off 5k than 6 or 7k I say. Any vocal sibilance, I hear it in the 5k, like tape stripping sound. That's the only gripe I can think of with the sound.

I don't really get a problem at 5k. Post #18442 in this thread has a number of pads compared and the MrSpeakers Ether C is the top choice. It's about as flat as you can get. Take a shot.

 

[bagwell359]

I got these pads, and tonality changed. The shimmeriness isn't as pronounced as with the Velours. Tonally, shifted warmer with more of ambient effects (attack and decay) inside the cups. Bass has more softness to it as well. Perhaps these characteristics are due to the better seal. Definitely sound warmer, but warmer in a particular way, the tonality became warm compared to sound becoming thicker (which is another kind of warm). Tonality is therefore more natural, but I do like the shimmer of the cymbals better with the velours (that's a characteristic I find so interesting about these, the cymbal and horn energy). It also sounds more focused, and less open (yet again, probably due to better seal). By focused I mean it sounds clearer, but with a more natural tonality (darker). It turned into a jazz friendly headphone (but, not in a sense of livelier horns and cymbals shimmers). It does sound smoother (creamier) overall.

I could see some people preferring this sort of tonality.

Does the dots in the interior dull the highs a bit?

Comfort is much much better.

Velours are good, cost effective, the Ether C Angled is the creme', try it...

 

[SilverEars]

I don't really get a problem at 5k. Post #18442 in this thread has a number of pads compared and the MrSpeakers Ether C is the top choice. It's about as flat as you can get. Take a shot.

With the Focus-A pads, It's not as pronounced. Focus-A seems to dull the peaks.

Velours although better than the pleather, the response still sounds like the drop around 6k (the shrill region), and picks up again as it has the shimmeriness, there is a lowered-ness somewhere in the treble (but doesn't sound dark or un-lively). This is the most different Hifiman I've heard. It's gone toward Audeze without the dipped upper-mids. It has the meaty mids that Hifiman isn't known for. Kinda interesting.

I usually expect Hifiman to generally sound like:

Slight decline in the bass in a straight line, but not roll-off like the Sennheiser HD650 or 600.

Some recession in the mids

Picks up in the upper-mids (making it sound more prominent, and female vocals pops out)

And then slight recession after, and then pick up in the 8-10k somewhere for the airyness.

This one is different.

Then tried the Focus pads (or Focus-A's, not sure which these are) and got more comfort. I was maybe hearing something off in the highs, very much not sure though...

Tonality changed (my impression of the pads, previous posting).

 

[bagwell359]

With the Focus-A pads, It's not as pronounced. Focus-A seems to dull the peaks.

I had 5 different pads on it and the Focus-A were the 2nd best, but a long way down from the Ethers.

Velours although better than the pleather, the response still sounds like the drop around 6k (the shrill region), and picks up again as it has the shimmeriness, there is a lowered-ness somewhere in the treble (but doesn't sound dark or un-lively). This is the most different Hifiman I've heard. It's gone toward Audeze without the dipped upper-mids. It has the meaty mids that Hifiman isn't known for. Kinda interesting.

The 560 I don't like, and I'm not sure I'll like the Ananda. I do like the HEX V2 (but its a lot like a Senn - very pure but lacks the color of the HE-500), Could be my endgame is the HE-600SE.

 

[SilverEars]

The 560 I don't like, and I'm not sure I'll like the Ananda. I do like the HEX V2 (but its a lot like a Senn - very pure but lacks the color of the HE-500), Could be my endgame is the HE-600SE.

This headphone is definitely better than HE560. HE560 doesn't have more resolution either, it has more pronounced highs in the 7k, which I consider a peak (since it sounds unpleasant) which people may mix up with more details.

There is no way Ananda would be like 560. Even looking at it, it doesn't look to be in the same lineage. Ananda should be in the line of HEK.

By what you pay for HE500 used, it outperforms the pricepoint. @Oscar-HiFi was right.

 

[bagwell359]

This headphone is definitely better than HE560. HE560 doesn't have more resolution either, it has more pronounced highs in the 7k, which I consider a peak (since it sounds unpleasant) which people may mix up with more details.

There is no way Ananda would be like 560. Even looking at it, it doesn't look to be in the same lineage. Ananda should be in the line of HEK.

By what you pay for HE500 used, it outperforms the pricepoint. @Oscar-HiFi was right.

I just listed them, didn't mean to imply they are the same (560 v Ananda). I assume the Ananda has less low bass and a spike around 8.9k from the charts compared to the HEX v2 which I like, but its (HEX V2) buttoned up compared to the 500.

I like Sundara better than the 560 - not that they are related, just cheaper. I like my MD 4XX's better than the 560 too.

 

[SilverEars]

I just listed them, didn't mean to imply they are the same (560 v Ananda). I assume the Ananda has less low bass and a spike around 8.9k from the charts compared to the HEX v2 which I like, but its (HEX V2) buttoned up compared to the 500.

I like Sundara better than the 560 - not that they are related, just cheaper. I like my MD 4XX's better than the 560 too.

If 560 didn't have the treble peak, it would be better than Sundara. Tonally, it has more definition actually. I know this based on a track that has rain sounds, and 560 sounded more realistic with more put together tones to the drip sounds, whereas Sundara sounded more abrupt in tonality. It's the overall tonal imbalance (in a macro sense) ruined it for me (due to that peak I mentioned).

 

[bagwell359]

If 560 didn't have the treble peak, it would be better than Sundara. Tonally, it has more definition actually. I know this based on a track that has rain sounds, and 560 sounded more realistic with more put together tones to the drip sounds, whereas Sundara sounded more abrupt in tonality. It's the overall tonal imbalance (in a macro sense) ruined it for me (due to that peak I mentioned).

Certainly the 560 has more def than any 4* HFM or Sundara - but - I hold if you can't listen to it, those details don't matter. i also heard the Sundara and 560 far apart in time and the Sundara was on much better equipment. We could say the 560 would sound very good if it had a very good EQ adjusted properly.

 

[bagwell359]

Really awesome more recent horns album is:

Thurman Green - Dance of the Night Creatures

Sounds amazing. This album has the sound stage and dynamics that all jazz recordings should have. The thing is, it's not on Tidal or any streaming apps.

Thanks. I'll get it.

EDIT ADD: I got it. Wow, the first 3 notes were so extreme in terms of location and clarity for an instant I looked out the window to see who was playing - seriously. Intense quality. Nice music. I did order two more at the same time that had high ratings and decent prices. Some of the really hot recordings go for well over $100 used on Amazon - dang.

Interesting website for audio furniture and some tweeky items - some of which seemed to have some science behind them, and others that were a bit more faith based.

 

[FastAndClean]

What amp is this?

It's a diy project, engineer from Norway is making it, Atrox v2

 

[jaxz]

Switch from Mimby and Ember II to Burson Play-Vivid and now I fallen in love (again) with my HE500s.

Cheers!

 

[ostewart]

Switch from Mimby and Ember II to Burson Play-Vivid and now I fallen in love (again) with my HE500s.

Cheers!

I prefer the V6 Classic with the HE-500, but that's personal preference

 

[jaxz]

I prefer the V6 Classic with the HE-500, but that's personal preference

I can see where the Classic will do better. Specially with brighter phones like the HE-560 and HE-4. $270 for the V6 Classic alone, o well!

 

[bagwell359]

I got a pair of HE-500's two weeks ago and after a few days installed some HM5 sheepskin angled pads. First I tried the original velours, which were quite uncomfortable (but sounded good). Then tried the Focus pads (or Focus-A's, not sure which these are) and got more comfort. I was maybe hearing something off in the highs, very much not sure though... Then I realised the mounting rings come straight off from the pleathers (didn't even try those, I'm feeling discomfort just looking at those shallow things), nice!

It was a bit of a hassle to get the oval and tight HM5 pads over the rings, but I managed eventually. THIS is what I was looking for sound-wise - punchy, deep and present bass without audible anomalies in the other regions. Having LCD-2.1, HD800 (EQ'd) and HD600 to compare to these are some very nice sounding, surprisingly neutral headphones. A slightly sparklier, more fun HD600 with better bass presence, speed and punch. Better soundstage too, I'd say.

That stock silver cable is a horrible joke for an hp of this quality, microphonic & plasticky as hell. What were they thinking? Yeah, it's light, but please put some effort into it.

Good post, any further observations? Thanks

 

[Joong]

If you looking for the creamy high, then he-500 might be the one.
Very tasty highs.