HiFiman HE-500 (HE as in High End) Proving to be an enjoyable experience in listening.

[GREQ]

Or perhaps I can get by on the cheap with those similar looking Aliexpress pads? @GREQ

I wouldn't exactly call it "getting by"... personally I think they sound stunning.
Objectively they also measure quite fabulously.
(my HE-500 has a slight driver imbalance, so ignore the 1-2dB variation between L & R channels)


One important thing to note is I'm measuring down to 10hz.
Most other pads I've tested will start rolling off at 25hz.
It's not a huge difference, but for me it's important.
Two other things these pads do is reduce energy around 4kHz a little, and at 9kHz by about 5dB compared to the stock velour pads (and some others).

Other mods include extremely open woven wire mesh grills, fuzzor mod and one layer of Arctic Cotton between the ear pad and the driver to quell treble energy further.

Here you can see the size of the pad in contrast to my HE-400 with some old (and slightly tattered) aftermarket Denon pads (for the old D2000/5000/7000)

 

[457139]

Have you ever tried them with the Audeze vegans? I wish they still made those, because they are still the ultimate pad for 500s imo - I haven't had the desire to buy another hp since.

I haven’t tried the Vegans. I’ve had on ZMF Ovals, Brainwaves Sheepskins, and now the Ether Angled. I didn’t like the Ovals because the mids/highs lost definition/weight, and the Brainwaves were solid, just not as good as what I’m rocking now. bagwell359 is right about the Ethers

 

[SilverEars]

According to the most Sr here the Ether Angled are best overall for HE500. Widest soundstage, deepest soundstage, flattest treble, fairly flat bass, and least warm smudgy sound (arrival time of lows/mids/highs and overtones in best time sync). These pads won't max until rear screen is off/minimized

I need to try your modded HE500 again as the pads does seem to suit the mod.

Unmodded, I took off the grill and didn't like the result. I expected more open or aireyer with a bit more holography to the imaging, but It sounded like the highs were all over the place (imaging suffering, congested imaging), and the bass less tight.

 

[SilverEars]

I wouldn't exactly call it "getting by"... personally I think they sound stunning.
Objectively they also measure quite fabulously.
(my HE-500 has a slight driver imbalance, so ignore the 1-2dB variation between L & R channels)


One important thing to note is I'm measuring down to 10hz.
Most other pads I've tested will start rolling off at 25hz.
It's not a huge difference, but for me it's important.
Two other things these pads do is reduce energy around 4kHz a little, and at 9kHz by about 5dB compared to the stock velour pads (and some others).

Other mods include extremely open woven wire mesh grills, fuzzor mod and one layer of Arctic Cotton between the ear pad and the driver to quell treble energy further.

Here you can see the size of the pad in contrast to my HE-400 with some old (and slightly tattered) aftermarket Denon pads (for the old D2000/5000/7000)

Have you ever measured an HE6? Curious to see how the difference shows up on your rig.

 

[bagwell359]

Well, I've recently reaquired an HE-500 modded with an HE-400i headband which completely fixed the comfort issue that lead me to sell my previous pair. I just added the fuzzor mod, grill mod, and currently have Dekoni hybrid pads installed.



Is it really worth swapping the Dekoni pads for the Ether angled? Or perhaps I can get by on the cheap with those similar looking Aliexpress pads? @GREQ

I should say that it's *my* opinion that the Ether Angeled works best with your style back grill AND that they are less smeared (because of the coverage area is so large). IMO it cuts down the sound from the edges of the driver - which are slower and less time sync'd then that middle. When you first look at them you think no way can these have a wide soundstage - but they do, it's about 215 degrees at best. Together the E A pads and back screen are as important as the fuzzor as key mods. Then the cable (anything almost but that stock crap), then the dynamat (naked). Felt doesn't do much outside of fuzzor but a thin strip I have on those metal bars. Useless on the back - go with the dynamat, really quiets the mid bass/upper bass thickness, makes them snap harder on snares and roto toms, and cuts down amusical sustain on basses - you get much closer to the recording.

I need to try your modded HE500 again as the pads does seem to suit the mod.

Unmodded, I took off the grill and didn't like the result. I expected more open or aireyer with a bit more holography to the imaging, but It sounded like the highs were all over the place (imaging suffering, congested imaging), and the bass less tight.

No problem. See you soon.

 

[SilverEars]

Well, I've recently reaquired an HE-500 modded with an HE-400i headband which completely fixed the comfort issue that lead me to sell my previous pair. I just added the fuzzor mod, grill mod, and currently have Dekoni hybrid pads installed.



Is it really worth swapping the Dekoni pads for the Ether angled? Or perhaps I can get by on the cheap with those similar looking Aliexpress pads? @GREQ

I tried the Dekoni, and I only recall the result with HE6. I found the decay characteristic to be too short, and thus the dynamics decreased. I didn't like the Hifiman Focus pads due to weirdness in the imaging. I do like velour materials as I've been using velpads with both. This is why I'm curious about the Audeze vegan pads (although the materials is different). I don't know why @DekoniAudio doesn't make vegan pads if there are demand for them? They look so damn comfortable as well!

 

[jaker782]

I should say that it's *my* opinion that the Ether Angeled works best with your style back grill AND that they are less smeared (because of the coverage area is so large). IMO it cuts down the sound from the edges of the driver - which are slower and less time sync'd then that middle. When you first look at them you think no way can these have a wide soundstage - but they do, it's about 215 degrees at best. Together the E A pads and back screen are as important as the fuzzor as key mods. Then the cable (anything almost but that stock crap), then the dynamat (naked). Felt doesn't do much outside of fuzzor but a thin strip I have on those metal bars. Useless on the back - go with the dynamat, really quiets the mid bass/upper bass thickness, makes them snap harder on snares and roto toms, and cuts down amusical sustain on basses

I'll likely pick up the Ether pads eventually. About the dynamat, are you saying you apply it to the metal bars across the driver? If you don't mind, a bit more detail on exactly what you have done with it would be great!

 

[bagwell359]

I'll likely pick up the Ether pads eventually. About the dynamat, are you saying you apply it to the metal bars across the driver? If you don't mind, a bit more detail on exactly what you have done with it would be great!

I use felt on the main bar in the center facing inside. the dynamat would foul the cloth, and maybe get on the membrane! Don't do it.

1. fuzzor - many fine descriptions of this step
2. back screen off, I use 1/2" ground cloth (which is metal not cloth); make sure you cut it accurately, and work it so you have a single piece of metal going into each of the retaining holes so they fit well, and make sure you sand them down, and clean them up to avoid any sharps issues (your hands or the membranes) - I spray painted mine black for looks.
3. before you do the final fit of the screens, add the dynamat to the back of the can, along the edge where the membrane mounting plate fits the the headphone body. No need to overdo it or leave any extra in a spot that might touch the membrane.
4. get a copper cable to replace the rancid SPC stock stuff. Hit the jackpot with an old Black Dragon v1, but I'm sure many would be as/nearly as good.
5. install the Ether angled pads - line them up so that the stators look even through the dust fabric, not important per se - but means your pads are lined up vs each other.
6. when not in use store them in a gallon plastic bag or the box - since the rear screen dust protector is gone.
7. Not sure that putting felt on the bar does anything but, there might be a placebo benefit - or more.
8. They like watts, not as greedy as the HE-6, but 2 min, 4 better. They like transistors with quick hard bass (Rag 1 suits them).
9. Oops, forgot: I use the 4XX headband instead of degrading stock one - now on my 4xx.
10. the above mods have lost me some bass under 60 hz. I'm going to work on getting the pads more sealed down to cut leakage and see if that helps.

Honestly modded up this way, they are easier to take then unmodded HE-6, and often sound better, although for mid/high detail and low end eye closing bass the 500 can't compete. But somehow my 500 sounds more coherent. Wish I had fully modded set of HE-6's to find out more.

Tonight they are beating the HEX v2's on everything.

 

[GREQ]

Have you ever measured an HE6? Curious to see how the difference shows up on your rig.

Unfortunately I havn't. Can't measure what I don't own.
Are you looking for a reference point to compare to, or specifically HE-6?

 

[jaker782]

I wouldn't exactly call it "getting by"... personally I think they sound stunning.
Objectively they also measure quite fabulously.
(my HE-500 has a slight driver imbalance, so ignore the 1-2dB variation between L & R channels)


One important thing to note is I'm measuring down to 10hz.
Most other pads I've tested will start rolling off at 25hz.
It's not a huge difference, but for me it's important.
Two other things these pads do is reduce energy around 4kHz a little, and at 9kHz by about 5dB compared to the stock velour pads (and some others).

Other mods include extremely open woven wire mesh grills, fuzzor mod and one layer of Arctic Cotton between the ear pad and the driver to quell treble energy further.

Here you can see the size of the pad in contrast to my HE-400 with some old (and slightly tattered) aftermarket Denon pads (for the old D2000/5000/7000)

Hmmm... while these do follow a similar shape to the Ether pads, I think the pad diameter is a bit too big as it noticeably extends beyond the sides of the cups. I'm not sure I like that. Have you seen these pads by the same seller? They are a hybrid pads closer the dimensions of the Ether pads and made specifically for the HE series:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32876122555.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.26d13c00EWCyQb&mp=1

I just have a hard time pulling the trigger on the Ether pads at $80 plus shipping.

 

[GREQ]

Hmmm... while these do follow a similar shape to the Ether pads, I think the pad diameter is a bit too big as it noticeably extends beyond the sides of the cups. I'm not sure I like that. Have you seen these pads by the same seller? They are a hybrid pads closer the dimensions of the Ether pads and made specifically for the HE series:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32876122555.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.26d13c00EWCyQb&mp=1

I just have a hard time pulling the trigger on the Ether pads at $80 plus shipping.

Those pads you've linked look like the opening is quite a lot smaller than the XXL pads I'm using, and depth is shallower too, so I would expect it to have a different tone and presentation.
They also look very close to 'Hifiman Focus pads' (maybe thicker??), so I can't imagine they work particularly well on the HE-500... they look too thin to me.
Sure, my pads look too big, but they're the best I've tried so far for sound and comfort.
Either way, I'll see about making some measurements of my pads this evening to give you a better idea of all their dimensions.

 

[jaker782]

Those pads you've linked look like the opening is quite a lot smaller than the XXL pads I'm using, and depth is shallower too, so I would expect it to have a different tone and presentation.
They also look very close to 'Hifiman Focus pads' (maybe thicker??), so I can't imagine they work particularly well on the HE-500... they look too thin to me.
Sure, my pads look too big, but they're the best I've tried so far for sound and comfort.
Either way, I'll see about making some measurements of my pads this evening to give you a better idea of all their dimensions.

Greatly appreciated! With the pads being a larger diameter, do they remain secure? I was thinking maybe the HE attachment rings may be too small and the pads could easily slip off? Regardless, at the current sale price, I may give them a shot based on your measurements and recommendation.

 

[GREQ]

Greatly appreciated! With the pads being a larger diameter, do they remain secure? I was thinking maybe the HE attachment rings may be too small and the pads could easily slip off? Regardless, at the current sale price, I may give them a shot based on your measurements and recommendation.

Oddly yes, they actually sit in place better than I expected they ever would. So far I've only had to adjust one ever so slightly, seems like there's a decent amount of friction holding it in place.

 

[SilverEars]

Unfortunately I havn't. Can't measure what I don't own.
Are you looking for a reference point to compare to, or specifically HE-6?

I'm just interested in what different people's measurements show, and the relative difference shown by the measurements on the same rig.

 

[GREQ]

I'm just interested in what different people's measurements show, and the relative difference shown by the measurements on the same rig.

Would a stock Senn HD650 graph help for comparison? (or check my profile for some other cans I own... which I do realize isn't so helpful as a lot of them are vintage).
I'm using a miniDSP E.A.R.S. jig, so it should be fairly consistent with a few other measurement rigs around the interwebz.