HiFiman HE-500 (HE as in High End) Proving to be an enjoyable experience in listening.
May 17, 2012 at 5:15 AM Post #1,306 of 20,414
Quote:
 
I've watched the Matrix trilogy which was re-released in Blu-Ray 1080p and 5.1 Surround through my HE-500's.  With no surround virtualizers it sounded just fine.  Obviously not as 5.1/7.1 as my 7.1 Surround which is not an impressive speaker set up (mid-grade consumer speakers) but it was extremely passable and enjoyable to watch the movie that way.  I used to watch a lot of movies with headphones about one or two years ago, using headphones like the AD700 or the DT990.  I like the HE-500 for movies all the same.

 
 
Yeah, its the surround virtualiser that kills the sound. Without it sound is just fine with perfect clarity, just lacks most of the directional cues and sounds coming from left or right side comes from TOO left or right instead of their actual "sound source". Though that latter one can be fixed with Meiers crossfeed device that I own but is not plugged in ATM.
 
May 19, 2012 at 2:09 AM Post #1,307 of 20,414
Hi guys,
 
This is my first post, and after the confusion of listing my gear - I was trying to set up my profile in a meaningful way, and I'm quite certain I'm doing it wrong.  Either way, I have decided to bathe in the koolaid and purchase the following gear:
 
Burson Audio HA-160D DAC
Denon AH-D7000
HiFiMAN HE-500
 
I did not even consider reading these posts from page one.  I started instead at page 80.  Let me know if this is a cardinal sin and feel free to educate me on the rules of the road.  And most importantly, let me know if you are interested in hearing my opinion on the sound of my new toys.  I haven't purchased any type of cabling - I'm going to start with the basics if you can call what I've spent on this gear basic.  I've always loved portable sound.  When I was contracting in Iraq, I obtained my first set of "audiophile" headphones via Beyerdynamic DT-770's.  I've recently had them recabled (by the authorized repair shop) and now the only way they sound decent is if I use my Fiio E17 to tilt the balance far to the left.  But I digress.  I am now contracting in Afghanistan.  I generally spend the 4hrs of free time I have every day listening to music and surfing the net.  But enough about me.  It has been interesting doing the research on this purchase and I'm interested in your opinions.  Look forward to hearing from you.
 
May 19, 2012 at 9:52 AM Post #1,308 of 20,414
I believe you made fine choices, better than most newbies. Head-fi makes people wise 
smile.gif
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May 19, 2012 at 4:52 PM Post #1,309 of 20,414
Quote:
Hi guys,
 
This is my first post, and after the confusion of listing my gear - I was trying to set up my profile in a meaningful way, and I'm quite certain I'm doing it wrong.  Either way, I have decided to bathe in the koolaid and purchase the following gear:
 
Burson Audio HA-160D DAC
Denon AH-D7000
HiFiMAN HE-500
 
I did not even consider reading these posts from page one.  I started instead at page 80.  Let me know if this is a cardinal sin and feel free to educate me on the rules of the road.  And most importantly, let me know if you are interested in hearing my opinion on the sound of my new toys.  I haven't purchased any type of cabling - I'm going to start with the basics if you can call what I've spent on this gear basic.  I've always loved portable sound.  When I was contracting in Iraq, I obtained my first set of "audiophile" headphones via Beyerdynamic DT-770's.  I've recently had them recabled (by the authorized repair shop) and now the only way they sound decent is if I use my Fiio E17 to tilt the balance far to the left.  But I digress.  I am now contracting in Afghanistan.  I generally spend the 4hrs of free time I have every day listening to music and surfing the net.  But enough about me.  It has been interesting doing the research on this purchase and I'm interested in your opinions.  Look forward to hearing from you.

 
Reading only helps when you can't hear things for yourself.  In other words, you're good.
 
May 21, 2012 at 1:19 AM Post #1,312 of 20,414
It's variable, I got mine with the 3.5mm with quarter inch adapter (silver cable too). I wonder if you can ask Fang upon order which you'd prefer
 
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May 21, 2012 at 1:29 AM Post #1,313 of 20,414
Well I just ordered mine a few days ago and got a 1/4 one. Guess I need an adapter.
 
I also have a he300 and when I compared it with my unamped he-500 (with the black he300 canare cable),  the he300 sounded a LOT better.  Does getting an amp really improve the he500 by a drastic difference?
 
May 21, 2012 at 1:31 AM Post #1,314 of 20,414
The answer is absolutely, if you're using the he500's with no amplification whatsoever, you're better off with different headphones. But if you amp it, there's nothing in its price range like it in my opinion.
 
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May 21, 2012 at 1:39 AM Post #1,315 of 20,414
What amp do you guys recommend to use along with them, and If I'm using my laptops soundcard as a dac should I be getting a seperate dac?
I only have about $250 left on me and was thinking about the nfb-12.1 .
 
 
May 21, 2012 at 2:15 AM Post #1,316 of 20,414
how are the mids on the HE-500, think they would be good for rock, or should i keep my RS1i?
 
was thinking of getting them after i saw that RS2 vs HE-500 review.
 
 
i would use WA6-SE.
 
May 21, 2012 at 2:32 AM Post #1,317 of 20,414
The mids are the strongest aspect of the he500's to me. Effortless for vocals and very smooth and enjoyable. It's almost a complete opposite to the RS1's though. They'd have more impact over the rs1 in the lower registers, but it's not as aggressive as the grado's sound. I think it's a better headphone overall, but rock (especially electric guitars) would be better with the rs1's honestly,
 
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May 21, 2012 at 6:50 AM Post #1,318 of 20,414
Quote:
Well I just ordered mine a few days ago and got a 1/4 one. Guess I need an adapter.
 
I also have a he300 and when I compared it with my unamped he-500 (with the black he300 canare cable),  the he300 sounded a LOT better.  Does getting an amp really improve the he500 by a drastic difference?

These two are different. HE-300 have really veiled/recessed treble whereas HE-500 doesn't, both are good with mids its just that HE-300's mids are blurred, same with bass. HE-500 has a very tight bass and detailed mids/heights. Amping improves it to new levels levels. I used to listen to HE-500 on low level with an amp. After a month I increased the level by 15%. The volume wasn't higher but the loudness went up and the headphones became 30% more enjoyable to listen if that makes any sense. With other headphones if I turn volume up they just sound louder.
 
May 21, 2012 at 9:33 AM Post #1,319 of 20,414
Quote:
how are the mids on the HE-500, think they would be good for rock, or should i keep my RS1i?
 
was thinking of getting them after i saw that RS2 vs HE-500 review.
 
 
i would use WA6-SE.

 
 
Bass and midrange are to die for in this headphone. However, if you are looking for similar bite and open sound in upper midrange like Grados have, you may be dissapointed at first as that region is quite mellow (almost veiled until you get used to it) on this headphone. As a Grado-head I was taken by surprise with this new kind of soundsignature. Now that HE500 has been only headphone I have been listening my ears are now used to this new sound. Havent yet dared to try how Grados sound to my ears now.
 
HE-5 clicked with my ears immidietly, so maybe better option for you could be HE-5LE with the foams removed. Just guessing because I havent heard the LE one myself.
 
May 21, 2012 at 5:45 PM Post #1,320 of 20,414
Quote:
What amp do you guys recommend to use along with them, and If I'm using my laptops soundcard as a dac should I be getting a seperate dac?
I only have about $250 left on me and was thinking about the nfb-12.1 .
 


The NFB-12 can drive the HE-500 just fine.  I enjoyed the pairing until I picked up the schiit combo.  For an amp/DAC under $250, NFB-12 is probably your best bet. 
 

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