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

[skyline315]

  I just got a pair of these. I powered these out of a chromecast feed to my speaker amplifier (Denon v477).  
 
And I have to say in general I'm disappointed. Not because of these headphones per se, but because I think I'm expecting more out of a headphone than what they may be able to deliver. The problem being listening fatigue.

 
HD650.

 

[DaemonSire]

After much deliberation, I am selling my HE500's.  I want to try out the TH600's and with my LCD2's and ZMF headphones, these aren't getting much head time recently.
 
I didn't think I would end up selling them and may end up with a pair again in the future.
 
Right now, I'm just looking at a local sale so haven't listed here on Head-Fi yet.  But if there are any Canadians around, check it out:
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649203446-hfm-he500/
 
 
If I don't end up selling them locally, I'll post it on the classifieds here as well.

 

[BeatsWork]

  Introducing...
 
The Unauthorized head-fi.org Headphone Toboggan.
 
Headphone too large?  Headphone too heavy?  Headphone too hard?
 
Then this is for you! Fits all head sizes and all headphone sizes.
 

 
Cost:  $299.95. 
 
"You can get better, but you cannot pay more!"
 
Headphone Accessories Inc. Customer Service Motto:  "Headphone Accessories - We're not happy until you're not happy!"

 
Suggesting such device without providing the density of material and spectrographs of resulting frequency absorption is just plain irresponsible. Merino, Smart, Corriedale, Lincoln and Border Leicester have profoundly different characteristics which buyer should be informed and aware of. 

 

[ruthieandjohn]

   
Suggesting such device without providing the density of material and spectrographs of resulting frequency absorption is just plain irresponsible. Merino, Smart, Corriedale, Lincoln and Border Leicester have profoundly different characteristics which buyer should be informed and aware of. 

My apologies for neglecting these important factors.  May I hire you as Technology Director of Headphone Accessories so I don't make such mistakes in the future?
 
Thanks!

 

[Sineira]

  can you elaboratee ?? I am considering a can purchase in the near future and have been looking at he560 and lcd3, was leaning to lcd3, but have recently been reading the 560 thread and saw a few posts that the 560 was pretty comparable to lcd3 this from folks that found the 560 better than the 500
 
myself I love my 500 found them a huge step up from my senn hd650, and have a hard time believeing the so called better cans at double up to 4 times the price offer a SUBSTANTIAL improvement in sound quality
 
I frankly feel like the 500 has to reside very close to the line on the law of diminishing returns

I bought the HE-560s based on listening sessions with the headphones below. I didn't listen to the HE-560 before buying them, I would most likely buy the HE-500s now based on what I know now. They are more dynamic and are resolving music better. Voices, guitars etc sound better as a result.
- Audio Technica W3000
- Hifiman HE-500 (XLR)
- Senheiser HD800
- Beyer Dynamics T1
 
Interesting observation; The HE-500s are dampened a lot. If you put your hand on the outside there won't be a large impact on the sound. If you do the same on the HE-560s there is a huge change in sound. Makes me wonder what mods could be made to the grilles ...

 

[BeatsWork]

 
My apologies for neglecting these important factors.  May I hire you as Technology Director of Headphone Accessories so I don't make such mistakes in the future?
 
Thanks!

 
I am booked solid testing the latest generation of cryogenically treated quantum alignment crystals but I will consider as soon as my schedule clears.
 
 
Cheers

 

[joespride]

Anyone tried sealing the focus pads to the cups ??
 
currently using my focus pads with blue tack holding them to the cups creating a seal between the cups and the pad not hearing a significant difference maybe a perceived boost in sub bass certainly not much I must say so far modding the 500 seems to have taken it to a new level one that makes me feel even more like any new can purchase will be of little gain in SQ and certainly not worth the expense

 

[joespride]

Definite raise in bass impact according to Keb Mo, Thats not Love 

 

[Hansotek]

  Anyone tried sealing the focus pads to the cups ??
 
currently using my focus pads with blue tack holding them to the cups creating a seal between the cups and the pad not hearing a significant difference maybe a perceived boost in sub bass certainly not much I must say so far modding the 500 seems to have taken it to a new level one that makes me feel even more like any new can purchase will be of little gain in SQ and certainly not worth the expense

 
I use a 3/4 front side seal on my FocusPad-A with spacers in the back to create a bass port. I really like the subbass rumble with that setup. 

 

[joespride]

what did you use to seal the pad with ??

 

[BeatsWork]

   
I use a 3/4 front side seal on my FocusPad-A with spacers in the back to create a bass port. I really like the subbass rumble with that setup. 

 
Interesting.  Did you use the original "donut" with locking tabs?  If using blue tack you don't need the locking tab which opens interesting question of what using different material to back cup would have?

 

[Hansotek]

  what did you use to seal the pad with ??

 
Double stick tape.

 

[Hansotek]

 

   
I use a 3/4 front side seal on my FocusPad-A with spacers in the back to create a bass port. I really like the subbass rumble with that setup. 

 
Interesting.  Did you use the original "donut" with locking tabs?  If using blue tack you don't need the locking tab which opens interesting question of what using different material to back cup would have?

 
I use the original tabs as well. You have to lift the pad a bit when you put it on so the tape doesn't stick, and then press down hard to seal it once they are in the right place. One or two pieces of creatology foam for the back vent will still be thin enough for the rear clip to attach in a 3/4 sealed pad mod.
 
If this is confusing, I detailed the process here in steps 4 & 5. http://www.head-fi.org/t/748467/hansotek-s-focuspad-a-mod
 
Pro tip: I really recommend pre-cutting the double stick tape. You'll notice it looks like absolute crap on mine (fortunately, it doesn't show on the outside). Sounds fantastic though.

 

[vlach]

Fail. HE560s brighter than 500s.

Agreed.
I own the HE-500 and 'wanted' to prefer the HE-560 to benefit from increased comfort due to lighter weight. Couldn't do it. Not only is it brighter but it also has slightly more grain, leading to listening fatigue.
By comparison the HE-500 is smoother, has more body, bolder with more depth of tone.
This is my 'own' experience through extensive listening (wanting to prefer the HE-560)...not based on what I read.

 

[spurxiii]

Experimenting with using blutac to attach the focus pads on with 4 pieces per pad. It really really brings out the bass (especially the subbass) but pulls back the mids and extends the highs. Makes them kind of U-shaped and awesome for EDM