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

[DivineCurrent]

On the HE-500 I find the Ori to be a very poor match (to me). Increase in the bass, which is not needed, just increases mud in the bass; tamps down on the treble in the lower ranges below where the 500 needs help - want EQ, buy EQ. But the worst thing is the postage stamp sized soundstage. Assuming users have the rear screen off, the Ether Angled will routinely give you 140 degree wide stage on audiophile quality recordings, the Ori by comparison seems to be about 40 degrees. I bought an Ori about 4 years ago and didn't like it, then to be sure I was correct I bought one about 12-14 months ago and tested it quite a bit. Hated it worse.

More fans of the 500, 600, and 6 come out strong for the Ether Angled than the Ori. The 500 is a closed case IMO after 14 pad tests. On the 6* it could be the best, or second best, I haven't done enough testing yet. But so far the Ether is the best I've heard on them.

Just to clarify, these are the Ether pads you’re talking about right? https://www.danclarkaudio.com/catalog/product/view/id/27/s/ether-c-angled-ear-pads/category/92/

 

[ksorota]

Does anyone know if the Ether angled pads are still lambskin, or did they go full protein since the introduction of the Ether 2?

 

[bagwell359]

Dan Clark or MrSpeakers. I have 3 pairs, all lambskin and all bought before onset of DC.

 

[ksorota]

Dan Clark or MrSpeakers. I have 3 pairs, all lambskin and all bought before onset of DC.

How much for a pair

 

[jaker782]

How much for a pair

I cringe at their price, but at least they are cheaper than Focal pads!

 

[ksorota]

I cringe at their price, but at least they are cheaper than Focal pads!

Price is definitely in the high side, but i just confirmed with them that they are in fact still sheepskin on the original ether pads.

 

[bagwell359]

How much for a pair

All in use.... one is old and I stripped the protective layer, and added some foam to make up for flattening over time - not as good, but still useful.

 

[illyria]

I got my Ether Angled pads yesterday after waiting a few weeks for them to get back in stock.

I prefer them to my old Omni pads.

Bass seems a bit cleaner and the soundstage is definitely nicer.

They really do shine on the audiophile tracks. Melissa Menago's album, Little Crimes, is absolutely amazing with.

Thank you for the recommendation, Bagwell.

 

[529128]

I love my HE-500. So much that after I got them I hardly listen to my Sundara anymore. I am now contemplating loading off the Sunny to get something that would complement my HE-500. Thus I am curious to hear what you find is the obvious partner to the HE-500? I have a relatively wide taste of music and listen to almost any genre with the exception of hip-hop, modern r'n'b and classical music.

 

[DivineCurrent]

I love my HE-500. So much that after I got them I hardly listen to my Sundara anymore. I am now contemplating loading off the Sunny to get something that would complement my HE-500. Thus I am curious to hear what you find is the obvious partner to the HE-500? I have a relatively wide taste of music and listen to almost any genre with the exception of hip-hop, modern r'n'b and classical music.

I love the HE-500 too! And my Sundara is also getting zero head time now since I got the 500. I decided to get the Focal Clear a while ago and funny enough, I find it is a wonderful compliment to the HE-500 with Velpads. Even though the Clear is twice the price or more, they are at a similar level in terms of technical performance. But I think the Clear can do what the HE-500 can’t, just like the HE-500 can do what the Clear can’t. The Clear has outstanding dynamics and intensity, with a sense of realism that is unique to that style of dynamic driver headphone. The HE-500 on the other hand has a much wider soundstage that is really immersive with the planar “wall of sound” you can’t get out of the Focal headphones. But if the Clear is out of your budget, the Elex is still very good for half the price, and you still get the same presentation of sound Focals are known for.

 

[descloud]

I am now contemplating loading off the Sunny to get something that would complement my HE-500. Thus I am curious to hear what you find is the obvious partner to the HE-500?

I would give a used HD800 a try and EQ it to your heart's content. It's party trick is still impressive despite being more than a decade old. Detail retrieval and head stage I would still say is a noticeable step up from my HE-500 (modded). The Focal Clear which I had before, has too many similarities with the HE-500 at a price that I think is too much for its acoustics (and maintenance for that matter). The Elex may be the cheaper option to go if you are looking for a similar dynamic driver counterpart for it.

 

[Vaughn]

I love and own the HE-500 (3rd pair), using the Ether angle pads btw. I recently received the Goldplanar GL2000 and so far I'd say it's a great compliment to the 500. Not quite as dark and with better detail retrieval. The 2000 is more resolving but might become fatiguing after a while, I haven't used them long enough to determine. I wouldn't say one is better than the other necessarily but at this point the two definitely suit different moods. Alternately please consider the Ibasso SR2, a fantastic dynamic currently flying well below the radar it seems.

 

[529128]

Thanks for your suggestions!

I decided to get the Focal Clear a while ago and funny enough, I find it is a wonderful compliment to the HE-500 with Velpads.

I have the both the velour and focus pads and I do prefer the velour pads. I have thought about the Clear but have been a bit reluctant as it is a bit out of my obtainable price bracket. The Elex is also receiving a lot of praise so that could be the compromise I am looking for. It’s difficult to get hold of here in Denmark so maybe a 2nd hand Clear is the easier option afterall. How would you say the Clear is different?

I would give a used HD800 a try and EQ it to your heart's content. It's party trick is still impressive despite being more than a decade old. Detail retrieval and head stage I would still say is a noticeable step up from my HE-500 (modded).

Isn’t the HD800 too bright? I am not able to eq unfortunately. I know the HD800 is an audiophile legend. Might give it a try once my local hi-fi joint reopens.

I recently received the Goldplanar GL2000 and so far I'd say it's a great compliment to the 500.

Thanks. Never heard about the Goldplanar. Will do some research.

 

[descloud]

Isn’t the HD800 too bright? I am not able to eq unfortunately. I know the HD800 is an audiophile legend. Might give it a try once my local hi-fi joint reopens.

It would be brighter than the HE-500 yes. But the HE-500 is leaning towards the warmer side of neutral, so the HD800 would be the counterpart for it. I can't tell you if it's "too bright" as we have different sensitivities; some owners find the HD800 stock tuning pleasant to their ears.

 

[529128]

It would be brighter than the HE-500 yes. But the HE-500 is leaning towards the warmer side of neutral, so the HD800 would be the counterpart for it. I can't tell you if it's "too bright" as we have different sensitivities; some owners find the HD800 stock tuning pleasant to their ears.

Thanks. Yes. I realized that asking if it is too bright was a futile question. Sorry. Not a native English speaker
And yes, this could be a match. Whilst I adore the lean, chocolaty tuning of the 500 I sometimes crave for a more articulate, defined and even more airy sound than the Sundara can deliver. So if the HD800/s can deliver that I am keen to check it out.