[goldenSHK]

  No worries, I'm not offended, just mildly annoyed to see another rehash of a model number superiority debate. And I'm not going to get into what's subjective or objective. Suffice it to say that I'm not a fan of the popular usage of that distinction.

Not sure what you really mean by your last sentence, but just want to point out that if I'm going to spend near or over 1k for an end game-ish set up, I think the prudent and wise thing to do is get objective facts set straight so the money can be spent in an informed manner. Even if you don't agree with the mode of discussion hopefully you get why it's a necessity for people (like me) to ask these types of "model number superiority" questions. 

 

[stjj89]

To all those who own production pair HE-560s now, is it normal that the wood veneer is not perfectly smooth? Mine's slightly rough here and there, and I notice little bits of unevenness if I look at the veneer very carefully. Is this normal?

 

[Llloyd]

  Not sure what you really mean by your last sentence, but just want to point out that if I'm going to spend near or over 1k for an end game-ish set up, I think the prudent and wise thing to do is get objective facts set straight so the money can be spent in an informed manner. Even if you don't agree with the mode of discussion hopefully you get why it's a necessity for people (like me) to ask these types of "model number superiority" questions. 

 
not sure how many facts exist in the audio world outside of technical specifications which rarely tell much about the headphone. that's why I think he was saying the debate was pointless. Such as reproducing details might actually mean certain details are more forward which in the end can make the music sound much less like music, so the final word is really what details do you desire to be most present?
 
Also the length of average listening session comes into play with many listeners, for a desktop/home user, maybe they listen for 30-60 minutes a night and then they are done so they can handle a more detailed headphone that will have a fatigue effect over that time.  Maybe you want to wear your headphones all day and that sort of thing will wear you down heavily or you have a sensitivity.  Where do facts play in all of these little things? Well, that's where we rely on impressions and why head fi exists but as far as facts go, they haven't got me very far in the audio world.
 
Model superiority, well, It's a valid question and one that people are definitely going to ask. Is the 560 like the 500 only better? That was the first question on everyone's mind when the phone was announced. I personally will not purchase another hifiman until the change the stupid connector.
 

Spoiler: rant about terrible hifiman connectors

I've broken 2 stock hifiman cables(the second one in under a week, was probably broken out of the box) and 2 aftermarket cables because of this, the best connector in the world. I now use the Q audio adaptor so that I can efficiently deal with this problem. I recommend a hardwire. FANG if you are reading this you better get your butt in gear with some new connectors or some extreme bulk cable that will never break. How is the stock 560 cable btw, I noticed they changed it.
 
ok will post again in another 6 months will casually read until that point. good luck finding some objective facts outside of FR and db sensitivity.

 

[conquerator2]

Is anybody who preordered / ordered from somewhere else than head-direct getting their headphones?

Preordered from Stereodesk... Still waiting :mad:

 

[tin427]

Is anybody who preordered / ordered from somewhere else than head-direct getting their headphones?

Preordered from Stereodesk... Still waiting :mad:

Got mine from local store in hk.

 

[nigeljames]

I have not heard the HE-560's but IMO the HE-6's have amazing bass punch and impact and excellent speed.
 
These are two areas that will suffer if not amped properly.

 

[conquerator2]

I trust Clem's judgment. If he says the 560 wins at imaging, speed, bass and possibly soundstage width, it is so.

 

[nigeljames]

I prefer to listen with my own hears before I make judgements. The HE-6 are still the Hifiman flagship.
 
I don't know what amps Clem has tried the HE-6's on but I see he has the EF-6 which does lack speed and bass impact compared to Master-6.

 

[conquerator2]

I am not questioning that status. But that doesn't mean it wins in every single category

 

[nigeljames]

I am not questioning that status. But that doesn't mean it wins in every single category

 
I agree there but as I consider that bass control, punch/impact and speed amongst the best attributes of the HE-6 (when amped well, which means not the EF-6 IMO) it's hard to fathom why anyone would say they are lacking in any way in those areas.
 
Now imaging and sound staging, good but not the real strengths of the HE6-'s, are another matter.

 

[preproman]

I trust Clem enough atleast to try it for my self.  He knows what he's talking about..  
 
Sell me that Ciunas...

 

 

[AgentXXL]

Is anybody who preordered / ordered from somewhere else than head-direct getting their headphones?

Preordered from Stereodesk... Still waiting

 
I'm still waiting for mine that were pre-ordered from Moon Audio. I talked to Drew about the delay and he indicated that they expect delivery of their dealer order this week. As soon as they receive them, they will be filling the backorders - I wasn't in a hurry so I chose ground shipping, i.e. I'm not expecting mine until mid-July at the earliest. I suspect it's similar for most other dealers.
 
Dale

 

[davidsh]

  Get over the mandatory hierarchical organization of headphones. It took several meets and owning several dozen headphones for me to learn that it is all about taste. Many claim that the HE-6 is at the top of the heap, well after having had a few chances to listen to it and compare it back and forth with others I've found that I prefer the HE-500. Similarly I'm not alone in thinking that the LCD-2 is overall a better headphone than the LCD-3. My top favorite is still the Orpheus while for others it might be an HD800 or even (god forbid) some beyerdynamic tesla-majig.
 
Honestly once you get past obvious budgetary constraints it is any phone's game. It's more about the nuance of the listening experience, which headphone allows you to get closest to your notion of musical nirvana.

I agree with you completely. Preference is 70%, performance 30% at TOTL prices or something like that IMO.

 

[TeamHiFiMAN]

Hi,
We have started the process of shipping HE-560 to US pre-order customers last week, and dealer shipping should start this week.
So just sit tight for one or two more weeks. We are almost there.
I promise that you won't regret it. In fact just received an email from Jude the other day, and he was totally blown away.

 

[Rudiger]

At last ! Good news