[jerg]

This new cable is great though, the fabric makes it feel a lot better than the rubber sleeving before.

 

[tinyman392]

  This new cable is great though, the fabric makes it feel a lot better than the rubber sleeving before.

 
It's much better than the rubber sleeving. 

 

[jerg]

It's becoming clear that in terms of body (or overall substantial/weighty feeling of planars), rev1 is the weightiest, to the point of sounding a bit flabby almost; rev2 is fairly weighty but not as much as rev1 (this is where others before me have mentioned, how rev2 sounds "lighter"), and the test prototype is the least weighty, by a fair margin.
 
It's interesting though, because the test prototype sounds quite ethereal compared to the two production units, probably the most 'stat-like in that regard. But in terms of treble smoothness it isn't quite on par.

 

[tinyman392]

  Just got home about 20 mins ago, earliest listening impressions of the rev2 HE560s vs test prototype HE560s is that the production unit is much more linear in the upper midrange (test HE560 is more recessed and almost HE400-like in that regard). It also has a slightly softer treble compared to the test prototype.
 
Comparing to rev1 (preorder) HE560 I still have on-hand, the rev2 definitely sounds less mushy/closed-in, whether it be due to the enclosure change or the pad change or a combination I don't know yet, but that is an immediate distinction I pick up.
 
I have to say though, I find the test prototype earpads just as comfortable (if not moreso) compared to the latest earpads. Edit: I definitely find the test prototype earpads more comfortable, no questions; the newer earpads have bigger opening circumferences, but no real estate under the opening; the older-style earpads sort of curve in under and have more space for the ears to wedge in. This is what you guys get for complaining without real basis.

 
The older pads, from memory did seem a little softer, and yes, the complaining about the pads without real basis was uncalled for. 

 

[tinyman392]

Some nice pictures...  And a closer look at the wood as well somewhere in here.
 

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[fengwei007]

I have to say though, I find the test prototype earpads just as comfortable (if not moreso) compared to the latest earpads. Edit: I definitely find the test prototype earpads more comfortable, no questions; the newer earpads have bigger opening circumferences, but no real estate under the opening; the older-style earpads sort of curve in under and have more space for the ears to wedge in. This is what you guys get for complaining without real basis.

Hmm, the earpads we got w the production version are exactly the same as the preorder ones. I guess you guys in the US got what you "wanted"?

Listened to them for over 2 hours last night w/o Aircon, I didn't feel it's very hot or not comfortable. I'd say the earpads did an excellent job here, very comfy and not get hot easily. The sound is amazing w the new WA7 amp I just bought yesterday.

 

[tinyman392]

Hmm, the earpads we got w the production version are exactly the same as the preorder ones. I guess you guys in the US got what you "wanted"?

Listened to them for over 2 hours last night w/o Aircon, I didn't feel it's very hot or not comfortable. I'd say the earpads did an excellent job here, very comfy and not get hot easily. The sound is amazing w the new WA7 amp I just bought yesterday.

 
Mine definitely weren't the same...  There were some aesthetic changes as well as some structural ones. 

 

[jerg]

Hmm, the earpads we got w the production version are exactly the same as the preorder ones. I guess you guys in the US got what you "wanted"?

Listened to them for over 2 hours last night w/o Aircon, I didn't feel it's very hot or not comfortable. I'd say the earpads did an excellent job here, very comfy and not get hot easily. The sound is amazing w the new WA7 amp I just bought yesterday.

lapoune posted photos about the difference between the new and old pads already:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/711824/hifiman-he-560-impressions-discussion-thread/3675#post_10655577

 

[fengwei007]

  lapoune posted photos about the difference between the new and old pads already:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/711824/hifiman-he-560-impressions-discussion-thread/3675#post_10655577

Hmm, I guess I missed that. Wonder how come my production ones have the same pads as the preordered ones, definitely look different than the one shown in lapoune's post. I got mine very early though, one of the first batch from China when I was on vacation in Beijing three weeks back. 

 

[tigon_ridge]

So treble quality still doesn't quite compete with electrostats? Hmm...

 

[jerg]

  So treble quality still doesn't quite compete with electrostats? Hmm...

Not really any substantial A/B comparisons posted with the latest revision of HE560s vs popular 'stats to claim if that's true or false, yet.

 

[marshallmole]

  Hmm, I guess I missed that. Wonder how come my production ones have the same pads as the preordered ones, definitely look different than the one shown in lapoune's post. I got mine very early though, one of the first batch from China when I was on vacation in Beijing three weeks back. 

Hi, I believe your production pair being the first batch from China is the reason why they still use 'old' pads. I think the first batch all shipped out with old style pads. 

 

[Maxx134]

Exactly this.
I'm using the HE-6 with a Lavardin IS Reference that cost $5,000 (I didn't pay the full price but it is still the most expensive gear I bought, by far. Hugo is second), it's clearly not conceivable for most people (even for me, I find it insane).
At the price of this amp alone, you can get a full HE-560 setup.
If I had to do it all over again I most definitely would go the HE-560 way...

I just realized that no one yet has brought up the topic of the he560 ability to climb..

Given that it would be easier to do this with the he560,
And already reports of better imaging/soundstage,

I think the he560 could possibly scale more easily, and thus arguably meet/surpass he6 level in many areas...

Time for news on balanced cables.

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

Preordered from Stereodesk... Still waiting :mad:

I hope they compensate you (me too!) with the $100 credit...

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.

I believe Jude has end game setups and another reason I believe the he560 must be climbing in sound, for him to be blown away...

Thinking I need a balanced cable again..

 
Yes, and wait until you hear the 560's. They are a bargain. You are getting top tier sound on the cutting edge, IMO. These phones have a wide but believable soundstage that images like crazy and gets the sound out of the head. Beautifully layered sound it is. 

Another piece of clue that the he560 scales and has superior soundstage. ..

no 560 can beat my HE6!

Like to hear your impressions if you get to hear one

 

[koiloco]

^ too much hype or for real?  I am a HFM fan but have seen hype on HF, enough for a few life times.  

 

 

[jerg]

  ^ too much hype or for real?  I am a HFM fan but have seen hype on HF, enough for a few life times.  

 

You can't spell hyperbole without hype, that's a case of hyperbole I think.