[CFGamescape]

FYI, I have posted my HE-560 in the classifieds. I want to try the Ether C.

 

[monoxyde1234]

 

[kaushama]

What is the difference between HE560 with new package which is a leather lined box against wooden box. Any significant changes? All Amazon dealers have old packaging! ) - : (699USD)

 

[DavidA]

What is the difference between HE560 with new package which is a leather lined box against wooden box. Any significant changes? All Amazon dealers have old packaging! ) - : (699USD)

The connectors, SMC vs 2.5mm and possibly the driver support frame.  I haven't seen it mentioned on this thread for the HE-560 but the HE-400i has a new support frame for the driver

 

[Ormia]

What is the difference between HE560 with new package which is a leather lined box against wooden box. Any significant changes? All Amazon dealers have old packaging! ) - : (699USD)

No difference in sound quality. The 2.5 mm TRS connectors makes disconnecting/connecting cables easier if its a thing for you to pack and put away the headphones all the time, or if you want to frequently swap cables.

 

[CFGamescape]

What is the difference between HE560 with new package which is a leather lined box against wooden box. Any significant changes? All Amazon dealers have old packaging! ) - : (699USD)

Even if they're showing the older version, I think they're most likely selling the new version. They probably haven't updated the photos. I believe that's what happened with my wife when she purchased mine from Amazon.

 

[Kon Peki]

Anyone know where I can buy FocusPad-A?  Out of stock on HiFiMan store and at Amazon.

 

[sheldaze]

  Has anyone looked to see if the driver is still the same between the old style connector and the new?  On the HE-400i thread it was noted that the drivers are different between old SMC connectors and the new TRS connectors.
This is my driver with the old SMC connector:


As you can see there is a backing plate.  Those who have the new style connector HE-400i don't have the backing plate on the drivers.

Did anyone reply?
I've still 730+ posts to read.

 

[willowbrook]

Why not contact hifiman for a definitive answer?

 

[sheldaze]

Why not contact hifiman for a definitive answer?

That makes a lot of sense. I will ask.
 
But for historical reference, HiFiMan was contacted about the HE400i updates too. And it was stated that they weren't aware of the changes other than the connector updates. See post #62 in the thread started by fjrabon, when he was asking the question about the HE400i:
 
post #62
http://www.head-fi.org/t/791185/new-he400i-driver-housing-design-or-just-a-mixup-with-he400s-drivers

 

[willowbrook]

That makes a lot of sense. I will ask.

But for historical reference, HiFiMan was contacted about the HE400i updates too. And it was stated that they weren't aware of the changes other than the connector updates. See post #62 in the thread started by fjrabon, when he was asking the question about the HE400i:

post #62
http://www.head-fi.org/t/791185/new-he400i-driver-housing-design-or-just-a-mixup-with-he400s-drivers

Hm, that is disappointing indeed. I don't recall seeing anything else for HE-560 except for connector change. Now that it's been a while, the marketing/support department may be aware of changes made to models. Contacting hifiman would be your best bet. They have a policy to replace old models to new models within a month of purchase, so no worries there too. Most of the HE-560 sold should be the new model now.

 

[Soundsgoodtome]

Or if anyone can take a picture of their newer version (with the 2.5mm connector) HE560 driver under the grill, we'd have the answer.

 

[kaushama]

Even if they're showing the older version, I think they're most likely selling the new version. They probably haven't updated the photos. I believe that's what happened with my wife when she purchased mine from Amazon.

Almost All the dealers tell they have the old connector type when asked. But that's for 699USD price. Maybe the lower price for clearance of old stuff.

 

[networkn]

  I think the HE-560 would be worth it but you might want to find a second amp for them, the BH Crack works great with the T1 and HD-650 but not so much with the HE-560.  They were on sale for $695 a few months ago so I would think used ones would be a little less.  My GF got me an open box one last year for $675 IIRC, looked brand new, just the seal on the box was broken.

 
Yeah needing a new Amp is probably going to make life difficult, though I have been lusting after a Gustard H10 for a long time. 
I did read a review of the HE-560 that someone said the HE-560 was nice with the crack, said it was nice and smooth, but I am not sure if that would get the job done. 
I am a little torn. I keep wanting something that is a step up from the T1's (for reasons I can't explain other than 'cause' even though I can't think of a specific issues the T1's have  

 

[DavidA]

   
Yeah needing a new Amp is probably going to make life difficult, though I have been lusting after a Gustard H10 for a long time. 
I did read a review of the HE-560 that someone said the HE-560 was nice with the crack, said it was nice and smooth, but I am not sure if that would get the job done. 
I am a little torn. I keep wanting something that is a step up from the T1's (for reasons I can't explain other than 'cause' even though I can't think of a specific issues the T1's have  

Tried my HE-560 on BH Crack, its not bad but you will lose a little bass and it will be very slightly boomy, like the amp is not controlling the drivers very well.  The highs also get very slightly recessed, it loses some of the sparkle.  In a way it becomes a little "nice and smooth".  This is compared to Lyr2.
 
As for the T1, my feelings is its not as musical as the HE-560 but this would depend on the genre of music, classical better on T1, pop & jazz better on HE-560 for me.