[Weilli]

Multi-Posted in different threads because I forgot where someone asked me about the impression on V2 cables.
 
Weeks ago, I started listening HE1000 V2 with V2 stock cables.
Hifiman claimed that the V2 cable got better sound quality.
After several hundred hours of trouble shooting, Some problems I supposed to be related to HE1000 V2 are concluded as disadvantages from V2 cables.
V1 stock cables sound much naturally.
 
Replace the V2 stock cables immediately to enjoy true sound quality of HE1000 V2 ! !
 
Cons of V2 stock cables:
1. lack of extension of extreme bass.
2. weird transition from mid sub-bass to extreme sub-bass.
3. harsh/ thinner mid-to-treble
4. lack of smooth extension on trebles.

 

[doctorjazz]

Mixed about it, but another $650 is a bunch of money I'm not to keen to spend. And, I really love my v1, so I'm leaning on staying put for now. Of course, if I hear it at the next meet/show and it blows me away, all bets are off...

 

[pavement714]

I seriously, seriously doubt that the HEK 2 is worth the upgrade hassle. You're way better off spending $300 on a custom cable from a company like Norne. 

 

[musicman59]

   
That is right. The Utopia looks like built to last. Pair it with a warm amp having solid extended bass, and you may have a better-than-HEK system.

+1
With my Woo WA5-LE and Wells Audio Engima (Upgraded) using Dana Reference cable they sound fantastic.

 

[ruthieandjohn]

Ditto doctorjazz.  The HE1000 with the HiFiMAN EF-6 amp is the best headphone that I have, the only one capable of reproducing a distinction between the new MHDT Stockholm DAC and my Schiit Bifrost Uber Multibit with USB2, and very comfortable for me.  I have not heard the "slow snare drum impact" problem that has been the only complaint on the sound I recall from others, and I am entirely satisfied.
 
The testimonials of the V2 that I have heard are sufficiently mixed that I am not convinced that I would like it better (though it indeed would sound different).  I'm staying put.

 

[doctorjazz]

Ditto doctorjazz.  The HE1000 with the HiFiMAN EF-6 amp is the best headphone that I have, the only one capable of reproducing a distinction between the new MHDT Stockholm DAC and my Schiit Bifrost Uber Multibit with USB2, and very comfortable for me.  I have not heard the "slow snare drum impact" problem that has been the only complaint on the sound I recall from others, and I am entirely satisfied.

The testimonials of the V2 that I have heard are sufficiently mixed that I am not convinced that I would like it better (though it indeed would sound different).  I'm staying put.

the complaint, stated otherwise, that I hear is "impact", or the converse, the HEK is too laid back for some. Don't have any problem with it myself, though I can understand why some complain about this. My HEK and MicroZOTL2 work great for me.

 

[goldendarko]

Damn, $650 to upgrade? That seems crazy. Can almost just buy the Elear for that much. No thanks

 

[doctorjazz]

True, there are some pretty nice headphones for that money...that used to be considered crazy money for a pair of headphones not that long ago. :wink_face:

 

[wuwhere]

Get a Stax, no need for crazy cable upgrades.

 

[doctorjazz]

Stax is tempting...

 

[tuna47]

Wish they would appreciate their customers and sell the pads separately

 

[Gavin C4]

If the upgrade program is $300 then I would go for it. Cant really pull the trigger with $600 trade-in program. 

 

[Toolman]

Get a Stax, no need for crazy cable upgrades.

True...but you'll need crazy amplifier upgrades LoL

 

[Toolman]

Wish they would appreciate their customers and sell the pads separately

They showed their appreciation by asking their customers to coughed out an additional 20+% for the upgrades...for someone like me who barely owned the V1 for little less than 3 months, that's a bitter pill to swallow

 

[jamato8]

  Posted this in the v2 thread. Probably should have posted here only.
 
Trying to figure out whether the upgrade program for the v1 to v2 is worth it.
 
Looking for those of you that have the v1s to weigh in with your thoughts, opinions and considerations, since some of you may be deciding against doing so while others may be, or will be, moving forward on the upgrade.
 
Thank you.

I would say it is. The sound of the V2 is more refined, tighter bass, very good imaging and layering and this is a TOTL phone.