paradoxper
Headphoneus Supremus
While we're at it with blanket statements, there's no ortho phone out there that has the speed of an sr009, couldn't even dream of approaching it. Because of that, people turn the argument around and call it ethereal sounding. Go listen to a 009 playing acoustic bass or electric bass: these are just bs blanket statements often made by people with an axle to grind against stats else trying to push an alternative.
As for blaming it on the pad, actually the 009 seals the most easily of all stax phones I have tried, pretty difficult to mess up the seal there I'd say. No: I think it's just easier to sling mud at something you want to compete against... And it happens more often than not actually.
Now, I am curious about the HEK, it's just freakingly huge and seems very open, I bet there's some sounds coming out of it. I have never been too impressed with hifimans phones, but thats just me as the only orthos I've liked to date are the Oppo pm1. It's always good to see new contenders for the best of the crop and hifiman is quite motivated to release a statement product so these are exciting times.
Arnaud
I don't know. A lot is about personal preference. The SR-009 does a whole lot very well, but it's not perfect - no phone is. As for bass, definitely equal to or surpassing the HD800, LCD-3, etc. HE-6 has more body to it comparatively, but it lacks that speed and resolution of the SR-009. Still it's the best bass out of a headphone I've heard - including Abyss.
We'll continue chasing the unicorn of a phone that does IT all, but I am skeptical of the HE1000.
Furthermore, the HE1000 will have to clearly be a step up otherwise HE-6 owners will just have a good chuckle.