[Rossliew]

   
Maybe the SR-007Mk1, (but its really close) but the SR-009s are still on top for me. 

Hmm...so the HE1K is really that good? For the price of a new pair, suppose i should just get a used pair of SR-009s, don't you think?

 

[MacedonianHero]

 
Hmm...so the HE1K is really that good? For the price of a new pair, suppose i should just get a used pair of SR-009s, don't you think?

 
But remember with a used pair of SR-009s, you'll need a major investment for a dedicated stat amp to drive the. The HE1000s not so much. 

 

[Rossliew]

   
But remember with a used pair of SR-009s, you'll need a major investment for a dedicated stat amp to drive the. The HE1000s not so much. 

Ahh true that but since i already have a KGST in hand and nothing top tier in terms of amps for dynamics, it might make sense for me then  

 

[MacedonianHero]

 
Ahh true that but since i already have a KGST in hand and nothing top tier in terms of amps for dynamics, it might make sense for me then  

 
Absolutely....or better still...both! 

 

[up late]

I spent a fair amount of time with HE-1000s today at the Seattle meet. I was surprised by how much impact they exhibited acros the frequency range, even out of the very low power amp section of my Lyra 2. And they were huge from Head-Amp's GSX. Their bass was the best I've ever heard from a headphone. It parsed out separate sub bass tracks from one of my mixes that I've only heard cost no object Wilson speakers reproduce so well. The soundstage was huge but precise. Switching over to the HD800s felt like an immediate and comprehensive downgrade.

gotta say that wasn't my impression at all when i compared the he1000 and hd800

 

[doctorjazz]

I have to say, what the HEK sounds like, as with many good headphones, depends a lot on what's driving it, a power issue and, what gets forgotten, a synergy issue.

 

[nnotis]

Next to the HD800s, the HE1000s were a small step up on clarity across the spectrum, except for bass, where they were a huge step up. Then there's that notorious 6Khz bump on the HD800s. For what it's worth, they're still far and away the best dynamic coil headphones I've heard. But I don't consider them competition for the HE1000s.

 

[doctorjazz]

I'm repeating myself in many related threads but, the balanced Pono really works great with the HEK. Using Norne balanced cables with Pono adapter (Zoetic model). sound is crazy good!

 

[up late]

Next to the HD800s, the HE1000s were a small step up on clarity across the spectrum, except for bass, where they were a huge step up. Then there's that notorious 6Khz bump on the HD800s. For what it's worth, they're still far and away the best dynamic coil headphones I've heard. But I don't consider them competition for the HE1000s.

the hd800's treble spike is the only area of common ground i can find in your comparison. the hd800 is not only worthy of comparison with the he1000 sonically, it costs around half the price which makes it very competitive imo.

 

[Trance_Gott]

In the end I sold my HE1000 for the SR009 which is clearly better. I also like me SR007 MK1 more. Technically the HE1000 is not better then the SR007 MK1.

 

[TonyNewman]

In the end I sold my HE1000 for the SR009 which is clearly better. I also like me SR007 MK1 more. Technically the HE1000 is not better then the SR007 MK1.

 
Can I ask which amps you were using with the HEK and the Stax? Not having a dig at you, just curious. There have been a few folks saying that the HEK needs a powerful + high end head amp to bring out its best. For example, if you were using a BHSE for the Stax HPs and something much lesser for the HEK that might be important for folks to know (and I'm curious myself).

 

[Trance_Gott]

   
Can I ask which amps you were using with the HEK and the Stax? Not having a dig at you, just curious. There have been a few folks saying that the HEK needs a powerful + high end head amp to bring out its best. For example, if you were using a BHSE for the Stax HPs and something much lesser for the HEK that might be important for folks to know (and I'm curious myself).

I use the Moon 430HA for the HE1000! And only a Stax SRM717 for the Stax phones. Speed, clarity, bass quality goes clearly to stax. I found the HE1000 a touch too warm and unoffensive. In the next day I get the KGSS for my SR009 and SR007 MK1 and when this would be better then SRM717 oh my goodness! 

But In the end the HE1000 is technically the best orthodynamic by now! But with the big electrostatics there is no contest in my eyes.

 

[preproman]

In the end I sold my HE1000 for the SR009 which is clearly better. I also like me SR007 MK1 more. Technically the HE1000 is not better then the SR007 MK1.

I sort of agree with you here.  I don't plan on selling my HE1Ks, But I do like the Stax headphones a little better.  It's been said the HE1Ks are stat like.  Well the 007s MK1 and MK2s are stats in all it's glory so to speak, not to mention the 009s.  
 
Also FWIW the 007 mk1 and mk2 sounds much better from a BHSE than any other amp I've heard.  The 009s sound like the 009s on just about any amp..

 

[Hun7er]

  I use the Moon 430HA for the HE1000! And only a Stax SRM717 for the Stax phones. Speed, clarity, bass quality goes clearly to stax. I found the HE1000 a touch too warm and unoffensive. In the next day I get the KGSS for my SR009 and SR007 MK1 and when this would be better then SRM717 oh my goodness! 

But In the end the HE1000 is technically the best orthodynamic by now! But with the big electrostatics there is no contest in my eyes.

 
Your opinion interest me, you owned an Abyss right ?
The HE1000 is more warm and smooth than the SR007MKI ? I already found the SR007 unoffensive.
Did the HE1000 is more solid or less ethereal sound than the SR007 ?
 
Did you prefer the HE1000 over the Abyss ?
 
Thanks

 

[richard51]

i own only the basic stax system ( lambda nova basic +srm 252s) and the basic planars ( he 400 ) i prefer the body more 3-d and  sensuous sound of he 400  to the transparency and more detailed stax sound .... Stax is more a wall of perfect sound than a body of perfect sound....But its like apple and orange.... I like the two but prefer one...

 
 
p.s. he 400 with sorbothane mod only