[gancanjam]

It's subtle but V1 is warmer like the Arya. V2 is crisper like the SE. More of a side-grade to me. V2 comes with updated cable, pads, wood, though.

Oops sorry thought I read V1 for some reason..

I have V1, somehow I like V1 better than V2 as it is bit relaxed than V2 with warmer signature. V1 has ample Highs and Dynamics for me so never needed to go towards V2 route which has more dynamics. V1 can produce deep bass but doesn't hit hard and that's the only thing I miss. So was hoping how does HE1000 SE sounds, any further comparison between V1/V2/SE you can give ?

 

[Law87]

I emailed the seller. I'll see how he wants to settle it. EDIT: Looks like a partial refund will square everything.

congrats, personally would want a full refund, the sound are different between each HE1000.

 

[koven]

I have V1, somehow I like V1 better than V2 as it is bit relaxed than V2 with warmer signature. V1 has ample Highs and Dynamics for me so never needed to go towards V2 route which has more dynamics. V1 can produce deep bass but doesn't hit hard and that's the only thing I miss. So was hoping how does HE1000 SE sounds, any further comparison between V1/V2/SE you can give ?

I feel V1 is the warmest HEK and it's midrange more forward w/ body. V2 and SE have a similar signature.. more neutral, punchy, airy than V1. Except SE does it with more resolution and extension on both ends. You lose some of that relaxed V1 characteristic in exchange for more dynamics and speed. Susvara combines the best of both worlds. Just my two cents..

 

[thecrow]

I have V1, somehow I like V1 better than V2 as it is bit relaxed than V2 with warmer signature. V1 has ample Highs and Dynamics for me so never needed to go towards V2 route which has more dynamics. V1 can produce deep bass but doesn't hit hard and that's the only thing I miss. So was hoping how does HE1000 SE sounds, any further comparison between V1/V2/SE you can give ?

you'll see more info in the hekse thread

i had the v2 for a few months before going to the se.
the good points (from memory and my recall from impressions at the time), if these are positive re your preferences:

hekse has a bit more precision in staging - it's very special in that regard
treble is a little friendlier/ less potential to be sharp with the hekse, but can walk a fine line - i like the hekse for that

the hekv2 has a slightly softer bottom end whereas the hekse is tighter - i like both

i guess in a nutshell I go back to the precision of the hekse vs the slightly laid back touch (in comparison) of the lower end of the hekv2

I'm happy to have gone to the hekse but it's not a must have.
if $1000 is a substantial amount for you then definitely stay with the v2 if you are happy with them, otherwise it's purely what style you might like and in that if the hekse is a slight/nice improvement for your tastes (for now)

IMHO. YMMV

 

[Articnoise]

The HE1000se is the most balanced, dynamic and refined sounding in the HEK line. To get better sound you will have to get a Susvara and a matching amp.

 

[voicemaster]

Still rocking my v.1

 

[Kiats]

It's still one of the most enjoyable headphones for easy listening. I had v1 and then upgraded mine to v2. If I wanted more resolution, I'd just switch to the Susvara. What I'll say is, regardless of detractors, Hifiman hit home runs with these two headphones.

 

[gancanjam]

HE1000 V1 was my first TOTL HP when it came out and still one of my favorite holding up well in rotation with other great HPs came out in last 5 years

 

[Gowry]

I went through the upgrade chain. While I think the SE is the best of them, I felt the V1 was more enjoyable than the V2. They probably aren't as good technically, though. For a treat listen to Daft Punk's Alive 2007 on the V1.

 

[voicemaster]

Man u guys have too much money to upgrade from $3000 headphone.

 

[ThanatosVI]

Man u guys have too much money to upgrade from $3000 headphone.

There is noch such thing as "too much money"

 

[S Crowther]

I have used the Hifiman upgrade programme to move from HE1K v2 to SE.
I am pleasantly surprised at the improvement and the completely different SQ. Brighter, clearer and more resolving. It has for now displaced my HD800s which was previously my goto headphone.

 

[Audiosolace]

you'll see more info in the hekse thread

i had the v2 for a few months before going to the se.
the good points (from memory and my recall from impressions at the time), if these are positive re your preferences:

hekse has a bit more precision in staging - it's very special in that regard
treble is a little friendlier/ less potential to be sharp with the hekse, but can walk a fine line - i like the hekse for that

IMHO. YMMV

Agreed

The HiFiMAN HEKV1 is the warmest with the softer impact, the HiFiMAN HEKV2 has the largest soundstage and a generally more neutral-bright presentation

The HiFiMAN HEKSe mirrors the HiFiMAN Susvara with more precise staging, more saturated dynamics and better top-to-bottom detailing and extension than both the HEKV1/V2

The HiFiMAN Susvara when scaled with the right amp has the most 3D presentation of sound, most balanced and refined of the lot.

 

[Shahrose]

Agreed

The HiFiMAN HEKV1 is the warmest with the softer impact, the HiFiMAN HEKV2 has the largest soundstage and a generally more neutral-bright presentation

The HiFiMAN HEKSe mirrors the HiFiMAN Susvara with more precise staging, more saturated dynamics and better top-to-bottom detailing and extension than both the HEKV1/V2

The HiFiMAN Susvara when scaled with the right amp has the most 3D presentation of sound, most balanced and refined of the lot.

Well-described.

 

[tunes]

Well-described.

The advantage of the HEKse is that it is much more efficient than Susvara and can be driven directly by CHORD DAVE without adding an amp to the chain. Some say driven direct by DAVE is better than Susvara plus amp.