[DiegoBRRSPF]

Hi!

I've recently purchased a Hifiman HE560, and I'm using it with two different amps - a SMSL SH-9 and a Topping A90. At least the A90 is well know for deliver an excellent power output.

But, with both the amps, I need to set the gain to high and even then up the volume almost to the amp limit (for instance, 80-85 on the SH-9) to get a really good volume (well, I like my music loud...).

So, anyone has a similar experience with this headphone? Is it normal to need such high volume on these amps to get a good loud volume? I'm kind of a noob, and I'm afraid I got a defective unit.

Specs:
- Sensitivity : 90dB
- Impedance : 45 Ohms

Thanks in advance!

 

[dunring]

Hey, I have the A90 and he560 and there's something wrong because even single ended you don't need more than 12 on high gain to be blaring loud. If you have a multimeter check the cable, but even quicker is swap out the 6.35mm adapter if you have a spare, since those can go bad too.
It should show the right ohm rating and checking for shorts in the cable is easy even with a cheapo multimeter.

 

[garlicky]

Hi!

I've recently purchased a Hifiman HE560, and I'm using it with two different amps - a SMSL SH-9 and a Topping A90. At least the A90 is well know for deliver an excellent power output.

But, with both the amps, I need to set the gain to high and even then up the volume almost to the amp limit (for instance, 80-85 on the SH-9) to get a really good volume (well, I like my music loud...).

So, anyone has a similar experience with this headphone? Is it normal to need such high volume on these amps to get a good loud volume? I'm kind of a noob, and I'm afraid I got a defective unit.

Specs:
- Sensitivity : 90dB
- Impedance : 45 Ohms

Thanks in advance!

I agree with dunring something's not right. You shouldn't have to use high gain at 85% volume, even if you like to listen really loud.

 

[jonathan c]

To @DiegoBRRSPF , here is an except from an article on ‘soundphilereview.com’. This says it all:

 

[Raketen]

To @DiegoBRRSPF , here is an except from an article on ‘soundphilereview.com’. This says it all:

For good performance in terms of headroom/dynamic range they need power, but (at least with 560v2 I had) it doesn't take all that much to get them loud.
Keep in mind, even just 90dB if sustained too long can be enough to cause hearing damage*

(don't know about the topping or smsl- would be surprised if they can't get the 560 loud- suggest asking on the he-560 thread which is still fairly active)

*As a side note, sometimes find that my own tendency to crank up a headphone is because a freqency or dynamic my ears are looking for is being masked by the headphones signature. Sometimes experimentation with EQ or DSP can draw out those elements at lower listening volumes.