[phonyx]

I think I discovered with this app that my PC SPDIF out was attenuated by -6dB. I set it to 0 dB and the amp now has what I would consider what sounds like 9w into 50 ohms. I am now running on low gain mode, usually around 10-12 on the dial for good to moderately loud volume. Massive sound, massive power in reserve, amazing dynamics and slam. I added a slight bass shelf: 1dB at 60Hz, 2dB at 50Hz, 3dB from there down to 20Hz. The depth these now have is staggering, and coupled with the power, I really cannot state just how impressed I continue to be with these headphones.

Total package:

• Metrum Onyx DAC
• Cavalli LAu amp
• APO Equalizer with very mild bass shelf from 60Hz down
• Honeycomb grille mod
• Audeze LCD protein pads stuck directly to the cups with double-sided tape with a small bass port to let them breathe
• 22 awg 4 x braided 4 pin XLR cable

 

[DeweyCH]

My HE6SE v2 sounds amazing from the speaker taps of my Luxman R-117. Also sounds fabulous from my Quicksilver amp. Class A tube power baby.

 

[phonyx]

My HE6SE v2 sounds amazing from the speaker taps of my Luxman R-117. Also sounds fabulous from my Quicksilver amp. Class A tube power baby.

So much 80’s goodness

 

[DeweyCH]

So much 80’s goodness

You should see when it’s set up with my K240DFs and my Kef 103.2s. 80s hifi for miles.

 

[richierich]

My old Schiit Mjolnir considerably outpowers the bloody Jotunheim and it wasn't enough for the HE6SE compared to my $50 speaker amp. My Schiit Sys and cheap amp sounded better than the Mjolnir.

But no, we are in a phase in this hobby where we need the Jotunheim/A90/THX ~$400 amp to be able to perfectly power everything.

This perpetual fire sale of Adorama V2s is a really bad thing because threads are being absolutely flooded with bad info.

Get a Schiit Sys and the cheapest, dustiest, oldest speaker amp you can find. And no, a chifi class D speaker amp doesn't count. The dustier the better. The HE6SE are so inefficient, it doesn't matter how noisy the amp is - you'll never hear the noise! Take that, measurement jerks!

Edit: Something with VU meters! They, uh, open up the midrange, too. "Holographic". Got it?

Jotunheim 1 or 2? Jot 2 is better.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/schiit-mjolnir-2-listening-impressions.778250/page-207#post-16305897

2021 Apr 16 - Jason Stoddard - imminent demise of Mjolnir 2:
"Hey all,

I'm back in California for a while, so I figured I'd give you an update.

.......

Finally, I must announce the imminent demise of Mjolnir 2. As in, it will be dropped from the product line with no planned successor.

"Why? Why are you doing such a terrible thing?" you might ask. "I always liked Mjolnir 2!"

So did I. I still have one at home.

But there's several problems with Mjolnir 2, not least of which is that the performance of Jotunheim 2 is now so good--in a smaller, more convenient amp. Also, Mjolnir 2 uses complex transformers that are hard to get right, have long lead times, and can be variable. So it's going away.

.....

So, say farewell to Mjolnir 2. If you already have one, don't worry--we'll still service and repair them for the foreseeable future (hell, we're still repairing 10+ year old Asgards to this day). And if you want one, you have a small window to pick one up before they go away. Though honestly, after living with Jotunheim 2, it's really hard to justify. But then again, I'm cheap...and I like my desk space."

The Jotunheim 2 + Modius DAC (XLR balanced) drives my HE6SE v2 to ear deafening levels past 12 o'clock on high gain.

 

[thefitz]

Yeah, I can't get into the whole "yes, you'll get volume, driving it and playing it loud enough are two different things" convo again.

EDIT: The parts that are bolded are interesting choices, as well as the things not bolded. Leaving "I'm cheap" is a fun thing to leave bolded too.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Yeah, I can't get into the whole "yes, you'll get volume, driving it [sic well] and playing it loud enough are two different things" convo again.

I've said this for years in Sennheiser HD 600 and 800 threads. This thread seems more civil, at least nobody's flinging anything...

 

[spruce]

If you buy these headphones discounted, as I did, I would warn you about potential additional costs for good amp/dac pairings.

 

[thefitz]

How can you say your mileage may vary when you day you're "not interested in speaker taps"?

God, this discount was the worst thing HiFiMAN have ever done. And they've pulled some crap.

 

[UntilThen]

There are other headphone amps that will drive the He6se V2 well. As well as my vintage Kenwood KA-3300D 150w into 8 ohms and Redgum Rgi120enr 165w into 8 ohms. And yes I've speaker taps cable.

The headphone amps I'm referring to and that I've owned and tried are Odyssey (KT88 tube amp), Oblivion, Destiny (300b amp), Burson Soloist 3xp and Sparkos Aries.

This is the Sparkos in action.

 

[spruce]

How can you say your mileage may vary when you day you're "not interested in speaker taps"?

God, this discount was the worst thing HiFiMAN have ever done. And they've pulled some crap.

Right, good point! Suffice it to say I’m quite satisfied without using speaker taps. Just connected my Lyr3/Ares2 with V2, sounds really good.

Also, comparing the V2 and Aeon 2 Open, to my ears, the A2O sounds slightly more articulate and cohesive (with a90/d90) but it’s also semi closed which can be much less immersive. The V2 on the other hand, to my ears, can be more visceral and immersive while being relatively smooth and laid back (esp. with tubes) —a good combo in my book.

I’ll probably reach for either depending on which mood I’m in. Considering I paid about twice as much for the A2O I’m extremely happy with the V2’s performance!

I think I’ve also seen a few people compare these as equals to something like the LCDX which I would not personally agree with from recollection. I think the LCDX are a noticeable step up in some important aspects, amp/dac dependent, and again to my ears.

I also own the LCD2C which I think may be a closer comparison in terms of price to performance.

 

[FiGuY1017]

I was one the verge of selling these to find a second headphone to my Susvara, but after I received my Flux Labs Volot I'll be keeping the He6v2 as my second headphone, they are so nice on Volot!

 

[spruce]

Thinking back on it now, I recall the Ares2/Liquid Platinum combo (with gold lion tubes) to offer something truly special with the V2 — to me at least relative to my other gear. I’ll have to check it out again next time I get a chance. But that was one good pairing among several misses and I’m just fortunate to have a lot of amps.

*Liquid Platinum (with Ares2) sounds really good to me, took another listen. Seems like great synergy with tubes bringing out the best of the V2. Very euphonic, does not feel like I’m missing anything absent more detail.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Posted this in the other HE6 thread but...

Got some cables to replace the used catheter that comes with the HE6. First one is copper, second is silver-plated litz. Great cables for the money.

 

[nigel801]

Posted this in the other HE6 thread but...

Got some cables to replace the used catheter that comes with the HE6. First one is copper, second is silver-plated litz. Great cables for the money.

silver cables looks nice where did you get these. i coudn't use my Forza cables becasue the connectors on the HE6SE are recessed what a loss.