Hifiman HE6-SE

[Oregonian]

Forget where but you used to be able to buy the other parts from an aftermarket company. Cannot remember who it was.............

 

[Fatsosixsixsix]

If you're willing to import then you can get the full set from UK. I live in the UK and bought a set from here (not that I've installed it yet)

https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/pr...pring-steel-headband-for-lcd-headphones-black

Took a bit of a round trip since originally obtaining a pair but I finally bought a Jotunheim 2 and gave them a proper listen with the air grill mod. I've acquired a pair of HD800S and MDR Z1R as well but the HE6SE is still a good alternative when I want the openess of the HD800s but with stronger bass. Given it's a fraction of the price of the others it punches well above its weight

Only complaint is that highs are a bit peaky but I'm using stock pads. I've got some Dekoni Fenestrated sheepskin pads that I've not installed which might help but I hear they also reduce bass quite significantly

 

[Hypops]

If you're willing to import then you can get the full set from UK. I live in the UK and bought a set from here (not that I've installed it yet)

https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/pr...pring-steel-headband-for-lcd-headphones-black

Took a bit of a round trip since originally obtaining a pair but I finally bought a Jotunheim 2 and gave them a proper listen with the air grill mod. I've acquired a pair of HD800S and MDR Z1R as well but the HE6SE is still a good alternative when I want the openess of the HD800s but with stronger bass. Given it's a fraction of the price of the others it punches well above its weight

Only complaint is that highs are a bit peaky but I'm using stock pads. I've got some Dekoni Fenestrated sheepskin pads that I've not installed which might help but I hear they also reduce bass quite significantly

Thanks for the link, but unfortunately without a UK delivery address, I can't get it from here in the US. And it's really not important enough for me to go out of my way to find a workaround. I have the "New Enhanced Comfort" band from Hifiman. It's good enough for now.

 

[atomLI631]

This is a pretty good alternative:
I just found this on AliExpress:
C$81.87 | DIY Full Metal Headset head beam Metal headband 100g weight 110mm LCD3 HE560 HE6 HE400SE
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrcYmAT

so you ordered the 110mm version?

 

[PeterCraig]

so you ordered the 110mm version?

Yes 110mm version.

 

[DivineCurrent]

Posting an update with my thoughts on the HE6se.

About a year ago, I picked up the HE6se V1. I compared it to my HE-500 back then, and my impressions after a few days were that I overall preferred the HE-500. The tonality just sounded better on the HE-500 to me.

Fast forward to now, I took the HE6se out of storage, and gave them another chance. The past week, I tried out some new EQ settings for the HE6se, with great results. My general preference for a target aligns closely with Diffuse Field with a -10dB octave tilt that Headphones.com uses with the B&K 5128 rig. I also tried some pad rolling, most listening was done with the Sundara/Pali pads, also the Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin, both of which improve the upper mids balance a bit. My tonal reference is the Sennheiser HD660S2 (and HD600), with EQ to match this target more or less.

What I did not notice a year ago that I do notice now, is how well handled and resolving the bass is on the HE6se. It is super clean and extended, and digs deeper in the sub bass than the HE-500. Overall resolution and detail sounds better to me than the HE-500, it feels more controlled and refined. Granted, it is not a huge difference, but I do notice it. After filling in the 2kHz dip with EQ, vocals and instruments come through in a very realistic and detailed way. Adding a 3dB bass shelf makes bassy genres more enjoyable. This tonality reminds me of the Sundara back when I still had it, but the HE6se is just way more technically capable.

I feel like the HE6se is giving me what I always wanted in a high end planar, with little to no compromises. Similar tonality of the HD6XX series Sennheisers (again, with EQ) but with bottomless sub bass, wider soundstage, and overall better technical performance. I’ve heard the Focal Utopia 2022, I honestly feel like the HE6se is right up there with it, maybe not quite as resolving or dynamic/punchy. I have a Clear MG I’m running with Utopia pads, and it's also a close call with detail/resolution vs the HE6se, but soundstage and sub bass are just so noticeably better on the HE6se. Time will tell if my enthusiasm will last, but I really like what I’m hearing with them. And I’m only using the RME ADI-2 DAC right now, I expect the experience will get even better on a more powerful amp.


One more thing, the official Hifiman store is doing a 10% off sale on open box products, and that includes the HE6se V1+V2, both are under $400 with the sale. I picked up a V2 the other day and already had some time to compare. They both sound pretty much the same to my ears, but I think the V2 might be ever so slightly warmer.

 

[jsmiller58]

Well if you enjoy your headphones that way then do you really want further input to the contrary? I don't want to risk altering your perception and harshing your buzz. Keep on enjoying HE6se just the way you like it.

I get that, and thank you for your consideration and concern. My question remains, and it is purely out of curiosity… What was there not to like with the Arctic grills? I have no intention to debate you on the merits of either solution, I just really am curious about your observations.

 

[Hypops]

Posting an update with my thoughts on the HE6se.

About a year ago, I picked up the HE6se V1. I compared it to my HE-500 back then, and my impressions after a few days were that I overall preferred the HE-500. The tonality just sounded better on the HE-500 to me.

Fast forward to now, I took the HE6se out of storage, and gave them another chance. The past week, I tried out some new EQ settings for the HE6se, with great results. My general preference for a target aligns closely with Diffuse Field with a -10dB octave tilt that Headphones.com uses with the B&K 5128 rig. I also tried some pad rolling, most listening was done with the Sundara/Pali pads, also the Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin, both of which improve the upper mids balance a bit. My tonal reference is the Sennheiser HD660S2 (and HD600), with EQ to match this target more or less.

What I did not notice a year ago that I do notice now, is how well handled and resolving the bass is on the HE6se. It is super clean and extended, and digs deeper in the sub bass than the HE-500. Overall resolution and detail sounds better to me than the HE-500, it feels more controlled and refined. Granted, it is not a huge difference, but I do notice it. After filling in the 2kHz dip with EQ, vocals and instruments come through in a very realistic and detailed way. Adding a 3dB bass shelf makes bassy genres more enjoyable. This tonality reminds me of the Sundara back when I still had it, but the HE6se is just way more technically capable.

I feel like the HE6se is giving me what I always wanted in a high end planar, with little to no compromises. Similar tonality of the HD6XX series Sennheisers (again, with EQ) but with bottomless sub bass, wider soundstage, and overall better technical performance. I’ve heard the Focal Utopia 2022, I honestly feel like the HE6se is right up there with it, maybe not quite as resolving or dynamic/punchy. I have a Clear MG I’m running with Utopia pads, and it's also a close call with detail/resolution vs the HE6se, but soundstage and sub bass are just so noticeably better on the HE6se. Time will tell if my enthusiasm will last, but I really like what I’m hearing with them. And I’m only using the RME ADI-2 DAC right now, I expect the experience will get even better on a more powerful amp.


One more thing, the official Hifiman store is doing a 10% off sale on open box products, and that includes the HE6se V1+V2, both are under $400 with the sale. I picked up a V2 the other day and already had some time to compare. They both sound pretty much the same to my ears, but I think the V2 might be ever so slightly warmer.

I’ve got the v2. One true thing is how readily they respond to EQ. I use 5128 measurements of the OG six screw HE6 and Arya Stealth (and even the Senn HE1) as my tuning guides rather than the tilted DF. I find those better suited to the strengths of planar drivers, but YMMV.

 

[RenoGu]

Hello guys, looking for some advice. I want to take advantage of the open box deals from hifiman to test the house sound. I wondering if someone can chime in on which is better to grab, the HE6se or the HE6se V2. I am at this point unsure if the only difference is the headband. Amps I have powerful enough for my Abyss so I don't mind the power situation. I just want to grab the one that seems to be a better version since they are 19 dollars apart.

Hope someone can give me some suggestions.

 

[bagwell359]

Hello guys, looking for some advice. I want to take advantage of the open box deals from hifiman to test the house sound. I wondering if someone can chime in on which is better to grab, the HE6se or the HE6se V2. I am at this point unsure if the only difference is the headband. Amps I have powerful enough for my Abyss so I don't mind the power situation. I just want to grab the one that seems to be a better version since they are 19 dollars apart.

Hope someone can give me some suggestions.

I'd take the SE because: headband is much better and less reported issues with the 'stuck driver'. The v2 has a bit less of a dip at 1.8k and its newer than the SE

As far as the arctic grilles a friend of mine doesn't like the on the 6 screw and the 6 SE. He misses what is to me the excess reverb of the stock grilles. I use finger snaps and wood blocks to demonstrate what's right about no grilles or grilles that are 'sound alikes' for no grill like the Arctic.

One of the worst issues with speakers in a room is early reflections - maybe 10' or more feet from ones ear and the speakers both in large room. What distance do headphones have in comparison? Open back headphones are far less problematic than closed. One reason bass heads like closed cup cans such as the 900 Mk II that have a +7-9 db rise under 250 Hz its not faithful reproduction, its a heavy handed tone control with no tone control.

Open backs have the sides of the cup, rear screen for early reflections and reverberations. Planars have the added issue of stators - providing cancellations, reverb, early reflections - turbulence is a good catch all. Those stator issues is why people came up with the fuzzor mod for the OG 6 and the HE-500. HFM made the stators thinner after that, and than came up with the 'stealth', Anyhow that aside adding anymore to the issues that these cans have with a restrictive back screen is something to avoid.

As I have concluded and written a number of times - HFM makes some great drivers, but everything else from cups, pads, cables, etc. are anywhere from haphazard to functional with nowhere near enough attention to the sonic qualities of these items. Hence HFM cans (esp round cups) are a very fertile ground for mods/after market pieces.

 

[bevanc]

I'd take the SE because: headband is much better and less reported issues with the 'stuck driver'. The v2 has a bit less of a dip at 1.8k and its newer than the SE

As far as the arctic grilles a friend of mine doesn't like the on the 6 screw and the 6 SE. He misses what is to me the excess reverb of the stock grilles. I use finger snaps and wood blocks to demonstrate what's right about no grilles or grilles that are 'sound alikes' for no grill like the Arctic.

One of the worst issues with speakers in a room is early reflections - maybe 10' or more feet from ones ear and the speakers both in large room. What distance do headphones have in comparison? Open back headphones are far less problematic than closed. One reason bass heads like closed cup cans such as the 900 Mk II that have a +7-9 db rise under 250 Hz its not faithful reproduction, its a heavy handed tone control with no tone control.

Open backs have the sides of the cup, rear screen for early reflections and reverberations. Planars have the added issue of stators - providing cancellations, reverb, early reflections - turbulence is a good catch all. Those stator issues is why people came up with the fuzzor mod for the OG 6 and the HE-500. HFM made the stators thinner after that, and than came up with the 'stealth', Anyhow that aside adding anymore to the issues that these cans have with a restrictive back screen is something to avoid.

As I have concluded and written a number of times - HFM makes some great drivers, but everything else from cups, pads, cables, etc. are anywhere from haphazard to functional with nowhere near enough attention to the sonic qualities of these items. Hence HFM cans (esp round cups) are a very fertile ground for mods/after market pieces.

Got to agree with you. I know Zac at ZMF makes pads for other headphones, but I would definitely be in if he did he did a replacement cups for the HE6SE.

 

[bagwell359]

Got to agree with you. I know Zac at ZMF makes pads for other headphones, but I would definitely be in if he did he did a replacement cups for the HE6SE.

My pads of choice for all of the HE-6 and HE-500 is the DCA Ether Angled - 500 has stood the test of 14 diff pads and my SE 10. That pad along with the Arctic Grilles has a very wide stage, and is tonally even handed from lows to highs. Interestingly they do not look that different from the ZMF Ori Lambskin. However, in practice (had two sets) Ori's are the worst pads I've ever heard on the 500 (and not that good on any 6 either). Honestly, postage stamp sized sound stage, murky over emphasized midbass, suppressed upper mids - just wrong.

Mods that worked for me on the HE-6 SE in order of impact:

1. PEQ - yes, PEQ, not EQ. The 6 SE and SE v2 take very well to EQ (assuming you have the juice) and one can tame issues beyond FR (CSD) with very narrow filtering at the ~3.2k and 10k area too (but given that minute differences in tension of the mylar changes these areas, what works for me, may not work for you), much more in earlier posts.
2. pads & no screen/minimal screen (they do seem to work best in tandem)
3. forget mega buck cables, but OFC copper better than any round cup HFM stock cables (blind tested). Audeze and DCA among others seem to know how to make capbable cables - its amazing that these skunky floppy cables HFM makes is so audibly junky.
4. dynamat on the back inside lip of the cup, small pieces of dynamat to eat up some of the vibrations of the cup/driver. result much clearer bass lines when multiple instruments going at same time. those that like it thick and slow should bypass this one. No need to overdo it, 3 pieces .5-.75 long and about 1/4" thick spaced is more than enough. Blue putty does almost nothing, sorbothane doesn't stay stuck.
5. fuzzor - much less key than OG 6 and 500 (cause thier stators are much wider) - which would rank as #1 mod, but there is still some cancellations/reflections that can be tamed.

 

[atomLI631]

My pads of choice for all of the HE-6 and HE-500 is the DCA Ether Angled - 500 has stood the test of 14 diff pads and my SE 10. That pad along with the Arctic Grilles has a very wide stage, and is tonally even handed from lows to highs. Interestingly they do not look that different from the ZMF Ori Lambskin. However, in practice (had two sets) Ori's are the worst pads I've ever heard on the 500 (and not that good on any 6 either). Honestly, postage stamp sized sound stage, murky over emphasized midbass, suppressed upper mids - just wrong.

Mods that worked for me on the HE-6 SE in order of impact:

1. PEQ - yes, PEQ, not EQ. The 6 SE and SE v2 take very well to EQ (assuming you have the juice) and one can tame issues beyond FR (CSD) with very narrow filtering at the ~3.2k and 10k area too (but given that minute differences in tension of the mylar changes these areas, what works for me, may not work for you), much more in earlier posts.
2. pads & no screen/minimal screen (they do seem to work best in tandem)
3. forget mega buck cables, but OFC copper better than any round cup HFM stock cables (blind tested). Audeze and DCA among others seem to know how to make capbable cables - its amazing that these skunky floppy cables HFM makes is so audibly junky.
4. dynamat on the back inside lip of the cup, small pieces of dynamat to eat up some of the vibrations of the cup/driver. result much clearer bass lines when multiple instruments going at same time. those that like it thick and slow should bypass this one. No need to overdo it, 3 pieces .5-.75 long and about 1/4" thick spaced is more than enough. Blue putty does almost nothing, sorbothane doesn't stay stuck.
5. fuzzor - much less key than OG 6 and 500 (cause thier stators are much wider) - which would rank as #1 mod, but there is still some cancellations/reflections that can be tamed.

can you post some pics of the dynamat mod? interested in doing this on my V2.

 

[Hypops]

Got to agree with you. I know Zac at ZMF makes pads for other headphones, but I would definitely be in if he did he did a replacement cups for the HE6SE.

The DCA Ether angled pads are an excellent choice for the HE6se v2 (and presumably for the v1).

 

[DivineCurrent]

I think these two are awesome compliments to each other, HE6se and HD660S2. The Sennheiser is not as amazing with technicalities, but those mids are still legendary.
I tried an Audeze headband on the HE6se tonight, to see how it felt over the stock headband. I like it better, since there is cup swivel and it distributes the weight better on my head.