HifiMan HE6 V2 Adorama

[PlanarBunny]

That sucks about your Asgard. Having something malfunction like that and they refuse to fix it is beyond frustrating, I'm sorry. Fingers crossed you can get it sorted!

I'll throw this out there because I own both, but since you already own and enjoy a 560v4, you should be aware it's like the little brother to the He6se v2. It has a Very similar sound signature with the same pads.

The 6se is more technical in a lot of ways (tighter, more articulate sound, better bass slam, imaging, and detail) but the difference is not representative of the price gap (although it is easily noticeable in an A/B comparison). Because of this I tend to use my 560v4 when I can't give full attention to the sound (like listening to music while working) and save the 6se for critical listening time when I can appreciate all the details.

So, the 6se is a great direct upgrade to the 560v4, but if you are looking for something with a distinctly different sound, you might want to consider something else.

Hey I super appreciate it! I'll continue to enjoy my 560 v4 powered by my L50. It's only a hair less powerful than the Asgard which made me wanna pick it up. Also kind of like, a good backup in case something happened to my Asgard. Like how it's giving me problems now lol. I have angled velour pads from the hifiman online store replacing the default hybrid pads it has, honestly it sounds a bit more even now, I can't explain very well. I like both pads but I love the velours more methinks

 

[bagwell359]

That sucks about your Asgard. Having something malfunction like that and they refuse to fix it is beyond frustrating, I'm sorry. Fingers crossed you can get it sorted!

I'll throw this out there because I own both, but since you already own and enjoy a 560v4, you should be aware it's like the little brother to the He6se v2. It has a Very similar sound signature with the same pads.

The 6se is more technical in a lot of ways (tighter, more articulate sound, better bass slam, imaging, and detail) but the difference is not representative of the price gap (although it is easily noticeable in an A/B comparison). Because of this I tend to use my 560v4 when I can't give full attention to the sound (like listening to music while working) and save the 6se for critical listening time when I can appreciate all the details.

So, the 6se is a great direct upgrade to the 560v4, but if you are looking for something with a distinctly different sound, you might want to consider something else.

I think the difference between the 560 v4 and 6SE v2 is similar to you. I'd express it: the 560 does not match the bass under 35 Hz of the SE. The upper midrange trough they both have extends more into the 2.5-3.5 KHz range than the SE - effect on female singers in the upper ranges. The 560 also has a treble spike that the SE does not. I also think the 560 has less stage depth and less harmonic richness. It's an HFM for sure but lower in my pecking order.

 

[bagwell359]

You are going to get answers all over the place since everyone has an opinion on how to "properly drive" an HE6se (including me!) and people rarely agree on this topic in particular.

Amp opinions aside, it financially doesn't make the most sense to blind-buy an amp before doing at least some serious listening to the headphone unless you were already considering buying said amp anyway. Because what if there is some deal breaker or you need to return the headphones for some reason like weight, build, stuck drivers, etc.? You don't want to be stuck with an amp that you don't want/need anymore.

More to the point in earlier times. There are now dozens of amps that have more than enough power and many if those are a sonic step up. Many of these amps are quite affordable. On top of that planars are proliferating faster than other types in the mid and high end - and many of those welcome and shine with more power. So it seems more like a when than an ever.

Added: I don't see what the mystery of driving cans that rate at 83.5 db @ 1 mW could be. HFM reccomends 2 wpc minimum which seems low because the HE-500 which is 90 db @ 1 mW gets listed as needing 2 wpc @ 50 ohms as well. I think that HFM may have them listed low as not to scare buyers off.

I list 3 wpc @ 50 ohms as the minimum. 4 for sure is enough (yes I know it's just a few db more). The big amp/reciever crew talking 100 or more wpc are talking the rating at 4 or 8 ohms. My Rag 1 which scales nicely into higher loads is rated at 100 wpc @ 4 ohms, and 10 into 50 ohms. Go ahead and put 100 wpc @ 50 ohms into the HE-6 and you'll either destroy the can or your hearing in very short order. Note: most vintage receivers are very unlikely to scale as well as my Rag 1. So 100 wpc @ 8 ohms from a late 70's battleship might be 3 or 4 wpc at 50 ohms, assuming the protection circuit or power supply don't step in first.

A Lyr+ or a Jot 2 is more than enough juice. Hate to sound like an objectavist/ABX scold but what I say is easily observable. Stop with the mystic horse manure.

Also I think SS and hybrid amps are the way - for planars. An OTL amp is no way up to it, a tube might be, but I doubt it's priced like a Lyr or Jot.

 

[tigon_ridge]

Well, I've given the 6se v2 some decent ear time. Here, I compare it to my Sundara. To summarize, while I do find the HE-6se v2 very capable, I've fallen so deeply in love with my Sundara + Crown XLS 1502 setup that I had sent my 6se back before the 30 days trial period expired. Actually, it only took about two weeks for me to make the decision. I don't expect my opinions about these two headphones will have much agreement with you guys in this thread, but I feel like I owe it to you guys to share my honest opinion of the 6se, especially since some of you influenced my decision to give it a try.

 

[cfranchi]

Well, I've given the 6se v2 some decent ear time. Here, I compare it to my Sundara. To summarize, while I do find the HE-6se v2 very capable, I've fallen so deeply in love with my Sundara + Crown XLS 1502 setup that I had sent my 6se back before the 30 days trial period expired. Actually, it only took about two weeks for me to make the decision. I don't expect my opinions about these two headphones will have much agreement with you guys in this thread, but I feel like I owe it to you guys to share my honest opinion of the 6se, especially since some of you influenced my decision to give it a try.

The issue with HE6se and default pads is that there is too much dip in the mids and so HE6se can sound a bit boxy : Sundara however is more direct because not having such dip in the mids.

I had HE6se with Dekoni Elite velour pads which fixed the dip in the mids : after that HE6se become a more coherent headphone, Sundara in comparison is more garish and less refined. Really the issue with HE6se is the default pads.

 

[Guipnox]

Hey guys.

I've compared DCA Ether Angled Earpads to Stock Earpads and here are my findings (both with open grills):

1:34 of "Tornado of Souls" from Megadeth.
There's a cymbal, on the left side, at the level of my eyes/forehead.
With the stock pads, this cymbal isn't so clear and it blends into the vocal, with a "in your head" sensation.
With the DCA pads, the cymbal is more clear and its position is more distinct from the vocal (I think layering is improved?), to the left side, with greater stage/separation.

2:08 - 2:10 of the same song.
This sequence of drums have more texture with the DCA pads, with a physical and tactile presence of bass coming and going.
With the stock pads, there's just a hit and it's gone. It even feels dry, in comparison.

So: DCA Ether Angled Earpads improve the frequency response, with greater clarity, stage and separation and texture.
Highly recommended by me.
Thanks @bagwell359 and others on this thread for the recommendation.
Now I'm happier with my HE6seV2.
Next I wanna do the bass mod with double sided tape to increase sub-to-mid bass.

 

[bagwell359]

Hey guys.

I've compared DCA Ether Angled Earpads to Stock Earpads and here are my findings (both with open grills):

1:34 of "Tornado of Souls" from Megadeth.
There's a cymbal, on the left side, at the level of my eyes/forehead.
With the stock pads, this cymbal isn't so clear and it blends into the vocal, with a "in your head" sensation.
With the DCA pads, the cymbal is more clear and its position is more distinct from the vocal (I think layering is improved?), to the left side, with greater stage/separation.

2:08 - 2:10 of the same song.
This sequence of drums have more texture with the DCA pads, with a physical and tactile presence of bass coming and going.
With the stock pads, there's just a hit and it's gone. It even feels dry, in comparison.

So: DCA Ether Angled Earpads improve the frequency response, with greater clarity, stage and separation and texture.
Highly recommended by me.
Thanks @bagwell359 and others on this thread for the recommendation.
Now I'm happier with my HE6seV2.
Next I wanna do the bass mod with double sided tape to increase sub-to-mid bass.

Nice.

I tried the tape mod (several versions) and it does work but to me it's amusical but I am a confirmed non bass head. Have fun.

 

[tigon_ridge]

The issue with HE6se and default pads is that there is too much dip in the mids and so HE6se can sound a bit boxy : Sundara however is more direct because not having such dip in the mids.

I had HE6se with Dekoni Elite velour pads which fixed the dip in the mids : after that HE6se become a more coherent headphone, Sundara in comparison is more garish and less refined. Really the issue with HE6se is the default pads.

I've noticed that bit of dip with my sine generator, but it's not that huge. My EQ addressed it, so it doesn't matter. That dip should only affect mids, but "more direct" would apply to the entire frequency spectrum, as the Sundara + Crown XLS 1502 brings everything more forward/intimate/engaging, and augments the dimensionality of every sound, compared to 6se.

The Sundara +1502 doesn't sound less refined. If anything, the 6se sounds less capable and refined through my Crown amp, as the Sundara conveys sound in a more live and transparent manner, while the 6se "colors" the sound by overdamping it. "Overdampening" is an engineering concept that entails kinetic energy gets absorbed more, leaving less decay. Both over- and underdampening has a negative effect on sound, and to me the Sundara + 1502 provides the perfect amount of dampening. That's refinement. Both headphones come with the same pads, so they were compared on even grounds in that regard. A few have commented that they preferred the default pads with their 6se. I guess switching to a fully leather pad may have somewhat lessened the damping factor on the 6se and made it sound more liquid and to my liking, but still it would not change the bass and subbass power overhead factor, which is pretty important to me; I'm just too anxious about destroying the driver of another 6se. The Sundara could literally vibrate my skull, and the drivers wouldn't care. That's also true of HE-400 and OG HE-560. The 6se v1 I experimented with could barely vibrate my earlobes before the drivers kicked the bucket. I was hoping that its overall qualities would justify keeping it, but alas, they do not; in fact, Sundara trounces it in pretty much every regard. From inspecting the drivers, there was no diaphragm sticking to the magnets, so it was a good 6se.

Anyways, I still appreciate you guys and this and the other 6se thread, because if it weren't for you guys and the 6se, I wouldn't have ever discovered this XLS 1502, nor how beautifully and perfectly it complements my Sundara. Imo, this combo might be the biggest hidden gem of hi-fi headphone audio right now. For around $700-$800, you could have audio quality that could deservedly be considered endgame. It leaves me with no wanting, which no setup prior had been able to do.

 

[Shane D]

Put on my HE6se V2's today and it was a little underwhelming. I decided to dive into some nostalgia and hit my 70's FM playlist. I don't stream and own copies of all my music, so of course you can hear the differences in music before the loudness war.
I spent most of the afternoon in high gain, which is really rare for me. For background I use an iFi Pro iCAN and I usually hang out in mid gain, around 12:00, with big chunks of bass boost and 3D sound effects enabled. Today nothing seemed very bassy, very clear, or very exciting.

I am not sure if the problem was the choice of music or me adjusting from the Grado GH2/iBasso SR2's/Focal Elex's train I was on for the last week, plus.

Try them again tomorrow and see how they sound.

 

[Andrew_WOT]

My reaction to HE6SE and pretty much everything else after some headtime with HE‐1000V2. Takes some time to readjust.

 

[helloh3adfi]

I've noticed that bit of dip with my sine generator, but it's not that huge. My EQ addressed it, so it doesn't matter. That dip should only affect mids, but "more direct" would apply to the entire frequency spectrum, as the Sundara + Crown XLS 1502 brings everything more forward/intimate/engaging, and augments the dimensionality of every sound, compared to 6se.

What the hell how does one even need such a strong speaker amp for mere Sundaras?! Wouldn't that just blow your head away?

 

[NascentAP]

I've noticed that bit of dip with my sine generator, but it's not that huge. My EQ addressed it, so it doesn't matter. That dip should only affect mids, but "more direct" would apply to the entire frequency spectrum, as the Sundara + Crown XLS 1502 brings everything more forward/intimate/engaging, and augments the dimensionality of every sound, compared to 6se.

The Sundara +1502 doesn't sound less refined. If anything, the 6se sounds less capable and refined through my Crown amp, as the Sundara conveys sound in a more live and transparent manner, while the 6se "colors" the sound by overdamping it. "Overdampening" is an engineering concept that entails kinetic energy gets absorbed more, leaving less decay. Both over- and underdampening has a negative effect on sound, and to me the Sundara + 1502 provides the perfect amount of dampening. That's refinement. Both headphones come with the same pads, so they were compared on even grounds in that regard. A few have commented that they preferred the default pads with their 6se. I guess switching to a fully leather pad may have somewhat lessened the damping factor on the 6se and made it sound more liquid and to my liking, but still it would not change the bass and subbass power overhead factor, which is pretty important to me; I'm just too anxious about destroying the driver of another 6se. The Sundara could literally vibrate my skull, and the drivers wouldn't care. That's also true of HE-400 and OG HE-560. The 6se v1 I experimented with could barely vibrate my earlobes before the drivers kicked the bucket. I was hoping that its overall qualities would justify keeping it, but alas, they do not; in fact, Sundara trounces it in pretty much every regard. From inspecting the drivers, there was no diaphragm sticking to the magnets, so it was a good 6se.

Anyways, I still appreciate you guys and this and the other 6se thread, because if it weren't for you guys and the 6se, I wouldn't have ever discovered this XLS 1502, nor how beautifully and perfectly it complements my Sundara. Imo, this combo might be the biggest hidden gem of hi-fi headphone audio right now. For around $700-$800, you could have audio quality that could deservedly be considered endgame. It leaves me with no wanting, which no setup prior had been able to do.

Thanks for your post. It made me go check out your comparison post in the Sundara thread and found out my favorite earpads are popular among some there.

It also amazes me how we all hear so differently. I got curious again and pulled out my Sundara for another comparison (both using my fav pads) and they’re still the same to me. I could literally take your review and switch the words Sundara with he6sev2 and that would be an accurate review for me.

He6sev2’s treble is rolled off compared to Sundara (which has more treble detail) such that sounds from hi hats or snare drums sound better and feels like it has more impact to me. However, when it comes to dynamics, which I understood it to be the sense of physical movement of air, I still have a hard time trying to understand. Perhaps dynamics is not what I understand it to be

 

[tigon_ridge]

Thanks for your post. It made me go check out your comparison post in the Sundara thread and found out my favorite earpads are popular among some there.

It also amazes me how we all hear so differently. I got curious again and pulled out my Sundara for another comparison (both using my fav pads) and they’re still the same to me. I could literally take your review and switch the words Sundara with he6sev2 and that would be an accurate review for me.

He6sev2’s treble is rolled off compared to Sundara (which has more treble detail) such that sounds from hi hats or snare drums sound better and feels like it has more impact to me. However, when it comes to dynamics, which I understood it to be the sense of physical movement of air, I still have a hard time trying to understand. Perhaps dynamics is not what I understand it to be

The amp pairing is critical. Unless we're listening through the same amps, we probably have little point of reference for a proper discussion of how they compare. I don't know about pad swapping, because ime swapping and modding pads made only marginal changes to the sound quality, albeit I don't have experience with a wide variety of pads. Out of my THX 789, they both sound almost equally dry/clinical to me. Out of my 1502, the 6se still sounds a bit dry/clinical, while the Sundara improves by a big leap in liquidity and presence/dimension. Why the amp switch creates a much dramatic change for one headphone than its brother I have no idea. Could be due to the difference in their loads (37 ohm vs 50 ohm), or sensitivity (83db vs 94 db). It's very intriguing. I suppose the same could be said for dynamics, which to me has to do with dynamic range (defined as db difference between soft and loud signals), and sense of impact from transients. I'm playing some very bassy tracks right now through the Sundara + 1502, and the bass transients hit so damn hard, it's actually hard to imagine that any headphone could hit harder. I feel it viscerally punching my ears, and damn it's so fun! I couldn't get that from the 6se v2 without upping the volume to ear bleeding levels, and at which point I began to fear that the drivers might die like what happened with my v1. (edit: This is with +8db low-shelf filter.)

 

[ksb643]

Sorry if it's already been posted but...

https://www.amazon.com/HIFIMAN-HE6s...mzn1.fos.2b70bf2b-6730-4ccf-ab97-eb60747b8daf

 

[dstarr3]

Sorry if it's already been posted but...

https://www.amazon.com/HIFIMAN-HE6se-Audiophile-Adjustable-Headphones/dp/B081B4SCNP/ref=mp_s_a_1_27?crid=1UVT1LAED63ZF&keywords=hifiman&qid=1665264234&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI1LjE4IiwicXNhIjoiNC40NyIsInFzcCI6IjMuODUifQ==&sprefix=hifi,aps,305&sr=8-27&ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.2b70bf2b-6730-4ccf-ab97-eb60747b8daf

That's $50 over Adorama regular price