[Frank I]

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I haven't heard the HE500 but that's what I thought. Have either if you compared the efficiency of the HE500 to the HD800?
 

Vince the hD800 is more efficient. Much more so. The HE500 still needs power. My CSP2 OTL struggled with them but the power of the Taboo was what it needed. They may be more efficient than the HE6 but 89DB still needs power to drive them.
 

 

[warp08]

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Vince the hD800 is more efficient. Much more so. The HE500 still needs power. My CSP2 OTL struggled with them but the power of the Taboo was what it needed. They may be more efficient than the HE6 but 89DB still needs power to drive them.
 

That is true, however, I would add the HD800s require a synergetic amp to sound their best.  It's not just about power.  Pick the right amp--and source--and you will love them, pick something less ideal, and you won't like the results nearly as much.
 
Although I do not currently own a pair of HD800s, I've logged in plenty of time with them.  I do own a pair of modified HE-500s (see the link for them under "Dark Star" review in my signature).  The 500s also sound great out of the balanced amp module of the HM-801 (see corresponding link for the review).
 

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

 
Quote:

Vince the hD800 is more efficient. Much more so. The HE500 still needs power. My CSP2 OTL struggled with them but the power of the Taboo was what it needed. They may be more efficient than the HE6 but 89DB still needs power to drive them.
 

 
Quote:

That is true, however, I would add the HD800s require a synergetic amp to sound their best.  It's not just about power.  Pick the right amp--and source--and you will love them, pick something less ideal, and you won't like the results nearly as much.
 
Although I do not currently own a pair of HD800s, I've logged in plenty of time with them.  I do own a pair of modified HE-500s (see the link for them under "Dark Star" review in my signature).  The 500s also sound great out of the balanced amp module of the HM-801 (see corresponding link for the review).
 

You're both right.  The HD800 are more picky about amp synergy (and voltage swing), but the HE-500 need more power (as in current).
 

 

[Ultrainferno]

 
I'm liking them more and more each day (till the LCD2 gets here?)

 

[Zida]

Naw, then you'll just like both of them more each day

 

[LangleyAFB]

An LCD with velour pads, could it happen someday?  Maybe sooner than later.

 

[Ultrainferno]

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Naw, then you'll just like both of them more each day

I do like them both. You were right.
I find them quite different, both lovely. LCD-2 for best quality, HE-500 for most fun

 

[Ultrainferno]

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They are not. HE-500 is (slightly) less efficient.

Agreed, it's easily noticeable imho

 

[sampson_smith]

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I do like them both. You were right.
I find them quite different, both lovely. LCD-2 for best quality, HE-500 for most fun

Don't you have that backwards, Ultrainferno? I would say that the LCD-2 is a funner 'phone than the HE-500, but the Hifiman has better-quality response, when it comes to detail and extension, across most of the board.
 

 

[Ultrainferno]

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Don't you have that backwards, Ultrainferno? I would say that the LCD-2 is a funner 'phone than the HE-500, but the Hifiman has better-quality response, when it comes to detail and extension, across most of the board.
 

I'll report back to you in a week after some more A/B listening, but for the moment I find the Hifiman the fun, laid back one and the LCD-2 the clearer airy one. Tastes are different right?
 

 

[Ultrainferno]

Turned out to be an amp synergy issue. LCD2 + Violectric is a great match,LCD2 and Lafigaro 339 tubeamp is not so to my ears.
Lafigaro 339 and He-500 hifiman is great. Now I can only say they both are fun and awesome and at the same level (imho)

 

[Ultrainferno]

Hifiman lowered in price. Just read the anouncement on Headfonia

 

[tamahome77]

I had a hunch that they were going to lower the price.  $699 is more like it. 

 

[rawrster]

That's a nice price on them
 
Actually with the new prices I may very well get their new dynamic..

 

[M-13]

Wow... this is great for people who haven't purchased the HE-500, but for people who recently did. That's pretty brutual. I'm in pain. Plus they're giving a new silver cable? I hope they offer some kind of condolence.
 
Dr. Fang, Will people who recently purchased the HE-500 get anything to make them feel better?