HiFiMan Quality Control?

[glennkresge]

I have been A/Bing the Arya v3 vs the Ananda and I do like the Ananda more because of the Tonality.

Arya sounds thin and metallic compared to the Ananda which sounds full and alive. Arya is a somewhat similar sound but thinner.

Arya has a massive soundstage and separation I'll give the Arya that. It's a marvel.

But for Music, Ananda. Hands down. As soon as I believe I like the Arya more I give the Ananda a few songs and I feel the music's soul.

If I had to keep one it would be the Ananda.

Here's where I get critical of Hifiman.

The Arya has a very crappy cable(better looking than the Anandas though and it's OCC) but it keeps falling out of my earcups. One time my headphone amp tripped the safety because of it...and another time it didn't and I wish it did, and I swear it sounds a little muddy now (THX 889). Girlfriend said they same thing when she used it for her music and I didn't tell her what happened. "Where did the sparklys go"

Could that have ****ed up my dac at all? Or the headphones?

Maybe I'd enjoy the non stealth magnets more?

Not at all "happy" with Hifiman. Pretty pissed tbh. Cable doesn't stay in the headphones and possibly shorted my equipment, pretty sad for a 1600$ can.

I am sorry you spent that kind of money and had issues. HIFIMAN phones sound good for the most part. Again, it is always Q.C.

 

[Andrew_WOT]

I am sorry you spent that kind of money and had issues. HIFIMAN phones sound good for the most part. Again, it is always Q.C.

Q.C. can filter out some defective units, but not much help if the whole design and manufacturing is built around cheap components and sloppy assembly to save every penny.
Take a look at a similar priced Audeze phones, it's a world of difference.

 

[bagwell359]

Once bitten forever shy? Missing out from my chair.

 

[glennkresge]

Q.C. can filter out some defective units, but not much help if the whole design and manufacturing is built around cheap components and sloppy assembly to save every penny.
Take a look at a similar priced Audeze phones, it's a world of difference.

I have heard good things about them too! I have never heard of any kind of complaints that I have seen with HIFIMAN. Many have said the sound is better too.

 

[glennkresge]

I had a run in with Hifiman, regarding service.
never again!
Read it here
Also see this.

HIFIMAN has major QC issues on everything they make on two headphones. I had somewhat of a difficult time getting them to honor a brand-new set of headphones. I had to jump through all kinds of hurdles to get them replaced. But they did replace them. Once again, everything I have purchased from them has had issues, including two of their audio players. Moreover, they want top dollar for their products. I will never buy any of their products. As I stated, you are buying JUNK in a Box!

 

[bagwell359]

As I've written the pads and cables are poor. The marketing around the 5 SE and 5XX could be kindly described as deceptive.

However the headphones I have/had have suffered zero failures:

HE-5LE age ~13 yrs old*
HE-500 age ~10 yrs old*
MD-4XX age ~5 yrs old
Edition X v2 ~5 yrs old*
HE-5 SE ~ 4 yrs old
HE-6 SE ~ 4 yrs old

* used

Still have them all except for the 5 SE.

HFM has great headphones at all price levels. They have some dogs, but so did Senn, Grado, AKG, etc. .

 

[glennkresge]

As I've written the pads and cables are poor. The marketing around the 5 SE and 5XX could be kindly described as deceptive.

However the headphones I have/had have suffered zero failures:

HE-5LE age ~13 yrs old*
HE-500 age ~10 yrs old*
MD-4XX age ~5 yrs old
Edition X v2 ~5 yrs old*
HE-5 SE ~ 4 yrs old
HE-6 SE ~ 4 yrs old

* used

Still have them all except for the 5 SE.

HFM has great headphones at all price levels. They have some dogs, but so did Senn, Grado, AKG, etc. .

I am glad you have had good service with HIFIMAN. I have not! However, I like their sound, but not their issues with QC. I did not give up on them right away. I kept giving them the benefit by buying their products until I got sick of the QC hassles. And this includes two of their players too. All had issues. I own many headphones and digital players, none have had the QC issues like HIFIMAM. This includes Sennheiser and Beyerdynamics, Focal, Grado and the top of the AKG for 1600 dollars and their cheaper models. All good.

 

[bagwell359]

I am glad you have had good service with HIFIMAN. I have not! However, I like their sound, but not their issues with QC. I did not give up on them right away. I kept giving them the benefit by buying their products until I got sick of the QC hassles. And this includes two of their players too. All had issues. I own many headphones and digital players, none have had the QC issues like HIFIMAM. This includes Sennheiser and Beyerdynamics, Focal, Grado and the top of the AKG for 1600 dollars and their cheaper models. All good.

Sorry to hear that... Carry on - with happier results.

 

[tyk103]

My Sundaras has a bending sound when I press in on the left earcup while I have them on. It's weird, but it doesn't affect the sound in any way.

 

[glennkresge]

My Sundaras has a bending sound when I press in on the left earcup while I have them on. It's weird, but it doesn't affect the sound in any way.

At least they work! That's a good start for HIFIMAN.

 

[536129]

my own thoughts, I own the sundara, he6se v2, deva pro, he400se and ef400, all of them are perfect, never a single issue and the qc was great on them. All of these purchases are from this year 2022 though so I cant speak about the past but 5 items all perfect, I think QC is excellent. Could some of them be more comfy or better headband? yes, but for the price, its great and works as intended.

 

[glennkresge]

That is good to hear. I can tell you when I talk with their service reps. They stated they were really trying to improve their QC. Hopefully, that has been happening. I can say this; I am not the only one who has had issues with QC with HIFIMAN products. I have many headphones from name-brand companies. I have never had any technical issues with them. I have had issues with head pads and ear pads breaking down with normal use, especially on Beyerdynamics products. These items need to be replaced from time to time. Again, I enjoyed the sound of HIFIMAN products. I hope they keep improving their QC.