[gonzalo1004es]

No EQ in the world will save the HE-1000SE against the Susvara, only the output of your smartphone will help the SE rout from the battlefield.

a) Susvara has better timbre and tonality, way better balance.
b) Micro and Macro are quite a leap, HE-1000SE throws cotton balls at your head in comparison. Not saying it doesn't have decent slam. Susvara is just another league here.
c) superior soundstage depth and stable, focussed "dense" mid center. Less Tall but more focussed, round (cohorent) and dense.
d) You can kinda sense the per sqmm FFF aka Fang Force Field, similarly to the HE-6. The microdynamics are just absolutely stellar and as known part of the emotional connection to the music. Susvara really lives up to its sanskrit name and illuminates.
d) Susvara slams and punches harder, you can enhance this with ZMF Eikon Hybrid/Solid and go more towards the HE-6
e) Amping with the Susvara is like the HE-6. It's no joke.

Thanks for the detailed info, it’s difficult to not jump to the Susvara wagon with a post like this!

 

[geomaso44]

Interesting suggestion with the ZMF pads.
So far I ve read only about Dekoni pads.
Are there any comparisons?

I've written an extensive Susvara/HE-6 pad-rolling guide for another headphone site this year that contains specific recommendations as well as common suggestions potentially applicable to other planar magnetics. Cannot link to it directly unfortunately but the related post from May 28th can be googled ("HiFiMan SUSVARA "Review" and Measurements earpad guideline"). I've tried some more pads since then but the guide stands.

On top of the above, you could check some of my recent posts (1st, 2nd, 3rd) in the LCD-5 thread.

 

[LarsMan]

Yall need to hear this, especially if you want one TOTL HP that plays every genre well (modern / acoustic / anything). Slightly more detailed impressions on the LCD5 thread:

After seeing some video and written reviews and comments on forums, I just ordered a pair of these yesterday (11/23) to add to the headphone stable; looks like something I'd like a lot, and I never even wanted to try out earlier LCD's after reading about the weight....

 

[OneEyedHito]

I've written an extensive Susvara/HE-6 pad-rolling guide for another headphone site this year that contains specific recommendations as well as common suggestions potentially applicable to other planar magnetics. Cannot link to it directly unfortunately but the related post from May 28th can be googled ("HiFiMan SUSVARA "Review" and Measurements earpad guideline"). I've tried some more pads since then but the guide stands.

On top of the above, you could check some of my recent posts (1st, 2nd, 3rd) in the LCD-5 thread.

I just grabbed a set of ZMF Eikon pads and rings based on your recommendation thanks.

 

[FooFighter]

Are these the right ones?
https://shop.zmfheadphones.com/products/eikon-pads?variant=37201087529123
Are the rings included yet?

 

[jaboki]

I've written an extensive Susvara/HE-6 pad-rolling guide for another headphone site this year that contains specific recommendations as well as common suggestions potentially applicable to other planar magnetics. Cannot link to it directly unfortunately but the related post from May 28th can be googled ("HiFiMan SUSVARA "Review" and Measurements earpad guideline"). I've tried some more pads since then but the guide stands.

On top of the above, you could check some of my recent posts (1st, 2nd, 3rd) in the LCD-5 thread.

I ordered the rings+pads today to try this out. Thanks for the write up!

 

[geomaso44]

Are these the right ones?
https://shop.zmfheadphones.com/products/eikon-pads?variant=37201087529123
Are the rings included yet?

Yes, these are the ones (Eikon Hybrid suede/lamb).
No, the mounting rings are something specific to Hifimans, therefore must be found and ordered separately (e.g. from the Hifiman store).

 

[Trance_Gott]

I just grabbed a set of ZMF Eikon pads and rings based on your recommendation thanks.

+1

 

[ufospls2]

I've had good success with the Universe Perforated suede pads. The Leather and Hybrid perforated versions of the Universe pads made the Susvara a bit bright.

 

[geomaso44]

I've had good success with the Universe Perforated suede pads. The Leather and Hybrid perforated versions of the Universe pads made the Susvara a bit bright.

I agree that the Universe hybrid and Universe perf leather pads are a bit too bright on Susvara. (The same can be said e.g. for Eikon perf leather.) However, Eikon hybrids are spot-on.

Universe perforated suede pads are indeed nice but the solid leather material of the Eikon hybrids is a better choice to my ears for keeping subbass intact + letting Susvara hit in low to mid bass almost like HE6s.

 

[ufospls2]

I agree that the Universe hybrid and Universe perf leather pads are a bit too bright on Susvara. (The same can be said e.g. for Eikon perf leather.) However, Eikon hybrids are spot-on.

Universe perforated suede pads are indeed nice but the solid leather material of the Eikon hybrids is a better choice to my ears for keeping subbass intact + letting Susvara hit in low to mid bass almost like HE6s.

I can certainly see that being the case. I don't have any eikon pads on hand to try out sadly. Thanks for sharing your experience : )

 

[FooFighter]

Just checked the mounting rings in the Hifiman store.
2 x rings: 20 USD
Shipping to Europe: 178 USD

 

[geomaso44]

Just checked the mounting rings in the Hifiman store.
2 x rings: 20 USD
Shipping to Europe: 178 USD

That's crazy. Maybe try e-bay to get them cheaper?

In the worst case, you could get Dekoni Hifiman Elite Hybrid (EPZ-HIFIMAN-HYB) pads that have a pair of rings included. Or buy some cheap Hifiman pads with glued rings (e.g. Hifiman VelPad), and rip the rings off the pads.

 

[LarsMan]

Just checked the mounting rings in the Hifiman store.
2 x rings: 20 USD
Shipping to Europe: 178 USD

I just put in an order for a Hifiman mounting ring - 1 order ($10) consists of 2 rings. Free shipping in the US.

$178 for shipping to Europe? I'd call Hifiman to check on that; sounds like some mistake...

 

[Fegefeuer]

I got a few spare rings I could send within Germany, just gotta check if they look ok.
Maybe Europe too but in any case shipping is not on me.