Hifiman TWS600 - First Impression
Jul 13, 2019 at 7:42 AM Post #91 of 240
FWIW the Sony ear tips (light green sleeves) work even better than the Spin-Fits for me (further reduction of the glare without losing detail or bass) and have the added advantage of fitting nicely in the charging case (the Spin-fits do not).

After using these on and off for about a week now (still only 12 hours or less of actual listening time) I'm really happy with the performance. Comfortable fit that stays put, no connection issues, easy to learn controls with an actual push button, great signal range and the close to neutral signature that I prefer. Still a bit of forwardness in the upper mid-range, but not objectionable at all at this point especially when listening at a reasonable volume.

Although I know this may be controversial, I do think the earphones have mellowed a bit (independent of any adjustments on my part) since I first tried them. Perhaps a waterfall measurement might show some differences relative to new, perhaps not. Maybe I've simply gone slightly deaf during this period. Regardless of the reason, after an initial period where I really questioned the purchase these will likely be in heavy use for a while.

Things Hifiman could do to improve on what is in my opinion a great, but likely polarizing first effort due to the unusual (for a wireless earphone) neutral tuning:

- Slight increase in lower bass response starting at about 200 hz and sloping up by about 2db at 30 hz would be perfect for me (these seal well, but the impact of the linear bass tuning in a noisy environment may be an issue)
- Reduction in 2 khz peak by about 3db
- Reduce volume of the notification beeps
- Increase depth of charging case to accommodate larger tips

Not really a big list all things considered if your preference is for a neutral tuning.

Never tried these to make or answer phone calls so cannot comment on that aspect of their performance.
 
Jul 13, 2019 at 12:34 PM Post #92 of 240
Jumping back to my Sennheiser Momentum's after week of tws600 heavy use made the former feel like a rather enjoyable bass heavy sledgehammer. While the tsw600 can be brutal with the highs and leave you wanting in the bass department, all is not lost. I've found them to have some talents that I've yet to find with any other TWS I've heard. The first being sound stage, the 2nd detail. Chamber music at moderate volume seems to be the ticket with these. With a bit of tip rolling and a little EQing to calm down the highs, I easily see these becoming my go to for relaxing on flights. Other than that, I see nothing to really wax idiotic about.
 
Jul 13, 2019 at 10:41 PM Post #93 of 240
How does the Hifiman stack up to the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless?

Looking for something with good sound quality for use during gym sessions and runs.
 
Jul 13, 2019 at 11:17 PM Post #95 of 240
The Sennheiser is bassier with less detail. It has a transparency feature which lets outside noise in which is quite clever, although, in reality, I'm not sure how much it would be used for what you want. The TWS600 is the more audiophile of the 2, in my opinion

I'm unlikely to need to use the transparency feature. I live in a village with little active traffic, so it's not like the feature will be a crucial life or death thing for me.

I also happen to have two bass cannon HPs on hand (A V Moda M100 and an HP-DX 1000 Victor that I need to get modded to have removable cables), so I think the Hifiman might be what I'm looking for.
 
Jul 14, 2019 at 1:41 AM Post #96 of 240
I also happen to have two bass cannon HPs on hand (A V Moda M100 and an HP-DX 1000 Victor that I need to get modded to have removable cables), so I think the Hifiman might be what I'm looking for.

The TWS600 is about as far away from "bass cannon" as you can get. Think Grado - but without the mid-bass as well.
 
Jul 14, 2019 at 1:14 PM Post #97 of 240
The momentum is a great generalist, where as the tws600 is more of a specialist. I see of them as the Sony MDR-SA5000 of the TWS world. They are reasonably stunning with very specific genres and spectacularly mediocre when it comes to everything else. EQing will rectify the some of the issues, but will never correct the absent low end. I'd go as far as directing the average listener toward Bose products before I'd suggest these. That is, unless, their playlist is riddled with names like Herbert von Karajan.
 
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Jul 14, 2019 at 1:54 PM Post #98 of 240
The momentum is a great generalist, where as the tws600 is more of a specialist. I see of them as the Sony MDR-SA5000 of the TWS world. They are reasonably stunning with very specific genres and spectacularly mediocre when it comes to everything else. EQing will rectify the some of the issues, but will never correct the absent low end. I'd go as far as directing the average listener toward Bose products before I'd suggest these. That is, unless, their playlist is riddled with names like Herbert von Karajan.
I disagree with this. The bass is plenty capable with flat extension. The problem is that the elevated mids push the bass back in the stage. EQing fixes this. I actually think the treble is the weakness, not the bass, as the decay is too quick making cymbals sound thin. If you are the type who likes a big warm midbass, I don't think you can make these do that well, but that doesn't mean they can't be a generalists.

I watched John Wick with these, listened to hip hop, indie rock, and prog. I've watched loads of YouTube. I haven't tried classical, but given the clarity of the kids, in inclined to say they will do fine. These are just fine as generalists for folks that aren't looking for a thick/warm/meaty sounding IEM.
 
Jul 14, 2019 at 6:44 PM Post #99 of 240
The tws600 are tuned neutral. The bass and lower mids are neutral, but very quick. Sub-bass is not elevated at all, but is there in some measure when called for. Treble is smooth, but not sweet. Neither are they harsh or overly bright.

Their one main issue is the upper mids which are slightly hot causing a slight hollowness/thinness on poorly recorded material. Listening at a really loud volume can also exacerbate the mid-range issue. They are nowhere near as harsh as something like some Grados IMO nor do they have the midbass bump that Grado uses to counteract their upper midrange excess.

As a result of the neutral/reference tuning a great fit is an absolute necessity. One needs to play around to find the right tips that work at the right insertion depth. However when properly fitted the signature is balanced, detail and soundstaging are exemplary (for a wireless product).

If you are the fan of the etymotic ER4s type of sound you will like these. If not or if you do not take the time to get things right they can sound VERY bright.
 
Jul 15, 2019 at 7:36 PM Post #101 of 240
Yup. They' tws600 is definitely not for everyone!

The 1More is supposed to have very deep bass.

Incidentally, if you are not in a hurry I suggest you wait a bit on the new crop of wireless product coming out. They have way longer battery life. Cambridge Audio just released a product (Melomania 1) that is supposed to run almost 9 hours without requiring a recharge from the case! I'm sure most will have the typical bassier signature that appears to be part for the course for these products. Hifiman's tuning is an attempt to separate themselves from the pack.
 
Jul 15, 2019 at 9:09 PM Post #102 of 240
Yup. They' tws600 is definitely not for everyone!

The 1More is supposed to have very deep bass.

Incidentally, if you are not in a hurry I suggest you wait a bit on the new crop of wireless product coming out. They have way longer battery life. Cambridge Audio just released a product (Melomania 1) that is supposed to run almost 9 hours without requiring a recharge from the case! I'm sure most will have the typical bassier signature that appears to be part for the course for these products. Hifiman's tuning is an attempt to separate themselves from the pack.
The 1More's were not as bass heavy as I expected (compared to the Sennheiser Momentums).. with just some minor EQ'ing (sub bass down) I was able to get a really impressive sound. But you're right about the TWS600's, they definitely created an option unlike any other current TW buds out there.

I figured for $89 these 1Mores will do the trick until some better options are released.
 
Jul 16, 2019 at 5:34 AM Post #103 of 240
The TWS600 is about as far away from "bass cannon" as you can get. Think Grado - but without the mid-bass as well.

Exactly. Don't need another cannon.
 
Jul 17, 2019 at 1:13 AM Post #105 of 240
Ordered a pair of these today so I can have some non cable "walking around" IEMs. Mid-centric tuning is my thing. I'll report back once I get them with my impressions.

I'm a mid-centric type of guy as well, love the Ety signature. The upper midrange on these are still a little on the hotter side of things (not that I can't tolerate them, but they definitely could use some toning down).
 

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