Referencesounds/LFF's modded HE-5 >Code-X< thread

[paradoxper]

Nods. I really hold the TC as the best headphone on the planet, but the Code-X does so many things very well. In fact, a more balanced performer than Susvara.

 

[geoffalter11]

Hey Code X fans... thought I would post again to this thread. I have my Code X3's now for about 6 months and can say without question that I will never let these go. I just got my Cembalo Spring 1 back from the spa. It needed a tune up. New transistors that had blown and the volume pot needed a good cleaning. What returned was nothing short of bliss and my Code X are sounding even better than before. This headphone never ceases to amaze me. Soundstage depth and width, instrument placement, timbre, bass speed and midrange articulation are all top of the heap. I just had the pleasure of a/b testing the Code X against the Diana V2, Susvara and LCD-4z. All TOTL planars that my Spring 1 had no problem powering. Honestly, outside of the LCD-4z, which is my favorite headphone, the Code X sounded as good if not better than the rest. It isn't as ethereal as the Susvara, it isn't as resolving as the Diana V2, but for just pure listening enjoyment it bested them all. I just haven't heard any other planar that is as musically satisfying as the Code X. It does everything you could ask of a headphone. Plus, it is light and comfy. It definitely loves power, which my Spring 1 has in spades. Give it the right current and it will sing...

I have no idea how many Code X's are left in the world, but for those that have one, don't ever let it go. You won't find another planar at its price point that sounds as good. I am certainly not the most knowledgable head-fier, but what I can say is that what I have been exposed to leads me to believe that the Code X is one of those headphones we should all be lucky to share the same space for a moment of two...

Jaker, can't thank you enough for my X3. I really appreciate it! I hope this finds you well...

 

[jaker782]

Jaker, can't thank you enough for my X3. I really appreciate it! I hope this finds you well...

Glad you are still enjoying it! It remains one of the best cans I've had the pleasure of putting on my ears!

 

[geoffalter11]

Hey Code X lovers and owners. Just curious, how many pairs are out there in the world still? They are getting really hard to find. I kind of want to buy another pair. I have the X3 which is based on the HE-5 Reissue and was modded in 2018.

I'd love to get my hands on a X or X2 at some point. Mostly I am curious how many pairs still exist. They are getting awfully rare and still sound heavenly. Their tonality/timbre is best in class. They are such a wonderful headphone.

 

[Maxx134]

Mostly I am curious how many pairs still exist. They are getting awfully rare and still sound heavenly. Their tonality/timbre is best in class. They are such a wonderful headphone.

From what I remember the issue is that hifiman made limited amount of those drivers.

The "Code X" sound is actually because of those earliest version drivers, with some intelligently laid, thin frontal damping.

So yeah, it will never be able to be replaced.
Very nice "juicy" signature, with a noticeable satisfying planar sound, and above average realism.

Soundstage not as large as the TOTL cans out there, but overall easily superior to majority of stuff out there under 1.5-2k price.
Solid & timeless choice.

Edit **
Just noticed discussing was for an X3 version with "re-issue" drivers so should be very similar, so my post only refers to the older one which I had.

 

[geoffalter11]

From what I remember the issue is that hifiman made limited amount of those drivers.

The "Code X" sound is actually because of those earliest version drivers, with some intelligently laid, thin frontal damping.

So yeah, it will never be able to be replaced.
Very nice "juicy" signature, with a noticeable satisfying planar sound, and above average realism.

Soundstage not as large as the TOTL cans out there, but overall easily superior to majority of stuff out there under 1.5-2k price.
Solid & timeless choice.

I know it isn’t up to par with the TOTL Planars, but I still prefer it over almost everything. I just love this headphone and will be sad the day the drivers fail. Hopefully not anytime soon. They are getting more and more rare.

I have only heard the X3. The HE-5 reissue modded by LFF. Do the X, X2, X3, LEX basically sound the same?

 

[Maxx134]

In my opinion only, I can only speculate answer is yes, as they all should have used same driver. That's why it was a limited run.
Much of the special sound was due to the driver's membrane. After that time it changed.

Hifiman kept "improving" the composition, thinness, and type of metal trace of that driver, so that original specific, satisfying planar sound changed.

I believe their latest designs are getting better again, and regardless of the company's choices, they have continually progressed more the others.

 

[geoffalter11]

In my opinion only, I can only speculate answer is yes, as they all should have used same driver. That's why it was a limited run.
Much of the special sound was due to the driver's membrane. After that time it changed.

Hifiman kept "improving" the composition, thinness, and type of metal trace of that driver, so that original specific, satisfying planar sound changed.

I believe their latest designs are getting better again, and regardless of the company's choices, they have continually progressed more the others.

Agreed. It is just that the tonality of the Code X is so unique. While they continue to improve, the syrupy planar signature that makes the Code X so alluring is hard to find in their new and improved designs. The HEKse started a planar revolution of trying to emulate an E-Stat tuning with Planar bass and intricacies.

Just my two cents…

 

[geoffalter11]

I know that the Code X is not the most detailed headphone. But, its tonality/timbre is best in class. For the reasons you describe above, this headphone is just flat out special. I had a brief moment of insanity and put it up for an interest check. Then I took it down instantly realizing that selling it for $1k is not worth it. I will never find a headphone at that price to replace it. It is just too good and its value doesn't match its quality.

 

[bagwell359]

Did I miss something? The LFF is an after market design - modified - some say cryogenics, some say special filter papers - right?

I've only seen in the US used markets I believe 4 of these for sale (all types) since 2018. I think the HE-6 4 & 6 screw are the most common/famous, I think there is a HE-500 or two floating around, and certainly HE-4 and HE-5.

Luis the designer/builder hung it up a few years ago, then made a brief return. I do not know if he's still making any. I believe they are pretty expensive and take awhile. Maybe I should locate him and buy the business if he's done.... I do like building/modifying stuff.

 

[geoffalter11]

Did I miss something? The LFF is an after market design - modified - some say cryogenics, some say special filter papers - right?

I've only seen in the US used markets I believe 4 of these for sale (all types) since 2018. I think the HE-6 4 & 6 screw are the most common/famous, I think there is a HE-500 or two floating around, and certainly HE-4 and HE-5.

Luis the designer/builder hung it up a few years ago, then made a brief return. I do not know if he's still making any. I believe they are pretty expensive and take awhile. Maybe I should located him and buy the business if he's done.... I do like building/modifying stuff.

Do you know how to do the modification? There are a few HE-5s floating about. Not to many though…

 

[bagwell359]

Do you know how to do the modification? There are a few HE-5s floating about. Not to many though…

No idea. But it seemed to be a pretty successful cottage business for a few years. Now perhaps a bit less demand. The secrets could probably be applied to other cans from other outfits. I was joking this is too big an undertaking for an old guy like me, but, I'd like to see it done for sure.

 

[geoffalter11]

No idea. But it seemed to be a pretty successful cottage business for a few years. Now perhaps a bit less demand. The secrets could probably be applied to other cans from other outfits. I was joking this is too big an undertaking for an old guy like me, but, I'd like to see it done for sure.

The Code X is my favorite headphone. No clue what Luis did, but it worked.

 

[Clemmaster]

My Code LEX is for sale, for those interested.

 

[Contrails]

Hebo LFF Code X reporting. F*cking phenomenal headphone. Bass is just as fast and deep as LCD3 Pre Fazor. Maybe a tad more subbass quantity than the Pre Fazor 3. Mids and Treble tonality are perfect. And I mean perfect even when compared HD800S, Aryas, Meze Elites, Stax SR007mk1, LCD2 and 3. Soundstage and imaging is average. Very engaging headphone.

I am using a Master 9 amp and Holo Spring 2 KTE.