So after fussing with the TP mod and then putting the HE1K's aside for a day or so, I plug them back in to give them another listen.
In between I had soldered the ac power hot and neutral leads instead of just using the duplex receptacle as the connection point, which is just upstream from where the amp and dac are plugged in.
The results were immediately noticed.
But not on the HE1K's.
This, to me, points out the basic nature of planar magnetic drivers.
Every planar I have listened to, and no I haven't heard them all, have a sonic similarity.
It's inherent with the design.
or as HiFiman puts it, Advanced Asymmetrical Magnetic Circuit design.
Planar's either have sound pressure propagation or magnetic field strength issues, and/or both.
Asymmetrical issues result in an asymmetrical response to the generated acoustical waveform.
Just as e-stats don't do low bass, and dynamics aren't as fast as e-stats, every design has its balance of what it does well and what it doesn't.
Planar's are smooth, or can be smooth if well designed.
They tend to be non amp specific and 'easy' on signal source requirements.
They are or can be quite competent, but are not on the bleeding edge in terms of SQ.
And the HE1K's ARE real smooth, enjoyable but not articulate, engaging but not involving.
I can see why they would be popular as they check off lots of the hot buttons of a TotL piece of gear.
And they are smooth, which is better than having to fight with which amp pairs well with them, (not smooth), as just about any amp will, well, as long as it has enough power to drive them.
But smooth not only in terms of SQ but ownership and a lack of needing to fuss with them, to immediately be able to enjoy them, out of the box.
But if you're looking for detail, just like the rest of the planars, it only goes to a certain depth, and the deep end of this pool definitely goes MUCH deeper.
I found myself missing all of that detail that I'm used to, so I put them back in their box and was once again hearing the improvements that my recent solder job has delivered.
JJ
