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Author Topic: HiFiMan HE-560 measurements  (Read 41125 times)

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Marvey

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HiFiMan HE-560 measurements
« on: July 01, 2014, 06:38:06 AM »
HiFiMan HE-560 measurements.

Updates links:

pre-production version (added 7/1/14)
http://www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,1654.msg43989.html#msg43989

production version L+R comparison
http://www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,1654.msg43990.html#msg43990

crappy high ISO photos
http://www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,1654.msg43992.html#msg43992

subjective impressions
http://www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,1654.msg43998.html#msg43998

The BEST combo. New production with pre-production pads
http://www.changstar.com/index.php/topic,1654.msg44162.html#msg44162

Original Post:

At least one side. Heading to bed. Ran on fumes today at work and need recovery. Still unpacking and house is a mess.

I love these BTW. Oh, and these were not a review sample sent to me by HFM so folks like Lachlan need not worry about corruption or us holding back anything. We pay for our own review units here. Or at least some random pyrate pays before sending something to me or ultrabike. Not counting the fact that we have an exchange program where we pass things along to get different points of view. Besides, measurements (while they have their limitations), aren't influenced by whether they are gifts, ahem, cough cough, review units.

This is a great headphone. Very much worth the price. More measurements and subjective impressions tomorrow. I don't know if this pair is a pre-production or production version. They came in a nice box.
« Last Edit: July 05, 2014, 03:06:24 AM by marvey »
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Hroðulf

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Re: HiFiMan HE-560 measurements
« Reply #1 on: July 01, 2014, 06:47:01 AM »
If these are veneered then they should be a production unit or should I say "post-pre-production".
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If it keeps on ringin', levee's goin' to break..

Marvey

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Re: HiFiMan HE-560 measurements
« Reply #2 on: July 01, 2014, 06:50:29 AM »
They appear to be veneered.


Couple of measurement notes:
  • Great distortion characteristics
  • Dip in last octave appears to be a measurement artifact
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mechgamer123

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Re: HiFiMan HE-560 measurements
« Reply #3 on: July 01, 2014, 06:51:03 AM »
So here's the big question: Are they worth the extra money over the HE-500?
Just looking at the FR, they don't seem as smooth to my eyes as the 500, especially with the jerg pads. There does seem to be less energy in the ~8-10k area though, is that correct? I think that's one of the big gripes I all the Hifiman planars I've tried so far.
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Marvey

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Re: HiFiMan HE-560 measurements
« Reply #4 on: July 01, 2014, 07:00:23 AM »
I think they are worth it for the following reasons:
  • Comfort and fit. They feel light. Suspension headband is super comfy. Ear pads are to die for. I actually feel these are more comfy than the PM-1. HE-500 is horrible in terms of ergonomics compared to these.
  • Bass clarity. HE-500 tends to have this one-note muddy bass thing going on unless you run it out of certain power amps.
  • Less bright than HE-500. Depending upon amp, I've had to EQ 9kHz down a few db. With HE-560, not necessary.
  • Not as smooth in FR compared to HE-500 / Jerg pads, but really, can't tell easily because the 2k dip is oftentimes desirable and at worst benign.
  • Especially resolving for an ortho. Plankton galore. I'll give it a good run against Abyss. I've already compared before in less formal settings so I know Abyss wins. What would be interesting is by how much?
If people are paying well over $1.2k for AKG812, PM-1, LCD-2, this in comparison is a bargain. I myself am seriously contemplating these because the Abyss are quite heavy.
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Marvey

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Re: HiFiMan HE-560 measurements
« Reply #5 on: July 01, 2014, 07:03:05 AM »
CSD

The ringing at 4kHz looks like the beginnings of an ortho wall. Not sure if it is really audible. If anyone does not know what an ortho wall is, please ask, or so a search on this site.
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OJneg

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Re: HiFiMan HE-560 measurements
« Reply #6 on: July 01, 2014, 07:06:10 AM »
Interesting. Definitely an elevated region around 4k (or depressed region around it, depending on how you hear it I guess). From my listening impressions I thought the elevation would be higher up the spectrum (closer to 8k TBH).

Mech: FWIW, I didn't feel these were any more offensive in the treble than the HE500. HE500's treble issues are probably more evident to me than these actually. Depends on what you listen to I suppose. The lighter/better fit makes them worth it for most regardless. HE500's fit might start bothering you before the treble does  ;)
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Marvey

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Re: HiFiMan HE-560 measurements
« Reply #7 on: July 01, 2014, 07:10:44 AM »
Yes, I thought I heard some stridency with the HE-560 that Clem brought to the LA meet. I looked for it with this pair, including trying recordings which I knew would set it off. However, I can confirm that I heard no stridency with this unit. Will do more subjective tests tomorrow.
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Hands

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Re: HiFiMan HE-560 measurements
« Reply #8 on: July 01, 2014, 07:35:34 AM »
Thanks! Can't wait for further impressions and info. Sorta-kinda, but not terribly so, matches my HE-500 measurements with jerg-ish pads. Dip around 2KHz, bump around 3-4KHz (these aspects shifted down on the spectrum on my HE-500), though this HE-560 shows no peak around 9-10KHz and has better distortion characteristics.

I was considering the HE-560 but am now thinking I'd rather continue working on my HE-500 with my torn up alpha pads.
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ohhgourami

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Re: HiFiMan HE-560 measurements
« Reply #9 on: July 01, 2014, 08:20:23 AM »
Quote from: marvey on July 01, 2014, 07:00:23 AM
I think they are worth it for the following reasons:
  • Comfort and fit. They feel light. Suspension headband is super comfy. Ear pads are to die for. I actually feel these are more comfy than the PM-1. HE-500 is horrible in terms of ergonomics compared to these.
  • Bass clarity. HE-500 tends to have this one-note muddy bass thing going on unless you run it out of certain power amps.
  • Less bright than HE-500. Depending upon amp, I've had to EQ 9kHz down a few db. With HE-560, not necessary.
  • Not as smooth in FR compared to HE-500 / Jerg pads, but really, can't tell easily because the 2k dip is oftentimes desirable and at worst benign.
  • Especially resolving for an ortho. Plankton galore. I'll give it a good run against Abyss. I've already compared before in less formal settings so I know Abyss wins. What would be interesting is by how much?
If people are paying well over $1.2k for AKG812, PM-1, LCD-2, this in comparison is a bargain. I myself am seriously contemplating these because the Abyss are quite heavy.

NO! Make a sick hybrid instead. HE-560 headband with HE-6 drivers and full modded!  headbang

Anyway, looking forward to your subjective review.
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