Hifiman HE-500 - review

[quadpatch]

Here are my thoughts on the Hifiman HE-500. A few people have been asking for this one on my blog, so it seems like a popular one. click the following link to see what I thought of the mid-level planar magnetic headphone from Hifiman. Enjoy

http://noblehifi.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/hifiman-he-500-review.html

 

[matt49]

Good review: very thorough and clear, and IMO right on the money.

I've had a pair of these since July and am extremely happy with them. I auditioned them at home against the Audeze LCD2s, which I thought had the edge on SQ (especially in the bass department), but I found the HE-500s much more comfortable. With headphones of course SQ isn't everything.

I'm currently looking for a headphone amp/DAC for them. The requirement is that that the amp/DAC must have either optical digital or coax digital inputs. I'm thinking of waiting for John Westlake's new MDAC2 (due in the spring). Any other suggestions?

:cheers:

Matt

 

[quadpatch]

Good review: very thorough and clear, and IMO right on the money. I've had a pair of these since July and am extremely happy with them. I auditioned them at home against the Audeze LCD2s, which I thought had the edge on SQ (especially in the bass department), but I found the HE-500s much more comfortable. With headphones of course SQ isn't everything. I'm currently looking for a headphone amp/DAC for them. The requirement is that that the amp/DAC must have either optical digital or coax digital inputs. I'm thinking of waiting for John Westlake's new MDAC2 (due in the spring). Any other suggestions? :cheers: Matt

Thanks Matt! I didn't know about the M-DAC2 actually. I must say that I have been really impressed by the combination of Schiit DACs and amps with the Hifiman range and that's only been with the very reasonably priced Modi & Magni. Stepping those up a range is quite a bit more expensive, but even the Bifrost adds the functionality that you're looking for. Then you can add either a solid state amp or a valve to that, as you see fit. Although I got rid of it a while ago the Yulong D100 mkii was a very capable combined DAC/amp that also has all the main digital inputs available.

 

[matt49]

Thanks Matt! I didn't know about the M-DAC2 actually. I must say that I have been really impressed by the combination of Schiit DACs and amps with the Hifiman range and that's only been with the very reasonably priced Modi & Magni. Stepping those up a range is quite a bit more expensive, but even the Bifrost adds the functionality that you're looking for. Then you can add either a solid state amp or a valve to that, as you see fit. Although I got rid of it a while ago the Yulong D100 mkii was a very capable combined DAC/amp that also has all the main digital inputs available.

Cheers, quadpatch.

I've been looking at the Schiit range, and the Bifrost seems like a good bet. Thanks fo the suggestion.

Another option would be to go for a plain headphone amp and plug it into the pre-outs of the Devialet. Cheaper and simpler.

 

[matt49]

Today I loaned a Musical Fidelity M1 HPAP from my local dealer. It's plugged in to the pre-outs of my Devialet 170. The SQ is excellent: smooth, rich and powerful Class A sound. The Hifiman HE-500s are singing beautifully.

I might try some other options, but I'm not sure I can do much better for the price.

:cheers:

Matt

 

[caesar44]

Today I loaned a Musical Fidelity M1 HPAP from my local dealer. It's plugged in to the pre-outs of my Devialet 170. The SQ is excellent: smooth, rich and powerful Class A sound. The Hifiman HE-500s are singing beautifully.

I might try some other options, but I'm not sure I can do much better for the price.

:cheers:

Matt

Matt, the Burson Conductor SL range meet your requirements. People are talking positive about the synergy with the Hifiman hp's.

 

[matt49]

Thanks, that's a good call.

Having tried the MF M1 HPAP, I've decided I'd really like a remote control. I do a lot of my headphone listening lying on a sofa and don't want to have to get up to change the volume. Lazy or what?

:cheers:

Matt

 

[caesar44]

Thanks, that's a good call.

Having tried the MF M1 HPAP, I've decided I'd really like a remote control. I do a lot of my headphone listening lying on a sofa and don't want to have to get up to change the volume. Lazy or what?

:cheers:

Matt

You can place the headphone amp near your sofa, so that the volume control is within reach

 

[matt49]

You can place the headphone amp near your sofa, so that the volume control is within reach

If only ...

I think this requires a new thread.

:cheers:

Matt

 

[lcook51]

I have an opportunity to buy either a HE-500 or T-90. I currently have a Creek OBH11 Headphone amp. Any thoughts on wbout those 2 headphones and my current amp for them?

Thanks so much.

 

[Ryanr1987]

Good review. I wasn't that impressed with the HE500. I actually preferred the thick, creamy haunting liquid sound of the HD650. I did like the energy up top on the 500 but it didn't give me the spin chills the 650 gave me.