Hifiman HE-500 First Impression

April 29, 2011 | by Mike | $500-$1000, Full Size, Headphones, Orthodynamics | Hifiman

It really doesn’t take lot of listening time to see that the HE-500 is, in most cases, a better headphone than the HE-6.

Perhaps the biggest improvement factor with the HE-500 is the sensitivity factor. Yes, you still need a fairly potent headphone amplifier, but at least you don’t need to hook it up to some 50 watts speaker amplifier or anything like that. This alone will make a huge different to people’s experience with the headphone, as a bigger range of amplifier are available to drive the HE-500 sufficiently with. In my case, I’m using the HE-500 with the Burson HA-160D as well as Earfonia’s Pseudo Balanced Amplifier (an article on that next week), and both amps were able to drive the HE-500 with plenty of headroom.

Tonality wise, the HE-500 is warmer and slightly less bright than the HE-6. Though treble lovers would start hunting for a good silver cable, most people would find the tonal balance of the HE-500 to be more balanced than the HE-6. Sometimes, on loud passages, the brilliantly clear HE-6 treble does get a little piercing. Not anymore with the HE-500. The brilliantly clear and harsh-free treble is still there, just toned down perhaps around 2dB. And for you HE-6 fans worrying that it’ll turn into an LCD-2 clone, don’t worry, it’s far from it. The tonality change also gives the HE-500 a warmer and slightly fuller mids than the HE-6, while still retaining most of its clarity. Likewise, bass body is also slightly increased, making things more well balanced. Overall, it’s like the same headphone as the HE-6, but you seem to be getting a better pairing with the amplifier this time.

Guys, it is REALLY hard not to get impressed with this headphone. Even as I just finished another round of comparison between the Omega 2, HD800, T1, HE-6, and the LCD-2 last week.

Slight finishing differences include black headband on the HE-500 (brown on the HE-6), a metallic gray gloss finish, and black painted metal holder.

Additional impressions reveals that the HE-500 is somewhat less uptight, less dry than the HE-6. It’s funny because I’ve never felt the HE-6 to be dry before, and yet the warmer HE-500 is now giving me exactly that impression. The speed factor still feels faster on the HE-6, and the bass better articulated (the HE-500 feels looser next to the HE-6′s bass), but overall, I think the HE-500 with its slightly slower pace is the more musical sounding of the two. Despite the slightly looser bass, the added body in the bass makes it feel more planted and secure on the low frequencies. It still hasn’t mastered bass the way the LCD-2 does, but for people who can’t live with the sound of the LCD-2, the HE-500 is probably the best alternative in the market today in terms of musicality (easy to appreciate and enjoy) and practicality (doesn’t demand crazy-priced amps). The HE-500 is sure to be a crowd pleaser at your local headphone meet.

Ergonomics is also far improved. One reason is the lighter weight of the HE-500, significantly lighter than the HE-6. But it seems that Hifiman has also introduced new pads with the HE-500, though looking very similar to the HE-6. The pads are softer and much more comfortable on the ears. Additionally, the stock cable now comes with a Canare speaker cable, similar to the cable that comes on the early batches of the LCD-2. Comparing the cable to the HE-6 cable, the Canare is warmer and bassier, while the the HE-6 cable is more treble centric and is dryer. You can probably ask Hifiman if they’ll sell you the Canare cable to use with the HE-6, as I personally like the Canare better than the stock HE-6 cable. Using the HE-6 stock cable on the HE-500 will also bring it closer to the tonality of the HE-6. But of course the two headphones can’t be made to sound identical, due to the differences in the driver.

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Themiddlesky

Hey Mike,

between HE500 and T1, which one has better/more accurate imaging?

And in your article you said LCD2 more to Rock and HE500 more to moderate-slow pace songs, so where the T1 stand?
- Anonymous
  
  The T1 is more accurate, and the T1 is also good for Rock. Some people just think it’s too bright and too edgy, where the crowd that likes the T1 think the LCD-2 is too dark and too un-involving.
  Di I say that the HE-500 is moderate to slow pace? I don’t remember ever saying that. The HE-500 is quite fast.
  - Themiddlesky
    
    well I’m not saying HE500 is moderate-slow headphone (it’s ortho anyway), I just read your conclusion above that HE500 more suitable for moderate-slow songs than LCD2. (because PRaT factor I guess)
    
    thx then
    - Anonymous
      
      Yes, maybe I need to rewrite that sentence.
      - Themiddlesky
        
        Mike, have you tried LCD2 rev2? just curious how compare HE500 to it.
        
        Personaly, I like HE500, just sometimes I feel the vocal is a little bit grainy and the soundstage is a bit too narrow (great depth and height but not enough width), otherwise, everything is already really suit my taste (the vocal presentation is a bit distant, but it’s still acceptable)
        
        What you think?
        
        Anonymous
        
        Here is the review on the revision 2:
        
        http://www.headfonia.com/improved-audeze-lcd-2-revision-2/
      - Anonymous
        
        The Rev2, imagine the Rev1 LCD-2 with a brighter tone. So it comes down to your preference, the Audeze and the Hifiman both has their own sound.
        
        As for the vocals being grainy, I don’t remember any of them being grainy.
        
        The soundstage, the LCD-2 has a better imaging but it feels more closed in.
      - Themiddlesky
        
        ah.. i see… tq
        
        perhaps I just used to hear the lush coloration from ATH so I feel a little bit grainy
        
        the more I listen this HE500, the more I really appreciate it, for now my primary complain only come from the comfort level.
        
        Anonymous
        
        Maybe not grainy, but the HE-500 is definitely less relaxed than the ATHs.
      - Themiddlesky
        
        ah.. my bad, the more I listen it, the more I realize it isn’t little grainy problem, it’s just a bit lack of focus in the midrange section.
        
        Anonymous
        
        Lack of focus? Really?
      - Themiddlesky
        
        compare to what I used to hear, yeah I think so
        
        it’s only slightly and not prevent me to enjoying the midrange though.
zorin

Hello Mike, .. can He-500 be driven by a top range portable amp ? There is an interesting product available now , ” class A ” [ I think the first one ] portable amplifier – Just Audio AHA-120. Did you have a chance to pair this amp. with T1, HE-500 or LCD-2 ? Thanks.
- Anonymous
  
  We did a review of the AHA-120 a while ago: http://www.headfonia.com/portable-class-a-just-audio-aha-120/
  
  and right after that we did the Fiio E11: http://www.headfonia.com/fiio-e11-portable-amplifier/
  
  The E11 had plenty of power for the HE-500, but not the AHA-120. Now you have to understand that the AHA-120 is about Class-A refinement, and Class-A doesn’t necessarily mean power. With relatively undemanding headphones like the Sennheiser HD800, the refinement on the AHA-120 is very clear and obvious, whereas the E11 is more rough and less refined. With orthos however the E11 did a much better job since it was able to output higher current levels than the AHA-120 can. Actually many of the best sounding portable amp (and even desktop) usually are not as powerful as the lesser cheaper amps. An amplifier designer needs to choose between power level and refinement, and often you can’t get them both in one package.
P. J.

Mike hi, do you have any issues with the ears touching inner part of the capsule? I am experiencing quite a pain and cannot relax with these. My ears are rather small. The clamping force is not too strong but I think deeper pads are needed.
- Anonymous
  
  Hey Peter,
  No I think they’re fine. Maybe I’m just used to pads touching my ears. It happens to my ears on almost all headphones (O2, LCD-2, T1, HD650) except only the HD800.
  - P. J.
    
    I haven’t had this problem before but somebody told me there is a metal bar that runs across the cup from inside and that is indeed the part that is hurting my ears. So its really putting off and I can’t truly enjoy these headphones.
P. J.

I have posted my impressions on Head-fi. Maybe a bit unconventional impressions but I am not talented or experienced reviewer.
http://www.head-fi.org/products/hifiman-he-500/reviews/5682
- Anonymous
  
  I thought that was a very good review, Peter. Nothing unconventional about it.
Mikael

Hi Mike, I’m really interested in trying out a full size Hifiman phone. I adore the HD650 and I can not stand the highs of the Grado phones. I mostly listen to new and old rock/metal and plan on using the Hifiman phone with a balanced cable from my ibasso DB2. Which Hifiman phone would you recommend? I’m looking for an upgrade from the HD650. Thanks,
Mikael
- Mikael
  
  I meant of course PB2.
  - http://www.headfonia.com Mike
    
    Hi Mikael,
    The Hifiman HE-500s are great, but I still think that the LCD-2 is the headphone to get for Rock and Metal.
  - http://www.headfonia.com Mike
    
    Hi Mikael,
    The Hifiman HE-500s are great, but I still think that the LCD-2 is the headphone to get for Rock and Metal.
- http://twitter.com/Lieven_V Lieven V
  
  Hi Mikael, like you I love the HD650 sound. I still like it alot but ever since I got the HE-500 it’s not been getting a lot of playtime. I find the He-500 more “senn-like” than the LCD-2, so I would recommend the Hifiman he-500. I’ll let Mike answer your amping question as I usually use bigger ss and tube amps with the Hifiman
  - http://www.facebook.com/donunus Don Vittorio Sierra
    
    Are these comments still talking about the he500s when using the velour pads? Or are they also amazing now even with the new stock pads
    - http://www.headfonia.com/ L.
      
      I have the good old velour pads
      - http://www.facebook.com/donunus Don Vittorio Sierra
        
        Thanks, thats good to know that the velour pads are standing the test of time so far as soundquality is concerned with the he500s
Andromeda

The He-500 is still my favorite Hi-Fi set. I literally sold off all my Hi Fi sets including the Edition 8, LCD2, HD800, T1 and He-6. I find it the most pleasing in terms of sonics. It is not only insanely clear and tonal but it also retains a slight warmth and extreme fun factor. This formula is rare. I plan to finally purchase one of my own sometime this week. I simply cannot handle knowing my loaner HE500 isn’t mine and I have to give it back soon.
- http://www.headfonia.com Mike
  
  Yes, I think they really hit the spot with the HE-500. I have to agree with you. Clear – Warm – Fun. I don’t think I’ve heard a sound like the HE-500′s anywhere else.
  - http://twitter.com/Lieven_V Lieven V
    
    I love the HE-500. practically all I use nowadays, LCD-2 is sleeping in it’s travel case
    - http://www.headfonia.com Mike
      
      Well the Shure SE215 is all I use nowadays. Everything else is just hanging unusued on the headphone stand.
      - Fabio_Rocks
        
        Really? Are the Se215 that good? They are cheap too…
        
        http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        They’re not perfect, but I just happen to enjoy it.
      - John123John
        
        wheres the review man?
        lol
        
        http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        I don’t plan to do a review on that for the moment.
      - Fabio_Rocks
        
        Come on Mike, you can do a review!
        
        http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        You notice I haven’t done an IEM review for a LOOONG time.
      - http://www.facebook.com/people/Mike-Roderigo/100003302462063 Mike Roderigo
        
        I guess that might be cause of the nice combo with the tera player isn’t it?I find it funny that in the end (if my first guess is true) with all the expensive headphones that you have on hand , you enjoy a simpler unit but prefers to spend the extra “unreasonable” amount on a great practical/souding devise. It makes me wonder if the pleasure to use things factor isn’t sometimes skipped wrongly in favore of the “superior sound quality” holly graal. Cause in the end what really matters seems to be true enjoyement, and a sufficient level of audio quality, once acieved might only be one part of the equation. kindest regards
      - http://www.facebook.com/people/Mike-Roderigo/100003302462063 Mike Roderigo
        
        I guess that might be cause of the nice combo with the tera player isn’t it?I find it funny that in the end (if my first guess is true) with all the expensive headphones that you have on hand , you enjoy a simpler unit but prefers to spend the extra “unreasonable” amount on a great practical/souding devise. It makes me wonder if the pleasure to use things factor isn’t sometimes skipped wrongly in favore of the “superior sound quality” holly graal. Cause in the end what really matters seems to be true enjoyement, and a sufficient level of audio quality, once acieved might only be one part of the equation. kindest regards
        
        http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        Yes, at the end it’s always the good sound that we’re after.
        
        I mean take a look at the Fiio E10. A lot of people, including me and Lieven are truly blown away by how good the thing sounds, and I still use it even today with my laptop and out to something like a Superlux HD661.
        
        http://www.headfonia.com/ L.
        
        I even bought 2, using it daily!
      - http://www.facebook.com/people/Mike-Roderigo/100003302462063 Mike Roderigo
        
        sorry guys for the multiple post, my browser didn’t seems to post, so yes I admit, I’m gilty of having clicked a few times on the “post” button sorry so mike or lieven you can delete the extra ones.
        kindest regards
        
        http://www.headfonia.com/ L.
        
        Done
- lofu321
  
  Hi there, may I know what amp do you pair with the HE-500
Turokrocks

Just got my HE-500 with the new silver cable, all my cables are silver that’s why I made sure that I got the new upgraded cable, I love the can (I have the Bey1350, Sen25 originals ans Sen598) but this in a complete different league, thanks for recommending this and for the price update, for anybody thinking about getting this can, get your a$$ and buy it now, its the best investment on audio I have spent…..
- Guest
  
  hey turok dude you’re here!! hahaha , so you got a O2 and a Dac port lx. lol you only named dacport and o2 best purchase of 2011 lol what happen to the he 500 ?
xNavyblue

Hi,

I have compared the HE-500 head to head with the HD650, albeit with my less than ideal portable setup. To my ears, the HE-500 wins by a fairly big margin. Better frequency extension, better transparency, better openness, better clarity, better separation and etc.

You mentioned that the HD650 has better scalability with the best of amps. I have a Beta 22 at home that I can not use on the audition for obvious reason, do you think that the table would be turned if I have a proper home setup? Specifically in terms of detail, transparency and instrument separation? Also how about the frequency extension?

On another occasion, I also compared the HD650, HD600 and LCD-2, this time with a better amp (Beyerdynamic A1). I actually prefered the HD600 over the HD650. Again, I don’t have the Beta 22 with me and I don’t know if HD650 would beat the HD600 given the right setup.

I am considering all the models that I mentioned. What do you think is my best bet? As mentioned I value low level detail, transparency and instrument separation. Also frequency extension at a somewhat lower level. At the moment I seem to be leaning towards the HE-500.
http://www.facebook.com/atilleard Alexander Tilleard

I am contemplating getting the HE-500′s but I’m not to sure about am amp to go with it. Right now I have the Fiio E10 and E17 as well as the cMoyBB Altoids (1x9V). Is this sufficient if I get a 1/4″ to 1/8″ adapter, or would getting another amp/DAC (under $300) be better? Any suggestions?
- http://www.headfonia.com Mike
  
  Hi Alexander,
  The E10 actually drives the HE-500 quite well. The E17 and the CmoyBB not so much. Of course a good desktop amp would be good for the HE-500.
http://www.facebook.com/people/謝文翊/100001973731596 謝文翊

Hi Mike,

Some time ago, you gave me an advice on headphones, HD650 for symphonic works to be exact. Yesterday I finally had the opportunity to audition HD650, HD800, HE-6, HE-500 and LCD-2 in an audio shop. Sadly that HD650 appeared to be in a very poor condition. All of them, except HD650, were paired with EF-6 amplifier and Trigon Recall CD-player. HE-500 sounded phenomenal. They sounded very 3D-like. Imagining was excellent. It felt like that all the instruments and vocal had a full and round body in front. Fortunately HE-500 sounds great on my own Lyr with original GE 6BZ7 tubes, still very easy to enjoy various kinds of music. Thanks for the suggestion. Looking forward to yours and Lieven’s new reviews.
Hsieh, Wen-Yi
- http://www.headfonia.com Mike
  
  Aww sorry it didn’t work out very well. Maybe a different amp? I don’t know how the EF6 sounds.
  - http://www.facebook.com/people/謝文翊/100001973731596 謝文翊
    
    That particular HD650 in the audio shop can be stated as broken, which had a very loose fit with no death grip at all, if it had any grip. I owned and liked HD580, so I was very disappointed by that.
    
    HD650, HE-500 and LCD-2 were first paired with Lyr,and the later two were fine with Lyr. Eventually I bought HE-500 and enjoy it much now though LCD-2 was most desirable that day. But I can see why HE-500 is not the best cans for symphonies, they don’t have a grand sound for that, still much better than my DT880.
    
    Perhaps you can do an EF6 review, and I can put in on my long-term wish list.
Rachit

Hello Mike, great review as usual! Love hearing your opinions on all the phones. Right now I’m really struggling between the LCD-2 and HE-500. I mainly listen to electronica related stuff (trance, dubstep, vocal trance, prog etc). From what I’ve gathered the LCD-2 seems to be better than HE-500 in the bass region. Although I don’t know if the bass factor alone makes it better for this genre. For example, I have the Denon AH-D2000 paired with the Fiio E10 and while the bass hits nicely and goes deep, I find it slow throughout and the vocals are a bit laid back. Even my KRK KNS 8400 seem to be faster then the Denon’s. In terms of vocals, I want its presence to be there but not exaggerated, but also not laid back like the Denon. I occasionally listen to classical as well and it seems that HE-500 will be better. Although my phone is going to be for electronica mostly. Somewhere in the comments you said that the HE-500 is better for moderate-paced and LCD-2 for faster paced. I’ve heard that they are actually both fast, so if you could just clarify on the speed. As for amp pairing, right now I have an E10, and was wondering how that would pair with both LCD-2 and HE-500. Although I was eventually planning on getting Schiit Bitfrost and Schiit Lyr for either phones. Any light on this would be useful. What would be the main differences that I could expect for electronica between the LCD-2 and HE-500. Any help on this would be great Mike. Thanks in advance.
- http://www.headfonia.com/ L.
  
  When amped properly, both headphones are great. HE-500 is my fav but electronic music might have an edge with the LCD-2, classical with the HE-500. It’s a tough choice yet you’ll be more then satisifed with both.
  - http://www.headfonia.com Mike
    
    I’ll have to vote for the LCD-2 for electronic music.
  - Rachit
    
    Haha I thought you guys might say LCD-2. Thanks for the reply. In particular, can you guys tell me exactly in what areas the LCD-2 is better suited for electronica than HE-500. One thing I really want with the headphone is detail retrieval. I’ve heard that HE-500 is much better than LCD-2 in that category, so would like your opinion on that. The more I can know the better I will be satisfied in my purchase. Thanks a bunch fellas.
    - http://www.headfonia.com Mike
      
      At the level of the LCD-2 and the HE-500, I don’t think you have to worry about detail retrieval. If you listen to a lot of live Jazz or Classical then you may want to put that into consideration, but electronica recordings don’t quite have that many micro details and either the LCD-2 and the HE-500 can resolve just about any electronica recordings just fine.
      
      Another thing that I’d be more concerned is the voicing. The voicing of the HE-500 is not quite right for electronica music. Hence, the LCD-2.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Victor-Halgaard/1269871108 Victor Halgaard

I am wondering if HE-6 is as fast as fx. Grado or HD800? I found that fx. Beyer T1 wasn’t fast enough for my tastes…
- http://www.headfonia.com Mike
  
  fx?
  - http://www.facebook.com/people/Victor-Halgaard/1269871108 Victor Halgaard
    
    for example
    - http://www.headfonia.com Mike
      
      Victor,
      The HE-6 is as fast as any Grado and faster than a HD800. What confuses me is that you said the T1 is not fast enough? I think the T1 is one of the fastest headphone out there now. By contrast the HD800 is not a fast headphone.
      - http://www.facebook.com/people/Victor-Halgaard/1269871108 Victor Halgaard
        
        Yea, I’ve really been confused by this, because the tesla technology inherently is extremely fast, but when I listen to fast paced music with a lot going on like a lot of molodic/symphonic/folk -metal, then with the HD800, grado’s and to some extent the HE500 which i just borrowed, all the notes and drum kicks, are each very distinguishable and punchy, where as with the T1 it all tends to meld a bit more together, giving less of a black background, and making the music less detailed/enjoyable. They are great for almost every other genre, but especially the HD800 just seems to bring each little sound in the music more forward and make them more independent somehow, if that makes sense…
        
        http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        Alright, if that’s the case, and if you find the HE-500 to be good, then I suggest you stick to the HE-500. The HE-6 is faster but amplifier requirements are harder and I’m not sure if you’ll get the same good result as with the HE-500.
        
        http://www.facebook.com/people/Victor-Halgaard/1269871108 Victor Halgaard
        
        I actually seem to have found the solution to the mystery of the T1 sounding that way! If you take a look at the measurements Tyll has made on innefidelity of the T1, you can se that its impulse response is not very punctual – It does not hit the first note very hard, and it resonates for quite long in comparison to others. This would explain why a lot of quick sounds in succession would appear to meld together: because the resonance in fact makes them do just that
        
        http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        The resonance, yes. The T1 does have a bit of that. Still I think it’s one of the fastest headphones out there. Perhaps for some reason the resonance problem interacts with your recording in a very bad way.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Victor-Yu/517350603 Victor Yu

Hi Mike, do you think the HE500 will match well with the Asgard and WA6-SE? I’m using ATH-W3000ANV and AD1000PRM now, will HE500 give me something very different ?
- http://www.headfonia.com Mike
  
  The HE-500 will be quite different yes. You already own the Asgard and the WA6SE, or are you looking to buy them?
  - http://www.facebook.com/people/Victor-Yu/517350603 Victor Yu
    
    Yes I own both amp now, would they be good for HE500? I thought the ATH are with very unique characteristic individually, but both of them are not good for fast pace and rock but excellent in vocals I guess. What Pros and Cons I would expect if I get the HE500 to my setup?
    - http://www.headfonia.com Mike
      
      Well first I don’t think that either amp is good for the HE-500. Sorry..
      If you want fast pace Rock, maybe go with the LCD-2 which I feel would be better with the WA6SE.
      - http://www.facebook.com/people/Victor-Yu/517350603 Victor Yu
        
        Hi Mike, I tried the HE500 using Ipod + RSA-71A and it sounds good to me and it beats the HD650 by a margin. Could you tell me know why my two desktop amp won’t be able to drive it well? I really like the natural sounding of this headphone
        
        http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        I don’t know but I tried the HE-500 out of those two amps and find them lacking.
        
        http://www.facebook.com/people/Victor-Yu/517350603 Victor Yu
        
        Lacking means not bring out the true sound of the headphone? Or even sound horrible? But driving with the 71A seems ok for me
        
        http://www.facebook.com/people/Victor-Yu/517350603 Victor Yu
        
        Hi Mike what’s your feedback on this? Or is it because the RSA-71A can drive the HE500 well so I’m much impressed?
        
        http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        I don’t really understand the question here.
        
        http://www.facebook.com/people/Victor-Yu/517350603 Victor Yu
        
        When I tried the HE500 I used My RSA-71A and I really like the sound and tempted to buy, but u mentioned that both my Asgard and WA6SE won’t drive it well, so I wonder why and will u consider the RSA-71A driving this headphone well?
        
        http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        I haven’t tried the 71A with the HE-500, but I’ve tried it with the two desktop amps you said and I don’t think they’re a good pair.
        
        http://www.facebook.com/people/Victor-Yu/517350603 Victor Yu
        
        If I really like the sounding of the HE500, any alternatives you will recommend to me, which give me good natural sounding and can match with both my amps?
        
        http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        Try the Alessandro MS-Pro. It’s not going to be like the HE-500 but it’s very nice in its own sense, and should go very well with the Woo.
        
        http://www.facebook.com/people/Victor-Yu/517350603 Victor Yu
        
        I read your previous review about it but you recommended theRS1 over it and said that it’s good for classical music, however I don’t listen to classical at all, just want something with neutral sounding, good for various genre of music, that’s why I was aiming at the HE500, will you have other recommendation for me?
        
        http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        You want something neutral, right? The RS1 is never described as neutral.
        
        http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        Or if you really like the HE-500, get the Graham Slee Solo SRG II amp. http://www.headfonia.com/graham-slee-desktop-amps-novo-solo-srg-ii-solo-ultra-linear/
        
        http://www.facebook.com/people/Victor-Yu/517350603 Victor Yu
        
        Actually my next amp I’m looking at the Burson, do you think it will be a good match to the HE-500? Either HA-160 or the new Soloist
        
        http://www.facebook.com/people/Victor-Yu/517350603 Victor Yu
        
        Hi Mike, do you think the Burson can match the HE-500 well?
Rachit

Hi Mike, I’m a bit confused about your opinion on Schiit Asgard with HE-500. I have the HE-500 and am really interested in buying the Asgard. In your other article “Triple Schiit…” you at first said that Asgard won’t work well with the HE-500 and then updated to say that it works well with it. In the comments here, you again said that the Asgard won’t be a good match for the HE-500. I would really appreciate you clarifying on what your opinion is of the Asgard with HE-500 as of now. I read that HE-500 needs 1W at 32 ohms and Asgard does just a little bit more. Some people have said that the Asgard can get fully dynamic from Asgard but others find it completely dull (especially when compared to the Lyr). Any comments on sorting this out would be really helpful. Thanks, Mike.
- http://www.headfonia.com Mike
  
  Sorry for the confusion.
  I just never think that the Asgard is a good match for the HE-500. If you are on a tight budget it would do, but I just never think that the Asgard is a good pairing with the HE-500.
  - Rachit
    
    Any other amp in this price range that you think is better with HE-500. How do you find the Lyr with the HE-500?
    - http://www.headfonia.com Mike
      
      So far, I haven’t quite find a better amp for the HE-500 than the Graham Slee, or more expensive ones like the Burson Soloist. The Lyr I didn’t quite like either.
      - Rachit
        
        I’ll check out the Graham and Burson as well. What exactly did you not like about the Lyr and Asgard with the HE-500?
        
        http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        Rachit,
        I just didn’t think they were good pairings.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=552764208 Pinoi Sufi

Mike, so you would say with HE-500 is not the best synergy with Mk3-B? (based on your comment in Mk3-B) Because currently im funding for HE-500 and go with portable DAC and portable amp. Do you have any suggestion mike? Sorry I’ve been looking for the answer around but still couldnt get one.
- http://www.headfonia.com Mike
  
  Replied here: http://www.headfonia.com/full-size-headphone-recommendations/#comment-632944264
Jliu

Hello Mike,

I have the MKIIIB amp and run it with a Cypher Solo. Source is Iphone 4s.

Would you recommend the HE-6 or the HE-500?

I really liked the LDC-3 on my set up and thought they were significantly better than the LDC-2.
- http://www.headfonia.com Mike
  
  Jliu,
  The HE-6 is more impressive, the HE-500 warmer. I think it’s up to you to decide.
  - Jliu
    
    Just listened to the HE-6, HE-500, and HE-400(all in single ended config). With my configuration the HE-6 sounded fantastic for classical and vocal but was unable to handle big bass. I tried it on Boom Boom Pow from Black Eye Peas and the MKIII-B/Solo was unable to power it fully.
    Decided to go with the HE-500. My configuration had no problems with the LDC-2 or LDC-3.
    
    I personally liked the HE-500 over the LDC-2 and just couldn’t justify the cost differential of the HE-500 and the LDC-3. While the LDC-3 definitely was better it isn’t worth 3x the price to me.
    
    From what I could tell the MKIIIB definitely can NOT sufficiently power the HE-6. Even if it didn’t have the bass issues … I had to have it on hi-gain on max volume and would have liked it to have been even louder.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692862021 Nick Tam

I think “HD650 on a sub $1000 amp, the HE-500 is far easier to enjoy and appreciate” doesn’t hold as true as it used to now
- http://www.headfonia.com Mike
  
  Good one, Nick.
  
  Yes that’s true with all the newer amps coming out.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1705466507 Jack Knight

what is “minimum” amp to make he-500 sounds good?
- http://www.headfonia.com Mike
  
  I’ve been recommending people to go with the Burson Soloist or the Graham Slee Solo SRG II.
http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

Exactly my fav amp and tubes with the HE-500!!
http://www.headfonia.com Mike

I need to have a listen to the 339 one day. I won’t be surprised if it turns out to be a giant killer.
- http://www.headfonia.com/ L.
  
  No indonesian guys with a 339 you can borrow?
  - http://www.headfonia.com Mike
    
    Nobody I know
    - http://www.headfonia.com/ L.
      
      Ask on our Facebook page!
cchristofer

I cant decide between the HE-500 and the T1′s
I’m coming from HD 600 with Schiit Asgard and HRT Music Streamer II.
I think to upgrade the amp later..but I must make a choice between the headphones first.

I mostly listen to:
Film Scores
Singer/Songwriter
Classical,Minimalist
Progressive Rock

Any thoughts between the HE-500 and the T1′s?
- http://www.headfonia.com Mike
  
  With the Asgard I think the T1 is the better pairing.
  
  Looking at your music, I also think the T1 would be a better headphone.
  - cchristofer
    
    Hi Mike again,
    
    I have the T1 now and I’m really pleased with it, It’s like an HD 600 with bigger sound stage and more details I have the Beyer dt250 to and all three have similar sound signature, at least for me it sounds so.
    
    The T1 is so awesome with film scores and classical:)
    Do you think I can get more sound of the T1? If I change amp?
    Do you think the Crack,Valhalla should be good? Or woo’s wa2 but it’s so big so I’m not leaning towards wa2 but I have heard it’s a great match with T1.
ScottSegal

Hi Mike ,

It seems the more I search for my next phones , the further from a decision I get.I already have the T1′s , and am very happy with them along with my LA7000′s and a few lower end moded pairs.I have a Liquid Fire amp, and am searching for the ultimate match.First the LCD3 was my target, but recently I have been reading comments that have moved me from them to the HD800.Now I have been reading about serial # batch and brightness issues regarding the HD800, and db inconsistencies , HELP!

I am looking to spend up to 2 grand, but don’t want a peripheral to the T1′s , no point in that.Any advice would be appreciated .
http://www.facebook.com/kis.akos.1 Kis Ákos

Hi Mike!

I now have an Apex Butte, and planning to buy a pair of HE500′s.
Do you think the Butte would power them well?
Or have you heard them together? If not , can you try them out, and report back?
http://www.facebook.com/chmarques1 Caio Henrique Gonçalves Marque

sorry do a question of this type again but i will buy a headphone for xmas and i thinking on buy the he500 with a amp and dac and the ”closed” lcd 2 next year,which is the ”best” amp for the lcd 2 and he 500 under 800?i know the the pan am is nice with the lcd 2 and not that great with the he 500 and with the la figarro is the oppositeand the v200 is great fr both but it is out of my budget same with the decware taboo
- Julius
  
  I’d go for the Apex Butte or the Bottlehead Crack with a ton of upgrades. Stock Bottlehead Crack is one of the best Amps sub $1000, but with the Speedball and other little upgrades here and there you can do wonders…
  - Trent_D
    
    The Crack wont drive the he500, though. The Sex kit might. The Butte or the EF5 would be the ones I would look at for the hifiman.
    - Julius
      
      Nah, my basic crack drives the He500 well. Not the best it can be, but nicely and I’ve no desire to upgrade. Hell, my Aune T1 Dac drives it nicely as well, but the Crack is much better. If solid state were needed, I wouldnt touch anything else but the Apex Butte for that budget.
      - Trent_D
        
        The Crack really drives the he500?! No distortion? and what differences are you finding between rev 2 of the he400 and the original?
        
        Julius
        
        Basic Crack has enough power, hell it drives the HD800 nicely. Like I said above, with certain parts the Crack can be tailored for anything. Basic Crack will have distortion, the parts do not work right with Orthos.
        
        I do not have the original HE400s on hand, not much I can say except that I am really loving the latest HE400. Peter at Hifiman told me it was tweaked a lot and fixed a lot of issues with the last version.
        
        http://www.headfonia.com/ L.
        
        I don’t really agree the Crack does anything good for the HE500. That’s an awful combo. Rev1 vs Rev 2 HE400 should be up this week!
        
        Julius
        
        I was given some bad info, I was wrong. I was told Bottlehead had parts designed to make good with Orthos but it cost a lot to upgrade. This isn’t true, investigated this last night and early this morning, thankfully I did. I apologize for that misinformation.
        
        By the Way, L. Are you reviewing the brand new HE400 revision? Hifiman just sent me their latest version yesterday.
        
        http://www.headfonia.com/ L.
        
        yes, it will be online this week!
        
        Trent_D
        
        You’re fired!
        
        Julius
        
        :[
      - http://www.facebook.com/chmarques1 Caio Henrique Gonçalves Marque
        
        really?but the crack isnt a OTL? i thinking in the pan am for a all in one solution and portability but now i am thinking about the butte,any detaild about the sound about it with lcd 2 or he 500? thanks again
        
        http://www.headfonia.com/ L.
        
        Julius is mistaken, The crack is no good for the HE500. You need the SEX from Bottlehead
        
        Julius
        
        Nope. I was right all along. There was sort of an upgrade that made good with Orthos. Some guys working on it who had it working mentioned this on the Bottlehead Forums. Never said the stock Crack was good for the HE500, I said that it has enough driving capability for it, but it will be distorted and that upgrades might exist for it to make it sound right. Stock Crack has the push capability to get the volume out of it, but it is distorted on the low end and feels Reverb heavy. I mentioned a few times that there were upgrades for the Bottlehead. Some told me this was not true, I shrugged and apologized for the bad info. But, my information was right. There are upgrades for the Bottlehead that work well with the HE500 and HE6 apparently.
        
        http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,2520.0.html
        
        Trent_D
        
        Well, let’s all be fired and go get a drink.
      - http://www.facebook.com/chmarques1 Caio Henrique Gonçalves Marque
        
        but this amp of buttlehead the sex it can drive the lcd 2 and he 500? i saw i their website it can drive the akg k1000(just wow ) and any review about this amp anytime soon ?
        
        http://www.headfonia.com Mike
        
        The SEX looks like a powerful amp and I don’t doubt its ability to drive those headphones. How good does it drive those headphones? That I’m not so sure, and I haven’t really plan a review for the SEX.
        
        http://www.headfonia.com/ L.
        
        Sure we do, 2013
Edwin

Use a Burson Soloist with the 500, the gain selector makes this combo amazing to listen too.
- http://www.headfonia.com/ L.
  
  I prefer the HE500 on a really warm sounding amp. Personal preferences
  - Julius
    
    x2
    - http://twitter.com/HagosRush Hagos Rush
      
      So while I await the Magni review, I must state that I am still new at the amp for headphone business. I have been fighting to find the correct pair of headphones for the past five years returning and purchasing too many models to count until I found this site. I have a pair of Ultimate Ears which I have fallen in love with but for the sibilance when I drive them which I am still not very happy about, So please forgive my ignorance, but are you talking about the Burson or a different type of amp?
      - Julius
        
        I tend to agree, warm and spacious amplifiers with 1w or better output power is the wisest path to take for the HE500. I loved the Burson HA160 ( never heard the Dac version ). If I could own one sub $1000 amp, it might be the last gen HA160, I think I enjoyed the HA160 more than the Soloist.
http://twitter.com/HagosRush Hagos Rush

Great Review, I am looking to purchase a pair of these for my belated Christmas gift. I have a great headphone output on my Sony receiver at home and need something portable while on the go. I am currently looking at the FIIO E17 which has received some good remarks all around.

Would the FIIO do justice to these headphones or would you recommend comething a little heavier?

Thanks in advance
- http://gorboman.wordpress.com/ Gorboman
  
  I’d go with something heavier, like an L3.
  - http://twitter.com/HagosRush Hagos Rush
    
    Do you have another option that is not $800?
    I still have to buy a receiver for the house
    - http://gorboman.wordpress.com/ Gorboman
      
      Hmm… I know mostly still above $500 and not that far from $800. Like ALO RX MK3-B or Portaphile 627.
      - http://twitter.com/HagosRush Hagos Rush
        
        Thank you, I appreciate it.
    - http://twitter.com/Original_Ken Ken Stuart
      
      Another option that is not $800, in terms of an amp for the HE500, IS a receiver for the house – with a headphone jack.
      - http://gorboman.wordpress.com/ Gorboman
        
        This, and the impression to my old Sansui at the year end meet in Mike’s store, made me continue my hunt on yet another vintage receiver.
- Julius
  
  I just listed my HE500 for sale. Skip the E17 unless you need the Dac as well, the new Schiit Magni is a better fit. ( My review on it is coming later this week ). The E17 doesn’t have enough power to get the job done, in my opinion. Sitting here with all of the above mentioned, the Magni is much better and cheaper, but less portable obviously.
  
  If you are interested in a used HE500, let me know
  - http://twitter.com/HagosRush Hagos Rush
    
    THank you for your response, I will await the Schiit Magni review and some of the other one’s other members have suggested as well.
    
    I am absolutely interested but it will be a little while in the wait. I am going to use my tax refund for this. By that time they will probably be gone but I will remember you in case they are not!
    - Julius
      
      The Magni is a better fit with any headphones that have a smooth linear sound. The Magni+HE500 is MUCH better than the HE400+Magni…
      
      HE400+Magni combo is just about the worst thing I’ve heard in years.
      - http://twitter.com/HagosRush Hagos Rush
        
        The Magni sounds like a win win for the home. Cheap and it is great. What is your take on something portable for the HE-500? Preferably something that does not cost as much as the headphones.
        
        Julius
        
        I wouldn’t recommend anything portable for the HE500, especially not on a budget.
http://www.facebook.com/USUCKLOL Jonathan Yen

Do you think the EF-5 will be a good match with the HE-500?
- http://www.headfonia.com Mike
  
  Hi Jonathan,
  Assuming it has enough power for the HE-500, I think tonally the two should be a great match. And I do think that the EF-5 is one of the more powerful amps out there and shouldn’t have any problem driving the HE-500.
  
  Unfortunately I can’t give you a direct impression, don’t remember if I’ve tried the 500 out of that amp.

Hifiman HE-500 First Impression

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Hifiman HE-500 First Impression

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