Power To The Headphone
Easy to drive? No, I’m afraid not. If that had been the case it would have been an almost perfect headphone. At 90dB it isn’t that easy to drive and it shows.
Take the latest AK120ii & 240 DAPs in example: volume goes up all the way to 50 just to get to a normal listening level. I normally listen between 20 and 30 on the AKs and they top out at 75. I strongly suggest using an external amp with these players to get the power to the HE-560 and to make it sound like it should. Without external amp, the HE-560 doesn’t sound dynamic and correct and it sounds pushed.
The brand new tiny Fiio E11K has more power than you can believe and you won’t even need high gain to drive the HE-560. The E11K however isn’t the ideal portable amp for orthos. You get less clarity, dynamics and detail. Sound even starts to deform at higher listening levels and the bass boost doesn’t work with the HE-560, the results is just bad actually.
The Cypherlabs Theorem is one of my favorite portable amps with the orthodynamics. Using medium gain on the Theorem, the pairing isn’t as magical as with the Audeze’s but the HE-560 still sounds very good. I just miss the sparkle the Audeze – Theorem combo has. That sparkle shows up when I add the Picollo (review next week) in the mix. Great(!) bass, smooth mids and musical treble. What a lovely sounding combination. The Duet is even better than the Piccolo, showing more detail and a less centered sound but with the same great bass. This keeps getting better. On to the full sized desktop amps.
The Meridian Prime really matches up with the HE-560. They share the same characteristics (detail, clarity and air) and match very well. Bass just has a tad less body but keeps the detail. The famous Violectric V200 (soon to be replaced), with +6db gain, also sounds really good. You get thicker mids and bass with more overall body, treble here is least extended and detailed. It is the warmest sounding setup, but not warm as in tube warm.
Surprise of the last few weeks was the nice match with the Bottlehead Crack. Usually that one doesn’t work with orthodynamic headphones at all. Here however you get tube smoothness and warmth with a slower sound but it just works for me. Good bass, smooth mids and soft treble. Love it. Volume goes almost all the way up but I quite like the result. Who would have guessed?
The HE-560 sounded pretty darn good on my 300b amp which was made for my ortho collection. I quite like the sound from the Lafigaro OTL amp as well, the HE-500 sounds gorgeous on both of those amplifiers so that didn’t come as a surprise.
As an amping conclusion, I can only say the HE-560 needs an amp to sound its best but it isn’t too picky about the amp used at all. It just needs the extra power. It actually sounds good out of my Samsung S4 (maxxed out volume). Even better than out of the AK120ii/240. Impressive stuff.
Cables
The HE-560 comes with a sleeved crystalline copper/silver cable. Not that I am completely unhappy with the stock cable but the treble often got too hot for my taste. I tried a whole bunch of cables before settling with the Forza Audioworks Noir Hybrid HPC: more body in the mids and bass with a slightly softer treble on top. This of course is very personal and I’m sure there are dozens of other cables out there that suit your taste.
Conclusion
What Hifiman has created is extraordinary. Sure they got off to a wrong start but all that is forgiven after having listened to the rev 2. For only $899 they have come up with a very high level headphone. Fans of orthos and lovers of a linear, neutral but musical and slightly smooth sound just need to add this headphone to their collection. Seriously, you have no choice.
Yes, you will need an amplifier to make it sound this good but you don’t need to invest thousands on a power monster like the HE-6 needs. Of course a quality source is needed too but even the $350 Resonessence Labs Herus will do the trick.
It is a superb headphone with a very correct price and I can only congratulate Hifiman for making this. You can buy it directly from Hifiman or through one of their dealers as usual. Now I can’t wait to listen to their improved HE-400i…
L.
The HE-500 has been officially discontinued. I advise everyone to buy one of the last ones around
George Lai
But I love my HE-400.
L.
Sorry no, you have to buy this one 🙂
Ojasvi
Hi Headfonia…How does the the HE560 & T1 compares in Bass department…Quality/Quanitity/Texturing wise as I have heard that on T1 its very easy to hear the Bass-notes i.e. how they are made up of.
Igor Sheykin
Yeah, I love my 400 too! BUT only with Mr Speakers Alpha Pads. With default pads sound is much worse.
George Lai
I use Audeze LCD2 pads with mine.
Rūdolfs Putniņš
After I sort the DAC situation out these might be my next headphones.
L.
They won’t disappoint if you want neutral 🙂
Rūdolfs Putniņš
That’s exactly what I’m trying to achieve in my gear. The Paradox so far has given me just that!
tre54321
“Noir Hybrib HPC” – You might want to correct this, L. 😛
L.
oh no. 1 typo. corrected 😉
V__K
So tempted to pick up a pair.
Any ideas how they’ll sound driven from a Matrix M-Stage (basically a re-badged Lehman Black Cube Linear)?
Currently running a HE-400 from them and they are powered nicely, although after reading the review the HE-560 might be a tiny bit harder to drive.
L.
I don’t have that amp here. They are just as hard to drive as the HE-500s if that helps you.
V__K
Ahhhh! So many decisions.
Bite the bullet and go for a Schiit stack (Bifrost + Lyr2)?
Wish I could try the HE-560 with both set ups side by side.
dalethorn
From the descriptions in this review, the signature or tuning should be similar to the MrSpeakers Alpha Dog?
L.
to me it’s more clearer, more detailed and has more air/open sound
Patrick
So does it mean it is better for short sessions? hot tremble isn’t my style, but the headband is a great addition. Miss those headphones, because after 1-2h my head hurts of the weight… Philips X1/X2 as example and akg k/q701
L.
Like I said I use it for 7 hour sessions daily, with an aftermarket cable to trim down the treble
Patrick
Sry, didn’t saw your comment on this. But one thing is for sure, this baby will come in my collection. Btw. What is your opinion on vincent khv-111 mk II as pairing for orthodox headphones L?
L.
I honestly have no clue what that even is
Patrick
Just a amp which uses tubes and transistors – also a hybrid amp
lowbies
Which one is more clearer, detailed and open sounding? The AD or HE560?
L.
Easy: the HE560 of course
lowbies
Thank you L…but it just make me more confused to decide.. HE560 vs AD or wait for TH500RP.. 🙁
ohm image
Don’t say that word! I want one so badly. You selling?
Jonas Fre
So hard to take this site and review seriously with all the cable comparisons. LOL.
Sam
L, I have the T-90, which you like very much as well. How do they compare? Do you think it is still worth it to add the HE-560 to my collection as well?
L.
I wouldn’t keep them both that’s for sure. It depends if you want the ortho sound or not
ghost2031 S23
Nice review Lieven,
i will probably wait till the Price goes down just like with the HE-500 happened (which i have and very happy with them).
One question though, are the Earpads smaller than with the HE-500 or same size?
Thanks
L.
thank you. First they were, but with the 2nd sample they were back to the old HE-500 size, maybe a tad smaller but I can’t feel them against my ears
Tibor
Hi there. Can you tell me if these headphones would be a perfect match for the Alo PanAm? Or better to go with T90? Thank you 🙂
L.
Depends on the sound you want. I would not use the pan am for the he560
Tronco
Hi L. Could you expand on that? I am seriously considering getting the He-560 and I have a PanAm and a Yulong U100. The budget right now would only cover the headphone…
Cheers,
tronco
Headfonia_L.
I always found the PanAm to sound light. It sounds good but light. The 560 is a very clean, tight, fast headphone. TO me it can use an amp with more body, that’s why I wouldn’t recommend the Panam for it but that’s my personal taste
Tibor
Hmm, could different tubes change it? I am just reading your B T90 review again, could be these (if he 560 not) a good match for PanAm? I would like to add Concero HD in the mix too, what do you think? Thank you
Headfonia_L.
T90 and HE560 are somewhat in the same sound type category. For me the same goes for the T90 and the PanAm. too little body…
Tibor
Tell me what are the best headphones for PanAm please before I will become crazy! 😀 LCD -2? I like balanced sound, maybe bit more bass and not too bright or too dark. Aah, thank you
Headfonia_L.
LCD2 is nice indeed. very well balanced but don’t expect the bass to be “extra”
Tibor
If the bass is there and not missing at all, I am a happy man 😉 OK so one last question please. Overall sound quality, detail and musicality, who wins and by how much? And then again considering that LCD 2 is double the price than B T90 in EU? Many thanks, really, this is the only way for me to choose 🙂 🙂 🙂
Headfonia_L.
you talking about headphones or amps now?
Tibor
Headphones LCD 2 vs T90
Tibor
Has Beyerdynamic A20 more body than PanAm? Thanks 🙂
Headfonia_L.
yes but it has less detail, sound stage and clarity
Tronco
Thanks, I think I know what you mean. Well, I think I got to keep on saving until I can afford a good matching amp as well or just get a pair of LCD-2s. Mike seemed to like the LCD-2 / PanAm combo.
Headfonia_L.
Mike loves the Pan Am and LCD2! Don’t forget that everything in this audio world is about personal taste. I might like what you don’t and vice versa
Tronco
I fully agree, everything in this audio world is personal taste. And in the end, that’s what matters.
But so far you guys at headfonia have been good advisors and and a good source of knowledge. My experiences with the DT770, DT1350 and HD650 matched your reviews to a great extend.
However, everything in the price range of a he-560 or lcd-2 must be listened to before buying, that’s for sure. 🙂
dalethorn
I have the DT770-32, and two of the DT1350’s, and had the HD600 and 650. If I were buying now, I’d jump right on the HE-560. Having used the Mad Dog and Alpha Dog for awhile, I have a pretty good idea that I’d love the HE-560.
Eugen
When you have to explain a joke (or a title) you know you failed. The sound description was both wordy and opaque.
L.
Oh my. Are we really down to this?
Eugen
Yes, I don’t know what happened to you but lately this site is not what it used to be. 🙁
L.
Well it’s doing better than ever and most people like the direction Nathan and myself are steering it in, but we can’t please everyone
dalethorn
“Lately it’s not what it used to be”. Now I’ll be chewing over that phrase in my sleep tonight. Late tonight.
rob
I like that i am seeing more budget conscious gear than I normally see here. We don’t all have deep pockets so I appreciate the reviews on the lower-end gear just as much as the higher-end.
One thing i have noticed are more spelling errors than normal. things like “pass” instead of “bass”…not huge but just some friendly feedback.
Great effort overall.
L.
Thanks!
George Lai
Reading Headfonia is not compulsory. It’s recommended.
L.
Exactly George
Sarah Kho
Nice review, can I ask what Hifiman to Audeze converter do you use?
L.
They were made by Norne Audio in the US
Patrick Michael Graf Murray
Hey L. would you mind giving me some suggestions for amp upgrades for the He-560. I have been looking at the Vioeltric V200, Beta 22 2 channel and or 3 channel. La Figaro 339, Schiit MjoInir and Lyr 2. I am currently using the PanAm and the Geekout 1000. Any ideas would be great. I would like to keep it sub 1000$ and second hand is fine doesnt have to be new.
Headfonia_L.
V200. V281. Theorem. Picollo (!). 339.A20
Patrick Michael Graf Murray
so the 339 and V200 are both good options? DO you feel the V200 is worth more than 150 $ more than La Figaro 339? I am listening to the He-560, I am not regretful so far in the least.
Headfonia_L.
For the 560, yes. but it depends on your other headphones and the directions you want to go in to. Yes the V200 is worth more
Patrick Michael Graf Murray
The only other phone I use is ZMF X Vibro with the aplha pads, it is darker than the HE-560s, but not as dark as the other versions of ZMF headphones, the mid range is detailed and musical, lush, the bass and a musicality and impact to it that I really like. but not as tight and or as good with extension with the HE560. Treble on the Vibros is smoother but with a neutral and or more analytical headphone amp, or something like the class A amp of the Geekout 1000 it is very detailed for being so musical. Easily one of the easiest phones to listen to for myself. I know the V200 is warmer? which is why I was considering the MjoInir because it is neutral with an fast sound that I think would pair nicely with both. But this is only what I have heard so I am not sure.
Headfonia_L.
In that case I do think the V200 is more for you than the 339. Yes it is a slightly warmer sounding solid state but it is really good. I’m listenin to the 281 now and it’s more dynamic, less “warm” and is better in everything. Maybe that’s one for you!
Patrick Michael Graf Murray
The 281 I heard was very good, but I do not think I have enough for it. I mean I do not know where to find it and it’s pricing that is?
Tronco
Hey Patrick,
Could you share some impressions of the He-560 / PanAm pairing? I own the amp and I wonder if the He-560 would be a good match.
Patrick Michael Graf Murray
Okay well first off I apologize I did not see this question and or would of responded sooner, secondly let me say that I have the grill modded and pad modded HE-560, which does open stage a decent bit and give nice kick in the already tight and fast low end. As to the PanAm I think it pairs really well, and do I feel like the HE-560 benefits from more power at lower impedances, yes. I think the ALO Panam is definitely great sounding with the 560s, but currently using tthe audio-gd NFB28 that can deliver something like 8w at 40ohms I feel the HE-560 really shines, and it just brings out some detail and speed with this units amp. But the PanAm is still very musical and fun and with the right tubes the bass sound great with speed and punch and airy detail throughout
Marc
I demoed a newly opened HE-560 today with my Micro iDSD being with coaxial input from a DX90. My impressions and complaints are actually quite similar. I heard a nice, open, airy sound, mids that are not warm but very smooth and clear, treble that got hot on alt rock recordings and some modern hip-hop, and lastly, the sometimes thin but sometimes firmly planted and musical bass. The bass is really odd though… I tried Black Skinhead by Kanye which I find to be a very bass heavy track but the bass was thin and treble, slightly shrill. On another Kanye track, “Heard ‘Em Say,” which I don’t really consider bass heavy, the bass was present with body and it was a very musical experience. I really do wish to hear them with that change of cable and a better amp.
Headfonia_L.
Don’t forget Hifiman recommends 150h of burn in too. thanks for the post!
Marc
I wish I had the dough to own it AHAHA!! It’s a store demo which surprisingly no one before me asked to open. Comfort was excellent. I’m still looking/waiting for that direct Fidelio L2 upgrade. I honestly love the sound signature of the L2.
Aelms
Can you go into a bit more detail about the HE560 paired with the Bottlehead Crack? You seem to have had a good impression of it but how does it really compare with the Lafigaro and the other amps in the review?
Headfonia_L.
The He-560 is not supposed to work well on an OTL amp but like the HE-500 it just does. I however wouldn’t recommend the crack as main amp for this headpone. The 339 has a lot more power and can drive as good as anything. If you want tubes this can be a good option but there are better and more expensive tube options (speaker amp). I do think amps like the Violectric V200, V281 and Beyerdynamic A2 are the better solid state ones with this headphone
Aelms
Since I haven’t actually bought the headphone yet and my current main amp is rather weak (CEntrance Dacmini), I’m actually curious about the budget options that also works with my other headphone (T1). Do you happen to know anything of the kind?
Rolf-Otto Eriksen
I have not seen a review of the Beyerdynamic A 2 in here. Have you tested it/heard it? If so, what are your impressions? How would you describe the sound signature? And how would you rate it against the Violectric V200?
Headfonia_L.
A2 will be up in january!
Rolf-Otto Eriksen
Thank you. I am really looking forward to this one. Please post it sooner than later;)
Nick
When is the HE-400i review coming?
Headfonia_L.
January
Adam Woodard
This versus the beyerdynamic T90?
Headfonia_L.
Ortho vs dynamic. Very different sounding and yet some things are alike. I think the 560 will be easier to enjoy than the T90, unless you’re a fan of the Beyerdynamic house sound. The T90 needs a warmer sounding amp
Adam Woodard
Ok, thanks for the quick reply. The main concern of mine is the possibility of fatiguing treble… Am I right in thinking that the 560 would be a safer bet regarding that?
Headfonia_L.
yes, absolutely
Adam Woodard
Sweet. Appreciate the help
chuck77
Would the HE-560 be a redundant purchase if I already have a set of Beyer T1? I have been reading great reviews with these, but don’t know how they would compare to my T1.
Headfonia_L.
If yu like your T1 I wouldn’t add another same style headphone to the club. Personally I’m not a fan of the T1 and the 560 suits me more. I’m a fan of the T90 though
chuck77
I have tried the T90 before. It seemed to have even more soundstage than the T1, but was thinner sounding and had too much treble extension for my liking.
I also have the HD800 (too revealing of source errors) and HD650 (veiled sounding.. working on a Bottlehead crack to use them with), which gets much less time than my T1, paired well with a Zana Deux.
I was drawn to the HE-560 because of the many great reviews lately. What would you recommend instead of the HE-560?
dalethorn
The best planar I’ve had for an extended time is the LCD2 (fazor edition), and as good as it is, I wouldn’t want to listen to it in lieu of the T1. Maybe the LCD3 or XC would be better – don’t know.
chuck77
Is the T1 simply a better headphone than the LCD2 in your opinnion? LCD3 might be a good choice, but more than I am willing to spend on one set of cans.
dalethorn
I think they are equally a top-quality headphone overall, but in trading the T1 for the LCD2 fazor, you’d be giving up the amazing inner detail of the T1 for the more earthy visceral experience of the LCD2. Most people find it easier to adapt to the planar, so if someone were starting from scratch, I wouldn’t even mention the T1.
chuck77
Thanks Dale. How would you compare T1 to the K812?
dalethorn
They are both pretty bright, and won’t sound pleasant with harsh or sibilant music. Aside from that, the K812 sounds “bigger”**, in spite of the good size earcups and slanted drivers of the T1. Given really good music tracks, the T1 should sound smoother, with great detail and much less coarseness or “graininess” than the K812.
**Most of the time a headphone sounds bigger it’s more of a ‘cavernous’ effect, but the K812 doesn’t have that kind of coloration – the spaciousness seems natural to me.
Michael Chan
I got the HE-560 recently and very satisfied with it, as I am also the owner of T1 and HD800. The HE-560 sounds much like a electrostatic headphone like Stax, rather than any traditional moving coil headphone. HE-560 sounds great if you can pair it with a suitable high current amplifier. I found that Graham Slee Ultra Linear is one of the best options for HE-560. For the wearing comfort, the feeling is similar with the T1, no worry about this. Highly recommended for all folks want to try orthodynamic headphones.
George
Could a Objective 2 amp drive this? From the specs it looks like it can but does it pair well with this headphone?
dalethorn
Which of those items do you have now?
George
Neither yet, i have listened to quite a lot of headphones, like the Audio technicas 900x’s the beryerdynamics 990’s and a few others as well as the AKG 701. And i enjoyed the sound of the HE 560’s a lot more they all went through a amp, But sadly i do not remember what it was. I’ve heard many good things about Objective 2 amps, But i do not have a place i can go to try both. My brother has a pair of Audeze LCD-2 running through a Schiit Lyr (I do not remember what his DAC was nor if it was the version 1 or 2 of the Lyr). He picked up the Lyr when he was in America and he does not believe in spending £300 pounds or above on an amp.
Headfonia_L.
He should come over and listen to a couple of those >300$ amps 😉
George
Maybe so. If the O2 amp is not very good then what would you recommend as a budget amp for the HE-560’s? In US dollars £300 is about $460, It said at the end of this review it said about the Herus from Resonessence Labs. So any other alternative amps?
dalethorn
Schiit has some good amps.
George
Apparently the Schiit Valhalla 2 can’t drive the 560’s but the Asgard 2 and the Lyr 2 can, as well as the Magni and Modi is it? Im in a bit of a tie between the Valhalla 2 and the Asgard 2 but i don’t know which would work well with the He-560’s….
dalethorn
I like the idea of having lots of reserve power for dynamics, but I’m afraid of super-power amps with 6 watts or more output around 50 ohms. Mainly because if it’s there, it can be delivered under some conditions. That said, I like tubes(valves), since they do musical things that exceed what solid state can do.
dalethorn
If you’re getting a 560 (which is great I think), then skip the O2 “bargain” and get a good amp.
Headfonia_L.
Does any headphone sound good with the O2? 😀
I’m afraid it would sound thin and boring actually
George
Hmm, Well there seems to be a lot of mixed reviews about it. Some say its good and it allows the sound of the headphone to come through with out the amp colouring it, then people complain about it sounding thin and dull…
dalethorn
It was pretty good as a budget kit a few years ago. Maybe if nwavguy came back and worked up a new design, he could step out ahead of brands like FiiO and Schiit, but I haven’t heard anything. Maybe if you got an O2 from ebay for $50 – that could be a good deal.
Nicolas
I had both, I was not sell on it at all. It sounded underpowered by a significative stretch.
I still have my Gustard H10 with it now, pretty good pairing for the price. A lot better than with the O2 if you ask me.
Matthew Wingert
Hi Lieven,
I am advised by a professional headphone reviewer from another site to purchase the Alpha Primes over the HE-560 for a better all-rounder type phone – i.e. more suitable for a wide variety of musical genres. If you have listened to the Alpha Primes. what are your impressions vs. the HE-560?
Headfonia_L.
That’s a tough one. Personally I’d go for the Prime as well, but it’s also more expensive
The prime is easier to drive and the 560, while being great, is just a bit light to me.
Matthew Wingert
Thanks for the insight, Lieven.
By light regarding the HE-560, do you mean its sound is too lean or maybe too bright?
dalethorn
I was not at all impressed by the Alpha Dog, and while the Prime is “lots better” according to some reviews, those reviews weren’t convincing to me in light of the extra $400. The aesthetics and finish of the Alpha Dog were spectacular though, so maybe that’s worth something.
Matthew Wingert
Hi Dale,
I noticed on your 25 Favorite Headphone list that you do not list the Pandora Hope VI though your review of this headphone is very enthusiastic. What kept it from making your favorites lists?
dalethorn
Gosh, I don’t know. I edited that on the 9th of this month, and the Pandora VI is better than most of those. One thing it might have to do with is the disaster at the site that sold it to me (for a high price!) – the very day I published my review that I worked many hours on, Amazon (or Amazon U.K. since it was a U.K. site I purchased from) listed that headphone for something like £300 or £350, and after they admitted their mistake days later and withdrew the VI entirely(!!), it was a dead item, and so too my review and costly purchase. Final Audio could have “re-released” it with some fanfare, but they didn’t, and when the IV was released (with irregular freq. response), they offered users the VI earpads for another £50 or so. I had bought the IV also. Altogether, the VI is or was a very good headphone, but how could I recommend it after all that indifference on the part of the suppliers?
Rolf-Otto Eriksen
Hello Lieven,
I am a very happy owner of the combo Violectric V200 and HIFIMAN HE-500. I know that you also think highly of the HE-500 (and the V200, of course…). I have read your review of the HE-560 and you are comparing it to the HE-500 to a certain extent. I have listened a bit to the 560 myself, but not enough to have it completely figured out. What do you get from the 560 that the 500 can’t give you? Do you think there is a need for both?
Headfonia_L.
Hi,
I do think it’s ok to have both. The 560 is faster, better attack. 500s bass is deeper with more rumble but it’s slower.
560 is modern fast sounding, the 500 is romantic lush.
Rolf-Otto Eriksen
Thanks for the response. “Romantic lush” is a beautiful and precise description of the 500. And I like romantic lush, to put it that way. Then my hunt for the 560 will actually continue, as my alternative for a modern fast sounding one.
socks mk2
I’m thinking about picking up a used pair of 560’s to pair with my Matrix Mini-i Pro and Violectric HPA V100 setup. Soon enough I’ll have a balanced connection between my dac and amp. For just about $650 USD I don’t think I could do better in a headphone. I don’t think the treble will bother me as my old DT990/600’s didn’t on the same setup.
I see you used your V200 and commented on your impressions with the pairing. I’m curious if you still had your V100 at the time of writing the review and would have any input on that pairing as well.
I’m a bit interested in the Gustard H10 as a lot of input seems to be that it’s an ‘improved’ V200 clone. I doubt I’d sell my V100 anytime soon. If you would still recommend the V200 pairing with the 560, I might save up for an H10 as a secondary amplifier. Time will tell.
Headfonia_L.
I sold my V100 when I bought the V200. I sold my V200 when I bought my V281.
V100 is a tad quicker and less warm, I’m sure you’ll like it if the HE560 sound is your thing, power wise the V100 has enough
socks mk2
Thanks for the reply. I guess I won’t know until I try the 560. It’s good to know my V100 is up to the task, though I suspected it would be. 😉
This is just me thinking out loud: I wonder how it compares to my Ultrasone Signature Pro? I suspect you haven’t tried one (as it isn’t reviewed here). I imagine the 560 being similar with it’s perceived FR and speed, if not even quicker while being less colored. Closed vs Open and Dynamic vs Ortho applies here as well. Tonality will most likely be the most apparent difference. The mids being the other. It’s hard to say on paper with one being closed and the other open.
Headfonia_L.
Couldn’t help with the Ultrasone, sorry 🙂
Anonymous
Hi guys, just wondering where you get the hifiman to audeze adapters so I can use the same cables.
Headfonia_L.
Any aftermarket boutique store makes them. I got mine form Norse/norne Audio
Anonymous
ok, thanks!
Peter
Any dac under 500 you suggest for these cans to pair with the v200? I was interested and in the peach tree or concero (non hd). What is the best budget dac you think for these
Headfonia_L.
The Resonessence will be really good
Peter
Which model do you recommend? Ty.
Headfonia_L.
Check their price list, there aren’t that many you can get for under $500. Maybe second hand though
Peter
The concero is the only one I can pair with the v200. Do you think that will suffice for the he 560? Will it be sufficient enough you think? Not the concero hd but the concero.
Headfonia_L.
Yes sure, even the HERUS will work with a 3.5mm to RCA cable. I do it all the time
szoze
Another great review Lieven! Thank you. I have a question. I know it is ortho vs. dynamic but if you’d have to choose which one would it be HE-560 or T90? 🙂
Max
Hello, I have these cans and want to buy a new amp for them. I’m stuck between the lyr 2 and the project ember 2. Which one do you recommend? Also which tubes would you recommend?
Headfonia_L.
Violectric 😀
Max
That’s too expensive! I’ve been listening good things about the gustard h10. Is that a viable option?
Headfonia_L.
I have no clue. A headphone like this deserves a good amplifier. I don’t get why a lot of people buy expensive headphones to then amp them as cheap as possible. It doesn’t work like that
dalethorn
I understand why some people will put all the money they have into a headphone and worry about the amp later on. In my case, it would be to protect my headphone investment so I don’t have to spend a lot more $$$ on a better headphone later on. But in the meantime if I use a cheap amp until I get more money for a better amp, I would just get a used FiiO etc. and save the questions for when I’m ready to buy the better amp.
Maximus
Then would a Cavalli Carbon be a better option?
Traveller2225
Okay first of the Lyr 2( with some tube rolling) sounds very good with the HE-560, but the problem is here…. so does the Ember II and the Polaris( which is a solid state that puts out a few watts of power into the 50ohm ) The Ember II is a revised version of ember I and it is what they sell normally now I believe. It is very much affected by what tubes and types you use, which can be really cool and or really costly. I really like garage 1217 because of how they handle their customers and product. I cannot recommend which tubes to use only because I have used the Ember and not the Lyr2 ( but a few friends Have and own the Lyr and or Ember). You can head over to head-fi if you don’t find a response here and find threads on tubes with the EMber which are best. Hope this helps at least a little and good luck, I currently use the HE-560( modded with grill and upgrade cable/ear pads) wtth the Audio GD NFB-28( which is a fully balanced sabre dac and class A amplification, that drives the HE-560 just better and to a different level than the Pan am, geek out, M-stage, etc. Did. If you need a DAC upgrade this is one way to go you may want get the NFB 10se I believe it is called which is more warm source and would be nice pairing with the HE-560. The NFB28 is a very good implementation of the sabre chip to these ears, because normally the treble can bit a hot with certain headphones and sources… well it is detailed, airy, fast, good depth both in the lows and highs, as well as being smooth not harsh ( again to these ears). Plus it puts out 8 watts in to 40 ohms…. all you’ll need
Traveller2225
Okay first of the Lyr 2( with some tube rolling) sounds very good with the HE-560, but the problem is here…. so does the Ember II and the Polaris( which is a solid state that puts out a few watts of power into the 50ohm ) The Ember II is a revised version of ember I and it is what they sell normally now I believe. It is very much affected by what tubes and types you use, which can be really cool and or really costly. I really like garage 1217 because of how they handle their customers and product. I cannot recommend which tubes to use only because I have used the Ember and not the Lyr2 ( but a few friends Have and own the Lyr and or Ember). You can head over to head-fi if you don’t find a response here and find threads on tubes with the EMber which are best. Hope this helps at least a little and good luck, I currently use the HE-560( modded with grill and upgrade cable/ear pads) wtth the Audio GD NFB-28( which is a fully balanced sabre dac and class A amplification, that drives the HE-560 just better and to a different level than the Pan am, geek out, M-stage, etc. Did. If you need a DAC upgrade this is one way to go you may want get the NFB 10se I believe it is called which is more warm source and would be nice pairing with the HE-560. The NFB28 is a very good implementation of the sabre chip to these ears, because normally the treble can bit a hot with certain headphones and sources… well it is detailed, airy, fast, good depth both in the lows and highs, as well as being smooth not harsh ( again to these ears). Plus it puts out 8 watts in to 40 ohms…. all you’ll need. Hope this helps
jazz1
So is there a newer model of the Violectric V200?
Headfonia_L.
It’s called the V281. Check our review
NachoCarni
An ifi Micro v2 will be powerfull enough to drive these cans?
Arttt
Does Beyerdynamic A1 has enough current output to drive he560 correct ? Or should i look for another amp to feed current hungry planars ? If so, where in tech specs of amp do you see current output ?
Nickjan
Reread the review and still loving it!
Just ordered me one at only 499 dollars at hifiman’s site; great offer. Can’t wait to try them out. Will be on the meijer corda classic ff. This will probably make me end up buying the daccord ff as well for source DAC. I am wondering though, since the daccord is already some years old; is it still on par in it’s price range?
nickjan
Just received my new HE560; wow,… enjoying Carmina Burana! And a little good new; they changed the cable connection; it is now a 3,5 mm female connection, so just clicking in the cable and no screwing it on. Perhaps a change that has been done for a longer time, but a welcome surprise to me.
Michel I
(!) 383 £ on amazon.co.uk today, <= HIFIMAN UK
Another steal.