🔶 Hifiman HE5SE

M0N · December 11, 2019, 8:26pm

Well I mean if you like it, I wouldn’t steer clear of hifiman, but I would be very suspicious and do your research

bagwell359 · December 11, 2019, 9:07pm

Right. I know someday I will own a Arya and a HE6(SE) that functions like a HE-6 and are “Rev 1”.

All the HFM cans above the Arya in price are too expensive, and everything below the Arya I have or don’t want.

M0N · December 11, 2019, 9:14pm

The Arya is pretty sweet imo, sometimes I still regret selling it, definitely worthwhile if you can get a good price on one

artismo · December 25, 2019, 10:44am

Listened to the HE5se at E-earphones finally. They had a set. Compared to my Ananda, they are more intimate, but the have such a good punch. I don’t hear nearly as deep extension as some have suggested, that sounds accurate, but the roll off isn’t as pronounced as others report. I hear no phase issues that Zoe’s reported and the mids do take a step back. It sounds more slightly v-shaped and the treble isn’t piercing or over pronounced as others suggested.

Source, RME ADI DAC 2 direct w/ bit perfect Roon and FLAC of Elektro festival anthems, binaural recordings, post modern jukebox, and classical.

M0N · December 25, 2019, 2:57pm

Dang, well I was hoping you might have found a first run one in the wild lol, but that does not seem to be the case, but it does sound like the one you listened to was at least free of issues

artismo · December 26, 2019, 5:54am

If the model I heard could translate to the pair I would, buy, then yes, I’d invest. I’m looking at a Quad Era-1 now.

Antpage2 · January 31, 2020, 2:27am

I was really impressed with the HE4xx, So im looking to get a HE5. I just missed a sale of the HE560. Anyway. I like detail, analytical sound signature. dont like dark. dont like completely missing midrange but i do like V shaped, W shape, nuetral, bassy. I listen to a lot of U2 and simple minds, new wave. synths. which one is the best to go after?

M0N · January 31, 2020, 2:29am

The he560v1 is more analytical, but also slightly v shaped. The he5 is harder to drive and also a fair bit more fun. My pick is the 560v1

Antpage2 · January 31, 2020, 2:30am

thanks Mon. i’ll look for that one. it will be fine on my sp200 right?

M0N · January 31, 2020, 2:30am

Yeah that should be good I think

Antpage2 · January 31, 2020, 2:40am

how can i tell the difference between v1 and v2?

M0N · January 31, 2020, 2:42am

V1 will have woodgrain sides and the original headband style

Antpage2 · January 31, 2020, 5:06pm

Did you guys know theres a version 3 of the 560 headphone?:

https://www.adorama.com/hmhe560v3.html?bc_pid=SE1IRTU2MFYz&utm_source=bluecore&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dealsofthemonth_013120&obem=tpTmFxh-9dBjU6FwzYT-F5VOx4XmlRM6S7dTXJE22kI%3D&bc_lcid=t5051496981790720lw5557323870175232

M0N · January 31, 2020, 5:08pm

Yes, do not buy it, it is the same as the v2 but with a slightly different headband, it sounds the same as the v2 (so not as good as the v1)

davejustdave · February 4, 2020, 3:20am

I have a pair of HE5se on AV Exchange if anyone is looking.

giova05 · February 12, 2020, 5:44am

TL;DR - He likes the “good” pair better, but still recommends the Sundara more. He feels the Sundara has less ‘fun’ low-end, but better sound-stage and more balanced sound signature.

Smychavo · June 21, 2020, 7:38am

Does anyone else happen to have these headphones anyway? These seem to be the least talked about Hifiman headphones I’ve seen online lol, plus it’s hard to tell whether they’re talking about the original Limited Edition variant, or the current one that’s out right now, but supposedly it’s meant to be the same driver between both versions?? It’s all very confusing to me right now-

Antpage2 · June 21, 2020, 11:52am

There was a sale on these a while ago. but it was the current version. which i think was version 3? Mon told me the latest version wasnt very good. it had a chrome looking cup

Hazi59 · June 21, 2020, 2:09pm

I think you are confused and are referring to the HE-560.

Smychavo · June 21, 2020, 7:07pm

Yeah, it seems like the 5SE wasn’t exactly a bait and switch per say. They had a limited run of 5SEs that looked similar to the HE-5, and then subsequently re-released them (supposedly with the same driver and tuning) but in a different enclosure, the one we see now. It’s just so strange how opinion varies so wildly with how this one sounds for the few forum convos that do talk about this can.