So I’ve been using the HE6se for the past couple weeks with my Soloist 3X + Ares II (almost exclusively). I have to say I’m extremely happy with the purchase. These absolutely perform at $1k+ level and so they’re a great value at under $700.
For technical performance, I found them to excel in dynamics, detail, separation, and bass extension/slam. At least those are the areas I care about most.
Dynamics in particular set them apart from my second best Hifiman, the Sundara. The two of them sound very similar in terms of presentation and timbre. But the Sundara sounds very flat while the HE6 sounds much more lively in comparison.
The one big flaw I found them to have is the stock tuning. They have a large peak around 4k which I find to be completely unbearable. But after EQ’ing that out, they become one of my cans. So unless you’re OK with EQ or pad rolling, or are just cool with almost any tuning, you probably shouldn’t take a chance on these.
For amp pairings, I found the Soloist 3X works great. I think something like 5 other people here also had the same opinion. So it’s definitely a safe choice.
The one other amp I have that works decently is the Asgard 3. The performance is great for the price. The dynamics aren’t as good and the treble sounds harsher. But if it’s all you got, the HE6se is still arguably worth picking up. However the use of EQ or something is even more essential in that case.