Headphones
HiFiMAN HE-500
Dr.Fang Bian has struck yet again with his most recent HiFiMAN HE-500 'Orthodynamic' reference headphones. Sporting slightly easier-to-drive efficiency and sensitivity specs versus its stunning but power-hungry HE-6 planar magnetic cousin, the HE-500 produces a crystal-clear tone full of suppleness and warmth while not missing detail or authority at edges of the frequency range. A perfectly floating, spacious soundstage dimension beckons classical and symphonic audiophiles while cogently reproduced instrumental body ensures jazz fans & rockn'rollers are equally blown away.
add to wishlist |
email to a friend
Product Features:
- Lusciously detailed planar magnetic [aka 'Orthodynamic'] reference sound
- Significantly easier to drive than power-hungry top-of-line HiFiMAN HE6
- Immediate yet warm and supple presentation synergizes well with any musical genre
- Our biggest HeadRoom HiFiMAN favorite around the office!
What's In The Box:
- (1 pair) extra replacement HE500 velour earpad cushions
- Soft storage pouch for detachable silver headphone cable
- Rounded cordura nylon storage/travel case (black)
Applications:
The world of reference audiophile headphones has undergone a revolution of sorts in the past few years with the (re) introduction of planar magnetic designs, formerly known as 'Orthodynamic' headphones during their heyday in the mid-1970s. The HiFiMAN HE-500 represents Chinese audio manufacturer Head-Direct's latest entry into top planar magnetic audio performance and features slightly easier-to-drive specs versus its top-of-the-line -- but extremely power-hungry -- HE6 reference high-impedance model. Although perhaps not quite as fully transparent at the very edges of the audible frequency spectrum as it significantly pricier cousin, the HE-500 retains a timbral smoothness that nicely softens the edges of the HE-6's analytical veneer. For listeners seeking a slightly warmer tone and more rounded bass presence than heard in some planar magnetic cans, the HiFiMAN HE-500 deeply engages with classic and modern jazz/rock recordings to present low fundamental tones and soaring upper highs with equal aplomb. Orchestral lovers will highly appreciate the HE-500's deeply spacious, simple imaging ability that renders instruments and voices lucid and well-delineated within their respective stage positions. Very good acoustic punch and extra-fast transient 'quickness' makes the HiFiMAN HE-500 also a great choice with singer/songwriter stuff and nuanced audiophile recording-type fare. Naturally, a really good headphone amp is recommended for maximized planar magnetic sound quality.
The HiFiMAN HE-500 headphone sports true 'full-size' ergonomics and the perfectly round earcups will completely encircle the earlobes on almost all wearers. The earcup padding is made with real leather and are extremely comfortable for long listening sessions. A very lightweight, high-quality 3 meter silver-braided headphone cable is detachable at the earcups via gold-plated screw-in connectors, making for easy cord upgrades to balanced-drive /XLR headphone amps or for eventual cord replacement when needed. The cord terminates to a mini 1/8" plus; a screw-on 1/4" stereo plug adapter is provided. Two (2) extra earpad replacements are also thoughtfuly included in the HiFiMAN HE-500 packaging along with a soft storage pouch for the detachable silver headphone cable or other accessories. The great 3-year manufacturer's warranty remains free only with your HeadRoom 'authorized' HiFiMAN dealer purchase receipt.
Specifications:
- Manufacturer Warranty: 1 year
- Headphone Type: Full Size
- Connector Type: 1/4
- Weight: 502 grams
- Impedance @ 1kHz: 38 Ohms
- Detachable Cable: Yes
- Cord Length: approx 9.5ft
- Cord Type: Straight Y
- Coupler Size: Large
- Ear Coupler Type: Full-Size
- Driver Type: Planar Magnetic
- Acoustic Seal: Open
- Sensitivity: 89 dB
Average Rating
Posted by Hank from Galax, VA on 2011-08-10
Recommend Product: Yes
Pros: Simply amazing Sound!! World class Sound!!!
Cons: Earpads, a little on the heavy side, Quality Amp Required
13 out of 18 people found this review helpful. Did you?
