How far does the area in which the increase in the price of headphones makes sense? Starting from what price tag can we say that the quality is no longer growing, but there are more taste differences? For many, this limit is very different, but for the time being I have defined it for about $ 1000. Today I’ll tell you about a model that can act as a “boundary pillar” that separates this area of sound close to perfection, this is HiFiMan HE-560.
It is unlikely that HiFiMan needs special ideas for lovers of high-quality sound, because it was this company that was the pioneer of portable HiFi, proving to everyone that an ordinary handheld (well, almost) player can play well. In addition to the already legendary players of the HM series and headphones-inserts of the RE series, the company also manufactures a wide range of headphones of the HE series, mainly made using isodynamic technology.
Once I already wrote about the isodynamic emitters, but, perhaps, it is time to repeat.
In the isodynamic (and orthodynamic) drivers, the conductive paths forming the magnetic coil are applied directly to the surface of the membrane acting as a diffuser. This membrane is placed in a magnetic field from permanent magnets. Most often, several (from 5) permanent magnets are located on both sides of the radiator, but there are also one-sided systems. When a signal is given to the conductive path, an electromagnetic field arises, which interacts with the field of permanent magnets, and the membrane begins to move, which in turn leads to the movement of air, which we hear as sound.
This design of the emitter allows you to achieve the best speed of the membrane, which gives greater detail. In addition, isodynamic emitters are less susceptible to the problem of irregularity of the magnetic field and inertia of the diffuser, therefore, have less distortion.
This technology, popular among manufacturers of headphones in the 70s of the last century, later gave way to the palm of the traditional dynamic emitters. Now (in many respects with the efforts of HiFiMan), isodynamics is experiencing a rebirth, interest in it is very high, and many manufacturers are trying their hand at this field.
The HiFiMan non-headphone line has many models, and all of them, except for the budgetary HE-300, are built on isodynamic drivers. HE-560 is positioned as an update to the “average” model of the HE-500 line, but given the price, HiFiMan is trying to “raise” them to a higher segment. Perhaps, manufacturers follow the modern trend, when $ 900 for headphones is already quite an average price, and it is possible that they believe that 560 models can be asked for more sound.
Specifications
- Emitter: isodynamic
- Impedance: 35Ω
- Frequency range: 15 Hz - 50 KHz
- Sensitivity: 90 dB
- Cable: interchangeable, balanced, 2 m
- Weight: 390 g
Package and Delivery
Headphones are sold in a smart box made of wood with a sliding lid, on which is attached a plate with the company logo. It looks cool, this is what you expect from headphones in this price category.
Package delivery is quite banal, you get the headphones, a number of pieces of paper and a cable. Of course, I would like more, but for the box I am ready to forgive them everything.
Design and wearing comfort
I had the first version of HiFiMan HE-560 at the “photo shoot”, , but the second differs from it only in appearance. I did not find the difference in sound between the two revisions, no matter how hard I tried. If there is a difference, it is so small that it can be attributed to the features of the specimens or psychoacoustics in general. The first revision cups were made entirely of solid tick, but HiFiMan could not provide them with sufficient strength, which resulted in scratches, chips and cracks. Therefore, the company's engineers were able to remake the cups using plastic and ebony veneer, while maintaining sound at the same level and increasing strength. In addition, the new cups look more beautiful thanks to the pronounced woody texture.
Appearance HE-560 is very simple. The cups are round, with a trellised outer side providing an open acoustic appearance. The headband is made in the form of a thin U-shaped metal plate, which presses the cups, and a wide and soft leather band ensures a fit on the head. Its mounts can be moved up and down by adjusting the size of the headphones. The cups can rotate around the horizontal and vertical axes for a better fit. Embouchures - hybrid, made of leather on the outside, and velvet inside; this, according to the manufacturer, provides a long life time, comfortable wearing and excellent sound characteristics.
The cable at HE-560 is interchangeable, it is fed to each cup separately, a connector combining RCA with a threaded attachment is used for connection. The kit includes a hybrid wire of copper and silver with a length of 2 meters, in a fabric sheath (the first version was in rubber insulation) with a Neutrik plug.
In general, the construction of the HE-560 is made as simple as possible, it is not without sophistication, but this is the case when simplicity is the key to durability and quality.
The convenience of wearing the HE-560 is close to the maximum possible for “big” headphones: it doesn't press anything anywhere, doesn't rub it. Thanks to the fully open acoustic design, the ears do not overheat. True for the same reason, sound insulation is practically absent in both directions. HE-560 - headphones for thoughtful listening at home, in a comfortable chair, in a quiet room. Another obvious advantage of the new HiFiMan models is their low weight, 390 grams - this is noticeably less than in previous models, and this also contributes to comfort.
Sound
The following equipment was used for listening:
- Yulong DA8 as a DAC
- Yulong A28 as an amplifier
- Apple MacBook Pro Retina 2013 as a source
- Fidelia as a player
- HiFiMan 901 and QLS QA360 as portable players
- High-resolution recordings in Lossless-formats (Dr. Chesky The Ultimate Headphone Demonstration Disc and others).
Headphones have been heated for a long time, so additional warm-up was not carried out.
I often face the question of which headphones to buy in order to maximize the difference between what I heard before and the new sound. Recently, I almost always advise solutions with isodynamic emitters, and more specifically, something from their HiFiMan HE lines, it is they who will provide the most needed “wow”.
The first effect of the transition to isodynamic headphones after the usual “dynas” is a stun. The stunning amount of detail, smooth sound, high speed and, as a consequence, excellent dynamics. All this is in these headphones.
The speed of the bass and its texturalness deserve all praise, few headphones that so legibly present this part of the frequency response. Also, no complaints about the depth of the woofer. Quantitatively, bass is also in most cases enough, although it depends on the tracks, some (although not all) old recordings sometimes lose the necessary physicality. Fortunately, a good amplifier solves this problem quite simply, and it will not exist for everyone at all. Separately also helps to find good remasters.
Mids - detailed, emotional and musical. The tools are perfectly separated, clearly localized and have their own character. This gives the effect of a wide imaginary scene, although its depth is not a record one. With the HE-560, you’ll hear everything that musicians and sound engineers wanted to put on the record. In some genres, especially minimalistic ones, this gives an incredible immersive effect. You often understand that one voice accompanied by an acoustic guitar is very, very much.
There are a lot of high frequencies, they are incredibly detailed and give a feeling of lightness and airiness without straining at the same time. If you are not a fan of high frequencies, you can mute them a bit using a custom cable that does not contain silver, I like everything as it is.
Of course, these headphones are universal and genre, they easily manage almost any recording, unless, of course, it is of high quality.
Compatibility
These headphones absolutely need a good amplifier and DAC. To use them with ordinary smartphones or players is an absolutely disastrous idea. HiFiMan themselves claim that these headphones can work with simple sources, but the 90-dB sensitivity proves the failure of this statement. Even entry-level HiFi-players will not open these headphones to the full. So, buying HiFiMan HE-560, you should immediately think about the source for it, the problems with good inexpensive combines, combining the functions of an amplifier for headphones and a DAC, are not observed. I personally liked the Yulong DA8 and his younger brother D200, the amplifier . I can also note the Maverick Audio technique, their D1 combine is very simple, but pleasant and musical, it has a low price and good (for the price) sound. I also liked how these headphones play with HiFiMan 901 players and especially QLS QA360.
conclusions
Gorgeous headphones from almost all sides. Of course, the high price makes them a decision not for everyone, but if you want to spend a considerable amount of money and get really high-quality sound in return - the HiFiMan HE-560 will be a very, very good choice of headphones for your home.
The article is based on materials .
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