Been wondering when this one would show up on the channel. And as an owner of this headphone I can largely agree with just about everything you said. Though I will add that for me personally, the "honesty" of the headphone is what gets me deeper into the music. I can suspend my disbelief of the state of a recording and take it as it is with all its flaws. Because ultimately music is made by humans. Imperfect beings who imperfectly produce imperfect music with imperfect tools for imperfect hearing systems to enjoy. I personally love it. I also love that this headphone simply handles anything you throw at it. It also takes EQ better than anything else I've tried. Which means in those moments where I wish I had just that bit more rumble in my sub-bass, add that extra bit on the RME ADI-2 and done. Nothing crazy. Pure enjoyment, fast and easy. Same thing for taming the brightness on those brighter tracks you mentioned. Quick and easy tone it down, lose none of the resolution on the headphone. Love it. My only wish was that the headband didn't make me look like an alien so I could wear it on stream lmao As always, excellent review!
Awesome. I am looking for a be all end all headphone to be honest and this could be that. I will ask though, what is the sound stage like, and have you played any games with these headphones? What's the experience like (both immersive and competitive games).
The newer HE1000 Stealth has a bit more balanced tuning, with about 6dB lift in the bass shelf and a bit more tamed highs. But there is simply no better headphone than the HEKse for any price, and now it’s down to $1,999, which is one of the rare full price “deals” in this hobby. It puts the Susvara to shame with a sensitivity of 96 vs a ridiculously low 83, and I prefer both of these headphones far and away over my Utopias or Meze Elites, which I now pretty much own as affectations that just sit there in my collection looking pretty. The Dekoni Elite Hybrids emphasize the sub bass and considerably tame the highs on the HEKse, but it’s important to keep in mind that the opening up from 10,000hz and beyond afforded by the stealth magnet is part of what contributes to these cans’ unfathomable detail retrieval. The egg shaped design that HFM originated in 2015 with the original HE1000 is one of the greatest innovations in the history of headphones-they envelop your ears without touching them, and they’re the most forgiving of head placement of any headphone on the market. There’s simply no comparison between these and anything that Audeze has ever produced; the soundstage is just fine (compare it to the Utopia sometime) and besides the fatigue factor (which can be easily rectified with a touch of PEQ, or the Dekoni pads) and the fact that they’ll reveal every flaw in the source material (can’t fault them for that) they’re the greatest over ear, open back headphones (along with the HEK Stealth) that you can buy. And now you can get them for half of the price of their competitors. At $1,999, you’d be insane to pass these up-although I do admit that I’ve been mostly listening to the HEK Stealth these days. The Stealth gives the Dan Clark Expanse a run for the money in terms of Harman compliance, has a 10 point higher sensitivity, and literally costs a third of the DCA-what Hifiman has been doing to up their game in the last year or two is just remarkable. They should be championed for being one of the few outfits in this market with honest price points (with the exception of the woefully out dated Susvara)-and since these recent price slashes are an omen of a new flagship on the near horizon, I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us!
I have been a Hifiman fanatic ever since my first headphone you recommended (Sundara). They are so focused on driver tech almost to a fault. Other things like build reliability suffers but once they figure out this flaw, I don't thing anyone can really compete against them when it comes to detail retrieval at various price categories. I don't give a shit about exotic wood and metal. I want the best sound and comfort I can get. Hifiman headphones sound really good and are lightweight as you mentioned. Great video bro. You are one of the few people on my sub list I never miss a video on.
I'm curious to know why you didn't compare this to the Diana Phi, you just showed last week. Especially since they are both planar magnetic and in the same stratospheric price range.
It’s very difficult to compare TOTL headphones’ performance. Probably only some Hi-Fi dealers have enough experience to match DAC, AMP and cables to get the most out of high end headphones.
appreciate the review coming from josh--didn't expect it. imo he1000se stands out on its own; solid bass; excellent mids and highs. my 70/80's new wave music are rejuvenated. agree with many pts including going with lcd4 with bass. however, he1000se does stand on its own... it's all around solid performer except for the less than stellar construction like the condon cables and faus wood. the headband and the magnets are highlights of the constructions however.
Hi, just wondering if the SE is a big step up coming from V2? Or I should just look somewhere else. Planning to upgrade mine. I am digging the borderline fun-sterile sound of the HEKv2.
@@jekken333 I did consider the V2 at some point but when the SE came out i much prefered it. SE is much more transparent and open sounding than the V2, cabled with Dana Lazuli Reference it's the perfect match, bass is really good on the SE.
You said “until my next video, my name is Josh.” What will be your name on the next video? :-) Seriously, terrific discussion. Was looking forward to hearing your take on this Uber detailed headphone
Thank you for the very well done and considered review - I would say these are a bright-neutral kind of headphone, although the extension down to the low sub-bass is impressive also. But not for those who prefer a darker or warmer kind of tuning. Regarding the detail - I honestly don't find that too revealing personally, or not musical - indeed I love hearing it, and largely it does enhance my enjoyment of music. I don't feel like it's making me focus on the recording quality to the detriment of getting into the music. But maybe it needs a generous, forgiving attitude towards recording flaws sometimes. I'd say the HE1000se is killer for anything with acoustic instruments like jazz and classical, or just anywhere there are very textured sounds. Tastes legitimately vary of course, but these headphones are going to be a fabulous choice for some of us. :)
Thanks for pointing this out. This is one of the reasons I've been hesitant to buy a THX 789/887 amp. Do you know of any amps that are just as clean/fast as the THX amps but more capable?
I got to spend 20 odd minutes with this on a tube amp setup today, and by MF Gawd, I can't believe the detail, speed and well rounded music that it delivered. Time to start saving up some serious cash for these. Wow, just wow, Hifiman
@@erasble wow! I hope you like the pairing. The set up that I had auditioned was superlative. Extremely detailed yet soothing with no harshness, which made it easy to listen for long
I hope too! I'm going to pair these with my Topping Dx3 Pro +, I wish could've tried them with my edition xs but they still sound amazing with my sundaras@@yoroptics
When I first received my SE’s, they were very bright & tinny sounding. Listened to a couple Def Leppard & Motley Crue songs (intentionally) to see how unpleasant it would be. At high volumes it was fatiguing to say the least. Mids were recessed & highs were in your face. Bass was good, but not slamming the way I’d like. After about Day 3 of burn in 26-32 hours, things started to change for the better. The headphone is inherently bright, so pairing it with a good tube amp & R2R DAC will significantly improve your listening experience.
Man, I love how you do your videos thinking in the viewers. Having the times at which you talk about certain things, instead of just leaving the people to watch the whole thing to figure it out, that's just amazing. Loving the channel and the contents, keep it up
Wonder what would be an Arya "on steroids", anyone? I would love to know what next headphone to set my sights on considering how much I love Arya's sound signature.
When you guys watch this video using HE1000SE's or super revealing headphones (HD800 etc) do you hear something in Josh's voice like a secondary harmonic siblant layer in his vocal chords?
Hi Joshua. Thanks for another great review. You are one of my top go-to reviewers for headphones and head-amps and DACs. I just had to comment about the HiFiMan cables. I own The HE6v2se, Ananda Stealth and Arya Stealth so I am familiar with HiFiMan and their cables. "Dry condom" was an interesting analogy and I'm not saying it's wrong. I've always said the cables are like a wet noodle. Attempting to explain the cables to someone who has never held or used one before, they have a funky feel to them and a weird bendiness to them. There is an upside to these cables which is why I believe HiFiMan has stayed with this concept. The cable sheath with the aforementioned tactile properties completely isolate the internal copper wire from microphonics. So let's say you're jamming with you HiFiMan cans with an iPad and a portable DAC/amp (for me it's the Ifi iDSD Signature - love it) in your favorite chair or in bed. When the cable comes in contact with the fabric of your chair, you clothes or bedding, you hear nothing. Absolutely nothing. The cable is completely isolated. While this is a positive characteristic I just can't use these cables. The weird bendiness is the characteristic which kills it for me so I use aftermarket cables. Another reason is because I want a 4.4mm pentaconn to use with my Ifi iDSD Signature. The HiFiMan cables seem to be their "signature" cable, unique to them, so they're sticking with it. I don't get the sense that these cables are particularly premium. They are just "good" and have the benefit of zero microphonics so I'm sure they're not going to change. It was good to hear that HiFiMan has opted to change to the 3.5mm connectors for the HE1000se because it means that I would only need one cable for all of my HiFiMan's should I opt to purchase this one.
Right. I have the Heddphone and they are awesome, but not for music production being analytical which I do. So either Audeze MM 500 or He1000se will be next and final buy.
Received a unit and the left driver simply didn't work. Reminded me of you video. I found it interesting that the problem was also with the left driver. To big of a deal to risk having problems down the line with such (IMHO) expensive headphones. I was really disappointed.
Did you ever have the opportunity to listen to a Stax SR-009 or 009S ? I own a small Stax collection and the Hifiman Sundara. I really like the sound signature of the Sundara and I’m interested to get into their higher end headphones as well. If you have listened to some higher end Stax gear as well, how would these compare in terms of detail etc.?
Been waiting for this review for ages. Let's see shall we.. Wow, so this is the most detailed headphone out there. I'm curious - I want one (...to try duh). I wanted to know a little bit more about the sound stage; is it deeper or shallower than the Arya? Also, would this headphone be good for gaming (immersive and competitive) ignoring the price.
When the company sends you an item even though they do not pay for a good review, you will still be biased a tiny bit as you won't feel the weight on your bank account.
It's a bit more complicated with that with HifiMan. One could say that HifiMan has 3 top end headphones. Susvara ($6000), He-1000se($3500), and HE-1000v2 ($3000). The Susvara is the true top end of their lineup based on price alone. But it has a bit of a different sound signature to the HE-1000 series (includes Arya as it's basically a rehouse of the HE-1000v1). And it's for this reason that the V2 is separate from the SE. Because the SE is like a hybrid between a V2 and a Susvara. And for that reason it's not quite either one. That being said, SE and Susvara are the highest precision of the 3. V1 was discontinued and replaced by v2 which was an upgrade in housing, pads, cables.
I appreciate the positive take on the wood accent, but my opinion is that if you want to have the wood look, it better be actual wood. That's the whole appeal. Otherwise, just use a different looking finish altogether. "Lifelike" is a great way to describe the HE1000se.
Mentions that the cable makers will be down in the description and doesn't link them in the description. Well, time to figure out how to spell that. Just figured it out, it is spelled periapt. For the cables he said he was using
Great production and sound review as usual but I feel like you didn't look into the downsides of vinyl before comparing it to solid finished wood like scratch-ability. There's a reason we still use wood flooring and supports. When it's well made and processed it doesn't generally need to be babied. Besides the fact that it's all plastic behind the plastic vinyl. There's definitely pros to being light but I'd rather it not pretend to be something. Some woods are lighter than some plastics too which shouldn't be ignored.
There are sound demos (search for he1000se sound demo) available on TH-cam recorded with binaural microphones that compare a series of Hifiman headphones directly. Works pretty well in my opinion. What I heard confirms what Joshua is saying: the HE1000se seems very detailed, but also somehow veiled. Like listening from a distance, from a studio booth maybe...
If a lot of recordings are suddenly become badly done, they're not badly done. I own those headphones for almost a year now and they are flat out *Bright* headphones. They're far from neutrality to have the audacity to judge and blame the recordings. Also their stage is a lot wider and deeper once you EQ down their treble peaks.
Can you please make a video about true wireless earbuds. I honestly can't make a decision about audio anymore without watching your videos on it first. I've decided I want to get a pair for my commute/ for the gym. What i want to know is, how bad is the sound quality compared to other options? Just i just suck it up and buy the thx pandas and use those instead?
It's hyper-analytical. It needs to be tubed up with a big boy tube amp to offer a somewhat pleasant listening experience. Susvara is absolutely more detailed but not even nearly as hyper-analytical as the HE1000se.
As the owner of 3 Hifiman headphones I will say their cables annoy and disappoint from top to bottom (from some one that generally loves their headpphones).
Josh, any comparisons between these headphones and an HD800S for gaming? Dumb question I know but I’m just curious on how they stack against each other, specifically on how detail vs. soundstage factor in gaming.
Hmm. Tbh, I don’t think these kind of headphones make a massive difference when it comes to gaming. Usually the benefits offered is in detail retrieval and texture; but a footstep or explosion won’t give you any new information, and sometimes can be actually misleading on an exceptionally wide soundstage. I own a He1000se and I’ve never really noticed a huge difference when gaming. Sure, it is immersive and larger then life, but I never felt like it offered me any advantage over a cheaper headphone.
Just got audio Technica 1000x with aftermarket massive pads and as I sit here waiting for them to get here I just need to ask if anyone else has them/loves them.
I use this one with a Schiit Loki equalizer to turn the tonality back to an HE1000/Arya, it would be unlistenable to me otherwise, to much energy in the highs.
Is this comparable to the HE 1000 stealth because I just purchased those! Makes me wonder if I made the wrong decision and should have choose this instead 😏
@@itsabodh I heard them a year ago. If they came out with a newer version i have not heard those. I do however prefer the Sony XM4 over the ones that I heard.
Two years ago I was able to test the Utopia at a dealer for a while, I really liked it. The only thing I didn't like was that the utopia sounds relatively small and it was limited in the sub bass.
I found the Empyrean on the High End Munich pretty good last year. The Utopia sounds much more high end to me. Maybe I'm waiting for a sale from the Empyrean until Black Friday 😂
looks like a DIY headphone for some reason to me. wondered what the price was and the measurements. gonna say this is a hard no in every regard for the price.
that;s hifiman for you, some of their things sound great but can't really recommend cause somehow their thousands dollars headphone can have worst built than their sub 1000 one.
* Headphone Companies investing money to make cables. *
Joshua Valour - the outside feels a little bit like a "Dry Condom". (3:20)
XD
I guess it’s better than feeling like a ‘Wet Condom’.
@@UnknownS0und 😂
@@UnknownS0und true 🤣
As soon as he said it felt like a dry condom, I immediately scrolled down the comments and here you are lol....
Been wondering when this one would show up on the channel. And as an owner of this headphone I can largely agree with just about everything you said. Though I will add that for me personally, the "honesty" of the headphone is what gets me deeper into the music. I can suspend my disbelief of the state of a recording and take it as it is with all its flaws. Because ultimately music is made by humans. Imperfect beings who imperfectly produce imperfect music with imperfect tools for imperfect hearing systems to enjoy. I personally love it. I also love that this headphone simply handles anything you throw at it. It also takes EQ better than anything else I've tried. Which means in those moments where I wish I had just that bit more rumble in my sub-bass, add that extra bit on the RME ADI-2 and done. Nothing crazy. Pure enjoyment, fast and easy. Same thing for taming the brightness on those brighter tracks you mentioned. Quick and easy tone it down, lose none of the resolution on the headphone. Love it.
My only wish was that the headband didn't make me look like an alien so I could wear it on stream lmao
As always, excellent review!
Awesome. I am looking for a be all end all headphone to be honest and this could be that. I will ask though, what is the sound stage like, and have you played any games with these headphones? What's the experience like (both immersive and competitive games).
The newer HE1000 Stealth has a bit more balanced tuning, with about 6dB lift in the bass shelf and a bit more tamed highs. But there is simply no better headphone than the HEKse for any price, and now it’s down to $1,999, which is one of the rare full price “deals” in this hobby. It puts the Susvara to shame with a sensitivity of 96 vs a ridiculously low 83, and I prefer both of these headphones far and away over my Utopias or Meze Elites, which I now pretty much own as affectations that just sit there in my collection looking pretty.
The Dekoni Elite Hybrids emphasize the sub bass and considerably tame the highs on the HEKse, but it’s important to keep in mind that the opening up from 10,000hz and beyond afforded by the stealth magnet is part of what contributes to these cans’ unfathomable detail retrieval.
The egg shaped design that HFM originated in 2015 with the original HE1000 is one of the greatest innovations in the history of headphones-they envelop your ears without touching them, and they’re the most forgiving of head placement of any headphone on the market.
There’s simply no comparison between these and anything that Audeze has ever produced; the soundstage is just fine (compare it to the Utopia sometime) and besides the fatigue factor (which can be easily rectified with a touch of PEQ, or the Dekoni pads) and the fact that they’ll reveal every flaw in the source material (can’t fault them for that) they’re the greatest over ear, open back headphones (along with the HEK Stealth) that you can buy. And now you can get them for half of the price of their competitors.
At $1,999, you’d be insane to pass these up-although I do admit that I’ve been mostly listening to the HEK Stealth these days. The Stealth gives the Dan Clark Expanse a run for the money in terms of Harman compliance, has a 10 point higher sensitivity, and literally costs a third of the DCA-what Hifiman has been doing to up their game in the last year or two is just remarkable.
They should be championed for being one of the few outfits in this market with honest price points (with the exception of the woefully out dated Susvara)-and since these recent price slashes are an omen of a new flagship on the near horizon, I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us!
I have been a Hifiman fanatic ever since my first headphone you recommended (Sundara). They are so focused on driver tech almost to a fault. Other things like build reliability suffers but once they figure out this flaw, I don't thing anyone can really compete against them when it comes to detail retrieval at various price categories.
I don't give a shit about exotic wood and metal. I want the best sound and comfort I can get. Hifiman headphones sound really good and are lightweight as you mentioned.
Great video bro. You are one of the few people on my sub list I never miss a video on.
I'm curious to know why you didn't compare this to the Diana Phi, you just showed last week. Especially since they are both planar magnetic and in the same stratospheric price range.
It’s very difficult to compare TOTL headphones’ performance. Probably only some Hi-Fi dealers have enough experience to match DAC, AMP and cables to get the most out of high end headphones.
As far as i understand, the review of HE1000SE was done first?
And Empyrean?
Maybe they'll get a separate video.
He said in the video that this is part 1 of 2.
Joshua in the side face shots looks like unbox therapy.😂
Intro song: Blaeker - My new life
Been waiting on this one Josh!
appreciate the review coming from josh--didn't expect it. imo he1000se stands out on its own; solid bass; excellent mids and highs. my 70/80's new wave music are rejuvenated. agree with many pts including going with lcd4 with bass. however, he1000se does stand on its own... it's all around solid performer except for the less than stellar construction like the condon cables and faus wood. the headband and the magnets are highlights of the constructions however.
So would the Audeze MM 500 or He1000se be better for mixing and mastering, the one that will reveal and be the most analytical for Music Production???
I love the creepy eerie silence like moment and zoomed in video of the headphone nice touch Joshy 3:46
Silence moment? You don't hear the bass?
I drive my He1000se with Chord Hugo TT2, great combo for jazz and classical music.
I might get the Abyss 1266 TC to have something very different.
Killer setup! Do you use EQ at all?
@@MidFiGuy No i use Daphile on a dedicated fanless NUC and SOTM USB reclocker.
Hi, just wondering if the SE is a big step up coming from V2? Or I should just look somewhere else. Planning to upgrade mine. I am digging the borderline fun-sterile sound of the HEKv2.
@@jekken333 I did consider the V2 at some point but when the SE came out i much prefered it.
SE is much more transparent and open sounding than the V2, cabled with Dana Lazuli Reference it's the perfect match, bass is really good on the SE.
I am also thinking of getting Abyss 1266 just to crush them under my car or throw them into the lake
my man is really out here trying to get me to Shazam every intro
That's true
You said “until my next video, my name is Josh.” What will be your name on the next video? :-)
Seriously, terrific discussion. Was looking forward to hearing your take on this Uber detailed headphone
“Dry condoms” dude knows his condoms. 🤣
with a neckbeard like that he gets all the ladies.
Rather it be like dry than used ..
@@ronnyp6934 I thought he meant dry as opposed to fresh out of the wrapper
@@ryanrusch8644 As long as it ain't secondhand ....
When a guy knows how a dry condom feels, that means he has been stood up way too often
Thank you for the very well done and considered review - I would say these are a bright-neutral kind of headphone, although the extension down to the low sub-bass is impressive also. But not for those who prefer a darker or warmer kind of tuning. Regarding the detail - I honestly don't find that too revealing personally, or not musical - indeed I love hearing it, and largely it does enhance my enjoyment of music. I don't feel like it's making me focus on the recording quality to the detriment of getting into the music. But maybe it needs a generous, forgiving attitude towards recording flaws sometimes. I'd say the HE1000se is killer for anything with acoustic instruments like jazz and classical, or just anywhere there are very textured sounds. Tastes legitimately vary of course, but these headphones are going to be a fabulous choice for some of us. :)
Sounds like these are really great for an engineer to have as an extra option to check their mixes and masters against.
The fact that there's a difference in sound signature compared to volume is indicative of an amp not being capable enough
Thanks for pointing this out. This is one of the reasons I've been hesitant to buy a THX 789/887 amp. Do you know of any amps that are just as clean/fast as the THX amps but more capable?
Not nessacarily, search up "Equal Loudness Contour". Basicly, as you turn up the volume, bass and treble are perceived as being louder.
@@fullyverified7491 I'm very well of this but seeing as he never mentions this on any other headphone, its the amp
Nah they guy just dosnt know what he is talking about cuz he aint a trained listener
@@Tacet137 agreed… I heard people go to school for half their lives just to be a junior trained listener
I got to spend 20 odd minutes with this on a tube amp setup today, and by MF Gawd, I can't believe the detail, speed and well rounded music that it delivered. Time to start saving up some serious cash for these. Wow, just wow, Hifiman
what tube amp because many do not support planars
just scored these for 800... Best deal ever?
@@erasble wow! I hope you like the pairing. The set up that I had auditioned was superlative. Extremely detailed yet soothing with no harshness, which made it easy to listen for long
I hope too! I'm going to pair these with my Topping Dx3 Pro +, I wish could've tried them with my edition xs but they still sound amazing with my sundaras@@yoroptics
the 'supplied' amp does improve sound, mini he1 i guess
Just say it out loud, they are too bright for you. Too "revealing", "honest" etc sound like euphemisms describing a treble tilted / lean FR to me.
When I first received my SE’s, they were very bright & tinny sounding. Listened to a couple Def Leppard & Motley Crue songs (intentionally) to see how unpleasant it would be. At high volumes it was fatiguing to say the least. Mids were recessed & highs were in your face. Bass was good, but not slamming the way I’d like. After about Day 3 of burn in 26-32 hours, things started to change for the better. The headphone is inherently bright, so pairing it with a good tube amp & R2R DAC will significantly improve your listening experience.
I’m sure these would sound phenomenal on the EF 400! I own the HE 1000 stealth and those sound amazing on the 400
Man, I love how you do your videos thinking in the viewers. Having the times at which you talk about certain things, instead of just leaving the people to watch the whole thing to figure it out, that's just amazing. Loving the channel and the contents, keep it up
5:50 Josh, at $3500 I think most people buying this are already on the other side of 40. :) Great review. Keep it up.
Hahaha true.
2nd hand one is a lot cheaper, got my pair with less than half of the price from China.
@@carl691 TANX
Hugo2 redfilter --> Violectric 281 --> HE1000se, warmer take way some of the higher freq and just overall a lovely sound :)
Is red the most detailed filter?
Wonder what would be an Arya "on steroids", anyone? I would love to know what next headphone to set my sights on considering how much I love Arya's sound signature.
Maybe nothing. Just better source, amps to bring out the best of Arya!!!
Slight upgrade would be the he1000 v1
Susvara
Airpoods Max is Arya on steroids
Excited for this one especially after your praise of the Arya.
@@juanfernando6347 Patreon
The point you made about letting you hear everything makes me think best for music production, just unsure of that low end frequency. I like EDM
The high quality intro music at the start should be appreciated
Yo josh glad you finally got your hands on these, I know over the year I've hear you talk about wanting to try these since you love the arya.
Great review! But what about Soundstage compared to the He1000 V2??
When you guys watch this video using HE1000SE's or super revealing headphones (HD800 etc) do you hear something in Josh's voice like a secondary harmonic siblant layer in his vocal chords?
Hi Joshua. Thanks for another great review. You are one of my top go-to reviewers for headphones and head-amps and DACs. I just had to comment about the HiFiMan cables. I own The HE6v2se, Ananda Stealth and Arya Stealth so I am familiar with HiFiMan and their cables. "Dry condom" was an interesting analogy and I'm not saying it's wrong.
I've always said the cables are like a wet noodle. Attempting to explain the cables to someone who has never held or used one before, they have a funky feel to them and a weird bendiness to them. There is an upside to these cables which is why I believe HiFiMan has stayed with this concept. The cable sheath with the aforementioned tactile properties completely isolate the internal copper wire from microphonics. So let's say you're jamming with you HiFiMan cans with an iPad and a portable DAC/amp (for me it's the Ifi iDSD Signature - love it) in your favorite chair or in bed. When the cable comes in contact with the fabric of your chair, you clothes or bedding, you hear nothing. Absolutely nothing.
The cable is completely isolated. While this is a positive characteristic I just can't use these cables. The weird bendiness is the characteristic which kills it for me so I use aftermarket cables. Another reason is because I want a 4.4mm pentaconn to use with my Ifi iDSD Signature. The HiFiMan cables seem to be their "signature" cable, unique to them, so they're sticking with it. I don't get the sense that these cables are particularly premium. They are just "good" and have the benefit of zero microphonics so I'm sure they're not going to change.
It was good to hear that HiFiMan has opted to change to the 3.5mm connectors for the HE1000se because it means that I would only need one cable for all of my HiFiMan's should I opt to purchase this one.
Did anyone else notice that rumble when the camera was circling the headphones? (3:45) What's the frequency Kenneth?
Notice it? It felt like a fucking hurricane. Noone ever tell me again Sundaras have no bass.
Next review, HEDDphones??? Saving for HEKse, hopefully later this year. Mean time, I'll enjoy the heddphone.
Right. I have the Heddphone and they are awesome, but not for music production being analytical which I do. So either Audeze MM 500 or He1000se will be next and final buy.
Received a unit and the left driver simply didn't work. Reminded me of you video. I found it interesting that the problem was also with the left driver. To big of a deal to risk having problems down the line with such (IMHO) expensive headphones. I was really disappointed.
Did you ever have the opportunity to listen to a Stax SR-009 or 009S ? I own a small Stax collection and the Hifiman Sundara. I really like the sound signature of the Sundara and I’m interested to get into their higher end headphones as well. If you have listened to some higher end Stax gear as well, how would these compare in terms of detail etc.?
Been waiting for this review for ages. Let's see shall we..
Wow, so this is the most detailed headphone out there. I'm curious - I want one (...to try duh). I wanted to know a little bit more about the sound stage; is it deeper or shallower than the Arya? Also, would this headphone be good for gaming (immersive and competitive) ignoring the price.
When the company sends you an item even though they do not pay for a good review, you will still be biased a tiny bit as you won't feel the weight on your bank account.
This is HiFiman's version of a reference can? Or just a more detailed precise version of the V2? Or, yes and yes?
This is the upgrade and refresh of the V2.
It's a bit more complicated with that with HifiMan. One could say that HifiMan has 3 top end headphones. Susvara ($6000), He-1000se($3500), and HE-1000v2 ($3000). The Susvara is the true top end of their lineup based on price alone. But it has a bit of a different sound signature to the HE-1000 series (includes Arya as it's basically a rehouse of the HE-1000v1). And it's for this reason that the V2 is separate from the SE. Because the SE is like a hybrid between a V2 and a Susvara. And for that reason it's not quite either one. That being said, SE and Susvara are the highest precision of the 3. V1 was discontinued and replaced by v2 which was an upgrade in housing, pads, cables.
I appreciate the positive take on the wood accent, but my opinion is that if you want to have the wood look, it better be actual wood. That's the whole appeal. Otherwise, just use a different looking finish altogether.
"Lifelike" is a great way to describe the HE1000se.
Dude the video is out around 26 minutes ago, how come your comment shows 2 hours ago?
@@1MU51C4L Patreon
Bought this headphone recently, which amp would you suggest me to pair it with? I'm mainly using them on a desktop. Maximum budget of 1500 usd.
Mentions that the cable makers will be down in the description and doesn't link them in the description. Well, time to figure out how to spell that.
Just figured it out, it is spelled periapt. For the cables he said he was using
Great production and sound review as usual but I feel like you didn't look into the downsides of vinyl before comparing it to solid finished wood like scratch-ability. There's a reason we still use wood flooring and supports.
When it's well made and processed it doesn't generally need to be babied. Besides the fact that it's all plastic behind the plastic vinyl. There's definitely pros to being light but I'd rather it not pretend to be something. Some woods are lighter than some plastics too which shouldn't be ignored.
Are there bigger soundstage in hekse then in arya st.?
There are sound demos (search for he1000se sound demo) available on TH-cam recorded with binaural microphones that compare a series of Hifiman headphones directly. Works pretty well in my opinion. What I heard confirms what Joshua is saying: the HE1000se seems very detailed, but also somehow veiled. Like listening from a distance, from a studio booth maybe...
Great review.
As always great review
Can you please make a video on how to maintain the headphones with wooden cups or parts ?
I find licking the wood after meal keeps it well oiled
Hello! I'm looking for IEMs that are bass heavy with widest sound stage. 300 to 500$. I like dubstep. Any recommendations?
I have to agree the 1kSE reminds me of a sundara, but the dynamics are probably on par with other egg shell hifimans.
For all the praise of detail of the HE1000SE's, did he ever listen to 009's or 009S's?
are these headphones good for call of duty?
Hi Joshua.. Would you please make a "demo sound" of your next reviews
i hope you will get a susvara to review.
If a lot of recordings are suddenly become badly done, they're not badly done.
I own those headphones for almost a year now and they are flat out *Bright* headphones. They're far from neutrality to have the audacity to judge and blame the recordings.
Also their stage is a lot wider and deeper once you EQ down their treble peaks.
What audio recording equipment do you use? Sounds crisp
Wonder if this would sound good on tubes? Am very tempted. Would be paired with a Mytek Brooklyn plus, Schitt Freya + and Burson Audio soloist 3.
Can you please make a video about true wireless earbuds.
I honestly can't make a decision about audio anymore without watching your videos on it first.
I've decided I want to get a pair for my commute/ for the gym.
What i want to know is, how bad is the sound quality compared to other options?
Just i just suck it up and buy the thx pandas and use those instead?
It's hyper-analytical. It needs to be tubed up with a big boy tube amp to offer a somewhat pleasant listening experience. Susvara is absolutely more detailed but not even nearly as hyper-analytical as the HE1000se.
So would the Audeze MM 500 or He1000se be better for mixing and mastering, the one that will reveal and be the most analytical for Music Production???
How are they compared to v2?
As the owner of 3 Hifiman headphones I will say their cables annoy and disappoint from top to bottom (from some one that generally loves their headpphones).
sounds like perfect headphone for gaming
Does the new HE1000 Stealth have the detail retrieval of this? I'm reading contradictory things.
I hope you can make comparison of HE1000 se and Susvara
If you were to buy one headphone between the two would it be this or the 1000 V2? Thanks
Wow so this beats STAX in detail and transparency?!? 🤯
Not the 009/009S
Hi josh. Can you do a review on the AKG k371? Or 361
Can you make a video on best headphones powered by just your phone?
Airpods
Josh, any comparisons between these headphones and an HD800S for gaming? Dumb question I know but I’m just curious on how they stack against each other, specifically on how detail vs. soundstage factor in gaming.
Hmm. Tbh, I don’t think these kind of headphones make a massive difference when it comes to gaming. Usually the benefits offered is in detail retrieval and texture; but a footstep or explosion won’t give you any new information, and sometimes can be actually misleading on an exceptionally wide soundstage.
I own a He1000se and I’ve never really noticed a huge difference when gaming. Sure, it is immersive and larger then life, but I never felt like it offered me any advantage over a cheaper headphone.
@@lordbiscuitthetossable5352 Appreciate you sharing your experiences
I rather find a headphone to enjoy my music than to search for recording errors
Quad Era-1 is such a headphone.
Just got audio Technica 1000x with aftermarket massive pads and as I sit here waiting for them to get here I just need to ask if anyone else has them/loves them.
Josh positive feedback felt the HE1000SE is 95% of the susvara, would you agree?
Get back to me, when Hifiman makes HP's that last longer than 6 months. Thx.
My Arya is 18 months old and working flawlessly.
What is your Black custom cable??
Intro music? Need to add it to my playlist. 😩
Bleaker - My New Life
Too honest. Sounds like my dad. 😁
I remember now why i sold it in a heartbeat, no pleasure only technical. Not for me
You swapped the pad on Diana?
Is that any advantage in having a separate amp and dac over an amp/dac?
depends on the amp/dac. you can build a good multibit dac in a good amp. but they usually sell them separately cause they cost so much
Looks like a 200 year old headphone
Forbidden Elixir
How would this compare to the Meze Empyrium? Will use with DCS BArtok amplifier
😂
I use this one with a Schiit Loki equalizer to turn the tonality back to an HE1000/Arya, it would be unlistenable to me otherwise,
to much energy in the highs.
Is this comparable to the HE 1000 stealth because I just purchased those! Makes me wonder if I made the wrong decision and should have choose this instead 😏
Should have get the he1000se instead
@@stevendavis1135 nah there amazing headphones don’t regret my purchase at all. Just took a while to break in but they sound amazing
Josh is it worth upgrading from the HE1000v2? Or would it be better to keep the V2 and go for a LCD4?
Have you heard the new apple airpod max?
@@itsabodh I heard them a year ago. If they came out with a newer version i have not heard those. I do however prefer the Sony XM4 over the ones that I heard.
I listen a lot to the band KALEO, what is a good headphones for this kind of genre?
The one you are already listing to
So does it take the no.1 spot for you, Josh ?
So would the Audeze MM 500 or He1000se be better for mixing and mastering, the one that will reveal and be the most analytical for Music Production???
I have the HE1000SE for a year and a half and I am considering getting a second pair of headphones at a comparable level. Empyrean or Utopia 🤔
Utopia without a question
Two years ago I was able to test the Utopia at a dealer for a while, I really liked it. The only thing I didn't like was that the utopia sounds relatively small and it was limited in the sub bass.
Empyrean is a joke for the price. My HEDDphone kills it, once A/B tested them. I'd say utopia or even better the SR1a.
I found the Empyrean on the High End Munich pretty good last year. The Utopia sounds much more high end to me. Maybe I'm waiting for a sale from the Empyrean until Black Friday 😂
Good review but this might be too much detail for some people - you might not like some of your poorly recorded music.
anyone find the headphone cable link?
audio technica ath-ad700x review ?
3:45 hehe sick shot
I can't stop admiring the nice red in your beard 😄
Gay
Can you name some best recorded music ??
Yes i can
Better than utopia?
Imo ... Far better ....
"Hifimin"
looks like a DIY headphone for some reason to me. wondered what the price was and the measurements. gonna say this is a hard no in every regard for the price.
that;s hifiman for you, some of their things sound great but can't really recommend cause somehow their thousands dollars headphone can have worst built than their sub 1000 one.
Do I need to buy a amplifier if I want to use this headphone
funny question xD
Can Sony WH-1000XM4 able to compete with this model?
this is a joke, right?
absolutely :D
The Sonys have Bluetooth so they're inherently better
What ever happened to the hifiman "Deva" review? I have been waiting for that.
Kinda wished it was $2000 because that is where my budget is
What are you buying?
HEDDphone bruh. Not as good but close.
Email some dealers. You can get them new for less than $3K easily. Used you will definitely get them for around $2-$2.3K.
What ears do you need to even buy this lol