Randy, I got to hear the H1 at Dallas CanJam-completely alone in the room. It was an overwhelming and humbling experience, one I almost felt undeserving of. I already own several Sennheiser headphones and IEMs, which I love, but what really stood out to me was their headphone amp. It doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it deserves! I really appreciate how you captured the experience in this video. There’s so much satisfaction in the products themselves, but beyond that, there’s a real sense of pride and admiration for Sennheiser as a company-professionally run, full of great people, and committed to excellence. It’s a joy to see that recognized and shared with this community!
Not a bad start of the year. About to hit 300K and a trip to Ireland. Sweet. Kudos to you for resisting all of the local delicacies. Did anyone (dare) ask about Massdrop variants? Lastly, a couple of other (smaller) TH-camrs have picked up on Chocolate Chip Trip, so i finally had to listen to it. Not sure i've ever listened to Tool. Pretty cool stuff lol.
I have a few great headphones from Focal, Audeze, and Beyerdynamic. They each have their own sound and flavor, and it’s fun to change it up. But the headphones I always come back to are my trusty Sennheiser 650s. They’re just smooth and deep and comfortable. Absolutely excellent.
You indeed are the Cheap Audioman. Headphones and headphone people are a different breed. It was fun to watch you navigate a completely different world than you are accustomed. My take away is you won't be venturing into the world of headphones any time soon.
It's acts of service like this from sennheiser that show a company that is out to give 100% to have transparency of product. Their willingness to show the process and demo their products goes a long way to gain consumer trust and develop a following. I have always loved the brand however now I love the company as well. What an inspirational video. Thx
You splice in Fleetwood Mac rumors and Led Zeppelin IV together just 2 minutes after rumors start and the vocal duet is truly mesmerizing and worth a listen
@ so when you add rumors by Fleetwood Mac and add Led Zeppelin 4 meshed together and have Led Zeppelin 4 album play at around 2 minutes so record that onto a CD you’ll love it ^_^
I have a friend who owns the HE1, though i've never listened to it because he lives in Hong Kong. If i ever make it out there, i'll definitely give them a listen. As for me, my daily driver headphones are Sennheiser HD650s powered by the latest version of the Schiit Stack. It's more than enough for a peasant like myself.
Got some Empire Ears Cerberus 3's hooked up to an Aune X7s and a FiiO X7 MkII. $2k in gear and I'm in audio heaven, I feel no need to upgrade anything.
Love my Sennheiser headphones I actually have an HD 598Cs as my main headphone. They performed exceptionally well on Randy's test tracks. I have been using them fro longer than I care to admit. I love Sennheiser's support, one of my kids blessed up the cable and I easily found the replacement on their site. I have to say I'm a customer for life
😂😂😂😂 Ireland is GORGEOUS 😍...Went in 03 for niece's wedding in Kilkenny. I didn't want to come home! And I'm 45-60 Irish...so I can immigrate having a maternal Irish Maturnal Grandmother. 😅
I've never heard the HE 1's but the best I've ever tried are Jecklin Float electrostatic headphones. I can imagine they'll be similar. Jecklin Floats are considerably less expensive than the Sennheiser HE 1.
I got a chance to listen to a set of 5 grand Yamaha headphone's a few years ago. I came away appreciating music more as a whole and making songs I did not care for more listenable than I ever thought possible. My favorite songs sounded better. I mainly listen to Metal. Psychobilly and Punk. My go to bass song is Information Society, Pure Energy, and it sounded awesome. I kind of wish I never listened to those 5 grand headphones because you end up chasing that sound and clarity, you try to duplicate that sound with different speakers and amps but it's like a dog chasing his tail. If you sit and relax while you listen to music, no dicking around in the garage or doing stuff around the house, headphones are the way to go. 5 grand, 70 grand, its worth the money.
I've been in the headphone hobby for 20 years. I started with the Sennheiser HD580(same thing as the HD600 they have on the wall just different color) and gradually moved up the upgrade path. Last couple years I got into electrostats, currently listening to the Stax X9000 off of a Blue Hawaii amp. The law of diminishing returns kicks in heavy at this stage of the game. I would like a HE90 if I can ever find one.
I have a set of Hd 580's for about 25 years now. Don't use them that much anymore but they still sound like new. Replaced the ear pads and cable and that's expected, and that's it. Very happy with them!!!!
Haha, liked hearing the shout out for Daft Punk's Touch, I have it in 88 Khz, 24 bit FLAC and use it for a lot of my reference testing. Did I see Aphex Twin in the CD stack? Epic.
Greetings from the beautiful Emerald Coast of NWFL! Greatly appreciate the video! Definitely, a beautiful system to see & experience! MSB Select Headphone Amp, Dac, & of course, headphones, cost >$130K. I also heard of a custom system close to $250K (Gold used). I love my Naim Uniti Atom HE, Uniti Core Server, & Focal Celestees Headphones & Focal Clear Headphones. Honestly, can't imagine anything sounding better, but that's the whole point of the audiophile journey! Very respectfully, Billy P. Martin eodbillymartin eodaudiophile
I have no doubt it sounds good. The part that bums me out is knowing that more than three quarters of the cost is in making the base, and controls work the way they do. I would bet that they had to spend more than 100 hours trying to figure out how to make the motion control and lighting, not interfere with the audio itself. As an amp builder myself, priding in the ability to make REALLY low noise floor designs, making the amp sound good is not as hard as making the amp look good, and be noise free from the lighting effects that I use.
I'm jealous I'm a big Sennheiser fan been using them for 40 years almost now for headphones. My next is HD800 but I have about 20 different Sennheiser. Would love to see that factory tour. Ive just got a pair of IE 200 and not bad for the price. Not heard the HD-1 yet. I remember when they did the Orpheus HE90 thats a long time ago now. Great video
I don't have $70,000 for a pair of headphones, so I made my own HE-1 at home at a fraction of the cost. It sounds rubbish. I don't know what I'm doing, if I'm honest.
Years ago in Montreal, I heard the The first version of the headphones with the tube amplifier, it was breathtaking. But I still prefer speakers in a room. I have a pair of Sennheiser HD 600s which I modified slightly and they’re a good headphone, not exciting but good. I understand why recording professionals use this as a reference, not because it’s the best, but it represents balance over wow.
I have a pair of ie600 and I have never heard the Sennheiser headphones. I was wondering which of the headphones sound similar and what the difference is between the iems and headphones.
I got the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Studio Monitor for 49$ plus tax from Amazon (free shipping) . They sound great for a 70-year-old on Social Security. They are a bit heavy on the bass but that is what tone controls are for.
I have two Sennheiser products. Bluetooth headphones and Bluetooth earbuds. I love the headphones. The headphones are great for doing anything while moving around. The earbuds are heavy and fall out easily . The earbuds are great for listening while sitting or laying down. They are not good for doing any listening while moving.
I've been a Sennheiser fand since the 80s. My son uses a set of the HD600s for his voice over work. Not sure they ever did ballistic tests for projectile resistance on the cans though even if they did have Corning Gorilla Glass. LOL
i was fortunate enough to listen to the he1's last year but only for 5 mins. the best way i could describe them is a "LIQUID" everything flowed and nothing was forced they are a very chilled set of headphones. not for me i like a dynamic sounding headphones. but i understand why people would buy them.
Looks like the 660S1 that I will never let go of it's erased from their lineup.Maybe because it was made in Romania. It's better than 600, 650/6XX and it came with a real box and two long cables. Well... it doesn't have the 300ohm that audiophiles beached about. Just some snobs that don't enjoy music. If you check out their playlist you can't find music, just stereo effects.
This is as close as I'll ever get to hearing the HE-1. This is also as close as I'll ever get to going to Ireland. This is also as close as I'll ever get to getting a recreational defibrillation. I do, at least, cry when I listen to my Koss Porta Pros. For obvious reasons.
My everyday go to travel headphones are the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and I have nothing but good things to say about them and the Sennheiser phone app that I use.
Be careful not becoming a shill like so many other youtubers 😮 Interesting nonetheless. It would be hilarious if you could have made a blind abx test 😅
I feel like anyone who buys a $70,000 headphone/amp must be a super villain. They plot the destruction of humanity as Mozart serenades them from the digital abyss.
I have the 558's. Got them years ago on-sale for $110. ( New in the box, not a counterfeit. ) Sounds great for $100. Are they worth $500? Nah. But they are definitely worth $110. I think really expensive headphones are a waste of money. Once you get to a certain level, you reach the point of diminishing returns. The sweet-spot for me might be the 600's or the 650's.
The IE 600 are better as the 900 by the way and the HD 800 are the best out the 800 Serie and the most expensive one is overestimated got presented in Germany Mellendorf in a secret room 🎉👍The headphone HE1 is a lot of show and artwork.
I’ve been fortunate enough to hear it a few times ..impressive YES…worth $70k …no. I can build a system that’s just as good or better for less ….but not significantly less 🤣🤣🤣
Hardly said anything about the sound. What was interesting is you said it’s the best listening experience of your life and you also said that you could likely get a similar experience for $7K. Given all that, what does that say about your own audio system and equipment? Seems strange.
Finally, I found someone who loves this hobby, but at the same time, he does not take everything seriously and has a sense of humor.🙃 13:38 13:42 You killed me when you said this. We no longer buy anything. Rather, we buy something that is classified as art just because it contains marble. Just bring a table and prepare 20k and an art painting for 50k if you are paying for it to be an art painting
Very gimmicky way the controls push out with the valves. Made more for a Yuppy than an audiophile, audiophile is about reducing all sources of noise for the purest possible sound, not for looks.
I feel like the HE-1 goes up $5k every time a TH-camr makes one of these
Yeah it was 50k first time I heard about them 😂
@@StefAdr
That's just the "FED" stealing your money.
The HE 1 headphones is in the 20ks. The "system" is 70k.
At least that's what I've collected between Josh valour, randy, and others
Cheap Audio Man listened to the World's Most Expensive Headphone... a wonderful paradox!
Mostlycheapaudioman
CheapAudioSalesman
I had opportunity to listen to HE1 for an hour undistributed, alone at their flagship store in Berlin. What an experience. ❤
Randy, I got to hear the H1 at Dallas CanJam-completely alone in the room. It was an overwhelming and humbling experience, one I almost felt undeserving of. I already own several Sennheiser headphones and IEMs, which I love, but what really stood out to me was their headphone amp. It doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it deserves!
I really appreciate how you captured the experience in this video. There’s so much satisfaction in the products themselves, but beyond that, there’s a real sense of pride and admiration for Sennheiser as a company-professionally run, full of great people, and committed to excellence. It’s a joy to see that recognized and shared with this community!
If Trump gets mad at Ireland, they will cost $89.0000...
Not a bad start of the year. About to hit 300K and a trip to Ireland. Sweet. Kudos to you for resisting all of the local delicacies. Did anyone (dare) ask about Massdrop variants? Lastly, a couple of other (smaller) TH-camrs have picked up on Chocolate Chip Trip, so i finally had to listen to it. Not sure i've ever listened to Tool. Pretty cool stuff lol.
I have a few great headphones from Focal, Audeze, and Beyerdynamic. They each have their own sound and flavor, and it’s fun to change it up. But the headphones I always come back to are my trusty Sennheiser 650s. They’re just smooth and deep and comfortable. Absolutely excellent.
I have the 650s and they they are more than competent. But I keep going back to my magico floorstanders.
You indeed are the Cheap Audioman. Headphones and headphone people are a different breed. It was fun to watch you navigate a completely different world than you are accustomed. My take away is you won't be venturing into the world of headphones any time soon.
It's acts of service like this from sennheiser that show a company that is out to give 100% to have transparency of product. Their willingness to show the process and demo their products goes a long way to gain consumer trust and develop a following. I have always loved the brand however now I love the company as well. What an inspirational video. Thx
the slow-mo tube reveal is mouth watering
Congrats Randy, I'm happy for you! That's quite a trip! I bought my first Sennheiser phones in 1978.
If I win the lotto I'm buying these just to play games 😂
You splice in Fleetwood Mac rumors and Led Zeppelin IV together just 2 minutes after rumors start and the vocal duet is truly mesmerizing and worth a listen
What ? What song I’m confused by the comment ?
@ so when you add rumors by Fleetwood Mac and add Led Zeppelin 4 meshed together and have Led Zeppelin 4 album play at around 2 minutes so record that onto a CD you’ll love it ^_^
Love my hd 599 and 6xx. Didn't need validation but still good to know they come from a lineage that cares. Thanks Randy, hope you had fun!
Love to hear the HE1s but just have to settle for my HD540, HDR180 & 3x RS120 11. Just love Sennheiser headphones.
I have a friend who owns the HE1, though i've never listened to it because he lives in Hong Kong. If i ever make it out there, i'll definitely give them a listen.
As for me, my daily driver headphones are Sennheiser HD650s powered by the latest version of the Schiit Stack. It's more than enough for a peasant like myself.
I use the same Headphones,Sennheiser has excellent value for money.
I went down the electrostat rabbit hole. Listening to my Stax X9000 right now.
Got some Empire Ears Cerberus 3's hooked up to an Aune X7s and a FiiO X7 MkII. $2k in gear and I'm in audio heaven, I feel no need to upgrade anything.
Love my Sennheiser headphones I actually have an HD 598Cs as my main headphone. They performed exceptionally well on Randy's test tracks. I have been using them fro longer than I care to admit. I love Sennheiser's support, one of my kids blessed up the cable and I easily found the replacement on their site. I have to say I'm a customer for life
Too Awesome so happy for you!!! You deserve all of it...keep up the Awesome work and keep the content coming 😊
😂😂😂😂 Ireland is GORGEOUS 😍...Went in 03 for niece's wedding in Kilkenny. I didn't want to come home! And I'm 45-60 Irish...so I can immigrate having a maternal Irish Maturnal Grandmother. 😅
Yes truly beautiful and the Imerald Isles. John Lennon was quoted, sayin he wanted to by one.
It's just so hard to believe that a pair of headphones are worth that money.
I've never heard the HE 1's but the best I've ever tried are Jecklin Float electrostatic headphones. I can imagine they'll be similar. Jecklin Floats are considerably less expensive than the Sennheiser HE 1.
Road trip to Ireland and auditioning great headphones ! Nice video Randy.
Senn kicks majors butt.. love my hd800s on tubes and ie600.
I got a chance to listen to a set of 5 grand Yamaha headphone's a few years ago. I came away appreciating music more as a whole and making songs I did not care for more listenable than I ever thought possible. My favorite songs sounded better. I mainly listen to Metal. Psychobilly and Punk. My go to bass song is Information Society, Pure Energy, and it sounded awesome. I kind of wish I never listened to those 5 grand headphones because you end up chasing that sound and clarity, you try to duplicate that sound with different speakers and amps but it's like a dog chasing his tail. If you sit and relax while you listen to music, no dicking around in the garage or doing stuff around the house, headphones are the way to go. 5 grand, 70 grand, its worth the money.
I've been in the headphone hobby for 20 years. I started with the Sennheiser HD580(same thing as the HD600 they have on the wall just different color) and gradually moved up the upgrade path. Last couple years I got into electrostats, currently listening to the Stax X9000 off of a Blue Hawaii amp. The law of diminishing returns kicks in heavy at this stage of the game. I would like a HE90 if I can ever find one.
I have a set of Hd 580's for about 25 years now. Don't use them that much anymore but they still sound like new. Replaced the ear pads and cable and that's expected, and that's it. Very happy with them!!!!
I am stoked you got to listen to these headphones (all of them). I imagine it's a memory to last a lifetime.
Haha, liked hearing the shout out for Daft Punk's Touch, I have it in 88 Khz, 24 bit FLAC and use it for a lot of my reference testing. Did I see Aphex Twin in the CD stack? Epic.
Welcome to Ireland Randy. Hope you enjoyed your stay with us. 🇮🇪🇮🇪
70 grand headphones with a 1 grand Rega P3. Nice! Good work Randy.
Greetings from the beautiful Emerald Coast of NWFL!
Greatly appreciate the video! Definitely, a beautiful system to see & experience!
MSB Select Headphone Amp, Dac, & of course, headphones, cost >$130K.
I also heard of a custom system close to $250K (Gold used).
I love my Naim Uniti Atom HE, Uniti Core Server, & Focal Celestees Headphones & Focal Clear Headphones. Honestly, can't imagine anything sounding better, but that's the whole point of the audiophile journey!
Very respectfully,
Billy P. Martin
eodbillymartin
eodaudiophile
And it probably was forbidden to talk about the HD490 Pro model.
I have no doubt it sounds good. The part that bums me out is knowing that more than three quarters of the cost is in making the base, and controls work the way they do. I would bet that they had to spend more than 100 hours trying to figure out how to make the motion control and lighting, not interfere with the audio itself. As an amp builder myself, priding in the ability to make REALLY low noise floor designs, making the amp sound good is not as hard as making the amp look good, and be noise free from the lighting effects that I use.
I listened to HE1 in California a few years ago and they sounded incredibly but way above my pay grade! Beautifully made. They were $50,000 back then!
Awesome - thanks for sharing the experience!
Hokie that's what I say you could buy a lot of records for 70 grand
You are what the Irish would call a "jammy git", but I will qualify that by saying you worked for it so good on ya.
Watching this video, using my Made in Ireland HD660S to listen to the audio. Thank you for the review.
very cool
I certainly have listened to the HE-1 and, if I could spend that kind of money on a single object, they'd be on the top of my list.
I'm jealous I'm a big Sennheiser fan been using them for 40 years almost now for headphones. My next is HD800 but I have about 20 different Sennheiser. Would love to see that factory tour. Ive just got a pair of IE 200 and not bad for the price. Not heard the HD-1 yet. I remember when they did the Orpheus HE90 thats a long time ago now. Great video
I interrupted "Bringing It All Back Home" to watch this.
Why is the 660 S2 your favorite? That headphone is next on the list so I would love your input!
Listend to it and cried ! it’s really an experience !
I don't have $70,000 for a pair of headphones, so I made my own HE-1 at home at a fraction of the cost. It sounds rubbish. I don't know what I'm doing, if I'm honest.
Years ago in Montreal, I heard the The first version of the headphones with the tube amplifier, it was breathtaking. But I still prefer speakers in a room. I have a pair of Sennheiser HD 600s which I modified slightly and they’re a good headphone, not exciting but good. I understand why recording professionals use this as a reference, not because it’s the best, but it represents balance over wow.
I have a pair of ie600 and I have never heard the Sennheiser headphones. I was wondering which of the headphones sound similar and what the difference is between the iems and headphones.
A free pair of headphones at the end, huh? Oh, I suPPOSE I could accept an invitation to the tour as well...
Expensiveaudioman
I got the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Studio Monitor for 49$ plus tax from Amazon (free shipping) . They sound great for a 70-year-old on Social Security. They are a bit heavy on the bass but that is what tone controls are for.
I have two Sennheiser products. Bluetooth headphones and Bluetooth earbuds. I love the headphones. The headphones are great for doing anything while moving around. The earbuds are heavy and fall out easily . The earbuds are great for listening while sitting or laying down. They are not good for doing any listening while moving.
Thanks for sharing Randy
listened it with my hd600!:)
ridiculously priced!!
How they come up with this price ??
Makes no sense!!!
They look amazing and I wish I had 70k to buy them
What was the second song you choose to play?
I've been a Sennheiser fand since the 80s. My son uses a set of the HD600s for his voice over work.
Not sure they ever did ballistic tests for projectile resistance on the cans though even if they did have Corning Gorilla Glass. LOL
What’s the difference between the IEM and normal earbuds?
i was fortunate enough to listen to the he1's last year but only for 5 mins. the best way i could describe them is a "LIQUID" everything flowed and nothing was forced they are a very chilled set of headphones. not for me i like a dynamic sounding headphones. but i understand why people would buy them.
I’ve had the 660s for a few now and I love em’. My end game are the 800s… soon I plan.
Looks like the 660S1 that I will never let go of it's erased from their lineup.Maybe because it was made in Romania.
It's better than 600, 650/6XX and it came with a real box and two long cables.
Well... it doesn't have the 300ohm that audiophiles beached about. Just some snobs that don't enjoy music. If you check out their playlist you can't find music, just stereo effects.
Wow, I will start collecting my walnut shells from now on.
One EPIC video
All audio my man, love it.
This is as close as I'll ever get to hearing the HE-1. This is also as close as I'll ever get to going to Ireland. This is also as close as I'll ever get to getting a recreational defibrillation. I do, at least, cry when I listen to my Koss Porta Pros. For obvious reasons.
I listen through my 50$ KZ Zenith ! 😂 But they are very good for the price ! 😀 Have you thought about changing the title of the channel recently?! 😆
70000 bucks is stupid for any piece of equipment.
The price definitely triggers a sharp intake of breath from me.
You have apparently not looked at the price of large format recording consoles.
😁
Did the 660s2’s win you over versus one of your fav’s the HIFIMAN Edition XS?
Listening to this on my Koss Portapro headphones. Cheap but good.
My everyday go to travel headphones are the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and I have nothing but good things to say about them and the Sennheiser phone app that I use.
From my experience headphones cannot compete with Speakers, not even close.
That's what I was going to add... They're still headphones and they still don't soundstage like a proper speaker setup. 😂
That’s the cost of 70 monthly grocery bills. Seems reasonable for 2025. Either your family don’t eat for 70 months or have the Sennheiser
Be careful not becoming a shill like so many other youtubers 😮 Interesting nonetheless. It would be hilarious if you could have made a blind abx test 😅
It was really interesting. Still tempted to buy hd800s even when I have he1000 stealth and arya se
I feel like anyone who buys a $70,000 headphone/amp must be a super villain. They plot the destruction of humanity as Mozart serenades them from the digital abyss.
The marble is "Carrara", though.
I have the 558's. Got them years ago on-sale for $110. ( New in the box, not a counterfeit. )
Sounds great for $100. Are they worth $500? Nah. But they are definitely worth $110.
I think really expensive headphones are a waste of money. Once you get to a certain level,
you reach the point of diminishing returns. The sweet-spot for me might be the 600's or the 650's.
As a mobile dj 🎧 Sennheiser headphones is all I use .
I run audio at foh and rely on my hd280’s. $100 and super good isolation.
I'm in Edenderry, 25 minutes drive from Tullamore...
The IE 600 are better as the 900 by the way and the HD 800 are the best out the 800 Serie and the most expensive one is overestimated got presented in Germany Mellendorf in a secret room 🎉👍The headphone HE1 is a lot of show and artwork.
truly remarkable experience
even Flossy Carter hasn't been brought out here yet😅
Those aren’t the world’s most expensive headphones. There are headphones available for well in excess of$120 thousand!
Tullamore Dew is a fantastic drink
They made you wear tv ears for the tour? 😮
Hmm, I thought I splurged a bit spending almost $150 on my Audio Technica’s…
Well done!
I’ve been fortunate enough to hear it a few times ..impressive YES…worth $70k …no.
I can build a system that’s just as good or better for less ….but not significantly less 🤣🤣🤣
I own several totl headphones like the Utopia and Susvara and frankly there is no such thing as a “best” HP, they all do something differently.
@ Yes..they all have strengths and weaknesses..
I'm going to stay with my HD800S.
He is now expensiveaudioman
Tullamore Dew is my favorite.
Hardly said anything about the sound. What was interesting is you said it’s the best listening experience of your life and you also said that you could likely get a similar experience for $7K. Given all that, what does that say about your own audio system and equipment? Seems strange.
You look like Season 5 Walter White and i mean that as a good thing
Hope you enjoyed my home country
Livin the dream. Nice
I wnt to hear Alvin and Chipmunks the way it was meant to be heard!!!!!
From Cheapaudioman to Audio Snob. What a transformation. Keep-up the good work!
I didn't think he came across as an audiophile snob in this video? I think most of us would love to be able to listen to a 70k headphone set up.
There appears to be a typo in your ardnosach comment.
Finally, I found someone who loves this hobby, but at the same time, he does not take everything seriously and has a sense of humor.🙃
13:38 13:42 You killed me when you said this. We no longer buy anything. Rather, we buy something that is classified as art just because it contains marble. Just bring a table and prepare 20k and an art painting for 50k if you are paying for it to be an art painting
CheapAudioman LOL !
Now Episode- RichAudioMan😊
Very gimmicky way the controls push out with the valves. Made more for a Yuppy than an audiophile, audiophile is about reducing all sources of noise for the purest possible sound, not for looks.
So after this your youtube channel needs another name…!