Over-Ear
HiFiMAN He-R9
58Average
$109
Full review dataHiFiMAN He-R9 vs Nectar Hive: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Nectar Hive comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Nectar Hive - Outstanding overall at around $197.
Over-Ear
Nectar Hive
85Outstanding
$197
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
HiFiMAN He-R9
Sound5.5
Battery4.0
Value6.0
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN He-R9 | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $109 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 58 / 100 · Average | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | - | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 50 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | - |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-35kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 60 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | - |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 | - |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 8 h | - |
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 328 g | 370 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| USB-C | Yes | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
HiFiMAN He-R9
The HiFiMAN HE-R9 is a closed-back wireless over-ear that leans heavily into bass emphasis, making it a niche pick for low-end lovers rather than a neutral all-rounder. Its Bluetooth module adds convenience with solid codec support, but the dark, sometimes piercing treble and modest battery life hold it back from broader appeal.
- Pro:Powerful, impactful bass response
- Pro:Rich and warm midrange timbre
- Pro:Supports high-quality LDAC and aptX HD codecs
- Con:Sound signature is far from neutral, not for critical listening
- Con:Treble can become harsh or piercing at times
- Con:Wireless battery life is limited to around 6 hours
Nectar Hive
The Nectar Hive is a wired electrostatic over-ear headphone priced around $600, weighing just 370 grams. It delivers a bright neutral sound signature with a frequency response spanning 20Hz to 7kHz, offering a detailed and airy presentation that leans toward analytical clarity. This model earns high marks for its tonal balance and technical performance, making it a strong contender in its price bracket for listeners who prefer a crisp, revealing sound.
- Pro:Excellent tonal accuracy and neutrality
- Pro:Impressive technical detail retrieval
- Pro:Featherweight design for comfort
- Con:Bright tilt may be fatiguing for some
- Con:Limited bass impact due to electrostatic nature
- Con:Requires dedicated amplifier for proper use
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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