HiFiMAN HE 6

The reviewer found the HiFiMAN HE6 to be a demanding and difficult headphone to drive, requiring a powerful speaker amplifier setup. While the sound is decent and controlled, especially in the low end, it doesn't live up to the hype or outperform modern alternatives, and the build quality and stock pads are poor. Overall, the reviewer is underwhelmed and would prefer older HiFiMAN models like the HE500.

The reviewer explains his headphone measurement methodology and uses the HiFiMAN HE-6 as a demonstration unit. He notes that the HE-6 fits his measurement fixture exceptionally well, with excellent channel matching, and he discusses its performance in the context of his objective measurements and equalization concepts.

The reviewer finds the Hifiman HE-6 to be an impressive headphone with exceptional bass clarity and a flat frequency response, though it has a slightly bright treble and a soundstage that is wide but not intimate. It excels with orchestral and acoustic music but is only decent for gaming.

The reviewer finds the HiFiMAN HE-6 to be an exceptional-sounding headphone, particularly praising its natural and precise imaging, which he describes as concert-like and unlike anything else he has heard. However, he notes that it is extremely difficult to drive, very bright with the stock velour pads, and has significant comfort and build quality issues, though he still liked it enough to purchase the review unit.

The reviewer finds the HiFiMAN HE-6 to be a world-class, near-neutral sounding headphone that excels in precision and naturalness when paired with a powerful speaker amplifier, but notes its high power requirements, heavy weight, and mediocre build quality as significant drawbacks. He ultimately decides not to keep them due to the impracticality of needing a speaker amp, but recommends them for home listening.