When it comes to high-end headphones, few brands spark as much excitement among audiophiles as HiFiMAN. Known for their innovation in planar magnetic technology and commitment to premium sound, their releases often set the standard for what enthusiasts can expect in performance and design. Let’s take a closer look at one of their latest models to see how it holds up against the brand’s reputation and whether it delivers the kind of listening experience that makes HiFiMAN a favorite in the headphone world.
What You Get
- HE600 planar magnetic headphones
- Detachable 3.5mm cable with quarter-inch adapter
Look & Feel
It’s been a while since we’ve seen a HiFiMAN headphone that didn’t have their common oval-shaped circumaural earcups. The HE600 returns to the style of the HE6 and Sundara, but with a distinct grille pattern. Other parts of the HE600 are also refined from past versions, like its cleaner-looking headband. This is a new composite headband that carries much less weight than its predecessors. You still get sturdy yokes that hold everything together well, even while making the ear cups swivel. This all correlates to the headphone’s overall comfort, which is very stable and adjustable. Their memory foam earpads are comfortable and just as breathable as their other options with bigger cups.
Design
The HIFIMAN HE600 is an open-back planar magnetic headphone built around a set of advanced components: a Neo Supernano Gen 2 diaphragm that is ultra-thin and highly responsive, a novel enhanced magnet system that avoids rare-earth materials yet delivers high sensitivity. Some HiFiMAN headphones are not particularly difficult to drive, but the HE600 requires a bit more output power than just a simple DAC/Amp. I used a Chord Mojo 2 and iFi IDSD Valkyrie for this review.
Soundstage
I’ve listened to a ton of HiFiMAN headphones, and I’ve always appreciated their attention to openness and depth within their soundstages. It’s a part of the brand’s character, but the HE600 is a bit different. That airy headspace is still part of how the soundstage and imaging functions, but its scope is more centered than their other headphones, like the Ananda Nano or Arya Stealth. Its width is noticeably reduced, never quite reaching past your shoulders. However, channel identity and separation are still top-notch, allowing for complex layers to distinguish themselves from one another. Spatial imaging communicates clean movement with that touch of airy, floaty positioning that makes HiFiMAN’s headphones flavourfully immersive. That sense of wrap-around is still present in the HE600, even if the bubble around your head is smaller than in other models.
Low End
While this isn’t a basshead’s resposne, the low frequencies are very clear and balanced. The HE600 is elegantly dynamic with its bass, consisting of a full tone with raw finesse. Every thump and punch is heard with energy and bloom. It doesn’t quite rumble, though, as the sub-bass plays more of a subtle role in this frequency resposne. It lifts up the tone very cleanly, though, adding just enough bounce to feel lively. When the bass doesn’t play a significant role in your chosen track, it will take a necessary step back in the mix. When it’s called upon, the bass will offer you a concentrated burst of clarity that cuts and punches quickly and accurately.
Mids
The midrange is similarly agile and dynamic to the bass, with even more texture. Most of the midrange leans neutral, toward the low-mids, but the upper-mids come alive. It breaks out of a basic, flat resposne, and brings out more depth in instruments and vocals. It’s still quite soft, but the transients feel quick, giving weight to both physical and synthesized performances. Notes have realism, and arrangements appear lush, striking through the sound signature with real power. Everything still feels balanced and on the same field, but the midrange pleases with a solid, bodied response that leaves nothing behind.
Highs
I tend to like HiFiMAN’s sizzley, airy treble that their headphones tend to have, but the HE600 offers something a little different. Tonally, the high frequencies still communicate crisp, shimmery cymbals and bells that ring out with a sharp clarity, but the ethereal airiness that other HiFiMAN headphones have is less of a factor with the HE600. Everything is more pleasant and controlled, without feeling too relaxed. There’s a rawness to the timbre, but it’s never anything harsh or fatiguing.
Summary
The HiFiMAN HE600 strikes an impressive balance between refinement and raw musical energy. Its soundstage may be more centered compared to other HiFiMAN models, but the imaging remains precise and immersive. With dynamic yet controlled bass, textured mids, and crisp treble, the HE600 delivers a sound signature that is both engaging and highly detailed. Paired with its lightweight build and comfortable fit, this headphone is an excellent choice for listeners who want a planar magnetic design that values balance and clarity over exaggerated coloration. For fans of HiFiMAN, the HE600 offers a fresh yet familiar take on the company’s signature sound.
The HiFiMAN HE600 is available at Audio46.
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