What tools do you use as an audio lover? A music device, an amplifier, a receiver, a pair of speakers, and a pair of headphones. Honestly, a pair of quality headphones multiplies your music enjoyment. It is important for both pro and personal use. No matter how much a pair of speakers amplify the music, they cannot serve as detailed music as a pair of standard headphones.
There is no shortage of headphone manufacturer companies in the world. Relatively famous brands always try to improve their headphones. HiFiMan is one of the famous brands. The company’s two most popular models are the HE5se and HE560. Today in this article, we will discuss a comparison of the two brands HiFiMan HE5se vs. HE560. Here we will know the pros and cons of each headphone. Then we will do a head-to-head battle and pick better.
The HiFiMan Company
The HiFiMan Company is a Chinese company that manufactures audio equipment. Among the various audio equipment produced by the company are high-end portable audio players, amplifiers, and headphones. In particular, HiFiMan is at the top of popularity to date for producing quality planar magnetic headphones.
HiFiMan, a consumer electronics company, launched in 2005. Dr. Fang Bian is the founder of this organization. However, the company is currently headquartered in Tianjin, China.
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HiFiMan HE5se Headphones/Planar Magnetics
So let’s get to the real thing. HiFiMan HE5se is a popular headphone released in 2016. The model is a revised version of the original. But of course, HiFiMan retains the basic features like other successful models. Let’s now know the important features of the HE5se model.
Specifications
The HiFiMan HE5se is a reference-grade headphone with an MSRP of $799. It features a unique dual-sided 25mm driver configuration, class A/B amplification, and S/PDIF inputs for multiroom streaming over home theater systems.
The HE5se also includes HiFiMAN’s newly developed Acoustic Sensing Technology. This technology optimizes sound quality by detecting the listener’s head position and generating optimized acoustic pressure levels in each ear channel. The HE5se is available in black, silver, or rose gold and ships with a hard case and Horus HiFiLink cable.
Headphone amplifier with dual DSD128/256 audiophile decoding (11.2MHz and 2.8GHz) for high-resolution audio playback Up to 600dB output power, 50W total power handling High-efficiency digital circuitry with pure class A output stage Direct access USB connection featuring aptX HD support for uncompressed higher quality sound streaming.
Lightweight and portable design: just under 1 pound (454g), including a cable connector. The HE5se is a headphone amplifier explicitly designed for audiophiles who demand the best possible sound quality. With its dual DSD128/256 audiophile decoding, it can play back high-resolution audio files with fantastic accuracy.
making it perfect for serious music lovers who want to experience the full range of detail and nuance in their recordings. And because this amplifier is highly efficient, it can deliver a powerful 50W output without taxing your listening equipment too much.
Overall, meaning you can enjoy hours of crystal-clear sound without running into any problems. Plus, thanks to its direct USB connection and aptX HD support, you’ll be able to enjoy uncompressed higher, quality sound streamed directly from your amplifier to your headphones with no loss in quality whatsoever. At just under 1 pound (454g), the HE5se is also very lightweight and portable, making it perfect for on-the-go listening without having to lug around a bulky or heavy device.
HE560
The HJ560 is a 5″ display with 1280×720 resolution. It has an ANSI/HDR light output. The HJ560 has a 5MP rear camera along with a 2MP front-facing camera. This display features HDR10 support and is therefore compatible with all HDR devices.
- Headphone Type: Hi-End
- Driver Unit Size: 40 mm
- Powered by a 1.4GHz processor and runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow
- Has two 16GB integrated storage options: a TF card slot and a built-in microSD card reader
- supports 4G LTE networks and has dual WiFi antennas
- Frequency Response: 15 – 25,000 Hz
- Connectivity 1/8″ Phone Jack (Gold) and 3.5mm Gold Audio Cable
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Sensitivity: 103 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz
- Cable Length: 1.2 m
- Weight: 260 g
Low End
HiFiMan HE5se
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly high-end speaker system, the HiFiMan HE5se is an excellent option. However, they don’t have the best low-end response, so if you’re looking for a bass-rich experience, these may not be ideal.
High End
If you’ve cravings for headphones that will give you the best sound output possible, then the HiFiMan HE5se headphones will be the frontliners. These headphones are known for their high level of sound quality and excellent bass response.
making them perfect for music lovers who want to experience crystal clear sounds without sacrificing audio quality. Plus, with a price tag of around $350, these headphones aren’t cheap, but they are worth the investment if you’re after the top-of-the-line performance.
Audio Control
This high-end headphones control from HiFiMan is a must-have for any music lover. When using the HE5se, it’s easy to adjust the volume, track, and playback Position without ever having to take your eyes off the screen or hands off the steering wheel.
This control gives you complete hands-free audio power, which is perfect for music lovers who want to stay focused on the road. The HE5se are also known for their high-quality sound so this control will improve your listening experience.
Sound Quality
The HiFiMan HE5se headphones are some of the best available on the market and offer excellent sound quality. They have a wide frequency range, good bass response, and superior clarity. The only downside is that they don’t have a lot of volume output which can be an issue if you want to listen to music loudly.
Overall, these headphones are well worth the investment and will provide you with crisp audio replication that will impress anyone who listens to them.
Design and Comfort
The HiFiMan HE5se headphones are well designed and look very stylish. They have a comfortable earcup design that makes them easy to wear for long periods. Additionally, the adjustable headband will provide you with a perfect fit for your head.
The only downside is that they don’t come with a carrying case which can be a bit frustrating if you want to take them with you when you’re moving around. However, overall these are some of the most comfortable headphones available on the market today.
HE560
The Harman Kardon HK HE560 is a 5.1 surround sound speaker designed for home entertainment applications such as movies and gaming. It features an active subwoofer that helps to improve the bass response in low-to-midrange sounds, making it ideal for music and movie playback.
Additionally, the system includes two front-firing speakers that deliver high-quality audio to each corner of your room. In contrast, the rear center speaker provides superior sound coverage throughout your entire space.
Build and Quality
The HiFiMan HE5se is a well-built headphone with a sturdy build and good quality plastics. It provides plenty of room to fit even large ears. The ear cups rotate so that you can adjust the angle at which you listen to music, and there’s also an adjustable hinge for better fitting if you have larger or smaller heads.
There’s no shortage of features on these headphones either – they come with an inline control module for iPhone/iPad and Android devices. They select laptop/desktop speakers and a 3.5mm audio jack for plugging them into any device with an available port. The HE5se also offers active noise canceling technology, blocking background noise and focusing on your music without raising the volume.
While there are some minor downsides – such as a lack of Bluetooth compatibility. Overall, these headphones are well-made and packed with features, making them ideal if you’re looking for a high-quality pair of cans to let you enjoy your music to the fullest.
HE560
The He560 is a well-built pen with a nice weight and feel. The materials used are high quality, and the finish on the pen is crisp and clean. There were no noticeable blemishes or defects on the He560 when inspected. The He560 writes smoothly and with minimal drag, and the ink flow is consistent across the pen. The cap screws on securely and do not feel cheaply made primary. Overall, the quality of construction on the He560 is excellent.
One minor complaint is that the ink flow can be inconsistent depending on the angle of the pen to paper. For example, if you write at a steep curve, the ink will flow more freely than writing at a horizontal angle. This isn’t a significant issue and doesn’t affect how the pen performs, but it is something to keep in mind. We highly recommend the He560 as an excellent quality pen priced affordably.
Specs of HiFiMan HE5se
First of all, we will know the specification of the HE5se model because the specifics of an electronics product are the primary consideration.
- Impedance: 40Ω
- Weight: 387g
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-35kHz
- Sensitivity: 92db
Sound Quality
Why do people buy a pair of headphones? Of course to enjoy the music. So, it is obvious that music should be the topic of our first discussion. The HiFiMan HE5se’s sound is great when it comes to sound experience. The frequency range used in the model is 20 Hz-35 kHz, which is undoubtedly moderate for producing sonic sound.
If you also use a comparatively less powerful music source device, you can still enjoy quality music using HE5se headphones. However, to understand this point in more detail, let us discuss these headphones’ low, mid, and high frequencies.
Low Frequency
HE5se headphones provide quality sound with a tight, energetic, and detailed base even at low frequencies. The timbre and cellos bass of the headphones provide beautiful vibration at very low frequencies, the vibrations of which you can feel in your jaw.
Mid Frequency
If you like midrange, that’s fine too. HE5se headphones perform best at mid-frequency. The headphones provide expansive sound without any distortion or compression. You will find the option to enjoy one of the ultimate levels of music for sufficient detail and focused sound for sure.
High Frequency
When you pick up the high frequency, the HE5se’s audio may make your ears tremble a little too much. The HE5se headphones are harsher and sharper, even in the case of the smoothest pop music. But if your ears can bear a lot, rest assured HE5se will give you the gift of live music.
Stability and Build Quality
The HiFiMan has added a little more comfort to the HE5se model in terms of fitness and comfort. When you use the headphones, they will feel very light and safe. Weighing only 387g, you can use it for a long time without any hassle. Giving memory foam around the leather has created a soft lining.
HiFiMan HE5se headphones are quite comfortable for personal use as well as professional use. Especially when it comes to professional use, for example, a DJ has to wear headphones for a long time in many cases. If you are a DJ, then this headphone is perfect for you.
Design
The design of the HiFiMan HE5se is quite eye-catching. However, the ear cups of the original model had a classic design in wood texture. The modern HE5se model, however, excludes the classy wood design and uses an aluminum grille, which gives the headphones a metallic look. With the HE5se headphones, you get a 3.5mm cable.
It has a detachable advantage, meaning that you can remove the cable from the main body of the headphone. The headphone cable has a material coating. As a result, the wire has gained durability and sufficient flexibility with a metal look. Cons of HiFiMan HE5se: There has been a lot of discussion about the good features of the HE5se headphones. Now it’s time to know the cons.
- A portable amplifier is required for a low impedance of 40 Ohms;
- Sounds a little sharp at high frequencies;
- Provides an average low-end sound.
HiFiMan HE560 Headphones/Planar Magnetics
HiFiMan released the HE560 headphones in 2014. The headphones of this model are very popular in the consumer society for different sound presentations than the other models.
The HE560 model is the next updated version of the HE500 model. The newer one has relatively better transparency and smoother sound quality than the old one. When you enjoy the audio with the HE560 headphones, you will feel lost in that audio.
HiFiman’s HE560 headphones have gained so much popularity mainly due to their unimaginable smooth sound quality.
Specs of HiFiMan HE560
- Impedance: 45 Ω
- Weight: 375g
- Frequency Response: 15Hz-50KHz
- Plug: 6.35mm
- Cable Length: 2m
- Sensitivity: 90dB
HE560
HE560 is a Hi-End headphone that combines high-end performance with advanced features. It provides an immersive listening experience with excellent sound quality and clarity. Featuring a detachable cable, HE560 is perfect for music lovers who want the flexibility to move around while enjoying their music.
Advanced Audio Control:
The HE560 includes Advanced Audio Control, allowing you to adjust various audio settings according to your preference. This enables you to get the most out of your music listening experience, whether you are just starting or have been using headphones for years.
Detachable Cable:
The detachable cable makes it easy to move around while enjoying your music. It also offers flexibility when connecting devices – no more worrying about tangled cords.
Superior Sound Quality:
It features a high-end amplifier and premium materials to deliver an immersive listening experience you will love.
Sound Quality
As with the previous one, we will first discuss the sound quality of the HE560. The most important consideration for a headphone is its sound quality.
Powerful Base
The base of the HE560 headphones is very strong and impactful but not excessive. It will provide you with deep bass as well as plenty of detail and well-structured sound quality. You will feel the sound of each musical instrument included in the music very alive when you listen to the audio with HE560 headphones. The frequency response of 15 Hz-50 KHz is capable of producing much stronger, smoother, and finer sound.
Probably the Best Mid-Range Headphones
The HE560 headphones are unmatched in the midrange. Compared to others, this headphone presents a little more tonal sound. Guaranteed, you won’t find any other headphones like the HE560 model considering the mid-range.
With 90dB sensitivity, the 45 Ohms Impedance of HE560 has transformed it into a balanced headphone that is not even found in high-end flagship headphones. Its base, among other sounds, is very well understood, even in complex audio.
Great Balance of Treble and Base
The sound quality of the HE560 headphones is very standard and sweet due to the clean and polished combination of treble and bass. The sweet treble with the extraordinary bass makes the sound produced in the headphones enjoyable and dazzling.
Music lovers recommend the HE560 headphones because they provide the right amount of treble, not extra, where needed. Of course, you can enjoy relaxing music using the headphones due to their great treble and bass combination.
Comfort and Build Quality
The HE560 headphones have several drawbacks in terms of build quality. A version included in the HE560 model has received complaints of headphone gimbal breakage. However, the manufacturer acknowledges that the problem is in a specific batch.
But since that incident, the HE560 headphones have been given an extra metal gimbal. Another version of the model, on the other hand, complains of a bizarre squeak when using headphones. Of course, such complaints from such standard sound quality headphones are frustrating.
However, in terms of comfort, the HE560 headphones did not have any flaws. The part of the headphone that touches the head is surrounded by high-quality microfiber. On the other hand, the outer parts are wrapped in leather. If you want, you can use these headphones all day without any problem. Weighing only 375 grams, they do not feel heavy.
Design
In terms of design, the HE560 headphones look classic. They have been given the shape of the original round ear cap, which gives a classy look to the headphones. The outside of the ear cap is textured like wood. However, these are not real wood but thin sheets of material.
These material sheets add a classic look to the headphones, nothing more. However, there is a good side to these material sheets that they do not break very easily. As a result, the durability of your headphones increases.
Awards
The HE560 headphones have won several awards and received some award nominations for their outstanding sound quality, great performance, and audio detail.
- Designated as a CES Editors’ Choice Award Winner in 2014;
- Listed in CES Innovations Design and Engineering Awards in 2015;
- Earned the Audio Excellence Award in 2015.
Cons of HiFiMan HE560
After discussing the good things, let’s try to find out if there are any bad aspects of HE560 headphones.
- No 3.5mm male connector;
- A bit higher impedance;
- No travel bag contained.
HiFiMan HE5se vs. HE560 | The Winner?
After a lot of fuss, let’s go back to the real business. So far, we have discussed in detail some of the notable features of our two rivals- HiFiMan HE5se and HE560 in this discussion. We are also aware of some of the bad aspects of the two models of headphones mentioned.
That means we have some ideas about the two models of headphones. Using these ideas, we will now make a head-to-head comparison. At the end of each competition, we will select which model is better in that sector.
Sound Quality
Since the discussion is about headphones, sound quality is a very important sector. So this comparison has to be done very carefully. When we look at the HiFiMan HE5se headphones, we see that they provide a fairly standard sound. The audio performance of the headphones, limited to 20 Hz-35 kHz frequencies, is certainly eye-catching.
These headphones from the low and high range perform best in the mid-range. On the other hand, the sound quality of HiFiMan HE560 headphones with 15 Hz-50 KHz frequency response is unmatched. When you do any audio experience with HE560 headphones, you will notice that the audio is as smooth as butter and crystal clear detail. Even in the case of media, these headphones perform great. We are announcing HiFiMan HE560 as the winner in this sector due to its relatively high-frequency response and numerous details.
Comfort and Build Quality
We will put HiFiMan HE5se ahead in terms of build quality. It is because the consumer society questioned the build quality of the HiFiMan HE560 model. They complained that the gimbals of the HE560 headphones were relatively fragile and produced annoying squeaking noises during use.
So, fortunately, no such defect has been found in the HE5se headphones to date. But, with a better comfort zone and lighter weight, HiFiMan HE560 is more comfortable for daily use.
Cost
In terms of cost, the HE5se model is cheaper than the HE560. Depending on the online and outlet market, a HE5se headphone will cost around 700$. On the other hand, if you want to buy HE560 headphones with the same conditions, you must spend around 900$.
That means the difference between the prices of the two models is about 200$. However, you must remember that the performance of the two models is different in terms of price. The more expensive the model, the better the performance.
Last Words
Eventually, this massive discussion is going to end. Our rivals in this article were HiFiMan HE5se vs. HE560. We talked a lot about these two headphones. The HiFiMan HE560 headphones have no questions about the sound.
There has been no change in these headphones’ technical ability, detail, and tonal balance since the day they were released. These headphones will give you the joy of a live audio experience. Many in the consumer community have compared this model of headphones with a variety of high-end flagship-level headphones.
HiFiMan HE5se VS. HE560 headphones, on the other hand, are relatively inexpensive, and no one has ever complained about its build quality. However, in terms of sound quality, it certainly lags behind its opponents. So finally, the A to Z of the two headphone models are here in front of you. Now you decide which one to pick.
FAQs:
1.What Are The Similarities And Differences Between The He5se And The He560?
Ans: The HE5se and the HE560 are both quad-band GSM handsets. The HE5se has a higher frequency than the HE560, making it better for coverage in some areas. Both phones have 3.2-inch color displays, expandable storage capacity (up to 128GB), MP3 player support, and dual-SIM capability.
They both have 40mm, drivers. They both have a detachable cable and an omnidirectional mic. The HE5se also has a built-in amplifier, whereas the HE560 does not. Lastly, they are slightly different in design (the HE5se is more aesthetic).
2.What Do You Think Of The Sound Quality Of The Two Headphones?
Ans: The sound quality of the HE5se and the HE560 is reasonably similar. They both have stereo speakers that produce clear, loud audio sounds. However, if you’re looking for a louder headphone with more bass presence, the HE5se may be a better choice than the HE560.
3.Would You Recommend One Over The Other?
Ans: Overall, the HE5se and the HE560 both provide the best performances. If you’re specifically looking for a louder headphone with more bass presence, then the HE5se may be a better choice than the HE560.
4.Are They Suitable For Music Or Movies?
Ans: The HE5se and the HE560 are good for what you’re asking and expecting. They have stereo speakers that produce clear, loud audio sounds, and they’re both equipped with a 3.2-inch color display that makes watching videos or reading text easy.
5.How Portable Are They?
Ans: The HE5se and the HE560 are both very portable. They’re both lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around. Which means they are very portable.
6.How Much Noise Do They Create?
Ans: The HE5se and the HE560 create relatively little noise when used. They both have low-noise amplification technology that makes them very quiet when you’re listening to music or watching videos.
7.Is It Worth Upgrading To A He5se If You Already Have A He560?
Ans: No, the HE5se is not a replacement for the HE560. The two headphones are different in design and features and best suited for different types of users. If you already have an HE 560 headphone, then upgrading to a HE5se is unnecessary.