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hypnoticdcime
161
Nov 14, 2020
Just received them today. This will make my 3rd pair of Planars. I realize there are brand specific cans, but the technology is really the same. These feel so light its a welcome addition to my collection. The lighter weight produces less fatigue coupled with longer listening sessions. To me they are an analytical type. It's easy to feel and yes, see each vocalist and each instrument. Very dark background with a low noise floor. I have not even ran these for 50 hours yet and I already like them. I want more than like, I want to love them. For that, time with them will tell. We shall see. For now, just a brief welcome addition. I do love Planar Magnetic open-back headphones. All 3 pair are just that. There is a certain breathability and airiness not possible elsewhere. The gift of music listening is the soundstage headphones provide. With the 5XX, It's a very wide soundstage. Every instrument is there for the taking. A very brief hint of sibilance in the highs. The mids are a somewhat clinical, but match well with the highs. I do not believe these are a V shaped headphone. The bass is there and provides more of a sub-bass than anything else. But the fit... They are so heavenly light and airy. I feel like I am listening to speakers instead of headphones. I like bass too, but I do not like a rumble in my ear pad creating a pressure cooker type of design. That vacuum type seal is not for me. Not with the 5XX, no sir, these are open and fun yet also very analytical. When the bass hits, it hits well below giving me a sense of realism, again. My pair are numbered as this was a run of 500, first. I received number 22. What does that mean? Not too much other than the understanding of a certain quantity run giving them exclusive appeal. Lastly, I believe after 50 hours or more they will open up even further and provide even deeper, richer bass. I will add to this review in 2 months or so to sort of update my initial findings. The price is right and makes me feel like I got a great "Drop Deal". Anyway, it's all subjective as everybody's ears are different. Age plays a factor and the simple truth is it diminishes somewhat as we grow older. I am 54 now. I am aware of this now too. I hope not to damage my ears so I can have many years more of being secluded on my own little island.
Audiam
8
Nov 14, 2020
hypnoticdcimePlease post again after the break-in :)
Antykain
45
Nov 15, 2020
hypnoticdcimeWhat are your other magnetic planars you are using? I realize your 5XX are not 'broken in' yet, but how do they compare to your other planars? I just recently ordered the HE-5XX and I might have them in my hands in another week or so.. the 5XX will be my magnetic planar style headphones and really looking forward to seeing how these compare to the Sennheiser HD 6XX. The HD 6XX have been my daily drivers for quite some time now and are paired with the iFi Zen CAN/DAC stack. I have been really impressed with the HD 6XX overall.. love them. I am hoping that the 5XX will not disappoint once I get them. I have a good feeling they will not..
hypnoticdcime
161
Nov 15, 2020
AntykainThank you for reaching out... First, the Hifiman 5XX are a kinda rebirth from a design from 10 years ago. They sold for over $500 back then! The others that I have, and love too, are the Hifiman 4XX and Monoprice Monolith M570. The 4XX are heavier and in my opinion sound similar to the 5XX, but I actually like the 4XX better. This is totally subjective and just one man's opinion. The 4XX feel a bit more refined and have deeper bass, more like a warmer V shape. The Monoprice M570 are absolutely beautifully constructed with real hardwood and steel. The earpads on the M570s are sick. They are huge and very comfortable. I love all of them. So all 3 use the same tech, meaning planar magnetic drivers, but, each one carries its own sound signature. They are all amazing and I am positively sure you will like the 4XX! I may be the only one on this planet that does not love the Sennheiser HD 6XX. I actually sold them. This is so personal as each has strengths and weaknesses. Also, I too have the Zen DAC and the separate Zen Can AMP. I love that setup more than I thought I would. I recently acquired the SMSL M500 MQA DAC/AMP. That thing is a beast. You will be very happy with the Hifiman 4XX... just remember, the technology is totally different from the Senns and have a different sound signature that you need to experience for yourself. I like a very wide soundstage. All of these cans we are discussing NEED a powerful Amp too. They sound better when driven with a powerful amp. There are more distinctive highs, lows, and mids with an even wider sounstage with a good DAC and AMP. BTW, I have like 18 full size over ear headphones so I am only giving you my opinion on 3. Did you check out the YouTube videos for them? The videos by Zeos and DMS and Joshua Velour are really on point! I hope you do love them, but keep your 6XX nearby... That planar magnetic sound is so expansive, wide and meticulous. You literally hear everything! (Both good and bad recordings and even the rooms the reviewers use.) Have fun and good luck!
hypnoticdcime
161
Nov 15, 2020
AudiamYou got it!
raansire7
1507
Nov 18, 2020
hypnoticdcime"They are so heavenly light and airy. I feel like I am listening to speakers instead of headphones." That's precisely what made me fall in love with the HE 5XX! Nothing I own (or have owned) feels and sounds like 'em! Such space and ease of sound! 😁👍
hypnoticdcime
161
Nov 18, 2020
raansire7The love grows more intense after the burn in of 50 hours or more. After I heard from you I tested them again and I agree with you 100%! Drop really has it goin' on!
Androidknee
48
Dec 1, 2020
hypnoticdcimeCurious as to “burn in” of a planar headphone makes it sound better? What part internally “burns in”?
Androidknee
48
Dec 1, 2020
AndroidkneeSorry, this was for raansire7
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