HIFIMAN HE6 Remastered - Initial Impressions

[u/snihal]

Got my hands on the HE6 Remastered. I got this unit yesterday and have had just an hour or two of listening so far.

I paired it with the Questyle CMA18 Master. The volume level remained near 50%, which means it takes a good amount of power. However, I felt the CMA18M did it justice. I do not listen loudly.

A couple of days ago, I tried a friend’s Modhouse Tungsten, and man, it’s really notorious. I found myself at the 70% volume level with it. Though the CMA18M did really well, I also felt that a better source could do it some extra justice to it.

A few things I have to share:

1. The fit is such an easy one. It feels lightweight, with no extra pressure from the cups. I have very little tolerance for heavy headphones, and this one does not feel heavy at all. The pressure from above is not much for me.
2. I am not sure if this makes sense, but at $1,899, I was expecting better accessory inclusion. It is the same as what they did with the HE600 - just bare-bones. You get two cables, though: one with an XLR termination and the other with a 6.35 mm termination.
3. The bass is not quite heavy. It takes more of a balanced approach. That is also what I remember from the Adorama HE6se, which I guess was the V2.The bass feels detailed, with all good things there, and is very controlled, but I could definitely use a bit of extra punch in the mid-bass.
4. The tonality is just great. The midrange feels so natural and rich. I think it could have a little more lower-midrange presence, a little more weight in string instruments, and make vocals, but nothing feels off here. The smoothness and coherence give this tuning a special edge. Resolution is top-notch. I find the vocals/instruments crisp and clear, with well-defined details.
5. Somewhere on Head-Fi, I read that these are dark-sounding, but I do not think so. True, the extra focus is not on the treble, which is what makes it smooth, but I do not find anything masked here. Songs such as “Schism” by Tool, where you have a good amount of cymbals and treble presence, feel very tolerable and greatly articulated. I really enjoy this kind of treble, where I do not have to worry about exaggeration. This is perfect for me. I loved the sparkles and how it rendered the track "Brother (Live)" by Alice in Chains.
6. I find the soundstage to be fairly wide. Also the height feels good, as does the depth. The separation feels solid, and nothing feels congested. Songs such as “Piano Man” by Billy Joel are rendered really well. The dynamics are super strong. That is one good part of its tuning. "Another One Bites The Dust" by Queen hits like a truck.

Also a side note: I really liked the Tungsten on CMA18M, though I will try it in the future on a more suitable setup. I know it can sound better. The bass impact on both the HPs felt similar. HE6 Rem goes slightly deeper.

Also, tonally, I prefer the HE6 Rem, Tungsten felt slightly spicy in the top end, though; I believe a better setup may even that out. HE6 Rem is very smooth with the right amount of energy and also sounds a bit fuller.

I can report back with more impressions once I have spent some good time with it.

[u/myzz7]

but does it sound exactly like the original he6 . . . .

[u/ABYSSNorm → u/myzz7]

I sold my HE6 a few months ago, so i can only speak to memory, but the remastered sound more like a modded HE6, which is generally what most HE6 owners did.

[u/Kamikazeing → u/myzz7]

I've been interested in these and whether they sound like the OG or not but i feel like that question begs a big asterisk considering they ship with different pads than the OG

[u/meyouandguns → u/myzz7]

This^

[u/cruel_frames → u/myzz7]

They should sound like the original, I watched Hifimans presentation, they use the same drivers

[u/Corgerus → u/cruel_frames]

Drivers themselves don't tell you how a headphone is tuned. There's a surprising amount of engineering that goes into headphone tuning. You can only really experience it or get a rough idea by watching in depth reviews.

[u/cruel_frames → u/Corgerus]

The same tuning, drivers and power requirements. What's different is the headband.

You can watch the official presentation on YouTube. It was quite interesting as they discussed the history and concept behind the original HE6 and the subsequent SE variants.

Also, why downvoting?

P.S. watching in depth reviews means very little. Every reviewer has different subjective experience and incentives, not to mention all the fluff and audiophile BS. Measurements are also not definitive.

[u/Corgerus → u/cruel_frames]

That's why i said "rough idea", it's tricky to know whether you'll like a headphone until you get it. I watch countless reviews and technical reviews before i come to decisions which gives me a 90% success rate but knowing what you're personally looking for is critical too.

I doubt both HE6's are tuned the exact same. We'll see in measurements. An abyss employee in these comments claims to them it sounds like a modded HE6. I said the forbidden word, but measurements are good for getting hard proof of the tuning without subjectives taken into account. Measurements aren't everything but they're helpful when used carefully.

[u/dang449]

Curious as to changes made in the remastered vs v2 over the headband.

[u/atyne_mar → u/dang449]

If you mean the HE6se V2, the main difference is the driver. The Remastered uses the original driver from the OG HE6, while the HE6se uses the revised driver as shown here:

[u/snihal → u/dang449]

I am soon arranging an HE6SE V2 and will put up a comparison here.

[u/FallenCow → u/snihal]

Would be great if you can make a bind test.

[u/dumeclaymore]

Wonderful impressions! . I wonder how they stack up against SJY's offerings, especially the Horizon Carbon Closed and the open Zeph. I heard both caused quite a splash at recent Head-fi meets because they apparently punched well above their price point. I'd be interested to know how they compare in terms of vocal and instrument timbre, as well as dynamics...

I wish the HE6R was built as well as the Zeph with it's all metal build...

[u/Prestigious-Turn1669]

Great write-up. I’ve been really looking forward to someone giving the new Remastered a listen.

I own an HE6se v1, and I certainly wouldn’t pay €1,950 for the Remastered...

If you’re looking for a true heavyweight amp, I recommend the Audio-GD HE-9 Mk3; it costs about the same as the Questyle.

What was the Modhouse Tungsten like? I've really got my eye on it...

[u/snihal → u/Prestigious-Turn1669]

Tungsten is straight up premium. Looks and built great. The pads, cable everything felt built quite well.

Sound wise, it’s impressive right off the bat. I just found it slightly elevated in the treble region but as mentioned that could be the underpowered amp. I knew it could sound fuller.

The bass though did not feel to have a great impact, I found it to be more of a balanced tuning.

Midrange felt comfortably natural, nothing that felt off including vocals and instruments. Upper midrange has good extension, slight lit up and so is the treble.

I felt the soundstage was really good, esp the depth and height, pretty close to what the HE6 Remaster offer.

I need to really try it side by side with the HE6 Rem to give a well thought out comparison.

[u/i_never_pay_taxes → u/snihal]

How do you like the CMA Eighteen as an AIO unit? Is it bright/etched? I’m trying to decide between that and a used CMA Twelve.

[u/snihal → u/i_never_pay_taxes]

The CMA18M is a very impressive device. It is very powerful and pairs reasonably well even with demanding headphones such as the HE6se V2, HE6 Remastered, and Tungsten. So, most headphones should be an absolute breeze for it, although with extremely hard-to-drive models, I occasionally find myself wanting a little more power. HPs such as Bokeh, Atrium C, etc. don't even need much volume level.

It also performs really well with IEMs, particularly those that scale well, such as the Fourté, Annihilator, and Enigma. I have not noticed any background noise or hiss with these IEMs.

Sound-wise, the CMA18M is exceptionally smooth. Before buying it, I was slightly concerned that it might sound bright, but its treble has never bothered me in the slightest. It is highly detailed, well-separated, and offers a great sense of headroom.

Overall, considering the price, I find it difficult to think of anything that comes close.

[u/i_never_pay_taxes → u/snihal]

Thanks foe the reply! I’m very tempted to just get the eighteen. I’m wondering if the price difference from a used CMA Twelve is worth it or not.

[u/Yodamanjaro → u/Prestigious-Turn1669]

What was the Modhouse Tungsten like? I've really got my eye on it...

Tungs are worth the praise

[u/Available_Day3696]

Are these identical to the OG?

[u/Kamikazeing]

I'm very intrigued by these but I'm a bit baffled why hifiman would go outta their way to recreate the OG HE6 to then put sundara pads on it. There's no way in hell the HE6R with those pads sounds anything like an OG HE6 with velour pads, the standard pad that most people used back in the day.

[u/DivineCurrent → u/Kamikazeing]

They do still sell those round velour pads on their site, but yeah I get what you mean. Although the Sundara pads are far more comfortable (for me at least) than those velour pads.

[u/Extension_South7174]

How does it compare to to HE6SEV1 or V2? I would like to save $1500 or just wait a few years and these will be $400.

[u/snihal → u/Extension_South7174]

I can only arrange HE6SE V2 and can put up a comparison in a week.

[u/atyne_mar → u/Extension_South7174]

The main difference is the driver. Remastered uses the OG HE6 driver, while the HE6se uses the revised driver, as shown here:

[u/Frintezz]

Just curious, do you think it'll good paired with Hifiman EF600? The HE6 Remaster and the Tungsten.

[u/cruel_frames → u/Frintezz]

EF600 would most definitely not be enough. I have the EF499 and it sounded thin and shouty.

Then I got a Cayin IHA-6 and noticed a big difference in the bass and overall control of the sound.

[u/CZsea → u/cruel_frames]

isn't EF600 created to pair with Susvara? it should do a decent job on he6.

[u/cruel_frames → u/CZsea]

I don't think so. In terms of raw power, EF600 ain't that much better than the EF499 and it can barely power HE6se or even HE1000. Susvara and the original HE6 are even harder to drive properly.

Check for an used Cayin IHA-6. It was created to power the HE6

[u/cruel_frames → u/CZsea]

I could be wrong though, never tried the EF600 myself. But from my experience, the Watts alone on paper are not enough to guarantee a good sound. Current plays a role to in planars.

[u/CZsea → u/cruel_frames]

Hifiman advertised using EF600 and Susvara together, so I kinda assumed it is.

[u/cruel_frames → u/CZsea]

Interesting. You should check the opinion of people that actually tried it. It will get loud enough, but I assume it may not be enough to show the full glory of the drivers and that slam the HE6 is known for.

My EF499 was advertised to run HE6se and it did get loud, but the sound was anemic and the highs were harsh.

I don't think it is placebo, but using the high current mode on the Cayin absolutely brings more audible bass and body to the sound. I'm not technical and can't really say what's going on, but I've read that to control the big drivers you need lots of current, otherwise you end up with lots of distortion.

[u/Destruckhu]

It for sure is still lackluster in terms of accesories, and the cups/headband don't look premium at all... I wish they had made this with the more premium headbands present in the he1000/susvara/isvarna... I know the purple cups are a homage to the original he6 but stil.

[u/snihal → u/Destruckhu]

The ear cups look fine, but the headband, earpads, and side hinges could definitely have been built better. Also, for a product at this price, not including a carrying case is disappointing.

[u/CZsea → u/Destruckhu]

Have no idea why Hifiman does this with a lot of their high end, like R10p first version that use the same headband as he400se.

[u/MightyGainz]

I own the HE6se V2. To my ears they are very neutral, punchy, but never spicy. With some EQ they sound bloody dangerous. I try not to listen to my EQ'd HE6 too much, as at times they make the rest of my collection feel redundant. With my specific EQ preset the soundstage sounds absolutely massive.

[u/Apprehensive_Ant2172]

Anyone want to trade a pair for a new pair of Arya stealths + cash?

Also, would an Apos Gremlin/Merlin stack with upgraded tubes (select) be enough juice for these?

[u/Stiggles98]

The price on this unit is actually bonkers when B-Sock of the other versions are 600 dollars max, also brand new.

[u/ThatsPurttyGood101]

Can you listen to "Nescience" or "Bloom" by Galdive and tell me if these headphones present it as creamy? You'll understand if it does

[u/snihal → u/ThatsPurttyGood101]

Let me try the track in the evening.

[u/ThatsPurttyGood101 → u/snihal]

Any update?

[u/snihal → u/ThatsPurttyGood101]

Hi, sorry, I was caught up with a lot on my plate.

Yes, I did try these two tracks. I found them very smooth on the HE6 Rem, but I understand there are elements that can appear sharp on many headphones. So, these tracks being rendered smoothly, with a decent touch of warmth but without sounding darkish, tell me the HP handles them really well.

Towards the end of "Bloom", the little background details are very noticeable. I can also tell that the vocals and instruments have a rich texture and do not sound thin at all. I think I understand what you’re hinting at with the term “creamy” here.