HiFiMan HE-5 Re-Release?

Discussion in 'Headphones' started by purr1n, Nov 16, 2017.

  1. OlafR

    OlafR Acquaintance

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    "EF100
    -Input impedance:47k
    -Amplifier output: each channel 4.5W(@4 Ohms)
    -Output impedance: 32-300 Ohm
    -Frequency response: 20-20KHz ±1db
    -Headphone amplifier output: 7.8V,2000MW(32Ohm)
    -S/N(A): 95db
    -DAC chip: CM102S
    -Tube: 6N3J"

    Variable output impedance: 32 to 300 Ohm? Sensational new amp topology?!
    (LOL)

    (sorry)
     
  2. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    EF5 was a nice little Porker. Not the final word in resolution, but strong and energetic. Smooth too and worked well with HE-5 back then.
     
  3. gepardcv

    gepardcv Almost "Made"

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    You might just have saved me $600. I’m fond of the HE-6 and have a Dynahi to drive it with; it would have been an instabuy. If the HE-5 sounds more like the K501, which I disliked rather strongly, then I’ll pass.
     
  4. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    Yeah to talking to Fang and him seemingly uninterested in reviving the classic line. This move is weird. I'm having some second, third, forth, fifth thoughts and my mind is in jumble, but anyway...

    ______________________________________________

    I'll make the inverse offer to someone else: if anyone buys this combo and would like to sell the HE-5 to me around Feb (since I won't be here during December or January to receive the headphone), you can keep the amp for free. :p

    But if this is indeed HE-5 in a non-wood housing, with the exact same drivers and everything, then I suspect you won't want to sell it to me after all. HE-5 is one of those very special orthos IMO. Hard to top unless you happen to have some power amps for an HE-6...
     
  5. Panohm

    Panohm Friend

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    Damn i'm close to taking a leap of faith on this one, if it is indeed an HE5 with the same sound as the original sans crackable wood......
     
  6. starence

    starence Facebook Friend

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    How does pad swapping work with this headphone, are the pads stuck on with adhesive?
     
  7. Ray

    Ray Friend

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    IMG_7979.PNG
     
  8. PacoTaco

    PacoTaco Friend

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    I'm starting to switch to listening to you guys more than them. I can't tell you how many times I've been talked out of stuff that I ended up liking (Gungnir Multibit mainly, and the Modi Multibit for the price bracket,) or into stuff that I ended up disliking (Kenzie, sorta-kinda Amethyst.)

    Either way, I would consider this for a Code-X, though, honestly, I think I'd rather do the HE-6 LFF mod (code SEX?) if I was to ever do an ortho (which, I probably wouldn't do because I want IHA-1 and not, let's say, being stuck with a Raggy in order to drive it.)
     
  9. ButtUglyJeff

    ButtUglyJeff Stunningly beautiful IRL

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    I'm secretly hoping that @Marvey sends his new HE-5 to Luis instead of a tour. I have little faith in Hifiman doing this correctly. Heck I'd feel better if the headphone alone was $599 (f**k that EF100 right in the arse...). Let the real geniuses verify this headphone is a winner before getting anyone's hope up for a Code-X.
     
    Last edited: Nov 21, 2017
  10. manatworks

    manatworks Friend

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    Is EF100 THAT bad? It seems to be "that amp" that has been around for a while but no one talk about it, hell, even my local HFM dealer wont stock or put demo unit on.
     
  11. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

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    I want to see how it compares to old HE-5 measurements.
     
  12. E_Schaaf

    E_Schaaf MOT: E.T.A Headphones

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    Luis will mod the 5LE as well, if you want Code-X performance while saving a bit of cash. 5LE's come up used relatively frequently under $400
     
  13. ductrung3993

    ductrung3993 Facebook Friend

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    ^ Really torn on getting these or not because of that. Got an HE5LE myself already and was wondering if Luis could also mod it to make it sounds like Code-X. Will send him a PM soon.
     
  14. Ray

    Ray Friend

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    Yes he can. He told me recently he did one & it's sounds fantastic
     
  15. Panohm

    Panohm Friend

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    I'd be grabbing one of these with the hopes of getting it modded by Luis sometime down the road, assuming hifiman hasn't changed too much for this re-release.
     
  16. E_Schaaf

    E_Schaaf MOT: E.T.A Headphones

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    True! The 5LE Code-X is mine (I think Luis has made a few others since mine), and initially came from you, Ray. I very highly recommend the mod.

    Never heard a standard he-5 code-x but the 5LE code-x handily outperforms my personally modded 6-screw he-6, especially in frequency extension on both ends and smoothness of tone.

    Compared to the stock 5LE, the Code-X LE has a much more even response from the upper mids into the treble. Its a very open, vibrant, and nimble presentation. The word snappy comes to mind moreso than punchy, but it's both an exciting and non-fatiguing listen. The phone has a lot of presence and immediacy, "source-y" so to speak.

    I use it to mix and master fwiw, and I find the results transition very well to speakers. A buddy of mine has a pair of Ocean Way Pro2A monitors and commented that the presentation is remarkably similar with the 5LE Code-X.
     
  17. roscoeiii

    roscoeiii Acquaintance

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    Fascinating about the HE-5LE Code-LEX. I do still have an un-modded pair. Any other impressions here or elsewhere of the 5LE mods sound?
     
    Last edited: Nov 20, 2017
  18. PacoTaco

    PacoTaco Friend

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    Does the HE-5/LE have similar amp requirements to the HE-500 or HE-6?
     
  19. ductrung3993

    ductrung3993 Facebook Friend

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    Thanks for the info guys. I might go that route to save some money.
    And how is the fit of the HE5 compared to the HE5LE? I have the HE5LE stretched out all the way and it still *barely* fits my head.
     
  20. E_Schaaf

    E_Schaaf MOT: E.T.A Headphones

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    Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the 5, 5LE, and 6 are all pretty close to identical in terms of the fit and headband adjustment (though the headband on my 5LE is much more rigid than my 6). 5LE is the lightest of the bunch though, which means greater comfort for some.

    I find my Code-LEX is still driven fairly well will lower power sources than my 6, but enjoys the extra juice to a near equal extent. For reference my volume setting is at about 12:00 for the 6 and 11:00 for the LEX on the Valhalla 2 in preamp configuration w/low gain into the Pass ACA.

    You probably wont be able to find many impressions of the LEX given that there are only a handful in existence, and no dedicated thread. Would be happy to meet with anyone interested in the LEX before purchasing if you're in the greater LA area.
     

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