HiFiMAN HE1000se | Planar Magnetic Open-Back Headphones

I upgraded to these from the Ananda and 6xx. They sound quite intimate and don’t have much of a bass roll-off. I was expecting them to be “too sharp,” but I quickly got used to the treble range. They’re very detailed headphones and I honestly think it’s default sound signature is fitting. It doesn’t sound overbearing at all. They’re also very light and I don’t feel any pressure from the headband. The earpads are extremely comfy and don’t squeeze your head. They come in a pretty nice box and there are three provided cables: XLR, 1/4 inch, and a 90-degree 3.5mm.

For the sake of the review, I have some nitpicks to mention:
1. Earpads can get warm pretty quick
2. Might want to EQ the treble a bit (I was listening to a song and never noticed there was a tambourine in the background before. EQing made it more obvious.)
3. I’m dumb and sometimes pinch my fingers in the yolks :(
4. Might have to wear them at the tightest setting if you have a small head (unlike me)

Wow. That's all I can say about these headphones.

upgraded to these from beyer dt1990pros. build and audio quality are amazing. pairing with a burson conductor 3xr... not much more I can say im not an audio expert, I just enjoy good cans :D

I purchased these from Bloom Audio's Stephen Kostas, shortly before the latest price drop. Fortunately, however, I still managed to get a good deal! Efgaristau, Steve!

There is a multitude of reviews on the HE1000se (or "HEKSE", as they are commonly known) online for you to read or to watch in video format - most of which are by reviewers far more competent than I, so this will be extremely concise.

Firstly, I own several headphones in the sub-thousand-dollar range, and so, I will compare them briefly.
The main difference between these headphones and say, the HiFiMan Edition XS for example, is the enormous soundstage of the HEKSE.
The second most noticeable difference would probably be cleaner bass region of the HEKSE, which makes them absolutely perfect for funky electric bass recordings, such as disco (Barry Gibb needs these!).

So, I would posit that these are purely for those audiophiles that have BOTH the desire to gain a greater soundstage and detail, and the bank balance to match.

This was not the plan. To buy a headphone set at $1999.00 was never going to happen. However, I did want to see what all the hype was on the Hifiman HE1000se. The “S” in the model # is totally accurate.
I have enjoyed high end speakers starting back in the 70’s. Through the years I noticed the high end market for Cans but smugly dismissed them.
PT Barnum quoted as saying “A sucker is born every minute”.
Simply, … I WAS WRONG!!!
I just can’t return these. ENJOY!!!
Hal Bierman / Arkansas Bullion & Coin