Hifiman HE6se Planar Magnetic Headphones Owner’s Guide
Message from the Founder
Thank you for your purchase of a HIFIMAN product. We take great pride in offering audio products that provide best-in-class performance and value. Though it seems like only yesterday when I started HIFIMAN as a passionate audiophile, we just finished our first decade in business and eagerly look forward to an exciting future. The company has grown rapidly and the HIFIMAN brand has become one of the most respected in the industry. Even with our success, the one thing that has not changed is my passion for music and creating products that help recreate that live experience. Now, I am joined by many others in the company who share my passion and in turn, we humbly share that with you. Thank you again for your purchase. I hope you will find this guide useful in learning about your product which will help you enjoy countless hours of listening pleasure.
Headphone Overview
The new HE6se is a return to the days of the legendary HE6. One of the early HIFIMAN models that solidified HIFIMAN’s reputation as a world leader in Planar Magnetic technology. The legend is reborn with the same driver and all its phenomenal musical talent but with a modern twist. The new HE6se retains all the old sonic performance of its illustrious predecessor but makes use of HIFIMAN’s latest headband for both a more comfortable fit and increased robustness. It also makes use of our latest design in headphone connectors for better connectivity, cable swapping ease and increased longevity. The HIFIMAN HE6se is an open backed headphone with a planar magnetic driver which offers an impressive frequency response range, from 8Hz to 65 KHz and with all the spectacular dynamic range the old HE6 was renowned for. Sonically the HE6se shares the same HIFIMAN level of resolution and even-handed sonic performance across the acoustic spectrum that you have come to expect. Smooth and highly extended at both ends, with their potent driver lows can reach deep into the depths for a full and robust bass response while it offers soulful, expressive mids and delicately scintillating treble. The HE6se necessitates being used by a narrow range of sources, demanding a recommended 2 watts per channel or more to allow it to achieve its fullest musical potential, only the most capable of headphone amplifiers will do. With its Impedance of 50Ohms and sensitivity of only 83.5dB. It is also possible to use a speaker amplifier by using our HE Adapter you can use full sized power amps and then use the adapters Balanced XLR output. Power, control and finesse all sewn up in to sumptuous headphone with stunning audio quality.
Outstanding Sound Quality
Compared to traditional dynamic headphones, the planar magnetic technology offers largely superior sounding experience in terms of quality and soundstage. Dynamic headphones utilize conductors that vibrate in select areas of the diaphragm. This results in a large percentage of the diaphragm that cannot be directly driven by those conductors. Planar magnetic headphones are fundamentally different and operate on a different technical principle. Firstly, the weight of the planar headphones (conductors + diaphragm) is much lower than the dynamic ones. This results in planar headphones’ superior performance in treble.
Planar headphones have conductive layers distributed throughout the surface of diaphragm. The diaphragm is evenly driven by the magnetic force so that planar headphones have significantly lower distortion when compared with conventional dynamic headphones. This lower distortion results in better overall reproduction of minute details. Instrumental positioning and imaging are improved, and the headphone has very natural soundstaging capabilities.
The Headband
The ergonomic and comfortable headband is designed to fit for most people, with greater reliability and durability. The HE6se headband retains the comfort of the weight spreading head strap but the overarching headband has been contoured to a more human shape. The HE6se remains as comfy to wear yet makes a more urban visual aesthetic. The headband’s more minimal look perfectly complements the matte black anodized finish which absorbs the eye as it does light. The headband also incorporates a sleek unibody yolk attaching the frame to the headphone cups making a seamless ergonomic sweeping curve that is both elegant and functional. Its single piece of metal construction makes it durable enough to withstand the rigors of modern urban life. To adjust the headband, simply move each ear cup up or down until the top of the headband rests comfortably on your head and the ear cups surround your ears.
The Cable
HE6se is supplied with a newly upgraded cable made of further refined conductor (higher grade crystalline copper and crystalline silver) with improved stronger structure. The new cable delivers better sound quality with wider frequency range and lower signal loss. The cables are user-replaceable and have channel orientation for left and right. The main cable is terminated with XLR Balanced connector, with a removable adapter to allow use from a 6.35mm output. A “L” and “R” are indicated inside the headband. Once the cable is installed with the correct channel orientation, an easy way to tell left and right is the cable is connected slightly toward the front of the ear cup. The cable will then drape across the user’s chest for greater comfort.
The Connection Sockets
The New HE6se makes use of a new 3.5mm sockets for its cable connection. This gives an even more sturdy and robust physical connection for attaching the cables to and gives a greater surface area for signal transmission to boot. Giving not only a boost to its audio potential but raising the levels of punishment the connection can withstand too.
The Ear Pads
The symmetry of the ear pads on the HE6se conforms around the human ear, comfortably distributing the weight evenly yet offering a secure and sound grip. The pads themselves are gently bevelled, contouring and moulding to the users head thus providing superb comfort for long listening sessions.
Technical Data
Specifications
Frequency Response: 8Hz- 65 KHz
Impedance: 50 Ω
Efficiency: 83.5 dB
Weight: 470 g
Package Contents
- Pair of headphones
- 2m 4-pin XLR cable x 1
- 0.2m XLR to 6.35mm headphone plug adapter x 1
- Pair of ear pads (mounted on headphone)
- Owner’s Guide
Pairing Information
The HE6se just as it namesake, is hard to drive. It wants power in abundance and means that only the most potent of headphone amplifiers capable of supplying 2 watts per channel or more may do it justice. The option of using power amplifiers too exist by using the HE Adapter from HIFIMAN which means you can turn a speaker amplifier into a powerful headphone amplifier with a Balanced XLR output.
Set-up Instructions
Headband Adjustment
To help fit the headphone to your head, you may use the two adjustment blocks to change the position of the headband strap to better accommodate your head.
Replacing Ear Pads
To remove the ear pads, locate the clips on the inside of the pad, and use two fingers to gently bend them in and slip them out. To install new pads, simply align the ear pad with the mounting ring, and gently bend the clips so they slot in their appropriate locations.
Set-up and Operation
- Please allow for a period of “burn in” where you allow playback of audio for a period of 150 hours to allow the headphones to reach their fullest audio potential.
- The headphone connectors utilize a new 3.5mm connector (our prior models use 2.5mm). They slot in an identical fashion to the standard 3.5mm sockets as found on a multitude of audio devices.
- The supplied cable and adapter are user changeable and replaceable.
- Please listen to the HE6se at moderate listening levels so that you can continue to enjoy their audio quality for years to come.
- The drivers do not require user maintenance, do not touch them. Please contact HIFIMAN if your drivers have a problem.
Care and Maintenance
Planar headphones benefit from break-in to achieve optimum performance. Usually this takes up to 150 hours however there is nothing special you need to do other than enjoy your headphones. Wipe the surfaces (ear pads, cups) with a microfiber cloth and store the headphone in a dry, cool and safe place (away from dust, heat, humidity, sunlight, younger kids and pets if possible). For the headband, wipe it periodically to remove any dust. Do not expose the headphone to excessive heat or cold. Do not use any headphone while driving or operating machinery. Do not use volatile substances alcohol, acetone, gasoline or dish detergent to clean the headphone.
HIFIMAN Limited Warranty
Your HE6se is warranted for a period of two years beginning with the original date of purchase. Your dated sales or delivery receipt is your
proof of purchase. You may be required to provide proof of purchase as a condition of receiving warranty service so please keep it handy. If your product is under warranty and some malfunctions appear, please contact HIFIMAN customer service or your authorized dealer. If necessary, and at our discretion, we will provide a warranty repair or replacement of your product.
Caution: do not disassemble or modify the product in any way. Tampering with or modifying your HIFIMAN product will void its warranty.
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