After spending extensive time with the HiFiMan HE600, I can confidently say this is one of the most exciting planar magnetic headphones to launch in 2025. As someone who has tested dozens of high-end headphones, I was immediately drawn to HiFiMan’s bold claim that the HE600 delivers the legendary HE-6 sound signature without requiring a power amplifier to drive properly.

Table of Contents

HiFiMan HE600 Review

Build Quality and Design

Premium Construction with Practical Concerns

I was immediately impressed by the HE600’s build quality when I first unboxed it. The headphones feature HiFiMan’s signature black aesthetic with a modern twist on their classic design language. The planar magnetic drivers are housed in substantial yet lightweight enclosures that feel premium in hand.

Key Build Features:

Weight: 389g (remarkably light for a planar magnetic headphone)
Driver Size: 100mm chassis with ~80mm active area
Connector: Dual 3.5mm TRS connections
Cable: 1.8M detachable cable included

The construction quality rivals headphones costing significantly more. However, I must address the elephant in the room: comfort. During my extended listening sessions, I found the headband clamps too tightly and doesn’t extend wide enough for larger heads. This is the HE600’s most significant weakness and something HiFiMan needs to address with a revised headband design.

Comfort Analysis

After wearing the HE600 for multiple 2-3 hour listening sessions, I experienced significant discomfort despite the lightweight design. The suspension strap feels stiff and creates pressure points on the top of my head. For reference, I typically use three notches on the Sundara and two on HiFiMan’s egg-shaped models, so this isn’t an unusually large head issue.

Comfort Pros:

Lightweight 389g design reduces neck strain
Quality padding materials
Open-back design prevents heat buildup

Comfort Cons:

Excessive clamping force
Limited headband extension
Stiff suspension strap

Sound Quality

Tonal Balance and Signature

The moment I pressed play on my first track, I understood why HiFiMan positioned this as the HE-6 successor. The HE600’s sound signature delivers a crisp, lively, and remarkably cohesive presentation that feels both modern and familiar.

Bass Performance

The HE600’s bass reproduction immediately impressed me with its agility and precision. Rather than pursuing sheer weight, these headphones prioritize speed and texture. During my testing with electronic music and jazz recordings, kick drums landed with surgical precision and lightning-fast decay.

Bass Characteristics:

Sub-bass Extension: Excellent down to 8Hz
Mid-bass Impact: Punchy without bloat
Speed: Exceptional transient response
Texture: Outstanding detail retrieval

Compared to the original HE-6’s denser low-end, the HE600 takes a cleaner, more articulate approach. I found this particularly engaging with genres like funk and modern jazz where bass line clarity is paramount.

Midrange

The midrange is where the HE600 truly excels. I spent countless hours listening to vocal-centric tracks, and the natural, articulate presentation consistently impressed me. The upper midrange receives just enough energy to give instruments immediate presence without becoming harsh.

Midrange Highlights:

Clean, neutral presentation
Excellent vocal reproduction
Natural timbre across instruments
Improved from older HiFiMan models’ recession issues

During my listening tests with acoustic guitar recordings, the HE600 delivered that perfect balance of body and detail that makes you forget you’re wearing headphones.

Treble

The treble region showcases HiFiMan’s maturation as a company. Gone are the harsh peaks that plagued earlier models. Instead, I experienced refreshingly crisp yet controlled high frequencies with excellent extension.

Treble Performance:

Extension: Excellent up to 65kHz
Control: No harsh peaks or sibilance
Air: Outstanding sense of space
Detail: Cymbal crashes and string harmonics shine

The mild emphasis around 8-10.5kHz adds textural detail without fatigue. During my marathon listening sessions, I never experienced the ear fatigue that affects some brighter headphones.

Technical Performance

Soundstage and Imaging

The HE600’s soundstage presentation leans toward natural proportions rather than artificial width. I found this approach refreshing, as it creates a more believable acoustic space. The imaging precision is outstanding – instruments maintain stable positions with impressive three-dimensional placement.

Soundstage Characteristics:

Width: Natural, not exaggerated
Depth: Good layering capabilities
Height: Adequate vertical space
Imaging: Exceptional precision and stability

Resolution and Clarity

The clarity performance consistently impressed me throughout my testing period. While the original HE-6 edges out the HE600 in ultimate resolution, the newer model compensates with superior coherence and listenability.

Resolution Performance:

Competes with headphones like the Audeze LCD-3
Matches HiFiMan’s own HE1000 Stealth in many areas
Achieves high detail without artificial treble emphasis

Dynamic Range

The HE600 excels in microdynamics – those subtle volume gradations that bring music to life. I noticed exceptional sensitivity to small changes in bass amplitude and the fine gradations in percussion work.

Dynamic Characteristics:

Microdynamics: Exceptional sensitivity to subtle changes
Macrodynamics: Good punch, trades some density for speed
Impact: Tight, immediate response rather than brute force

Power Requirements and Amplifier Pairing

Efficiency Revolution

One of my biggest surprises was how easily the HE600 drives compared to its legendary predecessor. With 94dB sensitivity and 28Ω impedance, these headphones work well with standard headphone amplifiers.

Technical Specifications:

Sensitivity: 94dB (measured at 108dB/Vrms @1kHz by some sources)
Impedance: 28Ω at 1kHz
Frequency Response: 8Hz-65kHz
Driver Type: Neo Supernano Diaphragm Gen 2

Recommended Amplifier Pairings

Based on my extensive testing, here are my amplifier recommendations:

Budget Range	Amplifier	Expected Performance	Volume Headroom
Entry Level	Schiit Magni	Good performance	Adequate for 100dB peaks
Mid-Range	Topping A70 Pro	Excellent performance	Comfortable for 110dB peaks
High-End	HiFiMan EF600	Outstanding synergy	Unlimited headroom

Power Math Simplified:

For 100dB listening levels: ~0.5 watts needed
For 110dB peak levels: ~5 watts recommended
Balanced outputs provide additional headroom and control

Check Latest Price

Detailed Comparisons

HE600 vs Edition XV

Having spent time with both models, I can provide direct insight into their differences:

Feature	HE600	Edition XV
Price	$799	$399
Sensitivity	94dB	Higher (easier to drive)
Sound Signature	Balanced, energetic treble	Smooth, mid-forward
Power Needs	Desktop amp recommended	Easy to drive
Best For	Detail lovers, wide soundstage	First planar upgrade

The Edition XV offers excellent value but lacks the HE600’s technical prowess and dynamic range.

HE600 vs Arya Organic

The Arya Organic represents a different approach in the same price range:

HE600 Advantages:

More balanced overall presentation
Superior build quality and driver technology
Better microdynamic performance

Arya Organic Advantages:

Wider soundstage presentation
Airier treble character
More forgiving fit for most users

HE600 vs HE6se V2

As someone who’s extensively tested both the original HE-6 and HE6se V2, I can offer this perspective:

Sonic Differences:

HE600: Tighter, more modern bass presentation
HE6se V2: Denser, more visceral low-end impact
Both: Excellent imaging and detail retrieval

Practical Considerations:

HE600: Works with standard headphone amps
HE6se V2: Requires high-power amplification or speaker amps

Gaming and Media Performance

Gaming Excellence

During my gaming sessions, the HE600 impressed with its imaging precision and dynamic range. Footstep positioning in competitive games was exceptional, while the open-back design prevented ear heat buildup during long sessions.

Gaming Strengths:

Pinpoint positional accuracy
Excellent dynamic range for explosions
Comfortable soundstage for immersion
Clear voice chat reproduction

Movie and TV Performance

The HE600 excels with film soundtracks, delivering clear dialogue and impressive dynamic range for action sequences. The balanced tonal signature works well across various content types.

Value Analysis and Competition

$799 Price Point Assessment

At $799, the HE600 competes directly with:

Value Proposition:

Pros: Cutting-edge driver technology, efficient power requirements, excellent build quality
Cons: Comfort issues, higher price than Edition XV alternative

Who Should Buy the HE600

Perfect For:

Audiophiles seeking detailed, dynamic sound
Listeners wanting HE-6 performance without power amp requirements
Users with quality desktop headphone amplifiers
Detail-oriented music lovers across multiple genres

Consider Alternatives If:

Budget is primary concern (consider Edition XV)
Comfort is paramount (consider Arya series)
You prefer warmer, more relaxed sound signatures

Pros

✅ Outstanding sound quality with modern driver technology
✅ Efficient power requirements compared to HE-6 lineage
✅ Excellent build quality and premium materials
✅ Exceptional imaging and soundstage precision
✅ Balanced, versatile tonal signature works across genres
✅ Strong technical performance competing with higher-priced models
✅ Future-proof design with detachable cables

Cons

❌ Comfort issues with clamping force and headband fit
❌ Higher price compared to Edition XV alternative
❌ Limited availability through certain retailers
❌ Requires quality amplification for optimal performance
❌ Open-back design limits use in noisy environments

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the HE600 the true HE-6 successor?

Based on my extensive listening, the HE600 captures much of the HE-6’s magic while adding modern efficiency and refinement. It’s more evolution than revolution, trading some visceral impact for improved coherence and practicality.

How much power does the HE600 actually need?

Unlike the original HE-6’s power-hungry nature, the HE600 works well with quality headphone amplifiers outputting 2-5 watts. Desktop amplifiers like the Schiit Magni or Topping A70 Pro provide excellent results.

Are the comfort issues a deal-breaker?

This depends on your head size and sensitivity to clamping force. I recommend trying before buying if possible, or ensuring you have a good return policy. HiFiMan may address this with revised hardware.

How does it compare to the Arya series?

The HE600 offers a more balanced, neutral presentation compared to the Arya’s airier, more spacious character. Both are excellent, but serve different preferences.

Is it worth upgrading from the Edition XV?

If budget allows and you value the technical improvements in resolution, build quality, and driver technology, yes. However, the Edition XV remains an excellent value proposition.

Is hifiman a good brand?

Yes, HIFIMAN is a good brand known for high-quality headphones and audio gear. They’re praised for excellent sound, innovative planar magnetic technology, and premium build, making them a top choice for audiophiles.

Final Thoughts

After spending extensive time with the HiFiMan HE600, I’m impressed by what HiFiMan has achieved. They’ve successfully modernized the legendary HE-6 formula while making it accessible to a broader audience through improved power efficiency.

The sound quality is genuinely exceptional, competing with headphones costing significantly more. The technical performance, build quality, and versatile tonal signature make this a compelling choice for serious listeners.

However, the comfort issues cannot be ignored. Until HiFiMan addresses the clamping force and headband design, I’d strongly recommend auditioning these headphones before purchase.

My Rating: 8.5/10

Despite the comfort concerns, the HE600’s sonic excellence and technical achievement earn it a strong recommendation for audiophiles seeking detailed, dynamic sound reproduction. If the fit works for you, these headphones deliver extraordinary value at their price point.

For more detailed technical specifications and purchasing options, visit the official HiFiMan store or check current pricing on Amazon.

Have you experienced the HiFiMan HE600? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out our other headphone reviews for more audiophile insights.

Disclaimer: This review is based on extensive personal testing and research. Product links may contain affiliate commissions that support our content creation at no cost to you. All opinions expressed are honest and unbiased based on actual use experience.

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