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galaxial 64.4K Views
Dec 18, 2021 9:50 AM

HiFiMan HE-560 V4 Premium Planar Magnetic Headphones

$229

$899

74% off
+ Free Shippingat Adorama
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Update: This deal is still available.

Adorama has HiFiMan HE-560 V4 Premium Planar Magnetic Headphones on sale for $229. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Community Member galaxial for finding this deal.

Key Features:
  • Adorama Exclusive HE560 Headphones
  • Designed for reference use
  • The Power Of Magnetics: Single-ended drivers deliver a lifelike soundstage and spatial imaging
  • Light Weight & Comfortable: 30% lighter than comparable headphones
  • Cup Style: Closed-back
  • Includes:
    • HE-560 V4 Premium Planar Magnetic Headphones
    • Cable
    • 1/4" Adapter
    • 1-Year Warranty

Editor's Notes

Written by SlickDealio
  • About this deal:
    • This is $10 lower than the previous Frontpage deal from September 2021.
    • This price is $670 lower (75% savings) than the list price of $899.
  • About this product:
    • 4.6 out of 5 stars rating at Adorama
  • About this store:
    • View Adorama return policy here.

Original Post

Written by galaxial
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Update: This deal is still available.

Adorama has HiFiMan HE-560 V4 Premium Planar Magnetic Headphones on sale for $229. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Community Member galaxial for finding this deal.

Key Features:
  • Adorama Exclusive HE560 Headphones
  • Designed for reference use
  • The Power Of Magnetics: Single-ended drivers deliver a lifelike soundstage and spatial imaging
  • Light Weight & Comfortable: 30% lighter than comparable headphones
  • Cup Style: Closed-back
  • Includes:
    • HE-560 V4 Premium Planar Magnetic Headphones
    • Cable
    • 1/4" Adapter
    • 1-Year Warranty

Editor's Notes

Written by SlickDealio
  • About this deal:
    • This is $10 lower than the previous Frontpage deal from September 2021.
    • This price is $670 lower (75% savings) than the list price of $899.
  • About this product:
    • 4.6 out of 5 stars rating at Adorama
  • About this store:
    • View Adorama return policy here.

Original Post

Written by galaxial

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Top Comments

artibramuir
294Comments
62Reputation
In fairness to myself, the need to hear gear for oneself was the main takeaway of both my first post and the start of my second post. And it remains my main takeaway! Did you listen to the K5/560, or are you just "defiantly" assuming what it would sound like?

Decent modern amps (both of these included) avoid audible distortion until they are very close to their maximum power output, and the K5/560 gets unbearably loud well below its maximum. I haven't noticed any noise or distortion.

It sounds like you mean that a weaker amp would be unable to provide peak RMS, which would selectively clip the waveform resulting in bass drop-outs or distortion. My home theater setup uses power-hungry old speakers and when I tried to drive them with underpowered amps both of these things happened. But it is volume-dependent. Up to a certain point, the amp is able to provide sufficient power, then it is unable to provide power for the peaks so the bass drops out despite overall volume rising, then it is unable to consistently power the signal, resulting in audible distortion followed by complete drops.

None of these things happen with the K5 Pro. Bass is strong. It remains strong as the volume increases. There are no dropouts or changes in tone even far beyond where the volume becomes uncomfortable. If the K5 is clipping from peaks exceeding 1000mw, it seems like the clipped portion should be materially different between an average 0.5mW signal and a 500mW signal, since the latter would kick in after 3db while the former would have a full 33db of headroom. It seems unlikely, then, that the sound would not change dramatically as I increased the volume, if the amp were in fact clipping on normal-volume material. But the tone doesn't change, and there are no other identifiable markers of underdrive distortion, so I would be surprised to learn that it was actually being underdriven at listening volumes. Still, it might have some other kind of aural inadequacy--but not because 1W is insufficient power, unless you're listening loud enough to permanently damage your hearing.

Here is an explanation of why the lower-powered JDS Atom is sufficient for the Audeze LCD-X:

https://www.audiosciencereview.co...amps.8058/

Here is another thread explaining why an amp less powerful than the K5 is sufficient for the more-power-demanding Monolith M1070:
https://www.audiosciencereview.co...nes.20689/

Here is a broader article about headphone/amp matching, recommending a benchmark max of only 110db (an order of magnitude less power than 120db):
http://nwavguy.blogspot.com/2011/...power.html

Here's a lucid explanation of headphone amp power with a focus on other amplifier issues that are commonly mistaken for insufficient power:
https://crinacle.com/2019/09/30/o...ord-power/

Here's an old thread laughing at the idea of 1W minimum for planars:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/p...ly.805936/

I'll stop there. There's also a good article from Audient, but I'll skip it due to the conflict of interest (their amps are >500mW). FWIW, I haven't tried the Hifiman on my Audient, but my Monolith planars sound great on it. Lots of bass, no distortion, tons of headroom. I'll let you know how it and the K5 compare to the Magni when I check it out.

And, to reiterate, I spent a lot of time on this because I like learning about stuff. I was hoping that you would send me off in a new direction to learn even more, so thank you for engaging with me. I apologize if I have come across as argumentative or personally insulting, neither of which were my intent--I was just trying to get a little more insight into your perspective while defending my own understanding, which seems to conflict. Thanks again, and have happy holidays.
Go to Comment
cyciumx
7.2KComments
1.9KReputation
The classic Schiit stack can do it enough justice* The Magni ($99) has 2.4W at 32 ohm. Reuse a DAC and just buy the Magni (Heresy or +) or pair with the Mani. The entire stack is $199.98, which is only 50 bucks more than that K5 Pro.

*The 560s really shine though when they get fed power from balanced connectors. The Schitt Magnius ($199) does 5W @ 32 ohm in balanced mode.
Go to Comment
cyciumx
7.2KComments
1.9KReputation
The amp you chose to drive the HE-560 is a bad choice. There is no way to sugarcoat it - you need a more powerful amp. This is part of the reason why my early assertion of the 400i might be a better a choice. It is easier to drive.
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83 Comments

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Dec 22, 2021 6:18 PM
294 Comments
Joined Apr 2016
artibramuirDec 22, 2021 6:18 PM
294 Comments
Quote from cyciumx View quoted comment :
You spent a lot of time on this only to miss the conclusion you'll need to hear it for yourself.

I wonder if you'll truly be curious or just defiantly trust what you read rather than try for yourself.
In fairness to myself, the need to hear gear for oneself was the main takeaway of both my first post and the start of my second post. And it remains my main takeaway! Did you listen to the K5/560, or are you just "defiantly" assuming what it would sound like?
Quote :
Two things.... noise floor and power delivery. The more power the amp has, the less volume you need. Thus distortion reduction will be maximized.
Decent modern amps (both of these included) avoid audible distortion until they are very close to their maximum power output, and the K5/560 gets unbearably loud well below its maximum. I haven't noticed any noise or distortion.
Quote :
When the 560 wants to generate the sub bass slam that differentiates it from other products in its class/price need the power delivery to be on-tap.

Think of it like a capacitor in car audio being used to keep the bass from dying out under heavy conditions.
It sounds like you mean that a weaker amp would be unable to provide peak RMS, which would selectively clip the waveform resulting in bass drop-outs or distortion. My home theater setup uses power-hungry old speakers and when I tried to drive them with underpowered amps both of these things happened. But it is volume-dependent. Up to a certain point, the amp is able to provide sufficient power, then it is unable to provide power for the peaks so the bass drops out despite overall volume rising, then it is unable to consistently power the signal, resulting in audible distortion followed by complete drops.

None of these things happen with the K5 Pro. Bass is strong. It remains strong as the volume increases. There are no dropouts or changes in tone even far beyond where the volume becomes uncomfortable. If the K5 is clipping from peaks exceeding 1000mw, it seems like the clipped portion should be materially different between an average 0.5mW signal and a 500mW signal, since the latter would kick in after 3db while the former would have a full 33db of headroom. It seems unlikely, then, that the sound would not change dramatically as I increased the volume, if the amp were in fact clipping on normal-volume material. But the tone doesn't change, and there are no other identifiable markers of underdrive distortion, so I would be surprised to learn that it was actually being underdriven at listening volumes. Still, it might have some other kind of aural inadequacy--but not because 1W is insufficient power, unless you're listening loud enough to permanently damage your hearing.

Here is an explanation of why the lower-powered JDS Atom is sufficient for the Audeze LCD-X:
Quote :
When I play back music reaching peaks of say 0.5W (undistorted) with a 1W amp and a 100W amp then there really is no difference between them. There is no 'magic' to the higher wattage... there is not more 'grip' nor more 'control'.. . .The rest is mumbo jumbo, hear say, assumptions and sighted listening experiences people form their opinions on.
https://www.audiosciencereview.co...amps.8058/

Here is another thread explaining why an amp less powerful than the K5 is sufficient for the more-power-demanding Monolith M1070:
https://www.audiosciencereview.co...nes.20689/

Here is a broader article about headphone/amp matching, recommending a benchmark max of only 110db (an order of magnitude less power than 120db):
http://nwavguy.blogspot.com/2011/...power.html

Here's a lucid explanation of headphone amp power with a focus on other amplifier issues that are commonly mistaken for insufficient power:
https://crinacle.com/2019/09/30/o...ord-power/

Here's an old thread laughing at the idea of 1W minimum for planars:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/p...ly.805936/

I'll stop there. There's also a good article from Audient, but I'll skip it due to the conflict of interest (their amps are >500mW). FWIW, I haven't tried the Hifiman on my Audient, but my Monolith planars sound great on it. Lots of bass, no distortion, tons of headroom. I'll let you know how it and the K5 compare to the Magni when I check it out.

And, to reiterate, I spent a lot of time on this because I like learning about stuff. I was hoping that you would send me off in a new direction to learn even more, so thank you for engaging with me. I apologize if I have come across as argumentative or personally insulting, neither of which were my intent--I was just trying to get a little more insight into your perspective while defending my own understanding, which seems to conflict. Thanks again, and have happy holidays.
5
Dec 23, 2021 6:55 AM
155 Comments
Joined Mar 2017
FeelgoodMDDec 23, 2021 6:55 AM
155 Comments
Quote from artibramuir View quoted comment :
In fairness to myself, the need to hear gear for oneself was the main takeaway of both my first post and the start of my second post. And it remains my main takeaway! Did you listen to the K5/560, or are you just "defiantly" assuming what it would sound like?

Decent modern amps (both of these included) avoid audible distortion until they are very close to their maximum power output, and the K5/560 gets unbearably loud well below its maximum. I haven't noticed any noise or distortion.

It sounds like you mean that a weaker amp would be unable to provide peak RMS, which would selectively clip the waveform resulting in bass drop-outs or distortion. My home theater setup uses power-hungry old speakers and when I tried to drive them with underpowered amps both of these things happened. But it is volume-dependent. Up to a certain point, the amp is able to provide sufficient power, then it is unable to provide power for the peaks so the bass drops out despite overall volume rising, then it is unable to consistently power the signal, resulting in audible distortion followed by complete drops.

None of these things happen with the K5 Pro. Bass is strong. It remains strong as the volume increases. There are no dropouts or changes in tone even far beyond where the volume becomes uncomfortable. If the K5 is clipping from peaks exceeding 1000mw, it seems like the clipped portion should be materially different between an average 0.5mW signal and a 500mW signal, since the latter would kick in after 3db while the former would have a full 33db of headroom. It seems unlikely, then, that the sound would not change dramatically as I increased the volume, if the amp were in fact clipping on normal-volume material. But the tone doesn't change, and there are no other identifiable markers of underdrive distortion, so I would be surprised to learn that it was actually being underdriven at listening volumes. Still, it might have some other kind of aural inadequacy--but not because 1W is insufficient power, unless you're listening loud enough to permanently damage your hearing.

Here is an explanation of why the lower-powered JDS Atom is sufficient for the Audeze LCD-X:

https://www.audiosciencereview.co...amps.8058/

Here is another thread explaining why an amp less powerful than the K5 is sufficient for the more-power-demanding Monolith M1070:
https://www.audiosciencereview.co...nes.20689/

Here is a broader article about headphone/amp matching, recommending a benchmark max of only 110db (an order of magnitude less power than 120db):
http://nwavguy.blogspot.com/2011/...power.html

Here's a lucid explanation of headphone amp power with a focus on other amplifier issues that are commonly mistaken for insufficient power:
https://crinacle.com/2019/09/30/o...ord-power/

Here's an old thread laughing at the idea of 1W minimum for planars:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/p...ly.805936/

I'll stop there. There's also a good article from Audient, but I'll skip it due to the conflict of interest (their amps are >500mW). FWIW, I haven't tried the Hifiman on my Audient, but my Monolith planars sound great on it. Lots of bass, no distortion, tons of headroom. I'll let you know how it and the K5 compare to the Magni when I check it out.

And, to reiterate, I spent a lot of time on this because I like learning about stuff. I was hoping that you would send me off in a new direction to learn even more, so thank you for engaging with me. I apologize if I have come across as argumentative or personally insulting, neither of which were my intent--I was just trying to get a little more insight into your perspective while defending my own understanding, which seems to conflict. Thanks again, and have happy holidays.
Would the new ifi go blu be able to drive these?
Dec 23, 2021 4:48 PM
15 Comments
Joined Nov 2019
SensibleFaucet734Dec 23, 2021 4:48 PM
15 Comments
I have these from one of the previous 229 sales. Powering them with a schiit magni 2. They sound very neutral to me. I also have beyer dynamics dt990 pros and overall they sound way better but lack bass big time. I can also wear these all day long and I have a rather large head. They are super comfortable. I wish they had more bass, I have yet tried equalizing them. I also wish the cable it came with wasn't so stiff.

I also have ibasso it03 IEMs and I'd have to say that I enjoy listening to those the most still.
Dec 24, 2021 6:53 AM
924 Comments
Joined Jun 2014
resellpanda_88Dec 24, 2021 6:53 AM
924 Comments
Quote from cyciumx View quoted comment :
The classic Schiit stack can do it enough justice* The Magni ($99) has 2.4W at 32 ohm. Reuse a DAC and just buy the Magni (Heresy or +) or pair with the Mani. The entire stack is $199.98, which is only 50 bucks more than that K5 Pro.

*The 560s really shine though when they get fed power from balanced connectors. The Schitt Magnius ($199) does 5W @ 32 ohm in balanced mode.
How do you use balance cables on the schiit stack. There is no XLR connector.
Dec 24, 2021 6:59 AM
7.2K Comments
Joined Dec 2014
AkujunkanXDec 24, 2021 6:59 AM
7.2K Comments
Quote from dannyny View quoted comment :
How do you use balance cables on the schiit stack. There is no XLR connector.
Uh.... I literally said, "The Schitt Magnius ($199) does 5W @ 32 ohm in balanced mode."

If you misspoke, yes you need a a balanced DAC like the matching Modius as well, but the Magnius indeed has balanced inputs.
5
Dec 24, 2021 7:22 AM
924 Comments
Joined Jun 2014
resellpanda_88Dec 24, 2021 7:22 AM
924 Comments
Quote from cyciumx View quoted comment :
Uh.... I literally said, "The Schitt Magnius ($199) does 5W @ 32 ohm in balanced mode."

If you misspoke, yes you need a a balanced DAC like the matching Modius as well, but the Magnius indeed has balanced inputs.
Ok thanks. I thought you meant the magni stack. I have the cheaper schiit stack and use rca only. Thought I was missing something.
Dec 24, 2021 5:47 PM
404 Comments
Joined Mar 2019
ChristopherJ26Dec 24, 2021 5:47 PM
404 Comments
Quote from cyciumx View quoted comment :
Uh.... I literally said, "The Schitt Magnius ($199) does 5W @ 32 ohm in balanced mode."

If you misspoke, yes you need a a balanced DAC like the matching Modius as well, but the Magnius indeed has balanced inputs.
I have the schiit mani for my turntable. What else would i need for these headphones to sound good?

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Dec 27, 2021 12:03 AM
198 Comments
Joined Jun 2021
PurpleShop307Dec 27, 2021 12:03 AM
198 Comments
Would these be good as reference monitors?
Jan 1, 2022 12:14 AM
1.3K Comments
Joined Nov 2008
tommyson30Jan 1, 2022 12:14 AM
1.3K Comments
can Sound BlasterX G6 drive this headphone? thanks
Jan 1, 2022 12:26 AM
445 Comments
Joined Apr 2015
SurferdudemiJan 1, 2022 12:26 AM
445 Comments
Quote from SensibleFaucet734 View quoted comment :
I have these from one of the previous 229 sales. Powering them with a schiit magni 2. They sound very neutral to me. I also have beyer dynamics dt990 pros and overall they sound way better but lack bass big time. I can also wear these all day long and I have a rather large head. They are super comfortable. I wish they had more bass, I have yet tried equalizing them. I also wish the cable it came with wasn't so stiff.

I also have ibasso it03 IEMs and I'd have to say that I enjoy listening to those the most still.
Could you please clarify: which are you referring to (the 560 or the dt990) when you wrote about super comfortable?
Jan 1, 2022 12:37 AM
3.5K Comments
Joined Jul 2017
fintlewoodlewixJan 1, 2022 12:37 AM
3.5K Comments
They're fine headphones but not great. I'd not drop 200+ on these. Maybe 150. They'll need a significant amount of EQ, and they won't be terribly low distortion. Why bother then?
1
Jan 1, 2022 12:37 AM
193 Comments
Joined Apr 2019
EagerNose5490Jan 1, 2022 12:37 AM
193 Comments
How do these sound compared to the Sundaras or hifiman he5xx?
Jan 1, 2022 12:54 AM
95 Comments
Joined Feb 2017
pantagJan 1, 2022 12:54 AM
95 Comments
Quote from EagerNose5490 View quoted comment :
How do these sound compared to the Sundaras or hifiman he5xx?
This. I ve been thinking about the Sundara. This here or Sundara?
3
Jan 1, 2022 12:59 AM
445 Comments
Joined Apr 2015
SurferdudemiJan 1, 2022 12:59 AM
445 Comments
Weird. If you just search for them on the Adorama site, you get the regular price. If you use the Buy Now link you get the discount. Same product - at least I didn't notice a difference in the listing side-by-side.

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Jan 1, 2022 1:02 AM
95 Comments
Joined Feb 2017
pantagJan 1, 2022 1:02 AM
95 Comments
Quote from Surferdudemi View quoted comment :
Weird. If you just search for them on the Adorama site, you get the regular price. If you use the Buy Now link you get the discount. Same product - at least I didn't notice a difference in the listing side-by-side.
Seeing exactly the same as you. There is an additional "1" at the part number of the expensive headphone. Not sure what this is.

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