Published On: August 8, 2016

HiFiMAN Updates HE1000 and Edition X Planar Headphones

Published On: August 8, 2016
Last Updated on: October 31, 2020
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HiFiMAN Updates HE1000 and Edition X Planar Headphones

HiFiMAN announces that it has updated both the HE1000 and the Edition X planar headphones to offer improved styling, comfort, and performance. Updates include a new headband design, changes to the ear pads, and better cables. The new models will...

HiFiMAN Updates HE1000 and Edition X Planar Headphones

By Author: Home Theater Review
The staff at HomeTheaterReview.com is comprised of experts who are dedicated to helping you make better informed buying decisions.

HIFIMAN-HE1000-V2.jpgHiFiMAN announces that it has updated both the HE1000 and the Edition X planar headphones to offer improved styling, comfort, and performance. Updates include a new headband design, changes to the ear pads, and better cables. The new models will launch in September under the names HE1000 V2 (shown here) and Edition X V2, and they will have the same price tags as the originals--$2,999 for the HE1000 V2 and $1,799 for the Edition X V2.

From HiFiMAN
HIFIMAN has announced important updates to their two top planar magnetic headphones. The highly acclaimed HE1000 and Edition X have undergone several styling and mechanical enhancements that substantially improve their appearance, durability and comfort. To identify them, the new models will receive a V2 designation after their model names and therefore be known as HE1000 V2 ($2,999 MSRP) and Edition X V2 ($1,799), respectively. The HE1000 V2 and Edition X V2 will be available in September at the same prices as the previous models.

The HE1000 V2 remains a cutting-edge, full-size headphone intended for reference use in the home or studio. At much less than 0.001mm, its Nanotech planar magnetic driver is so thin, it is not visible from the side with the naked eye. New features include an improved headband design that is lighter and stiffer yet will accommodate a wider range of head sizes. The ear cups are also slimmer, further reducing weight and increasing comfort.

Regarding the enhancements to the V2 models, HIFIMAN Founder and President Dr. Fang Bian commented, "Many years of R&D went into the development of HE1000 and Edition X, and they have been highly praised by both reviewers and enthusiasts. Despite that, I am never satisfied with how things are, even with successful products. I am always looking to improve, so we listened carefully to user feedback and acted on it. The V2 versions are lighter and more comfortable, better sounding and are enhanced cosmetically with a better fit and finish. I am especially pleased we were able to make these popular models even better with no increase in price."

The weight of the HE1000 V2 has been reduced to 420g (14.8oz).

Beveled ear pads are thicker with a larger asymmetrical angle to yield better bass and improved soundstage.

High-performance cables have always been a mainstay of HIFIMAN, and the company's flagship will now come standard with a three-core cable for improved sound quality.

The newly updated HE1000 V2 also changes the ear pad material from Velour to Polyester to increase sound transparency and resolution.

Following on the success of the HE1000, the Edition X was launched in December 2015. Sharing a similar design with asymmetrical ear cups and a window shade grille, the X boasted high sensitivity of 103 dB, meaning it could be easily driven from most portable audio devices and smartphones. This enabled the Edition X to be well suited for portable applications around the home, office or travel. The Edition X also was priced at 40 percent less than the HE1000. With the Edition X V2, improvements include: an updated headband design to accommodate more head sizes, a metal yoke for increased stability and durability, enhanced cosmetics all around and an improved cable and thicker, better ear pads.

Also to increase transparency of the sound, the EDX ear pad material has been changed along with the HE 1000 V2. The former Velour ear pads will now be Polyester to make the sound more crystal clear. The headband has also been updated, similar to that of the HE 1000 V2. It will now allow for a wider range of adjustment to accommodate various head shapes and sizes.

To take advantage of the Nano-Grade driver in the HE1000 V2, HIFIMAN engineers designed an Advanced Asymmetrical Magnetic Circuit. A painstaking process, it took the HIFIMAN team seven years to obtain the optimum balance between high driver efficiency and high sound quality. The innovative design of the double-sided, asymmetrical magnetic circuit is the perfect marriage of the Nanometer Grade Diaphragm and its Magnetic partner.

Window Shade Grill System
HIFIMAN needed to create a special design solution that provides driver protection, is optimized for open-back design and that also yields the best possible sound quality. For the HE1000 V2 and Edition X V2, a patented "Window Shade" grill made with premium alloys is the solution, precisely structured to gain greater openness in the headphone design. Its openness keeps the sound waves from second refraction to avoid unwanted vibration and distortion. The result is a wider soundstage, outstanding imaging and remarkable clarity.

Aesthetically, as an added benefit, the Window Shade Grill also provides a unique, high-tech look to the headphones and an appropriate design complement to the HE1000's premium alloys and wood trim, as well as the contemporary "Mylar" gloss finish of the Edition X.

The ear cups of both models have been specially designed in an asymmetrical shape that follows the form of human ears. The V2 ear cups are now slimmer to reduce weight and increase comfort. The ear pads are beveled so that they contour to the shape of the user's head for superb comfort and extended listening, as well as a good acoustic seal. The hybrid design of the V2 now utilizes polyester for increased resolution.

Ergonomic headband design for extra comfort and to fit more head shapes and sizes
The revised headband is the result of clever industrial design. Entirely new thinking was needed that would accommodate the widely varied sizes of people's heads while applying or distributing correct pressure evenly. This provides not only improved comfort but also a better seal of the pads around the ears and on the head for improved bass.

The headband on the HE1000 V2 combines a special metal alloy with fine calf's skin to form a sturdy arch structure. The perforation on the calf's skin helps to dissipate the heat. For additional comfort, the light mass also contributes to lessen the overall weight of the headphone. The Edition X V2 utilizes pleather and allows for comfort and strength.

Making the Connection
HIFIMAN only uses the finest cables for their headphones, and each model features a newly upgraded cable specially designed for it. The HE1000 is now supplied with a three-core, crystalline copper with silver plated wire custom designed for wide frequency range, low signal loss and enhanced emphasis on the low end for quality audio reproduction. The HE1000 package includes three different types of plugs: mini 6.35mm, ¼" 3.5mm and 4-pin XLR connector, so it can be used with a wide array of equipment. The plugs are easy to switch and quickly connected to different cables and amplifiers.

The new V2 versions of the HE1000 and Edition X will be showcased in the Rocky Mountain Event Center at the upcoming Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in Denver, Colorado, October 7-9, 2016. Dr. Fang Bian, along with HIFIMAN personnel, will be on hand to demonstrate the new headphones and answer any questions.

Additional Resources
HiFiMAN HE-560 Over-the-Ear Headphones Reviewed at HomeTheaterReview.com.
HiFiMAN Launches New Edition X Planar Headphone at HomeTheaterReview.com.

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