HiFiMan Refines its Top Headphone Models

HiFiMan has made styling and “mechanical enhancements” to its flagship HE1000 and Edition X headphones to improve sound quality, appearance, durability, and comfort.

The new models, due out in September, will be priced the same as current models and carry the V2 designation.

The HE1000 V2 ($2,999) features a double-sided “asymmetrical magnetic circuit” designed to achieve an optimum balance between high driver efficiency and high sound quality and an improved headband described as lighter and stiffer yet able to accommodate a wider range of head sizes. The size and weight of the ear cups have also been reduced to just under 15 ounces to enhance comfort.

“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,” said Dr. Fang Bian, company founder and president. “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.”

Other changes designed to improve sound quality include changing the ear pad material from Velour to Polyester, making the beveled ear pads thicker with a larger asymmetrical angle to better follow the form of the ear, and adding a three-core cable.

Improvements to the Edition X ($1,799)—launched in December 2015 to provide a high sensitivity headphone capable of driving portable audio devices—include an updated headband to accommodate more head sizes, a metal yoke for increased stability and durability, enhanced cosmetics, an improved cable, and thicker ear pads, now also made of Polyester instead of Velour.

For both models the company has refined the patented “Window Shade” grille to produce a wider soundstage and improve imaging.

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