DROP + HIFIMAN HE5XX Review and Measurements

Discussion in 'Headphones' started by purr1n, Oct 27, 2020.

  1. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    HE5XX
    Harmonic distortions
    1kHz @ approximately 102dbSPL
    HE5XX L HD.jpg
    HE5XX R HD.jpg

    Bass distortion is low. However mid and high distortion, particularly the second harmonic, is a bit higher than what we typically see hovering between 0.1% to 0.5% until the highs which reach 1%. I do wonder if this is responsible for the HE5XX's overall inner warmth.

    Here is Verum 1 for comparison. Verum has more distortion the mids and less in the highs.
    upload_2020-10-27_13-49-49.png

    and HE4XX. HE4XX has much higher bass distortion. The mids are about a wash. The highs less.
    upload_2020-10-27_13-51-36.png

    I'll run distortion at lower SPLs to see what happens.
     
    Last edited: Oct 27, 2020
  2. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    Maybe in 10 years we’ll see a Wharfdale clone for 5k. (The wharfdale is the world’s first commercially available ortho in 1972 I believe). It uses fridge magnets.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  3. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Those are from the future.
    logansrun.png
     
  4. mk801

    mk801 Almost "Made"

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    Looks like the Avantone Planars took some design cues from there.

    Ah, and I see the first use of NASA-tech in advertising orthodynamics.
     
  5. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    The Deva wired is $220:
    https://www.amazon.com/HIFIMAN-Deva...ced-Brown/dp/B08D3878M3/ref=asc_df_B08D3878M3

    This is just lazy AF product design. It looks like they literally took a poor selling SKU, changed the color and headband and are pawning it off on Drop.

    EDIT: and they used that shit headband design. So you're paying for better colors but worse comfort? Please go to anywhere else and buy Devas instead of giving them your money. Drop has clearly gone to crap without @CEE TEE
     
    Last edited: Oct 27, 2020
  6. Nash

    Nash Acquaintance

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    So what's the reason to name them 5xx considering Deva is hifiman's entry level next to 400?
     
  7. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    It's all marketing BS.
     
  8. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Well, coincidence or not, the HE5XX does sound most like the HE-500 among existing models. For the record, I knew nothing about the Deva and all my subjective comments still stand. :) It's an improvement over HE4XX, HE400S, HE400I, which all needed serious mods to make them listenable for me. I also like the Drop color scheme better than the baby poo color scheme of the Deva.
     
    Last edited: Oct 27, 2020
  9. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    so, are they doing a bluetooth version for $300 too?
     
  10. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

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    Exit stage left....
  11. E_Schaaf

    E_Schaaf MOT: E.T.A Headphones

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    Eh, the tone here seems fine as-is, and generally with planars there's not much that can be done post-manufacturing to reduce distortion without mucking up the transients. Especially with most SE planars. Only thing I have to offer on that front is rolling pads. Also the newer HFMs I've messed with are a PITA to assemble / diassemble. My interest here is low.

    I don't really use many natively wireless products. Might as well use a ES100 or similar with a clip to the headband and a super short cable for wireless functionality on full sized cans in most cases.

    In my eyes the double-mag planar torch has been passed over to the RAD-0, but that's $$$$, and still just different and not necessarily better when compared to a well modded old skool HE# on the right chain.
     
  12. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Drop x HiFiMan HE5XX
    Impedance
    YEL = Free Air
    GRN = On Head
    upload_2020-10-27_16-21-25.png

    A little bit over 17-ohms.

    The impedance is lower than typical orthos on the scale closer to many IEMs. However, it is flat, so there should be no worries on any effects upon the FR from amps with varying source impedance. One thing that should be noted is that this headphone may not play well with amps with super high output impedance because the most of the power would be wasted and not be through the headphone driver itself. Amps such as the Bottlehead Crack and the various OTLs from Feliks would be a poor choice.
     
    Last edited: Oct 29, 2020
  13. Philimon

    Philimon Friend

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    Does not say on product page. If its like the 4XX it will be 1year manufacturer’s warranty, and an optional 3year Drop warranty for $20 that also covers drops. I would opt for sure because HFM.

    So, like an improved and timbre fixed 4XX but only $40 more. Ive paid more than that just for new pads to roll with 4XX. I’ll give these a buy if extended warranty is made available.
     
  14. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    f**k that. I want flush fit.
     
  15. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    Yes!! f**k you motherfuckers soiling the good ortho name with your crappy chi-fi marketing bullshit. Take it back to China.

    Someone make a proper f'ing ortho for God sakes.
     
  16. Philimon

    Philimon Friend

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    Now available for purchase. Warranty information is still not described. When I checked out no option for extended warranty was offered. I emailed support, will update with response. Shipping date is Nov9.

    Would love more detailed comparison to 4XX and Verum. How does 5XX compare to HFM’s next tier up price-wise Sundara?
     
  17. Huhnkopf

    Huhnkopf Friend

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    Reminder that the extended warranty is only for US folks.

    However you can just go to Hifiman directly if you're from the EU like me. Their support has improved a lot over the years so I am not worried at all given my past experience with them.

    Will compare this one with my HE-500 and then probably sell.
     
  18. Philimon

    Philimon Friend

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    “Thanks for bringing this to our attention. We forgot to offer it on the product page. I have cancelled your order, and you can repurchase with the warranty. We'll be updating the page to offer it today.” -Drop Community Support
     
  19. Elysian

    Elysian Friend

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    Build quality concerns aside, is there a general consensus on the performance of the Deva? I looked at the Deva thread and saw one person speak positively about the wired Deva in-store.

    I was super excited about the prospect of an HE-500 for $220 but it sounds like this is just a rebranded wired Deva with an inferior headband, better cosmetics, and same price. I haven't heard any of Hifiman's newer headphones but if the resolution is good, it's not overly bright or etched, and it doesn't require a speaker amp to properly drive, I might pick one up for a mid-fi office rig.

    Also, can this be run balanced, or are the connectors inherently SE only?
     
    Last edited: Oct 28, 2020
  20. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    Happened to look around the discussion board.

    Facepalm of the day found..

    upload_2020-10-28_15-12-18.png

    I am more inclined to "Zeviscos" dude. Apart from how they actually sound (hd58x were great for what they were.. so would be he5xx), the way Drop names is hugely misleading -- almost unethical -- like last time (hd58x).


    Also concerned with Drop's product description.

    upload_2020-10-28_15-6-49.png

    Looks very fishy to my eyes. Am I overly sensitive?
     

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