Free Shipping on US orders above $49
What You Need to Know
What Is the HiFiMAN HE600?
The HE600 is an open-back, over-ear headphone that uses planar magnetic driver technology — a type of driver where an ultra-thin membrane is suspended between magnets and driven across its entire surface. Compared to conventional dynamic drivers (the kind found in most headphones), planar magnetic drivers tend to produce faster, more precise sound with lower distortion, especially in complex musical passages.
If the model name sounds familiar, that’s intentional. HiFiMAN designed the HE600 as a direct successor to their legendary HE6, one of the most celebrated headphones in audiophile history. The original HE6 was revered for its extraordinary sound quality but was also famously difficult to drive — many owners actually powered it with speaker amplifiers to get the best results. The HE600 aims to capture that same dynamic, detail-rich character while being dramatically easier to power, lighter to wear, and more practical for everyday use.
What’s New: The Technology Behind the Sound
HiFiMAN made several significant changes to modernize the HE6 formula. At the core is their second-generation Neo Supernano diaphragm, which is just 60% the thickness of the original HE6’s membrane. A thinner diaphragm means less mass for the magnets to move, which translates to faster response to musical transients — the quick initial attack of a drum hit, a plucked guitar string, or a sharp vocal consonant.
The magnet system is equally noteworthy. HiFiMAN developed a rare-earth-free enhanced magnet design that achieves sensitivity and control comparable to traditional rare-earth magnets, but without the environmental cost of rare-earth mining. This combination of a lighter diaphragm and more efficient magnets gives the HE600 a sensitivity rating of 94 dB at 28 ohms impedance — dramatically easier to drive than the original HE6 (which had a sensitivity of just 83.5 dB at 50 ohms and often demanded a speaker amplifier). With the HE600, a quality desktop headphone amplifier is all you need.
What Are Reviewers Saying?
Headfonics — Nihal, November 2025
Headfonics described the HE600 as having a fairly balanced tuning with no overemphasis in any frequency range, noting clean and punchy bass, a natural and detailed midrange, and treble that avoids sharpness or fatigue. They called it “quite refreshing and inviting” at its $799 price point.
Major HiFi — September 2025
Major HiFi praised the HE600 for striking a balance between refinement and raw musical energy, with dynamic yet controlled bass, textured mids, and crisp treble. They noted the soundstage is more focused and centered than some other HiFiMAN models, but imaging remains precise and immersive.
Headfonia — Lieven, November 2025
Headfonia gave the HE600 a “Recommended Buy” designation, calling it very dynamic, musical, and engaging with lovely midrange timbre. They noted it performs best with quality desktop amplification and recommended avoiding cold or analytical amplifier pairings. They suggested warmer, tube-style amplifiers as particularly good matches.
Audiophile Heaven — January 2026
Audiophile Heaven noted the HE600 is a revealing headphone that is sensitive to source quality, performing better with amplifiers that deliver clean current rather than high voltage. They found it benefits from low-gain settings and pairs well with quality desktop setups.
Comfort and Build
The original HE6 weighed roughly 500 grams. The HE600 trims that to 389 grams — a meaningful reduction that makes a real difference during long listening sessions. The new second-generation composite headband includes rotatable hinges that let the earcups conform to different head shapes, and a thick cushioned pad under the headband distributes weight evenly.
The earpads are HiFiMAN’s FocusPad design, combining memory foam with a pleather and soft velour outer layer. They’re designed to gently surround the ear for a comfortable, breathable fit. The earcup grilles feature a large honeycomb-style perforated pattern that gives the HE600 a modern, open look while allowing air to flow freely — essential for the open-back design.
One note: multiple reviewers observed that the headband clamp force is moderately firm. Headfonia noted the side pressure as a point of improvement, while Audiophile Heaven mentioned the headband may feel snug for listeners with larger heads. The fit does break in over time.
Who Is This Headphone Best For?
You’re an audiophile who values dynamic, detailed, balanced sound and already owns (or plans to buy) a quality desktop headphone amplifier.
You’re curious about the legendary HE6 sound but don’t want to deal with the extreme power requirements of the original.
You listen in a quiet environment where an open-back headphone can shine — a home office, listening room, or studio.
You enjoy a wide range of music and want a headphone that handles everything from intimate acoustic recordings to large-scale orchestral works.
You want a planar magnetic headphone at a strong price-to-performance ratio — the HE600 delivers technology and sound quality that competes well above its $799 price.
How Does It Connect to Your System?
The HE600 uses dual 3.5mm connectors at each earcup, angled at 10 degrees to reduce cable strain. A detachable headphone cable is included in the box, terminated with a standard connection, along with a 6.35mm (1/4”) adapter for use with desktop amplifiers.
Keep in mind, the HE600 is a wired, passive headphone — it doesn’t have Bluetooth, a built-in DAC, or any active electronics. You’ll need a source (like a DAC or music player) and ideally a headphone amplifier to get the most out of it. While the HE600 is much easier to drive than the original HE6, reviewers consistently recommend a solid desktop amplifier for best results. If you need help choosing an amp to pair with the HE600, give us a call at 800-942-0220.
What’s in the Box
- HiFiMAN HE600 planar magnetic headphones
- Detachable dual 3.5mm headphone cable (with angled connectors)
- 6.35mm (1/4”) adapter
- Hard carrying case
- Warranty card and user manual
Pairs Well With
The HE600 sounds its best with quality amplification. Here are some great companions to consider:
- Headphone Amplifiers: The HE600 benefits from a clean, capable desktop amp with good current delivery. Reviewers particularly recommend warmer, musical amplifiers rather than cold or analytical pairings. Browse our Headphone Amplifiers.
- DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters): A quality external DAC will ensure the HE600 gets the cleanest possible signal. As a revealing headphone, it will show improvements in your source quality. Check out our Digital-to-Analog Converters.
- Headphone Cables: The dual 3.5mm detachable system lets you upgrade or swap cables. If you want a balanced termination (4-pin XLR or 4.4mm), aftermarket cables are available. Explore our Headphone Cables.
- Headphone Stands: Protect your investment with a proper stand. See our Headphone Stands.
Features & Specifications
Driver Technology
Planar Magnetic Driver with 2nd-Gen Neo Supernano Diaphragm — The HE600’s driver uses a diaphragm that is 60% thinner than the original HE6’s membrane. A thinner, lighter diaphragm responds faster to the audio signal, resulting in better transient speed (the snap of a snare drum, the pluck of a string) and finer detail retrieval across the entire frequency range.
Rare-Earth-Free Enhanced Magnet System — HiFiMAN engineered a new magnet design using rare-earth-free permanent magnetic materials with optimized geometry. This achieves sensitivity and control comparable to traditional rare-earth magnets while reducing environmental impact. The magnet structure combines HiFiMAN’s Stealth Magnet technology (acoustically transparent magnets that reduce sound wave diffraction) with the new enhanced magnet design.
Open-Back Design — The open-back architecture with honeycomb-pattern grilles allows air to move freely through the earcups. This creates a wider, more natural soundstage — the sense of space and dimension in the music — compared to closed-back designs. Best used in quiet environments.
Comfort & Build
Lightweight at 389g — Over 100 grams lighter than the original HE6, the HE600 is designed for comfortable extended listening sessions without the neck fatigue that heavier headphones can cause.
2nd-Generation Composite Headband — The new headband is lighter than previous HiFiMAN designs and includes rotatable hinges that let the earcups conform to your head shape for a more personalized fit.
FocusPad Earpads — Memory foam wrapped in a combination of pleather and soft velour gently surrounds the ear. The hybrid material balances cushioning with breathability for long-term comfort.
Cable & Connectivity
Dual 3.5mm Detachable Connectors — Each earcup uses a 3.5mm connector angled at 10 degrees to reduce strain on the cable junction. The detachable design lets you replace a damaged cable or upgrade to aftermarket options with different terminations (balanced XLR, 4.4mm Pentaconn, etc.).
6.35mm Adapter Included — The included 1/4” adapter ensures immediate compatibility with desktop headphone amplifiers.
Quick-Reference Specifications
| Audio Performance | |
| Driver Type | Planar Magnetic with 2nd Gen Neo Supernano Diaphragm |
| Magnet Design | Rare-Earth-Free Enhanced Magnet + Stealth Magnet |
| Operating Principle | Open-Back |
| Frequency Response | 8 Hz – 65 kHz |
| Impedance | 28 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB |
| Design & Comfort | |
| Weight | 389 g (13.7 oz) |
| Headband | 2nd-generation composite with rotatable hinges |
| Earpads | FocusPad (memory foam, pleather + velour) |
| Cable & Connectivity | |
| Headphone Connectors | Dual 3.5mm TRS, angled at 10° |
| Included Adapter | 6.35mm (1/4”) adapter |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a headphone amplifier for the HE600?
While the HE600 is much easier to drive than the original HE6, reviewers consistently recommend pairing it with a quality desktop headphone amplifier for best results. With 94 dB sensitivity and 28-ohm impedance, it can produce sound from portable devices and dongle DACs, but a dedicated amplifier with good current delivery will unlock tighter bass, better dynamics, and greater overall refinement. If you need help choosing an amp, give us a call at 800-942-0220.
How does the HE600 compare to the original HE6?
The HE600 is designed as a modern successor to the HE6 with several key improvements. It’s over 100 grams lighter (389g vs. ~500g), has much higher sensitivity (94 dB vs. 83.5 dB), and uses a lower impedance (28 ohms vs. 50 ohms) — meaning it no longer requires a speaker amplifier to sound its best. The driver uses a thinner second-generation diaphragm and a new rare-earth-free magnet system. According to HiFiMAN, the HE600 aims to replicate the sound signature of the HE6 driven by a high-power amplifier, but with standard headphone equipment.
What does “open-back” mean, and is it right for me?
Open-back headphones allow air and sound to pass through the earcups, creating a wider, more natural soundstage — music feels like it exists in a room around you rather than inside your head. The trade-off is that sound leaks in both directions: people nearby can hear your music, and you’ll hear ambient noise. Open-back headphones are ideal for quiet home listening, dedicated listening rooms, or studios. They’re not a good fit for commuting, office use, or noisy environments.
What is a planar magnetic driver, and why does it matter?
Unlike conventional dynamic drivers that use a small voice coil attached to a cone, planar magnetic drivers suspend an ultra-thin diaphragm between arrays of magnets. The entire diaphragm surface is driven uniformly, which typically results in faster response, lower distortion, and more accurate reproduction of complex musical passages — especially in the bass and midrange where detail can get lost with conventional drivers.
Is the fit comfortable for long listening sessions?
At 389 grams, the HE600 is significantly lighter than the original HE6. The FocusPad earpads use memory foam with a pleather and velour hybrid covering that’s breathable and cushioned. The headband includes rotatable hinges to conform to your head shape. That said, several reviewers noted that the clamp force is moderately firm out of the box — it loosens over time, but listeners with larger heads may want to try before buying. Audio Advisor’s 60-day money-back guarantee gives you plenty of time to evaluate the fit.
Can I use a balanced cable with the HE600?
Yes. The HE600 uses detachable dual 3.5mm connectors, so you can swap the stock cable for an aftermarket balanced cable terminated in 4-pin XLR, 4.4mm Pentaconn, or other balanced connectors. This can be useful if your amplifier has a balanced output, which may provide more power and a cleaner signal path.
What kind of amplifier pairs best with the HE600?
Reviewers recommend desktop amplifiers with good current delivery rather than purely voltage-driven designs. Headfonia specifically found the HE600 sounded excellent with tube amplifiers and recommended avoiding cold or analytical pairings. Audiophile Heaven noted it prefers low-gain settings and responds well to clean, capable sources. In general, aim for an amplifier that can deliver at least 1–2 Vrms with solid current output.
How does the HE600 compare to the HiFiMAN Sundara or Arya?
The HE600 ($799) sits between the Sundara and Arya in HiFiMAN’s lineup. Compared to the Sundara, it offers a larger driver, more refined technology (the Neo Supernano Gen 2 diaphragm, enhanced magnets), and a more dynamic, engaging presentation. Compared to the Arya, reviewers note the HE600 has a more focused, centered soundstage with strong imaging, while the Arya offers a wider, airier presentation. The HE600 draws its sonic heritage from the HE6 lineage rather than the Edition/Arya lineage, giving it a distinct character within the HiFiMAN family.
What’s included with the HE600?
The HE600 comes with the headphone, a detachable dual 3.5mm cable with angled connectors, a 6.35mm (1/4”) adapter, a hard carrying case, and a warranty card with user manual.
Why Audio Advisor?
40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we’ve helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it’s right for you.
Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
Free Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.
Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.
Want to learn more about choosing the right headphones and amplifiers? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.
