HiFiMan HE600 Planar Headphones

The Legendary HE6 Sound, Dramatically Easier to Drive

The HiFiMan HE600 is an open-back planar magnetic headphone designed as a direct successor to the legendary HE6, aiming to capture that same dynamic, detail-rich character while being far easier to power and wear.

The original HE6 was revered for its extraordinary sound but famously difficult to drive, with many owners resorting to full speaker amplifiers just to get the very best out of it.

At 94dB sensitivity and 28 ohms impedance, the HE600 is dramatically easier to drive than its predecessor, needing only a quality desktop headphone amplifier rather than a full standalone speaker amp setup.

Where the Modernized Driver Earns Its Keep

A Thinner Diaphragm, Rebuilt for Efficiency

HiFiMan's second-generation Neo Supernano Diaphragm is just 60% the thickness of the original HE6's membrane, translating to faster response to musical transients like the quick attack of a drum hit or a plucked string.

A rare-earth-free enhanced magnet system achieves sensitivity and control fully comparable to traditional rare-earth magnets, combined with Stealth Magnet technology that reduces interference from the magnets themselves across the whole audible frequency range from top to bottom.

Over 100 Grams Lighter Than the Original

The HE600 trims total weight to 389 grams from the original HE6's roughly 500 grams, with a second-generation composite headband featuring rotatable hinges that let the earcups conform to different head shapes.

FocusPad earpads combine memory foam with pleather and soft velour, though several reviewers note the headband clamp force feels moderately firm at first before it loosens naturally with regular everyday use.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Headfonics found a fairly balanced tuning with clean, punchy bass, a natural and detailed midrange, and treble that avoids sharpness or fatigue, calling the overall presentation "quite refreshing and inviting."

Headfonia gave the HE600 a "Recommended Buy" designation, praising its dynamic, musical, and engaging character with lovely midrange timbre, and specifically recommended warmer, tube-style amplifier pairings over cold, analytical ones.

Who Is the HE600 Best For?

• You value dynamic, detailed, balanced sound with a quality desktop amp: reviewers consistently describe the HE600 as refined yet musically engaging
• You're curious about the legendary HE6 sound without its extreme power demands: the HE600 replicates that character from standard headphone equipment
• You listen in a quiet environment where open-back can shine: a home office, listening room, or studio suits this design well
• You enjoy a wide range of music from intimate acoustic to large-scale orchestral: reviewers found the tuning handles both extremes gracefully
• You want a focused, centered presentation — the HE600 puts the image right in front of you

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Dual 3.5mm connectors at each earcup, angled at 10 degrees to reduce cable strain, accept the included detachable cable, which terminates in a standard plug with a 6.35mm adapter for desktop amplifiers.

As a wired, passive headphone with no Bluetooth or built-in DAC, the HE600 needs a source plus ideally a headphone amplifier with good current delivery to sound its best.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the system around an HE600:

• Headphone amplifiers — reviewers specifically recommend warmer, tube-style pairings over cold, analytical ones
• Digital-to-analog converters — this is a revealing driver that shows improvements in source quality
• Headphone cables — the detachable dual 3.5mm connectors accept balanced aftermarket options too
• Headphone stands — protect your investment with a proper resting spot between sessions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a headphone amplifier for the HE600?

Not strictly, but reviewers consistently recommend one. At 94dB sensitivity, it produces sound from portable devices, though a dedicated amp with good current delivery unlocks noticeably tighter bass and better dynamics.

How is this different from the original HE6?

The HE600 is over 100 grams lighter, far more sensitive, and no longer needs a speaker amplifier to sound its best, using a thinner diaphragm and a new rare-earth-free magnet system throughout.

What does open-back mean for everyday use?

Sound leaks freely in both directions — people nearby hear your music, and outside noise comes in. Reserve these for quiet home listening, not a commute.

Can I use a balanced cable with the HE600?

Yes. The detachable dual 3.5mm connectors accept aftermarket cables terminated in 4-pin XLR or 4.4mm Pentaconn if your amplifier has a balanced output available.

What kind of amplifier pairs best?

Reviewers recommend amplifiers with good current delivery rather than purely voltage-driven designs, with Headfonia specifically finding tube amplifiers an excellent match over cold, analytical pairings.

What comes in the box?

The HE600 headphone, a detachable dual 3.5mm cable with angled connectors, a 6.35mm adapter, a hard carrying case, and a warranty card with user manual included.

See It in Action

The Headphone Show presents HE600 Review: Modern HiFiMAN vs the HE-6 Legacy.

The Headphone Show presents Testing ALL Hifiman's new Headphones! - HE600, Edition XV, Ananda Unveiled & Audivina LE.

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Learn More

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