HE6 Redux? HIFIMAN HE600 Review

When HiFiMAN announced a wave of new headphones all at once, the community immediately zeroed in on two: the HE600 and the Edition XV. The former is the most expensive of the new offerings, and shares part of its name with the legendary HE6, a model that still holds a sort of mythical status among enthusiasts. Naturally, expectations for HE600 are sky-high. Now, while the HE600 doesn’t exactly channel the full spirit of the HE6, it delivers something potentially more refined and versatile for most people. But does it do enough to be worth it over something like a Sundara? Let’s talk about it.

Design and Comfort

The HE600 is an open-back planar magnetic headphone priced around $800, making it the most expensive of HiFiMAN’s current mid-tier lineup above the Edition XV ($400) and Ananda Unveiled ($550).

Build quality has taken a clear step forward from older HiFiMAN models like the Sundara and Edition XS. The chassis now allows for a bit of cup swivel, improving fit for different head shapes, and the suspension-strap headband—while slightly short for larger heads—adds comfort and a more premium look. At just under 390g, it’s impressively lightweight, much easier to wear for long sessions than the original HE6.

The grills are now integrated into the cup structure instead of being easily removable, which makes the headphone feel sturdier, if a little less mod-friendly. Overall, it’s a significant improvement but I still wish the headstrap were a bit more flexible and longer.

Drivability

Unlike the notoriously power-hungry HE6, the HE600 is far easier to drive. With an impedance of 28 Ω and a sensitivity around 94 dB/mW, most modern amplifiers—and even some high-quality dongles—will do just fine. Still, anyone unsure can check Headphones.com’s updated power calculator, which helps match headphones to suitable amps.

Sound Impressions

The HE600 does not sound like an HE6—but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The original HE6 was known for its raw intensity and “blammy” energy arising from elevations around 1 and 4 kHz as well as a very well-extended sub-bass. The HE600 dials that intensity back, replacing it with a more natural overall balance and a more coherent timbre.

Tonally, it’s closer to a Sundara than an HE6, though with subtle refinements that make it feel like a “Sundara Plus.” Bass is better extended than the Sundara, tapering only slightly at the lowest frequencies. The midrange is neutral and well-textured, without the upper-midrange dip found in models like the Edition XS.

The ear-gain region (2-4 kHz) is spot-on, giving vocals and instruments a crisp sense of presence without sounding shouty. Any more energy in specifically the 3-5 kHz band here would be too much, so its good that the HE600 exhibits restraint in this one band.

Treble focus shifts slightly toward the mid-treble, lending cymbals and percussion a strong central “bite,” while keeping the uppermost harmonics smooth and inoffensive to my ear. The result is a sound that feels clear, articulate, and detailed.

For acoustic, jazz, and instrumental music, this tuning excels. But on more aggressive recordings like rock or metal, the presentation can definitely veer a bit intense. The Edition XV is probably more of an “all-rounder” for that reason, but that’s the tradeoff HE600 makes to get the clarity and forwardness it delivers.

Measurements

Unlike larger egg-shaped HiFiMAN drivers, which can show more modal “wobble” in the mids, the HE600’s smaller circular diaphragm behaves predictably and is easier to EQ if desired. It also avoids the mild tonal inconsistencies seen in the Ananda Unveiled and Edition XV.

Comparisons

Edition XV

At half the price, the Edition XV offers a warmer, more relaxed sound. It’s less detailed but easier-going for long listening. The HE600, by contrast, is sharper, faster, and more precise, ideal for acoustic and studio recordings. While I have a preference for HE600 for my library which largely consists of jazz and classical music, Edition XV may well be the better headphone for people with more diverse libraries.

Ananda Unveiled

Leaner and less weighty in the bass; the HE600 feels fuller and more balanced.

HE6 (Original)

The HE6 remains unmatched for sheer slam and energy, but the HE600 is lighter, easier to drive, and more tonally coherent. The HE6 also has the better bass extension and likely a more leak tolerant design due to it’s driver characteristics, but overall the HE600 is more versatile.

Susvara

An unfair comparison, but it highlights where the HE600 stops short—lacking that smoothness and refinement. Still, the HE600 punches well above its price, but it doesn’t offer quite the chill, effortless presentation of the Susvara.

Conclusion

The HiFiMAN HE600 feels like a return to form of sorts for the brand… but not a return to the HE6 form. HE600 sports an improved build, smart ergonomics, and a tuning that refines what made the Sundara great, without losing energy or character.

It may not carry the full thunder of the original HE6, but it replaces that intensity with balance. Think of it as a Sundara Plus—cleaner, better built, and easier to live with.

Now, as far as if its worth the extra $500 or so dollars you’d pay to get it over a typical Sundara is definitely a question. The HE600 probably isn’t better enough solely based on its sound quality, but when you consider how much better the build and comfort is vs. the original, that’s when the price differential starts to make a bit more sense.

That said, the Edition XV is still half the price of the HE600, has the updated build and comfort, while also having a potentially even more versatile tuning, so that one still presents a very compelling value to people who want to maximize their value.

But if you want something with a bit more intensity and subjective impressiveness, among HiFiMAN’s latest releases, HE600 is the one to get.