"More Musically Meaningful Information Than Any Transducer at Any Price"
HiFiMAN's HE1000 v2 is the newly upgraded version of the world's first planar magnetic headphone with a nanometer-thickness diaphragm. The v2 version brings even greater comfort for extended listening sessions along with further advances in design.
With the v2, the HE1000 has undergone several styling and mechanical enhancements that substantially improve its appearance, durability and comfort. An improved headband design accommodates a wider range of head sizes. The weight of the headphone has been reduced to 14.8 oz. (420 g) compared to the original 17.0 oz. (480 g).
The ear cup has also been updated – trimmed down to 0.433" (11 mm) from 0.55" (14 mm) for a slimmer, sleeker look. The ear pads are now more comfortable than ever, thicker win an asymmetrical shape that follows the form of the ear cups. The ear pad surface that makes contact with the head has been updated, too. The material has been changed from velour to polyester to increase the sonic transparency.
If all of these enhancements aren't enough, the v2 also boasts a newly upgraded cable design. The cable is made with stronger, improved materials custom designed for a wide frequency range, low signal loss, and enhanced emphasis on the low end for quality audio reproduction.
"Still King of the Planars"
"They provided more musically meaningful information than virtually any transducer I’ve heard at any price," notes Vade Foster, The Absolute Sound, December 15, 2016. "Let’s face it: You can get far better sound for your money with headphones than with speakers. The HE1000 V2s are truly good headphones. That’s really all that needs to be said."
"The HE1000 V2's look, feel and sound embody the very best of the high-end aesthetic," reports Steve Guttenberg in his CNET.com review for November 5, 2016. "Comparing an original HE1000 with the HE1000 V2, they were somewhat different. The original is big, rich and clear, while the HE1000 V2 is more neutral, vivid, livelier, more exciting and has more precise image focus."
"The HE1000 V2 is still king of the planars with a fresh vibrant twist on the original sound signature of the old V1. The physical modifications have made it lighter, more comfortable and better balanced to wear as well as an upgrade on the stock materials and cables that come with it," observes Marcus, Headfonics.com, December 14, 2016.
Breakthrough Nanometer-Thickness Diaphragm
HiFiMAN's HE1000 breaks new ground in innovative design of a full-size planar magnetic headphone intended for reference use in the home or studio. First and foremost among the innovations is the revolutionary Nanometer-Thickness diaphragm. The film that is used in the diaphragm is so thin, it is a mere nanometer thick (0.000001 mm), which is a breakthrough core technology developed by HIFIMAN and first of its kind in headphone applications. When viewed from the side, this ultra-skinny diaphragm is invisible to the naked eye.
Advanced Asymmetrical Magnetic Circuit
The highly effective use of this amazingly thin film as the planar driver of the HE1000 v2 is the cornerstone of the remarkable sound. To take advantage of the Nano-Grade driver, HiFiMAN engineers designed an Advanced Asymmetrical Magnetic Circuit. A painstaking process, it took the HIFIMAN team seven years to obtain the optimum balance between high driver efficiency and high sound quality. The innovative design of the double-sided, asymmetrical magnetic circuit forms the perfect marriage between the Nanometer grade diaphragm and the advanced magnet system.
Window Shade Grill System
HiFiMAN needed to create a special design solution that provides driver protection, one that is optimized for an open-back design and that also yields the best possible sound. For the HE1000 v2, a patented "Window Shade" grill made with premium alloys is precisely structured to gain greater openness in the headphone design. It keeps the sound waves from second refraction to avoid unwanted vibration and distortion. The result is a wider soundstage, outstanding imaging, and remarkable clarity.
The HE1000 v2’s metal structure is created via CNC milling and hand polishing. To meet the crucial standard set out by HIFIMAN, the surface finishing is handled and refined by meticulous craftsmen.
Beveled Hybrid Ear Pads
The premium ear pads of the HE1000 v2 have been specially designed in an asymmetrical shape that follows the form of the ear cups. The pads are beveled so that they contour to the shape of your head for superb comfort and extended listening while creating a good acoustic seal.
Ergonomic, Comfortable Headband Design
The HE1000 headband is the result of clever industrial design. Entirely new thinking was needed that would accommodate the widely varied sizes of people's heads while applying or distributing correct pressure evenly. This provides not only improved comfort but also contributes to the better seal of the ear pads around the ears and on the head.
Making the Connection
HiFiMAN only uses the finest cables for its headphones, and each model features a cable specially designed for wide frequency range, low signal loss and enhanced emphasis on the low end for quality audio reproduction. The HE1000 v2package includes three different types of plugs: 3.5mm mini-plug, 1/4" plug, and four-pin XLR connector so it can be used with a wide array of equipment. The plugs are easy to switch and quickly connect to different cables and amplifiers.
