Head-Direct Launches HE-5LE Headphones

[btarunr]

Head-Direct manufacturer of several in-ears recently launched the radical HE-5 headphones which featured an ortodynamic driver. The HE-5s received tremendous critique after the initial pre-order had been shipped, but issues with the wood cracking and effectivity problems of the driver made the HE-5s a short lived success. Boasted as having audio performance that was on par with much more expensive solutions like the Sennheiser HD800s, when paired with a decent amp propelled the HE-5s to Head-fi stardom, but the wooden cups proved too fragile.

Head-Direct have now made a second version of the HE-5s dubbed the HE-5LE which feature similar specs but the driver coating has been made thinner which means that the new version should have a better low end and perform better across a variety of headphone amplifiers. The driver cups are now made of plastic with a hexagon mesh covering the back ensuring no mid range oddities. Please note the HE-5LEs are still power hungry, and given the low impedance low efficiency driver design be sure to pick up an amplifier that can deliver a serious amount of current. The Head Direct HE-5LE is now priced at US $649.



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[btarunr]

Many Thanks to Frederik S for sending this in.

 

[Cold Storm]

That's a very nice set of cans. I can't wait to see if Frederik will be getting a set to review.

 

[Easy Rhino]

they certainly look nice. however, for a little more chedder i would pay for the senns.

 

[cool_recep]

I really don't get it man. You produce a very good product but take the pictures of it with a handset.

Seriously why the hell do you compress images so much that they seem like crap?

 

[to6ko91]

are the one in the second picture using xlr ?

 

[Wile E]

Would love to see the review on these. Still a bit out of my range tho.

 

[Frederik S]

Yes second picture has Neutrik XLR termination. The regular cable uses 1/4" jack, manufactured by Neutrik as well. Cable quality should be really good the PU coating should be soft and with Neutrik termination the cable will withstand anything short of a direct hit by a nuke.

 

[AsRock]

Nice looking but like closed ones more and i'd buy the Technics ones for these which are around $200 although the build is not perfect the sound is IMO. Open lack to me but i guess are good for safety reasons.

 

[Frederik S]

Openback designs are not affected by reverberations from the housing, that is why that type of design is adopted by so many high-end headphones. Only downside is that they do not isolate and others can hear what you are listening to.

 

[Ra97oR]

They looks so much better than the non LE version, if the price is right I may get one. Great that I have an amp with insane current output (2500mW @ 32Ohms).