Short answer: the Focal Hadenys. It ranks #31 of 216 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.2/5, at $749; the HIFIMAN HE6se V2 ranks #48, rated 4.1/5, and costs $792.24, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The case for the Focal Hadenys: In oratory1990’s measurement it earns a preference score of 87 with only 1.73 dB of deviation, so its tonal balance is among the closest to what most listeners prefer. The tradeoff: A 9.6 dB dip near 9.7 kHz softens cymbal shimmer and sibilance, so the top end can sound slightly muted.
Why pick the HIFIMAN HE6se V2: A preference score of 84 with a deviation of only 2.19 dB shows a smooth, well-controlled response, and low mids sit within 2 dB of target. Watch for: Sub-bass is roughly 4 dB under target below 60 Hz, so the lowest rumble is missing.
Buy the Focal Hadenys. It is rated higher for sound quality than the HIFIMAN HE6se V2 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Hadenys | HIFIMAN HE6se V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $749.00 | $792.24 |
| Ranked | #31 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #48 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 87 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 84 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.73 dB standard deviation | 2.19 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.37 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.18 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.1 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 32 Hz (-6.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 40mm dynamic | - |
| Impedance | 26 ohms | 50 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 83.5 dB |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (294 g) | 1 lbs (470 g) |
| Frequency Response | 25Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
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- Focal Hadenys vs HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth
- HEDD Audio D1 vs HIFIMAN HE6se V2
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
Focal Hadenys: $749.00 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: In oratory1990’s measurement it earns a preference score of 87 with only 1.73 dB of deviation, so its tonal balance is among the closest to what most listeners prefer. Every band from sub-bass to treble stays within about 1 dB of target, with sub-bass just 1.1 dB short at 30 Hz, giving full, extended bass without bloat. At 26 ohms and 100 dB/mW it plays loud from a phone or dongle, and 294 g is light for an open-back over-ear.
Cons: A 9.6 dB dip near 9.7 kHz softens cymbal shimmer and sibilance, so the top end can sound slightly muted. The open back leaks sound and blocks no outside noise, which rules it out for commuting or shared offices. The Audeze LCD-XC is rated a step higher, though it costs more.
Full Focal Hadenys review and specifications →
| Released | May 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Open |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.73 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 40mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 25Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 87 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 26 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.37 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (294 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -3.4 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +6.3 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 53 Hz | -6.4 dB | 0.50 |
| Peak | 432 Hz | +1.5 dB | 2.45 |
| Peak | 2,376 Hz | +3.1 dB | 3.04 |
| Peak | 3,557 Hz | -3.5 dB | 4.37 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | +0.4 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 1,095 Hz | -0.9 dB | 2.21 |
| Peak | 4,998 Hz | +2.0 dB | 5.07 |
| Peak | 6,125 Hz | -2.2 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 654 Hz | +0.5 dB | 2.56 |
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HIFIMAN HE6se V2: $792.24 Amazon eBay
Pros: A preference score of 84 with a deviation of only 2.19 dB shows a smooth, well-controlled response, and low mids sit within 2 dB of target. Bass from 60 to 200 Hz is within 1 dB of target, so bass notes keep their body. It costs noticeably less than the HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth, though that model carries a higher rating.
Cons: Sub-bass is roughly 4 dB under target below 60 Hz, so the lowest rumble is missing. Presence is about 2.5 dB hot with a 3.7 dB peak near 3.75 kHz, and a 5 dB dip near 9.6 kHz softens cymbals. At 83.5 dB sensitivity it needs a dedicated headphone amp, and the open back leaks sound. See headphone amps and DACs with enough power to drive it.
Full HIFIMAN HE6se V2 review and specifications →
| Back | Open |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.19 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 84 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 50 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 83.5 dB |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 32 Hz (-6.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.18 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 1 lbs (470 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.0 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +5.2 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 340 Hz | -1.5 dB | 0.18 |
| Peak | 1,902 Hz | +6.8 dB | 1.60 |
| Peak | 3,470 Hz | -3.7 dB | 1.05 |
| Peak | 9,114 Hz | +3.4 dB | 2.07 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -3.3 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 970 Hz | -1.0 dB | 4.33 |
| Peak | 62 Hz | -0.4 dB | 1.81 |
| Peak | 119 Hz | +0.3 dB | 1.64 |
| Peak | 1,386 Hz | +0.6 dB | 3.74 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons