Short answer: the HIFIMAN HE6se V2. It ranks #64 of 382 over-ear headphones by sound quality (rated 4.1/5) at $724.08 and is still sold new; the HIFIMAN HE6se ranks #112 (rated 4.0/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
What the HIFIMAN HE6se does well: Measured response gives it an excellent Harman preference score of 81 with a 2.44 dB spread. The catch: Discontinued, so it is mainly found used.
The case for 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. The tradeoff: Sub-bass is roughly 4 dB under target below 60 Hz, so the lowest rumble is missing.
Buy the HIFIMAN HE6se V2. It is rated higher for sound quality; the HIFIMAN HE6se is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| HIFIMAN HE6se | HIFIMAN HE6se V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Discontinued | $724.08 |
| Ranked | #112 of 382 in Over-Ear Headphones | #64 of 382 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 50 ohms | 50 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 83.5 dB/mW | 83.5 dB |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz - 65kHz | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 1 lbs (470 g) | 1 lbs (470 g) |
| Harman Preference Score | 81 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 84 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.44 dB standard deviation | 2.19 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.20 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.18 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 40 Hz (-6.4 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 32 Hz (-6.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
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How HIFIMAN HE6se V2 compares with other leading options:
- HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth vs HIFIMAN HE6se V2
- Focal Hadenys vs HIFIMAN HE6se V2
- HEDD Audio D1 vs HIFIMAN HE6se V2
- HIFIMAN HE6se V2 vs HIFIMAN Mini Shangri-La
- Sennheiser HD 650 vs Sennheiser HD 820
Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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
HIFIMAN HE6se Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the HIFIMAN HE6se V2, ranked higher, rated 4.1/5. See every HIFIMAN HE6se generation.
Pros: Measured response gives it an excellent Harman preference score of 81 with a 2.44 dB spread.
Cons: Discontinued, so it is mainly found used. Sub-bass is 6.4 dB short at 30 Hz, so deep bass lacks rumble.
Full HIFIMAN HE6se review and specifications →
| Released | 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Open |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.44 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz - 65kHz |
| Harman Preference Score | 81 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 50 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 83.5 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 40 Hz (-6.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.20 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 1 lbs (470 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.8 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 | +5.0 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 265 Hz | -1.7 dB | 0.43 |
| Peak | 1,728 Hz | +6.3 dB | 1.66 |
| Peak | 4,003 Hz | -5.5 dB | 3.37 |
| Peak | 908 Hz | -1.9 dB | 2.04 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -1.9 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 2,886 Hz | -1.5 dB | 4.29 |
| Peak | 5,449 Hz | +1.7 dB | 5.99 |
| Peak | 63 Hz | -0.3 dB | 1.96 |
| Peak | 2,202 Hz | +0.9 dB | 5.04 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
HIFIMAN HE6se V2: $724.08 Amazon $724.08 eBay
Older model: the HIFIMAN HE6se (ranked lower, rated 4/5). See every HIFIMAN HE6se generation.
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
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