The HIFIMAN HE-5 ranks #167 out of 454 total Over-Ear Headphones for sound quality. See all Headphones rankings for every top pick.
Brand: HIFIMAN
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#167 HIFIMAN HE-5 Discontinued eBay
Pros: An early open-back planar with wooden cups that measures well (Harman score 77), close to the target with a neutral tilt.
Cons: Discontinued and replaced by the HE-5LE, so it is mainly found used. Low 87 dB/mW sensitivity needs a capable amplifier, and at 450 g it is heavy for long sessions. See headphone amps and DACs with enough power to drive it.
| Released | 2009 (17 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Open |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.82 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 60kHz |
| Harman Preference Score | 77 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Sensitivity | 87 dB/mW |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.12 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 1 lbs (450 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.2 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 | +4.5 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 1,831 Hz | +8.7 dB | 1.27 |
| Peak | 540 Hz | -3.1 dB | 4.38 |
| Peak | 254 Hz | -2.9 dB | 0.90 |
| Peak | 3,318 Hz | -3.8 dB | 0.57 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -5.7 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 746 Hz | +2.9 dB | 5.97 |
| Peak | 68 Hz | -0.6 dB | 1.77 |
| Peak | 918 Hz | -2.1 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 4,469 Hz | +2.6 dB | 6.00 |
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