HIFIMAN HE5se Review: Ranked #228 of 382

Last updated: October 13, 2026

The HIFIMAN HE5se ranks #228 out of 382 total Over-Ear Headphones for sound quality. See all Headphones rankings for every top pick.

Brand: HIFIMAN

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HIFIMAN HE5se - ranked #228 of 382 Over-Ear Headphones · Editor's rating 3.5/5

#228 HIFIMAN HE5se Discontinued eBay

Pros: Crinacle’s measurement gives it a solid Harman preference score of 70 with a 3.14 dB spread. Its tonal tilt of +0.30 sits close to the target, so the overall balance is neither dark nor bright.

Cons: Discontinued, so it is mainly found used. Its 3.14 dB spread is less even than the best measured sets.

ReleasedNov 2018 (7 years ago)
BackOpen
ConnectionWired
Deviation From Target3.14 dB standard deviation
Driver TypePlanar magnetic
Form FactorOver-ear
Frequency Response20Hz - 35kHz
Harman Preference Score70 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ)
Impedance40 ohms
Tonal Tilt+0.30 (negative is warmer, positive brighter)
Weight0.9 lbs (387g)
EQ preset to match the Harman target

Set a preamp of -6.5 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.

FilterFrequencyGainQ
Low shelf105 Hz+6.5 dB0.70
Peak1,725 Hz+8.7 dB1.00
Peak3,563 Hz-7.1 dB1.69
Peak988 Hz-4.3 dB2.59
Peak259 Hz-2.1 dB0.19
High shelf10,000 Hz-4.0 dB0.70
Peak74 Hz-1.0 dB2.58
Peak5,360 Hz+2.3 dB5.77
Peak45 Hz+0.9 dB2.67
Peak6,275 Hz-1.4 dB6.00

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