Massdrop x HiFiMAN HE-350 Audiophile Headphones Discussions | Drop

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Massdrop x HiFiMAN HE-350 Audiophile Headphones

Audiophile

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btbtbtmaki

Sep 23, 2016

Past massdrop collaboration headphones are pretty successful, but let’s be honest, the only real new thing about them is the much lowered price point; those are well established headphones with minor tweak. The he 350 is truly a new product and this whole launch experience can be summed up in one word, disappointing. I was not expecting a $300 headphone, that been said, even at $99, the new he 350 is underwhelming. At $75, we have the Philips SHP9500, which is very much similar to what he 350 can offer at $20 off without the hearing killing highs. At the $110 point, we had the fostex t50rp which is planar and offers better base response and planner sound signature with huge modding potential. At $150, the hd598 is a tried and true favorite, which just offers a more balanced experience with better base and great comfort + construction. And at $200, there is the akg k7XX, don’t need to say anything about that... If this is bought at $300, it would be a refund immediately kind of terrible. I’m not sure how much burn in is gonna help, out of box there are better and much better options out there, I don’t think Hifiman Is going to win any market with this one. However if you like treble and killing highs, this might be for you, but let's hope the next massdrop headphone is much better than this.

Sep 23, 2016

theonetuby

Sep 23, 2016

btbtbtmakiBesides the K7XX, I own every headphone you listed and I couldn't disagree more. The 350s are well worth $100. These need lots of burn in, the sibilence lessens and the bass improves. I love my SHP9500s, but they don't have nearly the presence or low end of the 350s. The Philips also lack much needed clamp force and don't handle much power. On the other hand, it takes a car battery to really drive MK3s. They handle 3000mw @ 50ohms and probably like 5000mw @ 32ohms. I've been buying new amps just because I got some fostex cheap planers that aren't so cheap anymore considering the added cost of something to actually make them loud enough. I could've bought a nice Hifiman planar that would run off of phones loudly and would've been cheaper than the MK3s plus a serious amp. I've given my lady my 598s as they lack bass and soundstage in comparison to the 350s. The 350s have replaced my 598s which are very treble focused. I would love to own some nice flat HD600s someday. This drop has been worth the wait for me. Burn them in and they will reward you...

Sep 23, 2016

btbtbtmaki

Sep 23, 2016

theonetubyI guess you enjoy the treble, the fostex is really not really that hard to drive, cheap amp like the dacport slim drives it just fine. I think the 598 has a much better base reponse than the 350 at the moment, particularly since the treble is so overpowering. Maybe burn in can change that, have to wait and see. The sound stage is wide, but good headphones have good soundstage and good soundstage doesn't make a good phone.

Sep 23, 2016

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theonetuby

Sep 24, 2016

btbtbtmakiI forgot to mention the Brainwavz angled velour pads play probably as big a part as any in my final approval the 350s. They are a must, everyone was right. The moment I put them on, the treble was contained and the bass increased from the better seal relative to the original pads. The added thickness of the pad broadens the already good soundstage too. The angled velours are absolutley worth the price, without them these don't sound as good as 598s, and aren't as comfortable either. With the angled velours, these are amazing for the price. Amazing. I'll of them ❤️️. They sound better and better every day. Still burning em in...

Sep 24, 2016

pmronline

Sep 25, 2016

theonetubyWhere did you buy the HM5 pads from? Looks like they come in 2 variants - velour and pleather? Which one do you recommend?

Sep 25, 2016

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sadHarambe

Sep 25, 2016

pmronlineim currently order this pads atm. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G567TH4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Sep 25, 2016

theonetuby

Sep 25, 2016

pmronlineWatch YouTube z reviews of the he 350, he goes over the pad choices. The preferred is the velour, as it softens the treble quite a bit, while the better seal actually improves the bass as compared to the original pads. Lots of people choose the pleather for the added bass as well. Sounds sweaty to me. Also, it's important to get the angled pads, not the standard. I am thrilled with what they've done with the sound of these beautiful Hifimans, not to mention the comfort increase. Get them through Amazon, which can be our friend sometimes. Maybe MD will drop some pad options for everyone soon?

Sep 25, 2016

pmronline

Sep 25, 2016

theonetubyThanks @theonetuby. Watched the Z-reviews video, I hope the replacement procedure of the HM5 pads is not too complex

Sep 25, 2016

theonetuby

Sep 25, 2016

pmronlineAlways a pleasure to ramble about my newest cans, you're most welcome @pmronline. I'm always nervous the first time I change pads on a new set, but this time I actually broke the outer part of the plastic ring while trying to install one of the pads. It was purely because I didn't stretch the second pad enough before trying to ram it in there. The first one went in and on quite well and while I broke the ring on the second pad, after a few more minutes of stretching it is perfectly fine now. (I put a little tape on the ring.) Just be sure to work those bad boys up to size. It seems to me the pads may be partially designed to be stretched into a more round shape if needed as the material seems thicker and bunched up at the top and bottom curves. Gently stretch and then stretch some more. I did it all in like fifteen minutes and even if you break a ring like I did, you're still just fine. IMHO, these pads transform the 350s into something special that was truly worth the wait that competes with cans several times the price. PS keep burning these at highest volume feasible, they sure need it.

Sep 25, 2016

Akira5

Sep 26, 2016

theonetubySame story here, broke one of the rings. First one no issue, second one broke, the outer part of the ring. Also taped it however I added a little crazy glue then taped over the crack.

Sep 26, 2016

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theonetuby

Sep 26, 2016

Akira5Indeed, good to know I'm not the only one. I wished for super glue at the time, I really should redo my fix job. I've heard dental floss and crazy glue together can fix anything. Why not try the floss?

Sep 26, 2016

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