A Modern Take on a Legendary Design The HE600 reimagines HIFIMAN’s iconic HE6 with updated materials, refined engineering, and a more comfortable design. It aims to capture the power and dynamics of the original while improving day-to-day usability for today’s headphone listener. Reinventing a Classic Sound The HE600 has been tuned to replicate the original HE6’s energetic, detail-rich presentation. With a sensitivity rating of 94dB and a low 28-ohm impedance, it can be driven by a wider range of modern headphone amplifiers than the HE6, which notoriously demanded speaker-amp-level power. This lowers the barrier to entry without discarding the performance pedigree. However, at 94db, it means the HE600 still needs a decent amount of power.  Advanced Magnet Design HIFIMAN introduces a rare-earth-free permanent magnet system in the HE600. Engineered to minimize distortion while preserving detail and dynamics, this approach also reduces reliance on rare-earth materials. It’s a technical and environmental shift that delivers comparable control to neodymium-based designs. Second-Generation NEO Supernano Diaphragm The HE600’s diaphragm is now just 60% of the thickness of the original HE6 membrane. This ultra-lightweight film improves transient response and fine detail retrieval, with faster attack and decay across the frequency spectrum. The result is more lifelike dynamics and improved resolution while maintaining the planar driver’s signature clarity. Comfort and Practical Design Updates The original HE6 was known as much for its sound as for its weight. The HE600 trims that down to 389g, paired with HIFIMAN’s 2nd-generation composite headband for better balance and rotatable hinges that conform to different head shapes. Memory foam FocusPads wrapped in pleather and velour provide a secure yet breathable fit. Connectivity also gets an upgrade: new 3.5mm connectors sit at a 10-degree angle to reduce strain on cables, ensuring longevity under repeated use. What This Means for Listeners The HE600 positions itself as a more approachable successor to the HE6: easier to pair with modern amps, more comfortable for long listening sessions, and still tuned for speed, dynamics, and fine detail. For fans of the HE6’s legacy, it promises a faithful update with less compromise in usability.   Compare: HIFIMAN HE600 vs Arya Stealth vs HE-6 Side-by-side differences that matter for power needs, comfort, and sound. (Numbers are manufacturer published or widely accepted norms; see note at the end.) HE600 Planar Magnetic Arya Stealth Planar Magnetic HE-6 (OG) Planar Magnetic Tuning / Sound HE6-inspired: punchy dynamics, clear upper-mids/treble, tight planar bass. More energetic than relaxed. Wide, airy presentation; smooth upper-treble from Stealth magnets; slightly leaner low-mids than HE600. Classic HE6 energy: visceral macro-dynamics, vivid presence; can sound intense on bright chains. Stage & Imaging Natural stage, precise center image; not the widest, strong focus. Notably wider stage; very open feel with stable imaging. Good depth and impact; width depends heavily on amp pairing. Impedance 28 Ω 32 Ω ~50 Ω Sensitivity 94 dB ~94 dB ~83–84 dB (very low) Drive / Power Guidance Benefits from solid desktop amps; plays from mid-power headphone amps (target ≥1–2 Vrms). Similar ask to HE600; performs best with clean desktop power (≥1–2 Vrms, good current). Needs a lot of power; recommend headphone amps with high current output Weight 389 g ~404 g ~500 g Comfort & Build New composite headband w/ rotatable hinges; FocusPads (velour + pleather) for softer clamp. Large cups, suspended headband; breathable pads; very comfortable for most heads. Older chassis; heavier and stiffer clamp; comfort varies widely by user. Connectors Dual 3.5 mm (angled ~10°) at the cups Dual 3.5 mm at the cups Varies by revision; commonly screw-on or 2.5 mm* adapters used Frequency Response (claimed) 8 Hz – 65 kHz 8 Hz – 65 kHz 8 Hz – 65 kHz Who it’s for Listeners who want HE6-style punch and clarity with saner power needs and better comfort. Stage lovers who prefer a wide, airy image and a slightly leaner, ultra-clean presentation. Power users who enjoy extreme dynamics and don’t mind heavy amps and heavier fit. Pros / Cons (quick) Pros: Dynamic slam, HE6-like energy, lighter chassis, angled connectors. Cons: Still wants real desktop power; energetic treble chain-dependent. Pros: Big soundstage, smooth treble from Stealth magnets, very comfy. Cons: Leaner low-mids; benefits from quality current delivery. Pros: Huge dynamics and bite; cult favorite with the right amp. Cons: Extremely hard to drive; heaviest of the three; comfort varies. *Notes: HE-6 specifications and connector style vary by early/late runs; sensitivity is widely reported around the low-80s dB and requires unusually high output. Arya Stealth figures are typical published values and may vary slightly by batch. For best results with HE600 and Arya Stealth, plan on a clean desktop amp with solid voltage and current delivery. HIFIMAN HE600 Technical Specifications Specification Details Frequency Response 8 Hz – 65 kHz Impedance 28 ohms Sensitivity 94 dB Weight 389 g Driver Type Planar Magnetic with 2nd Gen NEO Supernano Diaphragm Magnet Design Rare-Earth-Free permanent magnet materials Headband Composite with rotatable hinges (2nd generation) Ear Pads FocusPad (memory foam wrapped in pleather and velour) Connectors Dual 3.5mm angled at 10° What’s in the Box HIFIMAN HE600 Planar Magnetic Headphones Detachable dual 3.5mm headphone cable (with angled connectors) 6.35mm (1/4") adapter Hard carrying case Warranty card & user manual