There is now a newer version of He1000v2, the stealth edition. This is confusing as I think it should really be called v3. But the fact is, the HE1000 series now consists of several iterations: he1000 (original), he1000v2 (probably the one you reviewed here?), HE1000se (supposedly technically the best one), and the new He1000v2 stealth (which was introduced in stealth). May be worthwhile to mention this in your review, or make a new video, as people who are watching your review probably won’t be able to buy this older version anymore
Great review, Wave Theory, I really enjoyed it. I had a V2 myself for 4 years and I loved it. It was the first high end set of cans I ever bought. I own the HFM 1000SE now, so I’d love to see your review on one of those should you get ahold of one. Great job on the reviews!!!!
A ways back in time I was looking for a different headphone and a friend suggested I might like the Edition Xv2, so I got one and they were right - loved it. After a little bit of time that same friend said I really needed to check out the HE1000 V2, and kept teasing me with tracks he was listening to and how well the HEKv2 sounded etc. etc. Needless to say I sold the HEXv2 and bought a new HEKv2, which I still have to this day and is in my top 2 of the rotation.
Scariest day in my audio journey was the day I shipped my HEKv2 in to hifiman for the upgrade to the HEKse. I was terrified of losing my baby. Ended up being worth it to me but the wait period to get it back was a real nail biter. I was so scared I wasn't going to like it as much as the v2 (because it was my favorite headphone I had ever heard at that point) but it's great.
Pokrog your tale rang SO true!!! I did the same as you, sent my beloved V2’s down the road in a cardboard box for the SE upgrade, a nail biting ordeal for sure but ya, well worth it in the end!!
"metric system... which you should be" lol love it haha Thanks for your review! I've been looking for cans at the ~$3000 range and this is definitely in my list
Is a good one. Tough to beat at $3K. I got a chance to listen to Susvara lately. HE1000v2's treble is a little hot in comparison, but I think my ears will adjust back to it just fine.
Hey Wavey, great review! I just pulled the trigger on a pair of these, I got an offer I couldn’t pass up. I currently have a magnius/Modius E stack & was wondering if you think that would be a good pairing? Or maybe I should add something to the chain to add some warmth
Hmmm. Never tried that. I'm a bit worried the Magnius will run out of gas in the subbass and not control the treble very well. So it might not really give you a fair eval of HekV2. But, this headphone is a great one to build around so stick with it.
@@wavetheorysound Also, in general, what type of cables do you recommend or what qualities should I look for when purchasing decent cables? I’m using Hart right now for all my cans
Your reviews are great. I am very thankful for that. Here are my two favorite pieces of music - maybe you know this: Dream Theater ILLUMINATION THEORY. And Nik Bärtsch Ronin Module 41_17, Live! This is new music, zen funk, unique in terms of technical skill and aesthetics. Enjoy yourself!
It is warm but still resolving. I balance it out by pairing it with a very incisive and neutral dac (Berkeley Alpha S2). Soekris and Chord are good matches.
@@wavetheorysound I think it is a SUPERB pairing! Exactly what one wants with the HekV2 to get that bass humming, mids purring and taming the sibilance in the high end treble! BTW, my chian is an OPPO BDP105D which has twin Sabre ESS dacs onboard! My CD's sound extraordinary and do resolve even the most complex pieces of music even modern stuff Stone Temple Pilots, Nirvana and INXS! I was floored when I heard an INXS album from the late 80's sounding almost as if it were studio remastered! The most IMPOTANT point is that this headphone is NOT as fast paced as say an Arya V2 which is great with guitars and brings vovals (M & F) more forward however, more complex undertones such as B3 organs, backup vocals, and brass instuments become more "present" thus rounding out the sound for a more enjoyable, musical experience! I'd say unless EDM is the only you enjoy, GRAB THESE at the current $2K price tag! What a freaking steal!
@@marcob.7801 Yes! I don't know of a better all around headphone for $2K. They will reveal signal chain weaknesses in the treble, but if you have decent source gear, these are a stupid good deal for $2k.
At the current AUD-USD exchange rate those prices are basically the same as here in the US. Yes, I think in general the HekV2 is definitely worth an extra $700US over Arya se, assuming you have good amp and dac.
(PIN THIS): IMPORTANT NOTE........If you want to enhance the bass, sweeten the midrange, and give more air to the sound then move the HE1000v2 as far forward on your head as it will go. Have the backs of your ears touching the back of the cups, as far forward on your head as it can. This creates no space behind your ear and increased space in front of your ear. Really enhances this headphone.