HiFiMan HE560 Reviews: See Why 0 Shoppers Rated It 0 Stars!

HiFiMan HE560 Headphones Review: Audiophile Craftsmanship in Open-Back Design

When it comes to high-fidelity headphones that cater to audiophiles and studio professionals, the HiFiMan HE560 stands out as a compelling choice. These open-back over-ear headphones are engineered to deliver a neutral sound signature with wide and deep soundstage qualities, making them ideal for critical listening environments. Built with a planar magnetic driver and designed to prioritize audio clarity and precision, the HE560 appeals to users seeking excellent detail resolution without unnecessary enhancements.

Detailed Specs & Features

On paper, the HE560's planar magnetic driver type measuring 106 mm is an impressive centerpiece, known for producing accurate sound with minimal distortion. Their impedance of 35 ohms allows relatively easy pairing with a wide range of audio sources, including Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Linux devices, requiring moderate amplification.

The headphones employ an open-back acoustic design, which favors natural sound reproduction over isolation, making these less suitable for noisy environments but perfect for studio and home use. With a sensitivity rating of 90 dB and a maximum input power of 200 mW, the HE560 can achieve high volume levels without compromise to sound fidelity.

Durability-wise, the headphones feature a plastic build complemented by metal hinges for robustness. The velour ear cushions and foam-padded headband prioritize comfort during extended listening sessions. The inclusion of a detachable cable with mini XLR connectors and gold-plated plugs ensures both reliability and ease of replacement.

Despite lacking wireless functionality, confirmed by the wired connection type only, the HE560 stays relevant through its high-res audio certification and excellent physical construction. Certified under CE, FCC, and RoHS standards, these headphones are built with compliance and quality assurance in mind.

User Experience & Performance (Based on Specs)

Design & Build

One quality that stands out immediately is the headphone's solid, no-frills design. The weight of 0.83 pounds (~375 grams) strikes a balance, offering enough heft for durability without being overly heavy. The open-back design, paired with large ear cup dimensions of 2.76 inches inner diameter, ensures full ear coverage that aids comfort and sound immersion. However, the absence of foldability or replaceable headband components indicates a design focused more on performance than portability.

Performance

Under the hood, the HE560 offers an ultra-low total harmonic distortion of 0.1%, suggesting transparent and highly faithful audio reproduction. Its dynamic range of 110 dB and excellent stereo imaging enable listeners to discern subtle details and precise positioning of instruments. The wide and deep soundstage further enhances spatial awareness, a key factor for studio work and immersive listening.

What makes this notable is the headphone's excellent phase coherence and impulse response speed, delivering a natural and balanced sonic experience with a neutral sound signature that neither overly emphasizes bass nor treble. This approach caters to purists who prefer authenticity over coloration.

Audio Quality

Thanks to its planar magnetic 106 mm drivers, the HE560 excels in rich mid-range clarity and balanced highs, though it does not offer any dedicated bass or treble enhancement technologies. The soundstage width and depth are large, attributed to the open-back design, granting an airy, lifelike presentation. While this openness means minimal passive noise isolation and a poor passive seal quality, it also results in an engaged and natural sound environment, ideal for studio monitoring and critical listening.

Extra Features

On the extra features front, the HE560 is deliberately minimalistic. It lacks essential modern additions such as active noise cancellation, Bluetooth compatibility, or remote controls. However, the inclusion of a hard carry case and replacement earpads ensures the headphones remain protected and serviceable over time. Additionally, the 1-year warranty offers a reasonable assurance of quality for prospective buyers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Planar magnetic drivers deliver exceptional audio fidelity
• Wide and deep soundstage enhances spatial imaging
• Comfortable velour ear cushions suit long listening sessions
• Detachable cable and extra earpads support longevity
• Hi-res audio certified for quality assurance

Cons

• The open-back design offers limited noise isolation
• No wireless or active noise cancellation features
• Relatively minimal build materials, mostly plastic
• No on-device controls or microphone for calls
• Limited warranty period of 1 year compared to competitors

Price & Value For Money

The HiFiMan HE560 is currently priced at $69 at HiFiMan Store, which is remarkably competitive given its premium planar magnetic drivers and hi-res certification. Its 1-year warranty period is standard, though some audiophile models offer longer coverage.

Considering the 106 mm driver size and the build quality, this price point delivers excellent entry-level audiophile value. The lack of wireless features might deter casual users, but for studio professionals or serious music listeners invested in wired setups, the value proposition is compelling. Users prioritizing nuanced sound quality and robustness in acoustic design will find this an affordable path to high-fidelity sound.

Quick Take

In short, the HiFiMan HE560 provides impressive planar magnetic sound performance without breaking the bank. If we look at the numbers alone, it's a combination of neutral sound signature, expansive soundstage, and comfortable design that makes it a standout wired headphone at an entry-level audiophile price.

Closing Recommendation

The HE560 may be ideal for listeners who value sound accuracy, spatial detail, and open-back transparency in a reliable wired format. It appears to perform best for music enthusiasts and studio users who prioritize audio fidelity over modern connectivity or noise isolation features. Ultimately, it helps users achieve a high-end listening experience grounded in proven planar magnetic technology and hi-res certification.

Verdict

Rating: Based on the specifications and overall feature set, we believe HiFiMan HE560 deserves 4.3 out of 5.

• Winner Feature => Exceptional planar magnetic drivers with excellent soundstage and phase coherence.
• Needs Improvement => Lack of modern wireless features and minimal noise isolation limit versatility.