Review: Drop + Hifiman HE5xx

Hifiman-October 5/10

Information:

Price: 220 USD, delivered to Finland about 250 euros
Sensitivity: 93.5 dB/mW
Impedance: 18 ohms
Weight: 355 g
Connector type: 2 x 3.5 mm
5. Cable: 1.5 meter cable with a 3.5 mm connector

Review sample: Self-purchased product

The HE5XX is Hifiman's and Drop:s (formerly named Massdrop) collaboratively released headphone model from 2020. The headphones cost 220 USD, which converts to about 250 euros after taxes and postage when ordered to Finland. The headphones received a lot of positive attention at their release, but many were annoyed that the HE5XX does not sound much like the HE500, even though Drop implied so in its marketing.

Comfort and build

In terms of structure, the headphones resemble the one I previously reviewed, the HE4XX model, but there are, however, a few essential improvements in the structure. The height adjustment mechanism of the cups is not as stiff as in the HE4XX model, and the attachment of the plastic knob holding the structure together already feels a bit sturdier, though not as good as in the old HE400 and HE500 series Hifimans. The metal yokes attached to the cups are, like the HE400se, made from a single piece of metal. In my opinion, this design, together with the eccentric oval-shaped cup, makes the headphones look streamlined.

The HE5XXs feel really light, and one would quickly think them considerably lighter than the one I previously reviewed, the HE400se – the weight difference, according to the manufacturer's data, is however only 15 grams. Regarding the build quality, the headphones are quite flimsy, but not, however, as cheap-feeling as the HE400se or HE4XX.

In terms of usability, the HE5XX is excellent, as the headphones feel like they weigh almost nothing on the head, and their clamping force is light – for my rather small head, I might even wish for a tiny bit more clamping force. Additionally, the surface of the ear pads feels pleasant against the skin, and there is plenty of space for the ears inside them.

I have almost nothing to say about the headphones' cable, which is actually an excellent thing, because Hifiman is known for its terrible cables. The cable supplied with the HE5XX is normal, as it works, and there are no problems with its usability.

Sound quality

When you put the HE5XX on your head and start listening to them, the first thing that catches your attention is the wide soundstage. It is even unprecedentedly large for headphones in this price range. Thanks to this, the HE5XX immediately brings to mind the Hifiman Ananda, which is four times more expensive.

However, as the initial infatuation with the headphones' ethereal and detail-emphasizing expression fades, at least this listener's mind is overcome by a slight feeling of emptiness – was this all there was? In addition to a large soundstage and good resolution for its price, the HE5XX doesn't really offer anything special.

There is nothing to complain about in the headphones' mid-range, and their sound has a touch of richness that I have missed from modern Hifimans. In this sense, the HE5XX (remotely) resembles the HE500 model, as Drop promised. The headphones perform consistently well until a considerable peak is found in the frequency response at 5 kHz. The emphasis in that area does not bother me personally, but my acquaintance described the headphones as unlistenable for the same reason.

In terms of treble, the HE5XX is downright calm for a Hifiman. Brightness is certainly present, but the headphones might be an option for those who generally cannot tolerate Hifimans due to brightness. In this case, the assumption is, of course, that the headphones' 5 kHz region does not become a problem.

Notable in the headphones' sound is a slight mid-bass emphasis and the relatively rapid disappearance of sub-bass below 60 Hz. Both characteristics are typical of dynamic headphones and do not usually occur in planar headphones, except when an incompetent measurer positions the headphones poorly on the measurement device. However, this is not the case this time; the phenomenon is caused by a recess in the front edge of the HE5XX's earpads.

Since blocking the gap left in the earpads would require the headphone user to have quite thick cheeks, I believe this is a deliberate solution by Hifiman and Drop, aimed at improving mid-bass impact at the expense of lower bass frequencies. This is an interesting idea, but unfortunately, in my opinion, it doesn't quite work, at least in this case.

The headphones” bass reproduction suffers from a peculiar ”rubberiness." The bass does hit, but the impacts are weakly elastic. The overall sound is like a poor copy of the impactful bass reproduction offered by dynamic headphones. I believe that planar headphones can also achieve bass reproduction that can mimic the impact of dynamic headphones – however, the HE5XX is unfortunately not such a planar headphone.

HE5XX vs. HE400se

Compared to the HE400se headphones, the HE5XX is fuller and has a larger soundstage – the reproduction also has more size in general, so that sound sources feel larger. The HE5XX's sound has a pleasant softness, compared to which the HE400se's sound is a bit harsh. The difference is not enormous, but similar to that between the more energetic Sundara (review) and the slightly softer-midrange Ananda. I prefer listening to calmer girl & guitar-style music with the HE5XX, while I'd rather blast AC/DC with the more energetic HE400se.

Of the two headphone models under review, the HE5XX is more impressive, as listening to them often feels like listening to more expensive headphones. On the other hand, the headphones” pronounced ”rubbery" bass starts to bother me, and there is something in the sound that irritates me.

Sometimes when listening, it feels like listening to a Hifiman technology demo, where it's important to show off the headphones” technical capabilities, but the end result hasn't been bothered to be polished to completion. The HE5XX sometimes sounds a bit strange and unnatural, compared to which the HE400se sounds ”more normal," and even if they don't excel anywhere, it never becomes annoying.

Many users have performed a so-called tape mod on the HE5XX, which reduces bass leakage out from between the earpads and their mounting rings. I believe that modified in this way, the headphones would jump up a notch, but in their standard form, the choice between the HE5XX and HE400se is difficult.

If I could only have one pair of headphones from these options, I would play it safe and take the HE400se. In my opinion, the HE5XX would be better suited as complementary headphones alongside other headphones for situations where I want to enjoy a wide soundstage and other effects. When purchasing, it's also worth noting that even after buying a new, better cable, the HE400se will still be cheaper than ordering the HE5XX from Drop – furthermore, the functionality of the warranty is always a bit of a question mark with Drop.

For both headphones, it is advisable to acquire a headphone amplifier or a powerful sound card, but if that is not possible or desired, the HE5XX is slightly easier to drive of the two models.

Summary

The HE5XX is a technically excellent headphone that occasionally sounds a bit unnatural. I like the appearance of the headphones, and although their construction is a bit flimsy, there has been progress from the HE400, HE400i, and HE4XX models in terms of both construction and usability. The HE5XX are also sufficiently different compared to the HE400se model, so owning both would be justified in my opinion.

Pros and cons:

+ Excellent soundstage, where sounds are precisely placed
+ The headphones sound ”fast”
+ Excellent resolution in their price range
+ Weight and wearing comfort
+ The mid-range has a richness that is missing from other affordable Hifiman headphones
+ Price

– Odd-sounding bass that, unlike most planars, does not properly extend to the lowest frequencies
– A prominence in the 5 kHz region can be too much for some
– Music doesn't draw you in as strongly as one might expect from technically strong-performing headphones
– Somewhat dull-sounding in the long run