HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 and Edition X V2 Announced, New Styling and Mechanical Enhancements

HiFiMAN updated their flagship headphones and added “V2” to their names to distinguish it from their respective predecessors. The updated HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 and HiFiMAN Edition X V2 planar magnetic headphones are built with several styling and mechanical enhancements that substantially improve their appearance, durability and comfort. I’m not sure if their respective sound signature or characteristics where “improved” as well, but generally speaking the improvements are more on the aesthetics or the body of the headphones. The HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 comes with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $2,999, meanwhile the Edition X V2 is priced at $1,799 (same prices as the previous models). Both HE1000 V2 and Edition X V2 will be available starting next month, September.

HIFIMAN Updates Flagship HE1000 and Edition X Headphones with V2 Designation

The HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 remains a cutting-edge, full-size headphone intended for reference use in the home or studio. At much less than 0.001 mm, its Nanotech planar magnetic driver is so thin it is not visible from the side with the naked eye. New features include an improved headband design that is lighter and stiffer yet will accommodate a wider range of head sizes. The ear cups are also slimmer further reducing weight and increasing comfort.

Regarding the enhancements to the V2 models, HIFIMAN Founder and President, Dr. Fang Bian commented, “Many years of R&D went into the development of HE1000 and Edition X and they have been highly praised by both reviewers and enthusiasts. Despite that, I am never satisfied with how things are, even with successful products. I am always looking to improve so we listened carefully to user feedback and acted on it. The V2 versions are lighter and more comfortable, better sounding and are enhanced cosmetically with a better fit and finish. I am especially pleased we were able to make these popular models even better with no increase in price.”

• The weight of the HE1000 V2 has been reduced to 420g (14.8oz).
• Beveled ear pads are thicker with a larger asymmetrical angle to yield better bass and improved sound stage.
• High performance cables have always been a mainstay of HIFIMAN and the company’s flagship will now come standard with a three-core cable for improved sound quality.
• The newly updated HE1000 V2 also changes the ear pad material from Velour to Polyester to increase sound transparency and resolution.

Following on the success of HE1000, Edition X was launched in December 2015. Sharing a similar design with asymmetrical ear cups and window shade grille, X boasted high sensitivity of 103dB meaning it could be easily driven from most portable audio devices and smartphones. This enabled Edition X to be well suited for portable applications around the home, office or travel. Edition X also was priced at 40% less than HE1000. With Edition X V2, improvements include: an updated headband design to accommodate more head sizes, a metal yoke for increased stability and durability, enhanced cosmetics all around and an improved cable and thicker, better ear pads.

Also to increase transparency of the sound, the EDX ear pad material has been changed along with the HE 1000 V2. The former Velour ear pads will now be Polyester to make the sound more crystal clear. There headband has also been updated similar to that of the HE 1000 V2. It will now allow for a wider range of adjustment to accommodate various head shapes and sizes.

To take advantage of the Nano-Grade driver in HE1000 V2, HIFIMAN engineers designed an Advanced Asymmetrical Magnetic Circuit. A painstaking process, it took the HIFIMAN team seven years to obtain the optimum balance between high driver efficiency and high sound quality. The innovative design of the double-sided, asymmetrical magnetic circuit is the perfect marriage of the Nanometer Grade Diaphragm and its Magnetic partner.

Window Shade Grill System
HIFIMAN needed to create a special design solution that provides driver protection, is optimized for open-back design and that also yields the best possible sound quality. For HE1000 V2 and Edition X V2, a patented “Window Shade” grill made with premium alloys is the solution, precisely structured to gain greater openness in the headphone design. Its openness keeps the sound waves from second refraction to avoid unwanted vibration and distortion. The result is a wider soundstage, outstanding imaging and remarkable clarity.

Aesthetically, as an added benefit, the Window Shade Grill also provides a unique, high-tech look to the headphones and an appropriate design complement to HE1000s premium alloys and wood trim as well as the contemporary “Mylar” gloss finish of Edition X.

Form Follows Function: Asymmetrical Ear Cups + Beveled Hybrid Ear Pads
The ear cups of both models have been specially designed in an asymmetrical shape that follows the form of human ears. V2 ear cups are now slimmer to reduce weight and increase comfort. The ear pads are beveled so that they contour to the shape of the user’s head for superb comfort and extended listening as well as a good acoustic seal. The hybrid design of the V2 now utilizes polyester for increased resolution.

Ergonomic headband design for extra comfort and to fit more head shapes and sizes
The revised headband is the result of clever industrial design. Entirely new thinking was needed that would accommodate the widely varied sizes of people’s heads while applying or distributing correct pressure evenly. This provides not only improved comfort but also a better seal of the pads around the ears and on the head for improved bass.

The headband on the HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 combines a special metal alloy with fine calf’s skin to form a sturdy arch structure. The perforation on the calf’s skin helps to dissipate the heat. For additional comfort, the light mass also contributes to lessen the overall weight of the headphone. Edition X V2 utilizes pleather and allows for comfort and strength.

Making the Connection
HIFIMAN only uses the finest cables for their headphones and each model features a newly upgraded cable specially designed for it. HE1000 is now supplied with a three core, crystalline copper with silver plated wire custom designed for wide frequency range, low signal loss and enhanced emphasis on the low end for quality audio reproduction. The HE1000 package includes three different types of plugs: mini 6.35mm, ¼” 3.5mm and 4-pin XLR connector so it can be used with a wide array of equipment. The plugs are easy to switch and quickly connected to different cables and amplifiers.

The new HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 and Edition X V2 will be showcased in the Rocky Mountain Event Center at the upcoming Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in Denver, Colorado, October 7-9, 2016. Dr. Fang Bian, along with HIFIMAN personnel, will be on hand to demonstrate the new headphones and answer any questions.