HiFiMAN HE6se

Pros

• Exceptional bass quality described as full, tight, and 'limitless'
• High-end detail retrieval and imaging that punches well above its typical sale price
• Outstanding price-to-performance ratio, often cited as an 'endgame' option for those on a budget
• Resolving sound signature that scales significantly with better amplification

Cons

• Extremely low sensitivity makes them nearly impossible to drive with standard headphone jacks or dongles
• Stock headband is frequently criticized for being uncomfortable or poorly designed
• Heavy build can lead to fatigue during long listening sessions
• Mixed opinions on the v2 sound signature, with some describing it as 'warmer and slower' than the original HE6

Caveats

• Requires a high-gain amplifier capable of handling very inefficient planars; 10–20 dB of gain is often cited as a minimum
• Comfort is a common pain point, leading many owners to recommend immediate headband or earpad swaps
• Tube amplifiers may cause 'worbly' or warped vocals according to some user experiences

Best for

• Critical listeners who already own or are willing to invest in a powerful speaker amp or high-current headphone amp
• Audiophiles looking for flagship-level detail and bass under $1,000
• Users comfortable with modding their gear for better comfort

Avoid if

• You intend to use your headphones with a phone, laptop, or low-power portable DAC/AMP
• You are sensitive to headband pressure or heavy headphones
• You want a 'plug and play' experience without worrying about power requirements