HiFiMan HE-R9 Review - A unique closed-back wireless headphone

[@StephenMcLeod]

The cups on this definitely feel a bit cheap, but then they don't seem to be brittle, and the weight (or lack thereof) definitely seems to help with listening fatigue

[@PassionforSound]

I agree. I think it's a deliberate weight saving choice, but they do feel almost a bit too light

[@LandsPlanes]

I love this headset. Very enjoyable, with extra bass but it sounds natural to me. I define it as a closed Edition xs, easier to move with more body and more bass. It seems unbelievable that this is worth €270... once again Hifiman showing its progress every year giving great value for money. And no, it is not an opinion based on few headphones. I have owned and tested Sundara, Edition Xs, Sv21/23, M1060, Verum, Focals, Beyers... Etc

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you like them so much!

[@datdudeinred]

Seeing them now for $110 & it's not like it's black Friday that's why they are so cheap. People bought these for 110 even 4 months back. Just goes to show you how these companies price their products. Especially in the highend market they price them 10x of what they should be priced. Because let's 6

[@PassionforSound]

It could be that they haven't sold well and HiFiMan are cutting their losses and/or consolidating their range. I'm not sure.

[@fwabble]

@@datdudeinred Exactly this, people are brainwashed - these are worth £90.

[@PassionforSound]

Any product is only worth what people will pay for it. It's important not to conflate this with the idea that this is what they cost to make. When companies produce duds that don't sell, they often sell them at a loss to prevent paying ongoing holding costs with storage, interest payments on business loans funding inventory, etc.

[@r00s.]

Another nice review, Lachlan. Just got a highly modified version of this headphone: the Hifiman HE-R9 JM OCD Extreme Stealth Edition. They are modded by a gent named John Massaria. They seem like a big refinement to the R9. I am very excited bc I saw multiple reviewers saying the R9 JM OCD has absolutely incredible bass! His modifications are supposed to nearly eliminate internal resonances. Gonna be cool. I'll try to stop back by and give a quick comment on my impression. Cheers!

[@PassionforSound]

That's very cool. Thanks for letting me know and please do return with some impressions 🙂

[@r00s.]

Ok. Please keep in mind I have never heard the unmodded version of the R9. First impressions: Man, folks were not lying. This thing has some BASS. I mean, like 2 subwoofers attached to your ears and thumping your whole head, monstrous BASS. It is thumpy and relatively tight. My LCD-XC has more texture and speed, but less slam and rumble. Probably, the most enjoyable bass I have experienced in a headphone. The upper mids and treble are smoothed and [the treble at least] probably slightly rolled off. This makes for an enjoyable listen. They are warm, smooth and impactful. I dislike terms like this, but would say they are very "engaging" and "musical." I also agree with the other reviewers that say this mod greatly reduces [nearly eliminates] all undesirable internal resonances, which [my assumption is] helps to add a bit more clarity over the unmodded version. Overall, I am really digging them so far. Far from neutral, the R9 JM OCD Extreme Stealth is for when you want to kick back and have a fun and engaging experience. Highly rec'd for $639 [in the US at least]. Lastly, I paid extra for the "Superband" mod which adds a much more comfortable suspension strap type of headband. IMO, worth it. EDIT: A few more words, better said than myself from a review of these on Reddit: "In a nutshell, there is almost no perceived internal reflection and everything has been tightened up. What this results in is lots and lots of clear detail and microdetail. There is a sense of "punch" and crispness in the sounds you hear, bass is very impactful but at the same time very accurate, no bleeding into the mids, they will rattle your head like a subwoofer though when the music calls for it. Timbre is spot on. All of these characteristics were not present in the original. If I could put them on tiers, the original R9 is somewhat along the lines of th-x00 / Denons etc, these modded R9s are on ZMF Eikon tier, and this isn't an exaggeration, I have owned Eikons in the past."

[@PassionforSound]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing 🙂🙂

[@harackmw]

I got these with the bluetooth gizmo, and it is as good as bluetooth has ever sounded. The cool thing is you can get this for a warmer signature then get the deva pro for something more neutral, I enjoy both.

[@PassionforSound]

I agree. At the current price and with the BT dongle, they're lots of fun as a warmer headphone.

[@АйратКадиков-и4ш]

Благодарю за русские субтитры... Я не согласен с вами. Наушники неплохие, но не создают пространства. Также мало высоких частот. Однако, после мало бюджетных наушников, r9 звучат очень хорошо

[@PassionforSound]

I'm glad you're enjoying them.

[@Charles_-zw6zk]

Now that these are on deep discount, are these a MUST buy? What about the closed Sundara - which would you prefer?

[@PassionforSound]

I like the closed Sundara better than the HE-R9. The R9s are nice, but never would be must buy for me.

[@onnonugteren2935]

@@PassionforSound Why are they better, in which way?

[@PassionforSound]

I found the R9 to be too boomy and thick on some tracks. When they get it right, they're great, but they just go wrong on about 30% of tracks depending on the mix.

[@coiguerrarap]

Thanks for this review Lachlan! I bought these pair of headphone and I was looking for the frecuency response measurements and you are the only that show them 🤟, then I apply Eq to turn them flat and they sound a lot better, more nature, a little more detail, more body than my hd 560s, Greetings!

[@PassionforSound]

So glad I could help and that you're enjoying the headphones!

[@stephenmacks23]

How did you EQ them? I have a Chord Mojo 2, how do you suggest I EQ the HER9?

[@coiguerrarap]

@@stephenmacks23 Hello Steven, you see, I don't have the headphones due to a condition I have, and I no longer tolerate closed headphones. However, I used the EQ settings from the 6:48 minute mark as a reference, and I used APO Equalizer for Windows, if I'm not mistaken. Of course, what I did was invert the graph to counterbalance the frequencies. The main goal was to reduce those low frequencies enough so that they wouldn't saturate, especially if they are exaggerated. After that, it's up to you to decide if the 9K peak bothers you. With proper equalization, I believe you will enjoy those headphones a lot. I'm not sure if the Mojo is a warm, cold, or perhaps neutral DAC/amp, so I hope this has helped, and please let me know how it worked out for you. Regards.

[@jeremysohan]

Thank you for being honest on the build quality, Lachlan. The other reviewers tend to intentionally hide this. For those considering this, please do yourself a favor and go and demo this first, and don't rely on reviews only. This by far is the cheapest feeling headphone in the shop I tried. Everyone in the shop was quite puzzled why it is selling at its price. As for the sound, I only tried it wired. This is the best example for warm and bright at the same time. Slow, thick and not much technicalities to show off.

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure, JJ. I agree that it's important to understand the whole picture and not just the sound. With the R9, the sound is also very variable depending on whether you use the dongle or a wired connection.

[@xhassan496]

2:00 I don’t understand I see it for 170$ why did you say it is 600$ is this different model?

[@PassionforSound]

They must have dropped the price (drastically). If it's called the HE-R9 and comes with the wireless dongle then it's the same headphone.

[@xhassan496]

@@PassionforSound do you think at their current price they are better than anything under 200$? Or I should consider other options

[@PassionforSound]

At $200, I think they're worth a go if you like the sound of what I've described here.

[@adrianomoreira1341]

As always an excellent review and a very well done description. Fennen, at the store where I shop this phone is currently priced at $290. I would like to ask you, or anyone here who knows how to answer, how does it behave in relation to the classic Beyerdynamic DT 770? I mean, if we consider a closed headphone, with an emphasis on the bass, to listen to music when you don't want to disturb anyone next to you, and also taking into account that the price of two headphones is close (at least here for me): the HE -R9 is better than the classic DT 770? Thanks again and a big hug from Brazil, Rio de Janeiro.

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Adriano! Unfortunately I have never spent significant time with the DT770, but from what I remember, the 770 still has some excess treble so I would decide based on that. If you like your treble bright, sparkly and sometimes a bit sibilant then the DT770 is probably better, but if you prefer a smoother, warmer sound that's sometimes a bit too warm (for me at least) then the HE-R9 would be better. Hope that helps!

[@adrianomoreira1341]

@@PassionforSound Thank you very much!

[@joshchacko7729]

Was there a review by Passion for Sound on the Hifiman HE-R10 dynamic and/or planar?

[@PassionforSound]

No, I haven't gotten my hands on those yet. They're one model that HiFiMan haven't been able to get out to me.

[@joshchacko7729]

@@PassionforSound You're so great at responding! I appreciate you man!

[@PassionforSound]

Thank you. My pleasure 🙂

[@julianalbertovelasquezsylv4364]

Hello Lachland. Excellent video!!! How would you compare he 9r vs focal eleia? Which one is better to you? Thanks a lot

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked the video! I haven't had the chance to try the Elegia so I can't answer that one - sorry!

[@julianalbertovelasquezsylv4364]

@@PassionforSound Thanks for your reply

[@interceptionunit6666]

Hello. I'm looking for something with a more good punch/slam and warmer headphone than my sundara. Mostly for metal music. Do you think HE-R9 is good for this? Or should I look at other headphones? Budget is under $500

[@PassionforSound]

The HE-R9 could be good if you're looking for a warm sound. It's not overly punchy so much as full and rich sounding. Not sure what else I'd recommend though - perhaps the Meze 99 Classic or Neo? But they're closed back. If you're in North America, the Apos Caspian would be an excellent choice.

[@interceptionunit6666]

@@PassionforSound Nope, I'm in Europe :( I heard that meze 99 classic is a bit worse on technical level than HE-R9, so I'm not sure about them honestly. What about hifiman edition xs?

[@PassionforSound]

The Edition XS isn't really warm so I wouldn't go for that. I do think the R9 is a bit more technically capable than the Meze 99s so it might be your best option after all

[@interceptionunit6666]

@@PassionforSound alright, thanks for the help!

[@nikokomac3185]

Hello Please can you tell me which have more balanced and quality sound this or meze 99 calssics?

[@PassionforSound]

I'd say the 99 Classics are more balanced/neutral/natural sounding.

[@beyondtheuniverse999]

Hi, I want to make R9 balanced, can I use any dual 3.5mm balanced cable to make it truly balanced? Same as any other hifiman headphones cable like sundara for example? Or does it only have to be TRRS?

[@PassionforSound]

I think I read that it has to be TRRS, but I'm not sure why if you only need a positive and negative to each cup

[@beyondtheuniverse999]

@@PassionforSound hey just letting you know that you can run these balanced with trs dual entry. I got trs cable and it works perfectly, an agent from hifiman whom I spoke to also confirmed that. It's just weird that they do not mention this on their official site or in manual. And running them balanced actually makes them sound better. You can try it it's a pretty clear difference.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for confirming! The benefits of running balanced vs SE will actually come from the amp, not the headphone, but I'm glad you're enjoying them more!

[@mikylenaidoo1779]

Hifiman closed backs still have some years to go imo. I owned a Hifiman R10 planar version ... And while the sound was great , it wasnt spectacular and the build quality felt extremely cheap and tacky. The sound did not justify such a hefty pricetag , so I sold it a few months down the line and lost a chunk of money along with it.

[@PassionforSound]

Sorry to hear about your R10 experience. I do agree that the R9 also feels a bit cheap. I like its sound as a wireless headphone, but agree that there are likely better options for closed backs at the price.

[@mikylenaidoo1779]

@@PassionforSound yes for sure , as a wireless headphone ,they're awesome !

[@JTB--]

I had these (wired version) and returned them. Felt cheap, look bizarre on your head, don't love this style headband... and sounded ok but nothing special. HE-R9 is pretty much a swing and a miss by HIFIMAN imo unless you need a wireless HP.

[@aceofspades6667]

did you get your conductor 3gt yet? if so how do you like it and how do you feel about the dac implementation?

[@JTB--]

@@aceofspades6667 I've had it a few days and I'm listening to it right now running it through the paces with all music genres, Gaming, KZbin and Movies. So far it is passing with flying colors. Easily the best All in One I've ever heard. The DAC is excellent actually. Whatever Burson has done here with the Conductor 3X GT has definitely hit a home run. It is driving the Susvara and HE6se V2 very nicely to the point only a speaker amp might take them another level. But I'm not looking to go deaf going that route in this hobby. So this is end game for sure for me with Susvara and HE6. I had the Chord Hugo TT2 and M-Scaler and sold them because I preferred the Burson Soloist house sound more. The TT2 was very good... but just too analytical and transparent for me. I'd recommend the Conductor 3X GT over the TT2 at half the price every time. Burson has a winner with this one. Glad I took the leap of faith

[@PassionforSound]

So glad you're loving the Conductor GT! I also completely understand your thoughts on the R9 about the headband, wonky looks and slightly cheap feel. They seem to suit the dongle really well so the wireless is a better option IMO

[@aceofspades6667]

@@JTB-- thx JTB... quite the praise for the conductor 3GT for sure!

[@JTB--]

@@aceofspades6667 Anytime. Having owned the Soloist 3XP and seeing the rave reviews for the Soloist 3X GT... it wasn't that big of a leap of faith actually. I had a gut feeling it would be good and I really like the Burson House sound.

[@Feastalisk]

Shame Drop pretty much abandoned Panda, no replacement pads for mine 😢

[@PassionforSound]

I know. Too many technical issues, I think.

[@LandsPlanes]

It has more dynamics than focal elegia or clear OG?

[@PassionforSound]

No, not more dynamics. Just a richer, bassier sound.

[@ImTiredOfFindingAGoodHandle]

the massive random price diffrences reminds me of some of behringer's headphones like their bh470nc

[@stephenmacks23]

Mine are 60 Ohms for some reason and not 32. A sticker has been placed over the 32. Any idea why?

[@PassionforSound]

Maybe a driver update along the way? Not sure

[@stephenmacks23]

@@PassionforSound could they be using the HE-R10 driver as that is 60ohms but 103db and not 100db? I've emailed Hifiman and all they have said is that they haven't updated their website.

[@PassionforSound]

I really don't know - sorry

[@ImTiredOfFindingAGoodHandle]

considering the rapid reduce in price, it might be a cheaper and less efficient driver?

[@PassionforSound]

No, just a headphone that wasn't selling so well so they cut the price (drastically)

[@untitledwebm]

Hey, can the r9 do 3d soundstage? Like not just left right but top bottom and front back ?

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, it has a decent sense of depth too

[@АйратКадиков-и4ш]

Нет. Абсолютно нет 3D. К сожалению( Или мой слух отличается от многих ушей аудиофилов

[@PassionforSound]

It could be your source potentially because I definitely felt that they delivered some good depth and imaging for the price.

[@LandsPlanes]

Main difference between Edition Xs and R9?

[@PassionforSound]

Pretty much everything and I'm not saying that to be cheeky. I can't think of two more different headphones. R9 vs XS is closed vs open, thick and rich vs neutral and a little treble-emphasised, quite spacious vs very left/right in the soundstage, easy to drive, harder to drive.

[@LandsPlanes]

@@PassionforSound thanks

[@miker718]

Hi Lachlan, How would the HE-R9 compare with the sony wh-1000 xm 4's? I may be replacing my xm 4's in the near future.

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't tried the XM4, but owned the XM3 and have the XM5 here now for review. The HE-R9 is a much more open and true hifi sound compared to the XM3. The XM5 comes closer as it's less bassy, etc. but there's still a quality to the XM5 sound that is slightly processed. I really enjoy them so it's not bad, but there's a sense that the music isn't coming through without alteration so the ultimate transparency is better from the R9. Which one sounds better is a tougher call. I'd probably take the R9 over the XM3 (I think XM4 was pretty similar), but the XM5 is a tougher one to call.

[@miker718]

@@PassionforSound Thank you for the reply, looking forward to your XM5 review.

[@PassionforSound]

Me too. I'm really enjoying them as an ANC wireless, but have no sense of them as a music lover's headphone yet...

[@hdtDivemaster]

How is the comfort compared to the xm5? When using them as a portable bt headphone, does one stay on the head significantly better or worse? Is one heavier? Thanks

[@PassionforSound]

I find the XM5 significantly better in almost every way, particularly for stability on the head

[@andreasschwarz4908]

IIRC you like the 99 Classics/Neo/Noir a lot, how bassy are they in comparison?

[@PassionforSound]

I do really like the Meze 99s. The HE-R9 is probably on a similar level to the 99 Neo, but the boost is higher in the bass so it's less sub-bass and more mid-bass.

[@andreasschwarz4908]

​@@PassionforSound Wow, more bass than the Meze, that's quite a lot then 😂Would you rather use the Mezes due to the better isolation then or do you see them being used for different scenarios? Looking for a closed-back daily driver, it's most likely going to be either the NTH-100 or Meze 99 since the R9 seems to have only little isolation (or so I've heard). The DT 700 is too bright for me.

[@cieletoile2363]

Is the wired version different from the wireless?

[@PassionforSound]

It's the same headphone. It just doesn't come with the dongle

[@tecno4u31]

How long does it take to burn in?

[@PassionforSound]

I didn't notice any significant change over time so I wouldn't worry too much about burn-in on these. There might be some, but not enough to worry about

[@daemonkisure2952]

guys idk whats better in general my dt990 250omh vs kz x crinacle iems, can u help me?

[@PassionforSound]

Headphones and IEMs are always difficult to compare. IEMs can provide greater fine details because they're right in your ear, but headphones will be more tactile because they move more air and will produce a larger sense of space

[@mohamedomer6134]

They are now on offer in the hifiman store for 84$

[@PassionforSound]

That's a crazy price for them

[@mohamedomer6134]

​@@PassionforSound I was thinking of getting a dynamic with a good bass, and I was considering a focal, this was not on my radar at all, and now I bought them life is strange and unpredictable.

[@AryanC130]

Why is ur videos getting quieter day by day. At full volume for my phone speaker it sounds nominal and my phone is very loud that it mics a home theatre when I play movies

[@PassionforSound]

I'm running basically the same settings as I always have so I'm not sure about that. In fact, I recently changed my volume normalisation to be louder so unless KZbin's processing is squashing the volume as a result, the videos should be the same or louder. I'll try some other channels and then mine and see how we compare...

[@AryanC130]

@@PassionforSound keep the mic closer maybe

[@PassionforSound]

My mic is exactly as close as it can be without blocking the screen. I checked vs other channels I watch and the difference is just a matter of 1-2 clicks of volume on this video so I'm not sure why you're having trouble

[@russellnedland4569]

I just ordered these from Hifiman, open box, for $69.

[@PassionforSound]

Great deal! Enjoy.

[@dasninjastix]

Great review, appreciate the public service announcement for the BlueMini. Makes me wonder if HiFiMan has any sort of QA for user experience. You're getting the Mark Levinson's too soon no?

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked the review. It does make me wonder how the volume level on the BlueMini could pass an actual use test! I'm hoping to collect a loan pair of the 5909s this week...

[@jackliao]

I would only buy this for 100$

[@PassionforSound]

It's worth a lot more than that

[@r00s.]

lol

[@ImTiredOfFindingAGoodHandle]

(it is now on sale for around $100)

[@aceofspades6667]

Once you've heard the VC and the focal closed backs this becomes an obscolete product.

[@PassionforSound]

To a degree, but they're very differently priced (until ZMF do a sub $1,000 closed back!)

[@Thestripper1]

They are red.