Introduction

HE-500 is the name of the newest headphone from Head-Direct. The HE-500s fit in between the recently reviewed HE-6 and the HE-5LE. The design of the HE-500s allows them to be run out of just a portable amplifier where both the HE-6 and HE-5LEs require a decent full sized setup.

The HE-500's exterior is very similar to that of the HE-6’s, the paint has been changed from glossy black to a less fingerprint sensitive gunmetal grey. The sensitivity has been bumped up by a full 6 dB/mW compared to the power hungry HE-6s. Equally impressive is the price which is $300 lower than that of the HE-6s. The HE-500s will cost $899 at launch which is a competitive price all aspects considered.

Specifications

Headphones

• Efficiency: 89 dB/mW
• Impedance: 38 Ohm
• Planar Magnetic driver (orthodynamic)
• Frequency response: 15 Hz to 50 kHz
• Weight: 502 g

Accessories

• Two headphone cable connectors
• Backup ear pad