mesoteric

Oh, sorry - my mistake, I mean't the HE-500 Sorry for my confusion

I meant with regard to the HE-560's departure from metal enclosures to wood, similar to the AUDEZE LCD2/3's. But I think the HE-560's are a very good looking headphone with these new wood enclosures.

These are great headphones - very crisp and clear detailed sound without any harsh highs that the TH600 can be. The TH900 is that more of a refined sound, but I'm not sure it's worth around double the price of the TH600, which I'd say is better value though a little brighter. Soundstage on both the TH600 & TH900 is excellent and you could forget these are closed back rather than open. I think FOSTEX have a new headphone coming soon (TH500RP), which just going off its model number suggests it fits behind the TH600? Build of headband and cup brackets look the same as the TH600 and 900's with different metal enclosures in styling.

This QC issue doesn't surprise me - first pair of HE-6's I received had no sound from the left earcup/driver, totally DOA. The dealer made apology and asked if I wanted a new pair shipped or refund - I took the refund. Chanced buying the HE-6 again after building up the courage and thankfully they were without issue, but pretty disappointing first time around and unexpected for top tier cans for sure. All I can say is that I'm glad to have taken a second bite at the HE-6's as they are just unbelievably good. The HIFIMAN HE-560's appear to be mimicking the wood style of the AUDEZE LCD-2/3's, whilst the AUDEZE LCD-X's appear to be mimicking the HIFIMAN HE-6's aluminium enclosures so perhaps each respective manufacturer is trying to take a bit of each other's market in the aesthetics dept? I've read contrasting reviews for the HE-560, some saying they prefer them over the HE-6 and vice versa, so it's naturally individually subjective, but I do like the wood styling and reports of improved comfort and lighter weight all seem positive.

After picking up the superb thinksound On1 monitor on ear headphones recently, I emailed thinksound to mention my general appreciation of the sound quality of these mighty cans. Shortly after the CEO of thinksound Aaron Fournier, sent me a few emails, the latter of which detailed a design weakness in the headband of the On1 monitors. I reported back with no issue as yet to my set but would keep him informed nonetheless. The most recent email I received from thinksound appeared to be a blanket email, signed off by Aaron which is as below: "I just wanted to update you on the replacement part for your thinksound On1 headphone. The part has been tested and approved and is currently in production. This part will be made of die cast metal to ensure a much more durable headband. The new and improved part should be available in about 3 weeks time. I will email then for an update on how we will proceed so we can fix any issue you may have. Please let me know if you have any questions and thanks for your patience. The part did take a little longer than expected due to the amount of testing I wanted to complete on it. Best regards, Aaron Fournier President /CEO/Engineer thinksound [email protected] 350 Route 108 Suite 204 Somersworth, NH 03878 www.thinksound.com" This is pretty decent of thinksound to proactively look after their customers, and I thought it may assist any head-caser that may also own these cans who may be unaware to contact thinksound to get this replacement part sent out to them. My cans to date are as good as new with no sign of this design flaw showing, but I'll definitely request this part be sent to me in case the defect shows up down the line... Aside from this issue, the thinksound On1 monitor headcans are the very best on ear headphones I've heard to date, they are simply amazing and my number one portable headphone that doesn't require a portable amplifier, though these cans are up scalable, and do improve from their already amazing sound signature when paired with a portable or static amplifier. Mmmm...nice wood for sure