HIFIMAN HE-5se Planar Magnetic Headphones

The bass hits with real authority for an open-back, and the midrange clarity is fantastic. I’ve been using them for acoustic and jazz, and the soundstage feels wide and immersive.

The nanometer-thick diaphragm really opens up the midrange—acoustic guitars and vocals sound incredibly present. Bass is tight and controlled, not boomy at all. A solid upgrade from my previous planars.

I’ve been listening to the original HE series for years, and the way this version updates the classic design while keeping the same basic driver structure is really smart. The nanometer-thick diaphragm still delivers that open, airy sound, but the tuning feels more refined and easier to enjoy with m