Hifiman HE-1000se vs Arya Organic vs ZMF Caldera vs Meze Empyrean

Summary

In this audio gear review, the reviewer compares several high-end headphones, including the Hi-Fi Man H1000 SE, Ario Organic, and ZMF Caldera. They discuss the sound characteristics, such as the ARA Organic's visceral energy and the Hexi's refined, lifelike timbre. The reviewer also evaluates comfort, bass response, and soundstage, ultimately favoring the Hexi for its superior timbre and controlled bass. The video concludes with the reviewer's decision to keep the Hexi over the ARA Organic due to its refinement and superior sound quality.

Takeaways

• 🎧 The user recently acquired the HiFiMan H1000 SE and the Ario Organic, reconsidering their previous 'endgame' audio setup.
• 🔄 The user had previously been satisfied with the Hifiman Arya and the ZMF Caldera, but new experiences at CanJam led to changes in preference.
• 🎶 The user was particularly impressed by the Mesa Imperion OG's mids, soundstage, and high-frequency handling at the Audio Valve booth.
• 🆚 A comparison between the Arya Organic and the HiFiMan HE1000 SE (referred to as 'hexi') reveals that the latter offers a more refined and lifelike sound with better timbre.
• 🎵 The Arya Organic is described as having a visceral, raw energy that can be engaging but also fatiguing, leading to a preference for the hexi for longer listening sessions.
• 👂 The user notes that the hexi provides a more intimate soundstage compared to the Arya Organic, which offers a more expansive, concert hall-like experience.
• 💸 The user discusses the price differences between the headphones, with the HiFiMan models now more affordable than the original prices.
• 🎵 The user finds the bass on the Arya Organic to have more impact, while the hexi offers better definition.
• 🎶 The user prefers the hexi for its superior timbre and control in bass, especially when listening to a song by Los Lobos.
• 🔊 The user plans to do a follow-up video comparing different amplifiers used with these headphones, indicating a continued exploration of audio gear.

Q & A

What headphones did the user initially consider as their 'endgame'?

The user initially considered the Hifiman Arya with the original V1 release and the Fiio Electric V28 as their endgame.

What headphones did the user pick up at Can Jam that made them reconsider their endgame?

The user picked up the Hifiman HE1000 SE and the Ario Organic at Can Jam.

What was the user's initial impression of the Hifiman sound at Can Jam?

The user was blown away by the Hifiman sound, describing it as 'super resolving' with a 'huge immense Sound Stage' and 'big open sound'.

What headphones did the user sell to afford the new Hifiman models?

The user sold their Hifiman Arya to afford the new Hifiman HE1000 SE and the Ario Organic.

How does the user describe the sound of the Ario Organic?

The user describes the Ario Organic as having a 'visceral raw' sound with 'highly resolving' and 'amazing bass response'.

What issue did the user find with the Ario Organic after extended listening?

The user found that the Ario Organic could cause headaches and was less defined compared to other headphones, leading to a need for breaks.

How does the user compare the Ario Organic to the Hifiman HE1000 SE in terms of soundstage?

The user states that the Ario Organic has a bigger soundstage, while the HE1000 SE has a more refined and lifelike sound.

What is the user's preference between the Ario Organic and the Hifiman HE1000 SE?

The user prefers the Hifiman HE1000 SE for its superior timbre and more lifelike sound.

What other headphones did the user compare to the Hifiman models?

The user compared the Hifiman models to the Audeze LCD-1, the original Mesa Imperion OG, and the ZMF Caldera.

What conclusion did the user come to regarding the Hifiman HE1000 SE and the Ario Organic?

The user decided to keep the Hifiman HE1000 SE and return the Ario Organic due to the former's superior refinement and timbre.

What are the user's thoughts on the ZMF Caldera compared to the Hifiman models?

The user finds the ZMF Caldera to have a balance between the softness and warmth of the Audeze headphones and the energy and resolution of the Hifiman models.