Hifiman HE-R9

The Hifiman HE-R9 offers an interesting audio experience, especially for those who are looking for a pair of closed-back headphones with a warm sound signature. However, some design choices and sound characteristics might not appeal to everyone.  

Build and Comfort

Headband: 
The headband is one of the weaker aspects of the HE-R9. It feels somewhat cheap and lacks the comfort and durability found in higher-end models. While it serves its purpose, it may not be the best for extended listening sessions.

Pads: 
The ear pads are made of pleather on the outside and have a mesh interior. They are replaceable, which is a plus. The ear cups do not have much jiggle or wiggle, providing a stable fit. The noise isolation is better than open-back headphones, but it’s not fully isolating, so some external sounds might still get through.

Weight and Clamp Force:
At 328 grams, the HE-R9 is reasonably light. The clamp force is gentle, making them comfortable to wear for longer periods. However, the headband’s design detracts from the overall comfort, and the fit may not be ideal for those who prefer a snug feel. 

Audio Quality

Treble: 
The treble is on the sharper side, with a slightly metallic quality. It can be fatiguing over time and may require some EQ adjustments to tame it. Without these adjustments, the treble can come off as too harsh for some listeners.

Bass: 
The bass is abundant in quantity but lacks precision. It’s boomy and can overshadow the mids, resulting in a sluggish, overwhelming low-end. For those who enjoy a strong bass presence, this might be appealing, but it comes at the cost of clarity.

Tonality: 
The overall tonality is very warm, with the bass dominating the sound profile. The mids are pushed far back, making them feel recessed and distant. This might be appealing to bass enthusiasts, but it detracts from a balanced listening experience.

Imaging and Soundstage:
The soundstage is not particularly impressive. The right and left channels feel like large boxes, and the transition of sound from the sides to the center is not smooth. The central image feels confined, and the soundstage lacks the spaciousness that some might expect. The detail retrieval is okay but not exceptional, with some details being lost due to the overpowering bass. 

Amplification

Power Requirements: 
With a sensitivity of 100 dB and an impedance of 32 ohms, the HE-R9 is relatively easy to drive. However, to get the best performance, a good-quality amplifier is recommended. While they can be driven by portable devices, an amplifier would help to refine the sound and control the bass better. 

Price

The price has dropped signified, when they released the cost for these was around 500€+, now you can get them for about 120+~€.

Conclusion

 The Hifiman HE-R9 might appeal to listeners who enjoy a very warm sound with strong bass presence. However, the bass can be overpowering and sluggish, impacting the overall sound quality. The design choices, such as the headband and the less-than-ideal soundstage, might be off-putting for some. While they are more affordable now than their original price, they may not offer the best value for everyone. If you’re considering these headphones, be sure to take their sound profile and design into account to determine if they’re the right fit for you.