The HIFIMAN HE-560 V4 is a headphone that I’ve had for a couple of years now. Sometimes I may have written it off, or I haven’t developed a taste before I actually got around to judging it. The HE-560 V4 is an epic headphone and is perhaps one of my favorite headphones I’ve purchased. Only after some time did I begin to realize it.

My HiFi hobby habits were very sporadic and impulsive when I decided to buy equipment. I didn’t really slow down and learn some things I probably should have before entering, but that’s also the fun of the hobby.

As I’m getting deeper into the hobby and trying the HE-560 V4 with different sources, how surprised I am years later that a headphone I purchased on Adorama years for a Black Friday sale turned out to be such an enjoyable headphone.

The HIFIMAN HE-560 V4 is a lightweight headphone with a high-quality, reference sound. If you are a consumer, around the Black Friday holiday, I was able to pick up the HE-560 V4 for ~$269 dollars.

This headphone unsurprisingly complements neutral headphones like the HD 600 very well, and I consider it close to the HD 600 and HD 650 regarding reputation and how widely loved they are, however, the HE-560 V4 is a planar magnetic, and I believe is a more resolving headphone with better soundstage and dynamics compared to the HD 600 and HD 650. Nowadays, the HD 650 has become a bit warm for me, but who knows when I’ll pick it back up in the future. The HE-560 V4 hits the sweet spot because it has a neutral-warm signature that can pair well with any kind of equipment while providing a more open and intricately layered sound.

The sound of the HE-560 V4 pulls you into the sound with its resolution, it’s a more intimate presentation that isn’t extremely precise, but rather extremely musical while remaining high-definition.

The bass is smooth, impactful, and thorough, going to the lowest of lows while also reaching a sweet middle ground in its quality and slam where it excels in its presentation. The bass quality adds smoothness, character, and depth to a track. Very defined, and tight bass that can’t be described as anything else as quality. To be frank, to me, it’s as good as it gets. Not only is it precise, but it also has an engaging ambiance and a good atmosphere to drive a wonderful, classic sound. 

I’ve found that the HE-560 V4 pairs perfectly with neutral gear. This is because, at its base, the quality is so apparent and vast that when you mix the neutral details into the audio, it becomes very lively, not in the sense that it’s a little bright, but it’s very dynamic while being non-fatiguing as well.

It’s quite an ethereal experience listening to the HE-560 V4, it can get very energetic and engages you in the sound with its versatility and ability to extract detail. Talking about being there without being there, the background is lovely with the HE-560 V4 as the notes are playing. 

At ~$269 during Black Friday for a budget headphone like the HE-560 V4, it’s a steal. The HE-560 V4 is a reference-grade, classic headphone that I feel I haven’t heard enough of. It’s my complement to the HD 600 and I believe it’s one of the most competitive, HiFi headphones in the market.

I would recommend the HE-560 V4 to anyone. It’s a very cozy setting which the HE-560 V4 provides. It's a treat to have HiFi audio at HE-560 V4's price point, and I might've overlooked it before, but it has become one of my favorite headphones.

Product Links:

HIFIMAN HE-560 V4: Amazon - https://amzn.to/3A2krUm, Adorama

Sources: Audio-GD HE-7, Topping D90SE, Yulong D18

USB: Singxer SU-6

Amplifiers: ampsandsound Kenzie OG Rev 2