Have you ever pulled your AirPods out of the laundry, looked at their soggy, lifeless state, and thought, “There’s got to be a better option”? Well, there is—and it’s big, bold, and unapologetically red. Enter the Hifiman HE-R9 Headphone, a hidden gem that’s both budget-friendly and surprisingly capable.
Table of Contents
I would like to thank Mark from Hifiman for providing the HE-R9 for the purposes of honest review.
Introduction: The Budget-Friendly Audiophile Option
Originally priced around $600 USD, the HE-R9 now sits comfortably in the $100–$200 USD range (approximately €90–€185), offering fantastic value for those looking to experience audiophile-level sound without breaking the bank. But here’s the thing: while many people swear by reviews from enthusiasts, there’s a caveat most of us overlook—our hearing isn’t universal.
Let’s be honest: our hearing changes as we age, and no two people perceive sound the exact same way. So blindly following someone else’s opinion about headphones is like borrowing someone else’s glasses—it might give you a sense of clarity, but it’s not tailored to your needs. This is why I’m going beyond a simple review and showing you how to customize the HE-R9 to fit your unique hearing profile using EQ.
And for those audiophiles clutching their pearls at the mention of EQ? Well, unless your ears are immune to the passage of time, you might want to reconsider.
First Impressions: The Good, The Boomy, and the Big Red
The HE-R9 is impossible to ignore—literally. With its bright red earcups and oversized design, this headphone demands attention. Some will love the bold aesthetic; others might wish it were a little more discreet.
In terms of comfort, the HE-R9 excels. The lightweight build (328 grams / 11.6 ounces), plush hybrid ear pads, and minimal clamping force make them perfect for extended listening sessions. However, the plastic-heavy construction may leave you wishing for a more premium feel.
One thing I did notice after listening for a while is that the soft ear pads can produce a subtle crackling sound when the material rubs against my skin. It’s not something that will bother everyone, and it’s very faint—you really have to pay attention to notice it. But now that I’ve mentioned it, chances are, you’ll start to notice it too. It’s one of those quirks that’s not a deal-breaker, but worth keeping in mind.
Out of the box, the sound is best described as fun. The bass is massive, the mids are warm, and the soundstage is shockingly wide for closed-back headphones. But the treble is laid-back, and that boomy bass can occasionally overwhelm the mids. It’s enjoyable, but not without its flaws. Fortunately, those flaws are fixable.
Sound Optimization: Peace Equalizer to the Rescue
The Hifiman HE-R9 truly shines when paired with a little EQ magic. With some tweaks, this headphone transforms from a bass-heavy powerhouse into a balanced and versatile performer. Using Peace Equalizer, interface for Equalizer APO, a free sound optimization tool, I developed a custom EQ profile to address the key sound issues that are specific to my ears and my music preference:
- Taming the overpowering bass.
- Enhancing clarity in the mids.
- Adding sparkle to the treble without introducing harshness.
Peace Equalizer serves as a user-friendly interface for Equalizer APO on Windows PCs. It offers system-wide audio equalization, balance adjustments, crossfeeding, delay effects, and more. Compatible with Windows Vista through 11, Peace lets you save and activate your custom EQ settings effortlessly with hotkeys or desktop shortcuts.
Installing it is simple: first, download and install Equalizer APO, then run the PeaceSetup.exe file. With this setup, you can unlock the full potential of your HE-R9 headphone and tailor the sound to your preferences with ease.
Why Over-Ear Headphone Beats AirPods Every Time
AirPods are great for convenience—until you realize you’ve spent a small fortune replacing lost earbuds. And let’s not even talk about ear fatigue after hours of use.
Over-ear headphone like the HE-R9, on the other hand, is built for comfort and immersion. No more digging earbuds out of your ears after a long day. Plus, it does not come with hidden EQ presets that Apple decides for you. With the HE-R9, you’re in control—tweak the sound to match your preferences, not someone else’s algorithm.
EQ Settings Breakdown
Here’s a quick look at what my EQ profile does:
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- Bass: Tames the mid-bass bloat for better balance while keeping the punchy fun factor.
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- Mids: Brings out the vocals and instrument clarity without muddying the sound.
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- Treble: Adds sparkle and detail without harshness, making the overall sound more engaging.
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- Soundstage: Maintains the wide, immersive feel this headphone are known for.
With these adjustments, the HE-R9 becomes a true jack-of-all-trades, capable of handling everything from bass-heavy tracks to delicate acoustic ballads.
Testing Your Audio: A Fun Way to Fine-Tune Your Setup
Once you’ve customized your Hifiman HE-R9 headphone with Peace Equalizer, it’s time to test your sound with this Ultimate Audio Test for Headphones & Speakers on YouTube. The video features high-resolution audio tracks, including jazz, blues, drum tests, and vocals, allowing you to evaluate your headphone’s performance across various genres and sound details. Find a quiet space, play the video at a comfortable volume, and listen carefully to how the adjustments feel. If something sounds off, tweak your EQ settings in Peace Equalizer for even better results. It’s a quick and fun way to unlock the full potential of your headphone!
Ready to transform your listening experience?
Do You Need a Headphone Amplifier?
While the HE-R9 is relatively easy to drive with its 60-ohm impedance and 100dB sensitivity, adding a headphone amplifier can unlock its full potential. Think of it like giving your car a tune-up—it works fine as is, but with a little extra power, it’ll perform even better.
For example, portable amplifiers like the FiiO K7 or iFi Hip DAC can significantly enhance clarity, punch, and overall dynamics. Even a simple Portable Balanced DAC Headphone Amplifier with 400 mW output (into 60 Ω) is more than enough to bring this headphone to life.
The Hidden Equalizer in Many Consumer Earbuds
Did you know that many consumer headphones come with built-in EQ adjustments designed to sound “good” for the average listener? While convenient, this approach means the manufacturer decides how your music should sound. With the HE-R9, however, you hold the reins. Want deeper bass? A touch more treble? The choice is entirely yours. This level of control and personalization is what makes over-ear headphone like the HE-R9 such a rewarding investment.
Who Is This Headphone For?
The HE-R9 is perfect for:
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- Remote Workers: All-day comfort and sound isolation for productive work sessions.
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- Students: Affordable and durable, with sound quality that makes study sessions more enjoyable.
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- Budget Audiophiles: An excellent introduction to high-end sound without the high-end price tag.
- Gamers: Immersive soundstage and precise imaging make this headphone ideal for enhancing your gaming experience, from pinpointing footsteps in competitive games to fully enjoying cinematic soundtracks in story-driven titles.
Conclusion: Start Your Audiophile Journey Today
The Hifiman HE-R9 isn’t just a headphone—it’s an opportunity to discover a new way of listening. Sure, it has its flaws, but with a little EQ tweaking (and maybe an amplifier), it becomes something special.
And let’s face it: blindly trusting someone else’s review is risky, especially since everyone hears sound differently. Instead, invest in something you can customize to your ears, your taste, and your preferences.
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The Review
Hifiman HE-R9
The Hifiman HE-R9 headphone offers an engaging, bass-forward sound signature and a wide soundstage, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious audiophiles who enjoy dynamic listening experiences. With its lightweight design, plush ear pads, and comfortable fit, it is suitable for long sessions, although the plastic-heavy build and flashy red cups may not appeal to everyone. While out-of-the-box sound can be overly bass-heavy with subdued treble, these headphones truly when paired with EQ adjustments, providing a level of customization that rivals higher-end models. Despite minor quirks, such as crackling from the pads and a basic accessory package, the HE-R9 stands out as an exceptional value, particularly with its current pricing between $100 and $200. Add an amplifier and some simple EQ tweaks, and you have a headphone that performs well above their price range.
PROS
- Lightweight design (328g / 11.6 oz) with plush hybrid ear pads for long listening sessions.
- Minimal clamping force and good weight distribution reduce fatigue.
- Great texture and punch without sacrificing control (once EQ is applied).
- Lightweight design (328g / 11.6 oz) with plush hybrid ear pads for long listening sessions.
- Closed-back design provides decent passive isolation while remaining breathable.
- Wide and open soundstage for a closed-back design.
- Clear instrument separation with a 3D-like imaging effect.
- Excellent for live recordings and binaural tracks.
CONS
- Out of the box, mid-bass bloat can overpower mids and treble.
- May not suit critical listening without EQ adjustments.
- Lacks sparkle and energy, resulting in a smooth but recessed high end.
- Treble detail doesn’t match the level of planar magnetic counterparts in Hifiman’s lineup.
- Plastic-heavy build feels less premium
- Some users may hear a faint crackling sound from the ear pad material when rubbing against the skin.
- Basic unboxing experience with only a standard cable and foam headphone stand
