HIFIMAN HE-R9 Dynamic Closed-Back Headphones with optional Bluetooth Adaptor

The HiFiMAN HE-R9 are closed-back dynamic headphones with HiFiMAN’s Topology diaphragm, large crimson ear cups and a leather and memory-foam headband on a steel frame. At 60Ω and 100dB sensitivity they suit a portable player as well as a desktop amplifier; a dual 3.5mm cable and 6.35mm adapter come in the box, and the version with the Bluemini R2R adapter turns them into wireless headphones with LDAC and aptX HD.

A dynamic driver with a Topology diaphragm

HiFiMAN’s rare-earth magnet gives the driver high sensitivity, an advanced voice coil drives it, and the Topology diaphragm extends the detailed high-frequency response up to 35kHz.

The Topology diaphragm has a special nano-particle coating on its surface, applied in different patterns. The idea came from HiFiMAN founder Dr Fang Bian’s PhD thesis: different nano materials have different structures, each with its own properties, so by carefully controlling the structure of the diaphragm’s surface, HiFiMAN can tune its acoustic performance to a degree previously unobtainable, for a more natural, detailed sound.

Elegance outside, strength inside

The outside of the headband is covered in high-quality leather for a soft, elegant look; inside is high-grade memory foam, chosen for the most comfortable fit and elasticity; and the frame itself is solid steel. The result is light yet strong.

Large ear cups for superior acoustics

The crimson red ear cups are large, and their internal space gives the powerful driver the volume and breathing room it needs to sound its best.

One socket, two kinds of cable

Each cup has a 3.5mm socket that takes HiFiMAN’s dual-sided unbalanced 3.5mm TRS cable (included), and the left socket also accepts a single-sided 3.5mm TRRS balanced cable (not included) or the Bluemini R2R. The HE-R9 is not compatible with TS cables, so check the wiring of any aftermarket cable against HiFiMAN’s diagram before you use it.

Wireless with the Bluemini R2R

The Bluemini R2R plugs into the left socket and turns the HE-R9 into hi-res wireless headphones. Small but mighty, it has a Qualcomm QCC5124 Bluetooth 5.0 chip receiving LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC, and HiFiMAN’s own HYMALAYA R2R DAC module, ultra-small and highly efficient, with an amplifier. It has a 114dB signal-to-noise ratio, weighs 25g and plays for 6–7 hours on a charge. Pair it with a phone, tablet or laptop.

Good to know

• Choose “HiFiMAN HE-R9” for the wired headphones only, or “with R2R Bluemini” to include the Bluetooth adapter.
• A single-sided 3.5mm TRRS balanced cable is not included; TS cables are not compatible.
• In the box: HE-R9 headphones, dual-sided 3.5mm TRS cable and 6.35mm adapter (plus the Bluemini R2R on that version).
• For open-back planar headphones with a Bluetooth adapter, see the HiFiMAN Deva Pro.