Shanling, whose headquarters sit in Shenzhen, China, has been designing audio components for nearly four decades. They offer a roomful of high quality products ranging from IEMs and highly regarded DAPs to high-end CD players, streamers, and amplifiers. Last year, they delivered their first full-size planar magnetic headphone, the HW600 ($1099).
Design
From three paces, the HW600 presents like an outsized pro pair with subtle style. See the bamboo-inspired pattern on the aircraft-grade 7xxx aluminum earcup exterior and copper accents. The rigid aluminum and stainless steel (for the headband) framework, asymmetric design, and captive earpads contribute to the overall aesthetic, fit, and voicing. The vented earpads and headband both utilize lambskin. The earcups can be adjusted vertically to better distribute the not inconsiderable weight (480g w/o cable). The HW600 ships with a 1.5m single crystal copper cable with balanced 4.4mm amp-end termination and dual 3.5mm connectors for the earcups. The latter is good news, I think, for the cable collectors.
The inner workings are centered around a large (110x86mm) and ultra-thin 8 μm diaphragm, paired with a silver-plated aluminum coil. Shanling claims a frequency response of 12-40000hz. Within the single-unit driver is a dual-sided assembly employing 14 neodymium-iron-boron magnets, reaching a magnetic flux density of 1.8T. All of this contributes to the HW600’s efficiency (104db@1kHz / 30 ohm) and responsiveness.
Reference
Here, the stream starts with the Eversolo DMP-A6 as dedicated streamer feeding Qobuz via USB to the Schiit Yggdrasil DAC (v1+Analog2+Gen5USB), with the Enleum AMP-23R amplifier providing power. I used the Dan Clark Audio (DCA) NOIRE X planar magnetic headphones as a reference. The headphones are similarly priced, and while quite different in their design, the NOIRE X’s more linear view of the music provided a useful perspective. AudioQuest power products and cable tether it all to the ground. I used the alternate cable provided by Forte Distribution, as the AMP-23R offers a single 6.3mm headphone output.
The Dance
The HW600 are well-built and have the premium look and feel we expect from a product in this range. Initially, I thought I might struggle with them, but they fit quite well with the earcups in the highest, or closed position. As I mentioned above, we can adjust their vertical position, and they swivel 180 degrees. The fit is snug (I do have a large head) and weight is distributed evenly, and while the headphones are nearing my outer limits as far as weight is concerned, I could sit for long sessions without issue. For reference, this is about as heavy as I’d want to go for a headphone that would see regular use. If you’ve been wrapping your melon in Audeze, ZMF, or other heavyweight designs, this may not be a concern.
Big and Lovely
The early impression was one of presence. Physicality. There was no leaning in, in an attempt to discern the character of the HW600. They projected a large, concrete image, bathed in color. Not lacking in resolution, they simply balanced insight with force, tone, and touch. I imagine that these weren’t errors of omission, but choices driven by the desired voicing and, of course, budget. This was a sophisticated sound, I thought, though it was also fun. Carefully sculpted playback. Certain systems project a sound that is indelible. This is the kind of playback that has us sitting through long sessions with familiar music. Way cool. Great playback feels good. Your body knows. As important as measurements are to the design and manufacture of hi-fi components, our bodies also feel everything that our dear machines capture. The HW600 had my attention from the start.
Using the DCA NOIRE X planar for contrast, the HW600 deliver slightly rounder transients, the NOIRE X, generally speaking, being several steps closer to an open window, as well as more buttoned down. Dynamics are restrained in comparison, which is no surprise considering their design approach. With the HW600, the projected stage is large, though objects are closer, bigger, and more colorful. There’s an uncanny balance in their dance, a delicious physicality that frankly took me by surprise. It’s no small feat to add weight and color to the midrange without losing a step. Giant (delightfully contoured) steps. Again, the projected image is large, though it does not feel like scale was prioritized over touch. Better yet, image depth is brought into further relief by that tantalizing blend of weighty tone, texture, and speed. Here, in this system, dynamic expression is reaching the threshold where the language I use to describe it must change to something more abstract. Because, music. Speaking of, I’ve included a playlist here that I used for this report. In lieu of a written analysis of several songs, I’m going to sum up the listening experience. Regardless of genre, the HW600 consistently delivered.
https://widget.qobuz.com/playlist/47382787?zone=US-en
I’d stand the HW600 next to Zu Audio’s loudspeakers (I’ve owned their original Soul MkII, Druid MkIV, and Soul 6), if I were to seek their analog in the space between two speakers. Like the Zu Audio speakers, the HW600 doesn’t lose its voice at low volumes. Turn the volume down, and listen quietly. Does this system still capture your attention? Volume matters, of course. There is a sweet spot where driver and the driven dance. That said, for this listener, a great system will also transmit the energy of a performance at low levels. The sensitivity (104 dB) and impedance (30 ohms) make the HW600 a light load. You won’t need much power to get them on their feet, so they would likely pair well with Shanling’s DAPs, for example. That said, I don’t see these travelling well, but are best for home and office, where others won’t mind the aural bleed. Here at home, in this context, the overpowered Enleum’s useful gain range is diminished, though that does not detract from this handsome pair’s sound. Regardless of the musical fare, the HW600’s balanced control and expression, power and finesse, bellow and flow. I’ll add that, as a practical matter, finding satisfaction at lower volumes may also spare our sensitive ears.
By these ears, this headphone was voiced from the center out, toward the extremes. If you’re looking for incisive clarity and heavyweight sub frequencies, the HW600 may not be your ideal dance partner. There is energy there, no doubt, but the frequency extremes are not prioritized over the rest of the music. The high frequency performance is well-textured, weighty, and avoids overtly coloring, cooking, or desaturating well-recorded vocals. One example. Cymbals are another easily spotted example of over-hyped high freqs. The HW600 maintains cymbal size, character, and color when the recording demands it. As for the lower frequencies, there’s power there, so those whose tastes include heavier music won’t be left wanting. Here, hard-panned guitars, for one, maintain their tone and center of gravity. The lowest octave may lose a bit of that captivating texture, though this seems in line with Shanling’s overall approach to the voicing.
Any nits aside, the results of Shanling’s efforts here show a certain confidence. The tuning, fixed earpads, and material choices all lend to that intended voicing. I do want, you know, if we’re taking turns sharing here at year’s end, peace, and an option for replaceable and alternate (veggie, perhaps) earpads. Acknowledging that this could alter the HW600’s voice in some way, if Shanling could give that to listeners without compromising sonics, then, yes, please. Some have commented online that Shanling borrowed from Meze Audio’s own aesthetic choices for their first full-sized headphone. Why stop there, I say. Meze’s fully-serviceable designs are an example for all future designers, as far as I am concerned.
Finally
The Shanling HW600 is secret hot, a Dark Clark. Things are not what they seem, but fear not, that which was obscured is made from sunlight. Like that. That’s the HW600. Pro-like aesthetic, subdued style, and carefully shaped sound. Shanling overcome the not inconsiderable weight (480g w/o cable) with thoughtful design, rigid structure, and a snug fit. Cool. Again, take note that the pair just fit my large melon on their lowest setting. This, and those captive earpads, may limit the HW600’s potential audience. Clearly built with a certain voicing in mind, this middleweight planar sings a seductive tune. It has, at its core, an agility and control that, in this system, makes for a more physical listen. Stellar dynamics, tone, dimension, and deft tuning. Shanling has balanced the pair’s many strengths to deliver an immersive and alluring listening experience. The HW600 is well worth a listen. I look forward to Shanling’s next move in this space.
Thanks to Lily and Forte Distribution for the loan.
Price: $1,099
Manufacturer’s Websites:
https://en.shanling.com/product/461
Specifications:
- Driver Type: Planar Magnetic
- Driver Size: 110x86mm
- Impedance: 30Ω
- Sensitivity: 104dB ±3dB
- Frequency Response: 12Hz – 40kHz
- Weight: 480g (without cable)
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