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AKG K872 vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth - Outstanding overall at around $1399.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth leads on 4 of 4 measures.

  • AKG K872
  • HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
HearWiki score
67
83
Sound
8.2
9.3
Value
3.5
8.8
Price (USD)
$2,000
$1,400

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth is 7 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 7 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • K8722016
  • HE 1000 Stealth20237 yr newer

Specifications

K872HE 1000 Stealth
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$2,000
$1,400
HearWiki score
67
83
Released
2016
2023
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
53 mm dynamic
planar magnetic
Driver type
dynamic
planar
Driver size
53 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
5 Hz - 54 kHz
8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature
-
neutral
Impedance
36 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
109 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
112
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
390 g
458 g
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
No
Connector
-
6.35 mm
Balanced connection
-
Yes

What reviewers said

AKG K872

The AKG K872 is a premium closed-back studio headphone that combines a wide frequency response with a 53mm dynamic driver, delivering detailed and accurate sound. It's designed for professional use, offering strong isolation and ease of driving from modest sources, though it benefits from a dedicated amplifier for optimal performance. While it presents a versatile and refined tuning compared to earlier models, its high price and specific studio focus may limit its appeal to general consumers.

  • Pro:Wide frequency response and detailed sound reproduction
  • Pro:Strong passive isolation suitable for studio environments
  • Pro:Easy to drive from portable devices and modest sources
  • Con:High price point limits accessibility
  • Con:Requires a quality headphone amplifier for best sound
  • Con:Not foldable, reducing portability

HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth

The HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth is a wired, open-back planar magnetic flagship that delivers a neutral, highly detailed sound signature. It's easier to drive than typical planars thanks to its 32-ohm impedance and 93 dB sensitivity, yet still rewards quality amplification. With its relatively lightweight build for a large headphone and detachable balanced cable, it offers strong technical performance and comfort, though its size and price may not suit everyone.

  • Pro:Refined, neutral sound with excellent detail
  • Pro:Easier to drive than most planar headphones
  • Pro:Comfortable for its large over-ear design
  • Con:Still relatively heavy at 458 grams
  • Con:Large fit may be awkward for smaller heads
  • Con:Treble can sound uneven on bright recordings

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

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New comparisonAKG K872HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth