Audeze LCD-X 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.

Over-Ear

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.

Audeze LCD-X
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth

HearWiki score

Sound

9.0

9.3

Value

7.8

8.8

Price (USD)

$1,700

$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 10 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 10 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

LCD-X2013
HE 1000 Stealth202310 yr newer

Specifications

LCD-XHE 1000 Stealth

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,700; $1,400
HearWiki score: 76; 83
Released: 2013; 2023
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 106 mm planar magnetic; planar magnetic
Driver type: planar; planar
Driver size: 106 mm; -
Drivers per side: -; 1
Frequency response: -; 8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature: -; neutral
Impedance: 20 Ω; 32 Ω
Sensitivity: 103 dB/mW; 93 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Weight: 612 g; 458 g
Detachable cable: -; Yes
USB-C: -; No
Connector: -; 6.35 mm
Balanced connection: -; Yes

Specification comparison of Audeze LCD-X vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
Spec	Audeze LCD-X	HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,700	$1,400
HearWiki score	76 / 100 Great	83 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2013	2023
Audio
Driver	106 mm planar magnetic	planar magnetic
Driver type	planar	planar
Driver size	106 mm	-
Drivers per side	-	1
Frequency response	-	8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature	-	neutral
Impedance	20 Ω	32 Ω
Sensitivity	103 dB/mW	93 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Design
Weight	612 g	458 g
Detachable cable	-	Yes
USB-C	-	No
Connector	-	6.35 mm
Balanced connection	-	Yes

What reviewers said

Audeze LCD-X

The Audeze LCD-X is a premium open-back planar magnetic headphone built for critical listening and professional audio work, featuring large 106 mm drivers that deliver exceptional detail and accuracy. Its wired-only design and high weight are trade-offs for its studio-grade transparency and dynamic range.

Pro:Large 106 mm planar drivers for superb detail
Pro:Open-back design offers natural, spacious soundstage
Pro:High sensitivity for a planar, easy to drive

Con:Heavy at 612 g, can cause fatigue over long sessions
Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless options
Con:Open-back leaks sound and offers little isolation

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.

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