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Audeze LCD-XC 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.

  • Audeze LCD-XC
  • HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
HearWiki score
68
83
Sound
8.7
9.3
Value
7.3
8.8
Price (USD)
$1,800
$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-XC2013
  • HE 1000 Stealth202310 yr newer

Specifications

LCD-XCHE 1000 Stealth
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$1,800
$1,400
HearWiki score
68
83
Released
2013
2023
Availability
Discontinued
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
100 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
-
No
Weight
677 g
458 g
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
-
No
Connector
-
6.35 mm
Balanced connection
-
Yes

What reviewers said

Audeze LCD-XC

The Audeze LCD-XC is a closed-back planar magnetic headphone built for professional monitoring, featuring large 106mm drivers that deliver detailed and accurate sound. It offers acoustic isolation for focused listening sessions, though it lacks active noise cancellation and requires a wired connection. With a robust build and high weight, it prioritizes sonic precision over portability.

  • Pro:Exceptional detail and accuracy for critical listening
  • Pro:Large planar drivers provide low distortion and fast response
  • Pro:Closed-back design offers good passive isolation
  • Con:Heavy and bulky, may cause fatigue over long sessions
  • Con:Requires a dedicated amplifier to perform optimally
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless connectivity

HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth

The HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth is a high-end planar magnetic headphone that delivers a refined, neutral sound signature while being easier to drive than its size suggests. It offers excellent comfort and technical performance for a flagship model, though its large frame and bright treble on certain recordings may not suit everyone. Overall, it represents strong value in the premium tier, especially at its current price point. Its stealth magnet design helps minimize interference, contributing to its clean, detailed output. The headphone benefits from amplification but remains usable with portable sources, making it versatile for a range of setups. Its build quality is solid, and the detachable cable adds practicality, though its weight and fit can be a consideration for some listeners.

  • Pro:Refined, neutral sound with strong detail retrieval
  • Pro:Easier to drive than typical planars, works well with modest sources
  • Pro:Comfortable despite its large size, with plush earpads
  • Con:Heavy build may cause fatigue during long sessions
  • Con:Large ear cups can be awkward for smaller head sizes
  • Con:Treble can sound uneven or harsh 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 comparisonAudeze LCD-XCHiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth