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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
74
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
74
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
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 premium closed-back planar magnetic headphone built for professional monitoring, featuring large 106 mm drivers that deliver precise, detailed sound. Its closed design provides passive acoustic isolation, making it suitable for tracking and mixing in noisy environments. With a wired connection and high sensitivity, it's engineered for accuracy rather than portability or wireless convenience.

  • Pro:Excellent sound accuracy and detail for professional monitoring
  • Pro:Large 106 mm planar drivers provide low distortion
  • Pro:Closed-back design offers passive isolation for focused listening
  • Con:Heavy at 677 grams, which may cause fatigue during long sessions
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless features
  • Con:Requires a dedicated amplifier due to low impedance and planar design

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

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonAudeze LCD-XCHiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth