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Audeze MM520 vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Audeze MM520 vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

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 MM520
  • HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
HearWiki score
-
83
Sound
-
9.3
Value
-
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 Audeze MM520 is 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • MM52020263 yr newer
  • HE 1000 Stealth2023

Specifications

MM520HE 1000 Stealth
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$1,700
$1,400
HearWiki score
Not scored
83
Released
2026
2023
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
90 mm planar magnetic
planar magnetic
Driver type
planar
planar
Driver size
90 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
5 Hz - 50 kHz
8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature
-
neutral
Impedance
18 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
102 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
-
No
Weight
555 g
458 g
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
-
No
Connector
XLR
6.35 mm
Balanced connection
-
Yes

What reviewers said

Audeze MM520

The Audeze MM520 is an open-back, wired over-ear headphone built around a large 90mm planar magnetic driver, aimed at both monitoring and audiophile listening. It delivers a highly efficient, linear sound signature with notably deep bass extension, thanks to its SLAM technology. Priced at around $1699, it offers a transparent and precise presentation for critical listening sessions.

  • Pro:Excellent bass depth and extension
  • Pro:High efficiency for a planar magnetic design
  • Pro:Linear and accurate sound reproduction
  • Con:No active noise cancellation, limiting portability
  • Con:Heavy at 555 grams, potentially uncomfortable for long sessions
  • Con:Wired-only with XLR connection, requiring a compatible amplifier

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 comparisonAudeze MM520HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth