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

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

Over-Ear

Audeze MM520

Not yet scored

$1,700

Full review data

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

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

HiFiMAN HE 1000se leads on 3 of 4 measures.

Audeze MM520
HiFiMAN HE 1000se

HearWiki score

Sound

9.5

Value

6.5

Price (USD)

$1,700

$2,000

Specifications

MM520HE 1000se

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,700; $2,000
HearWiki score: Not scored; 88
Released: 2026; 2018
Driver: 90 mm planar magnetic; planar magnetic
Driver type: planar; planar
Driver size: 90 mm; -
Drivers per side: 1; -
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 50 kHz; 8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature: -; neutral-bright
Impedance: 18 Ω; 35 Ω
Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW; 96 dB/mW
Weight: 555 g; 440 g
Connector: XLR; 3.5 mm
Balanced connection: -; Yes

Specification comparison of Audeze MM520 vs HiFiMAN HE 1000se
Spec	Audeze MM520	HiFiMAN HE 1000se
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,700	$2,000
HearWiki score	Not scored	88 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2026	2018
Audio
Driver	90 mm planar magnetic	planar magnetic
Driver type	planar	planar
Driver size	90 mm	-
Drivers per side	1	-
Frequency response	5 Hz - 50 kHz	8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature	-	neutral-bright
Impedance	18 Ω	35 Ω
Sensitivity	102 dB/mW	96 dB/mW
Design
Weight	555 g	440 g
Connector	XLR	3.5 mm
Balanced connection	-	Yes

What reviewers said

Audeze MM520

No summary yet - we haven't aggregated enough reviews.

HiFiMAN HE 1000se

The HiFiMAN HE1000se is a high-end planar magnetic headphone that delivers exceptional detail retrieval and a spacious, airy soundstage. Its bright-neutral tuning offers strong bass and treble extension, though the prominent treble can become harsh with lower-quality recordings. While its 35-ohm impedance and 96 dB sensitivity make it moderately easy to drive, it still benefits from quality amplification to perform at its best.

Pro:Outstanding resolution and micro-detail clarity
Pro:Wide, airy soundstage with excellent instrument separation
Pro:Strong extension at both frequency extremes

Con:Bright, peaky treble can fatigue on poorly mastered tracks
Con:Requires a decent amp despite moderate sensitivity
Con:Midrange lacks warmth and body for some tastes

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

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