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Audio-Technica Adx3000 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 3 of 4 measures.

  • Audio-Technica Adx3000
  • HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
HearWiki score
68
83
Sound
7.8
9.3
Value
5.8
8.8
Price (USD)
$1,100
$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

Audio-Technica Adx3000 (2024) against HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth (2023). These are 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.

  • Adx300020241 yr newer
  • HE 1000 Stealth2023

Specifications

Adx3000HE 1000 Stealth
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$1,100
$1,400
HearWiki score
68
83
Released
2024
2023
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
58 mm dynamic
planar magnetic
Driver type
dynamic
planar
Driver size
58 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
5 Hz - 45 kHz
8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature
-
neutral
Impedance
50 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
98 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Controls
buttons
-
Weight
257 g
458 g
Water resistance
none
-
Foldable
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
No
Connector
6.35 mm
6.35 mm
Balanced connection
Yes
Yes

What reviewers said

Audio-Technica Adx3000

The Audio-Technica ATH-ADX3000 is a high-end open-back headphone designed for critical listening and studio monitoring, featuring a large 58 mm dynamic driver that delivers a wide frequency range from 5 Hz to 45 kHz. With a lightweight 257 g build and a balanced connection option, it prioritizes audio accuracy and detail over convenience features, lacking wireless connectivity and noise cancellation. Its high 50-ohm impedance and 98 dB sensitivity make it suitable for use with dedicated amplifiers or high-quality audio gear.

  • Pro:Excellent audio accuracy and well-controlled tuning
  • Pro:Wide frequency response for detailed sound reproduction
  • Pro:Lightweight design at 257 g for comfortable long sessions
  • Con:No wireless or active noise cancellation features
  • Con:Requires a 6.35 mm cable, limiting portable use
  • Con:No USB-C connectivity or built-in controls beyond buttons

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 comparisonAudio-Technica Adx3000HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth