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Audio-Technica Adx5000 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.

  • Audio-Technica Adx5000
  • HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
HearWiki score
67
83
Sound
8.4
9.3
Value
5.1
8.8
Price (USD)
$2,200
$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 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Adx50002017
  • HE 1000 Stealth20236 yr newer

Specifications

Adx5000HE 1000 Stealth
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$2,200
$1,400
HearWiki score
67
83
Released
2017
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 - 50 kHz
8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature
-
neutral
Impedance
420 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
100 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
270 g
458 g
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
No
Connector
6.35 mm
6.35 mm
Balanced connection
Yes
Yes

What reviewers said

Audio-Technica Adx5000

The Audio-Technica ADX5000 is a flagship open-back dynamic headphone built around a 58mm driver, delivering a transparent, airy, and highly resolving sound. Its ultra-light 270g frame offers exceptional comfort, though its 420-ohm impedance demands a powerful, high-quality amplifier to perform at its best. While its tuning may not suit everyone, it rewards patient listeners with an immersive stage and excellent midrange detail.

  • Pro:Excellent resolution and airy treble
  • Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable (270g)
  • Pro:Immersive, spacious soundstage
  • Con:Requires powerful amplification due to 420-ohm impedance
  • Con:Stock cable is stiff and microphonic
  • Con:Limited low-bass presence

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.

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New comparisonAudio-Technica Adx5000HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth