Over-Ear
Audio-Technica Awas
78Great
$1499
Full review dataAudio-Technica Awas vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 - Outstanding overall at around $2865.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
88Outstanding
$2865
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Audio-Technica Awas
Sound8.0
Value6.0
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
Sound9.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica Awas | HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1499 | $2865 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2021 | 2016 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | planar |
| Driver size | 53 mm | 131.15 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-42kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Neutral |
| Impedance | 40 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB/mW | 90 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 395 g | 420 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
Audio-Technica Awas
The Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS is a premium closed-back headphone with a rich wooden build and a precise, detailed sound signature that prioritizes clarity over sheer fun. It’s easy to drive, comes with balanced and standard cables, and suits listeners who value refinement and acoustic accuracy, though its restrained bass and high price limit its appeal.
- Pro:Beautiful Japanese cherry wood construction
- Pro:Excellent detail and clarity across frequencies
- Pro:Easy to drive with any source
- Con:Very expensive for what it offers
- Con:Bass is lean and not very impactful
- Con:Sound can feel too serious or dry
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
The HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 is a premium planar magnetic headphone offering a neutral, reference-grade sound signature with exceptional clarity and detail. Its large 131mm driver delivers a wide, airy soundstage while maintaining precise imaging, making it a strong choice for critical listening. Despite its high price, it earns top-tier marks for tonal accuracy and technical performance, though it requires a capable amplifier to shine.
- Pro:Excellent neutral tonality with accurate timbre
- Pro:Outstanding detail retrieval and resolution
- Pro:Very wide and open soundstage
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
- Con:Low sensitivity (90dB/mW) demands powerful amplification
- Con:Large ear cups may not suit smaller heads
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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