Audio-Technica Awkg vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled - Outstanding overall at around $2299.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

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

HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled leads on 4 of 4 measures.

Audio-Technica Awkg
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled

HearWiki score

Sound

8.8

9.5

Value

5.5

6.8

Price (USD)

$4,500

$2,300

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

Both shipped in 2024. 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.

Awkg2024
HE 1000 Unveiled2024

Specifications

AwkgHE 1000 Unveiled

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $4,500; $2,300
HearWiki score: 69; 82
Released: 2024; 2024
Availability: Discontinued; Still sold new
Driver: 53 mm dynamic; planar magnetic
Driver type: dynamic; planar
Driver size: 53 mm; -
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 45 kHz; 8 Hz - 65 kHz
Impedance: 48 Ω; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Weight: 390 g; 450 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: No; -
Balanced connection: Yes; Yes

Specification comparison of Audio-Technica Awkg vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled
Spec	Audio-Technica Awkg	HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$4,500	$2,300
HearWiki score	69 / 100 Good	82 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2024	2024
Audio
Driver	53 mm dynamic	planar magnetic
Driver type	dynamic	planar
Driver size	53 mm	-
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	5 Hz - 45 kHz	8 Hz - 65 kHz
Impedance	48 Ω	28 Ω
Sensitivity	102 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Weight	390 g	450 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	No	-
Balanced connection	Yes	Yes

What reviewers said

Audio-Technica Awkg

The Audio-Technica AWKG is a premium closed-back wired headphone with a 53 mm dynamic driver, designed for high-end audio setups. It offers a balanced, detailed sound with strong musicality and power handling, though its isolation is less effective than typical closed-back models. The build is luxurious and comfortable, but the high price and limited portability make it a niche choice for dedicated audiophiles.

Pro:Exceptional build quality and premium materials
Pro:Detailed, balanced sound with strong musicality
Pro:Comfortable newer headband design

Con:Very high price point
Con:Weaker isolation than most closed-back headphones
Con:Less portable due to size and weight

HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled

The HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled is a premium open-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers an exceptionally wide and precise soundstage with rich, engaging vocals. It offers flagship-level resolution, dynamics, and a spacious presentation that pushes the boundaries of its price class, though its exposed cup design demands careful handling. With a lightweight 450g build and balanced connectivity, it's a high-end choice for audiophiles seeking top-tier wired performance without active noise cancellation.

Pro:Exceptional soundstage width and precision
Pro:Outstanding resolution and dynamic range
Pro:Engaging and detailed vocal presentation

Con:Exposed cups require careful handling
Con:No 4.4mm connector included in the box
Con:Premium price point may not suit all budgets

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparison Audio-Technica Awkg HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled