Over-Ear
Audio-Technica Awkt
68Good
$2,000
Full review dataAudio-Technica Awkt 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.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
83Outstanding
$1,400
Full review dataScore 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 Awkt
- HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
HearWiki score
68
83
Sound
8.2
9.3
Value
5.1
8.8
Price (USD)
$2,000
$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 4 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 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Awkt2019
- HE 1000 Stealth20234 yr newer
Specifications
AwktHE 1000 Stealth
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $2,000
- $1,400
- HearWiki score
- 68
- 83
- Released
- 2019
- 2023
- Availability
- Still sold new
- 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
- Sound signature
- -
- neutral
- Impedance
- 48 Ω
- 32 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 102 dB/mW
- 93 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Weight
- 405 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 Awkt
The Audio-Technica AWKT is a premium closed-back over-ear headphone featuring 53 mm dynamic drivers housed in dense kokutan wood cups, delivering a refined and detailed sound signature. It is designed to be relatively easy to drive thanks to its 48-ohm impedance and 102 dB sensitivity, while the included balanced and unbalanced cables add flexibility. With a solid build and moderate passive isolation, it targets audiophiles seeking a high-end wired listening experience.
- Pro:Detailed, refined sound with strong technical performance
- Pro:Easy to drive despite high-end positioning
- Pro:Premium build with dense kokutan wood cups
- Con:Heavy at 405 g, which may cause fatigue over long sessions
- Con:Closed-back design limits soundstage compared to open models
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
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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