Over-Ear
Audio-Technica Awkt
78Great
$1999
Full review dataAudio-Technica Awkt vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled 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 Unveiled - Outstanding overall at around $2299.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled
88Outstanding
$2299
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Audio-Technica Awkt
Sound8.0
Value6.0
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled
Sound9.5
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica Awkt | HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1999 | $2299 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2019 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | planar |
| Driver size | 53 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-45kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 28 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW | 95 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 405 g | 450 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
Audio-Technica Awkt
The Audio-Technica ATH-AWKT is a premium closed-back headphone that pairs large 53 mm dynamic drivers with dense kokutan wood housings for a refined, detailed sound. Despite its substantial 405 g weight, it stays comfortable, and its 48-ohm impedance and 102 dB sensitivity make it easy to drive even from modest sources. The package includes both balanced and unbalanced cables, adding flexibility for different setups.
- Pro:Large 53 mm drivers deliver rich, detailed audio
- Pro:Easy to drive thanks to efficient tuning
- Pro:Premium build with dense kokutan wood cups
- Con:Hefty at 405 g, which may tire some listeners
- Con:Closed-back design limits soundstage width
- Con:High price tag limits accessibility
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled
The HE1000 Unveiled is a premium open-back planar headphone that elevates high-end performance with a remarkably expansive, precise soundstage and detailed, engaging vocals. It delivers top-tier resolution and dynamics for its price, though its exposed driver cups demand careful handling and it lacks a 4.4mm cable in the box. Overall, it stands as a highly accomplished flagship for discerning listeners.
- Pro:Outstanding resolution and dynamics
- Pro:Very large, precise soundstage
- Pro:Engaging vocal presentation
- Con:Exposed cups require careful handling
- Con:No 4.4mm cable included
- Con:High price point
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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