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Dan Clark Audio E3 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.

  • Dan Clark Audio E3
  • HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
HearWiki score
77
83
Sound
9.2
9.3
Value
8.1
8.8
Price (USD)
$2,300
$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

Both shipped in 2023. 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.

  • E32023
  • HE 1000 Stealth2023

Specifications

E3HE 1000 Stealth
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$2,300
$1,400
HearWiki score
77
83
Released
2023
2023
Availability
Discontinued
Still sold new
Driver
76 mm planar magnetic
planar magnetic
Driver type
planar
planar
Driver size
76 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature
-
neutral
Impedance
27 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
90 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Quick charge
none
-
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
-
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
No
-
Custom EQ
No
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
none
-
Voice assistant
No
-
Weight
455 g
458 g
Water resistance
none
-
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
No
No
Connector
6.35 mm
6.35 mm
Balanced connection
Yes
Yes
Call noise reduction
No
-

What reviewers said

Dan Clark Audio E3

The Dan Clark Audio E3 is a high-end closed-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers a spacious, reference-grade sound signature with refined tuning and strong technical performance. Its 76mm driver and advanced acoustic design make it a top contender in its price class, though it benefits from a capable amplifier to reach its full potential. With a comfortable fit and premium build, it's aimed at discerning listeners seeking a closed-back alternative to open-back reference models.

  • Pro:Reference-level clarity and detail
  • Pro:Spacious soundstage for a closed-back design
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for long listening sessions
  • Con:Requires a good amplifier to sound its best
  • Con:Heavy at 455 grams
  • Con:No detachable cable or balanced option in stock form

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 comparisonDan Clark Audio E3HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth