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Dan Clark Audio Ether 2 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 Ether 2
  • HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
HearWiki score
59
83
Sound
8.0
9.3
Value
5.0
8.8
Price (USD)
$2,200
$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 5 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 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Ether 22018
  • HE 1000 Stealth20235 yr newer

Specifications

Ether 2HE 1000 Stealth
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$2,200
$1,400
HearWiki score
59
83
Released
2018
2023
Availability
Discontinued
Still sold new
Driver
71 mm planar magnetic
planar magnetic
Driver type
planar
planar
Driver size
71 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature
-
neutral
Impedance
16 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
92 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
289 g
458 g
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
-
No
Pad material
protein-leather
-
Connector
-
6.35 mm
Balanced connection
-
Yes

What reviewers said

Dan Clark Audio Ether 2

The Dan Clark Audio Ether 2 is a premium open-back planar magnetic headphone designed for audiophiles seeking a reference-grade listening experience. Its ultra-light 289g frame and 71mm TrueFlow driver deliver a linear, intimate sound with strong separation and imaging, while the low 16-ohm impedance makes it easier to drive than many planars. This wired, passive model prioritizes comfort and refined tonality over features like ANC, positioning it as a top-tier choice for critical listening at home.

  • Pro:Exceptionally lightweight at 289g for extended comfort
  • Pro:Highly linear and refined sound signature with excellent imaging
  • Pro:Low impedance makes it easy to drive from a variety of sources
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless functionality
  • Con:Intimate soundstage rather than expansive or airy
  • 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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