Over-Ear
Dan Clark Audio Ether 2
84Great
$2199
Full review dataDan Clark Audio Ether 2 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.
Dan Clark Audio Ether 2
Sound8.5
Value6.5
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled
Sound9.5
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Dan Clark Audio Ether 2 | HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $2199 | $2299 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2018 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar magnetic | planar |
| Driver size | 71 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 28 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 92 dB/mW | 95 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 289 g | 450 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| 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 that stands out for its exceptionally light 289g build, making it comfortable for extended listening. It delivers a linear, intimate sound with strong separation and imaging, and is relatively easy to drive thanks to its low 16-ohm impedance. This model represents a refined step up in the lineup, appealing to those seeking a high-end, reference-quality experience without excessive weight or amplification demands.
- Pro:Ultra-light 289g design for comfort
- Pro:Linear and refined sound signature
- Pro:Strong imaging and separation
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Intimate soundstage rather than expansive
- Con:High price point
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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