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Dan Clark Audio Expanse vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled - Outstanding overall at around $2299.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled leads on 4 of 4 measures.

  • Dan Clark Audio Expanse
  • HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled
HearWiki score
74
82
Sound
9.2
9.5
Value
5.8
6.8
Price (USD)
$4,500
$2,300

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 Unveiled is 2 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.

  • Expanse2022
  • HE 1000 Unveiled20242 yr newer

Specifications

ExpanseHE 1000 Unveiled
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$4,500
$2,300
HearWiki score
74
82
Released
2022
2024
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
-
8 Hz - 65 kHz
Impedance
26 Ω
28 Ω
Sensitivity
90 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.x
-
Codecs
SBC, aptX HD, LDAC
-
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
418 g
450 g
Water resistance
none
-
Detachable cable
-
Yes
Connector
XLR
-
Balanced connection
Yes
Yes

What reviewers said

Dan Clark Audio Expanse

The Dan Clark Audio Expanse is a premium open-back planar magnetic headphone that aims for a balanced, natural sound signature rather than an overtly colored one. It combines high-end build quality with strong comfort, though it demands a powerful amplifier to reach its full potential. It is best suited for dedicated listening setups, as it lacks wireless features and noise cancellation.

  • Pro:Excellent technical performance and balanced tuning
  • Pro:High-quality build and premium materials
  • Pro:Comfortable for extended listening sessions
  • Con:Requires a powerful amplifier to perform optimally
  • Con:No wireless or noise-canceling features at this price
  • Con:Heavy weight may be noticeable during long sessions

HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled

The HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled is a premium open-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers an exceptionally wide and precise soundstage with rich, engaging vocals. It offers flagship-level resolution, dynamics, and a spacious presentation that pushes the boundaries of its price class, though its exposed cup design demands careful handling. With a lightweight 450g build and balanced connectivity, it's a high-end choice for audiophiles seeking top-tier wired performance without active noise cancellation.

  • Pro:Exceptional soundstage width and precision
  • Pro:Outstanding resolution and dynamic range
  • Pro:Engaging and detailed vocal presentation
  • Con:Exposed cups require careful handling
  • Con:No 4.4mm connector included in the box
  • Con:Premium price point may not suit all budgets

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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