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Dan Clark Audio Noire X 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 3 of 4 measures.

  • Dan Clark Audio Noire X
  • HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
HearWiki score
79
83
Sound
8.7
9.3
Value
7.6
8.8
Price (USD)
$1,100
$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

Dan Clark Audio Noire X (2024) against HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth (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.

  • Noire X20241 yr newer
  • HE 1000 Stealth2023

Specifications

Noire XHE 1000 Stealth
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$1,100
$1,400
HearWiki score
79
83
Released
2024
2023
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
62 mm planar magnetic
planar magnetic
Driver type
planar
planar
Driver size
62 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
-
8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature
-
neutral
Impedance
13 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
90 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
403 g
458 g
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
-
No
Connector
6.35 mm
6.35 mm
Balanced connection
Yes
Yes

What reviewers said

Dan Clark Audio Noire X

The Dan Clark Audio Noire X is a premium closed-back planar headphone that delivers a refined, detailed, and dynamic sound with notably strong imaging for its design. It pairs a lightweight, sturdy build with a neutral-ish, versatile tuning that benefits from a capable amplifier to reach its full potential. While it offers excellent treble control and overall clarity, it may require careful system matching and has minor ergonomic quirks.

  • Pro:Detailed and resolving planar sound
  • Pro:Excellent imaging for a closed-back design
  • Pro:Lightweight and robust construction
  • Con:Needs a capable amplifier to sound its best
  • Con:Potential treble peak for some listeners
  • Con:Finish and folding mechanism could be improved

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 Noire XHiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth