Over-Ear
Dan Clark Audio Stealth
88Outstanding
$4499
Full review dataDan Clark Audio Stealth vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Dan Clark Audio Stealth comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Dan Clark Audio Stealth - Outstanding overall at around $4499.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
88Outstanding
$2865
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Dan Clark Audio Stealth
Sound9.5
Value6.0
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
Sound9.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Dan Clark Audio Stealth | HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $4499 | $2865 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2021 | 2016 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | planar |
| Driver size | 76 mm | 131.15 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | - | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Neutral |
| Impedance | 23 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | 90 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 415 g | 420 g |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
Dan Clark Audio Stealth
The Dan Clark Audio Stealth is a premium closed-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers a highly refined, natural sound with impressive technical performance. It stands out among closed-back models for its clarity, detail, and smoothness, though it requires a powerful amplifier to reach its full potential, particularly for bass response. Its flagship-level build quality and included accessories further cement its status as a top-tier option.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Natural, smooth tonal balance
- Pro:Flagship build quality and accessories
- Con:Very power-hungry; needs a strong amp
- Con:Bass impact may be limited without ample power
- Con:Very high price point
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
The HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 is a premium planar magnetic headphone offering a neutral, reference-grade sound signature with exceptional clarity and detail. Its large 131mm driver delivers a wide, airy soundstage while maintaining precise imaging, making it a strong choice for critical listening. Despite its high price, it earns top-tier marks for tonal accuracy and technical performance, though it requires a capable amplifier to shine.
- Pro:Excellent neutral tonality with accurate timbre
- Pro:Outstanding detail retrieval and resolution
- Pro:Very wide and open soundstage
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
- Con:Low sensitivity (90dB/mW) demands powerful amplification
- Con:Large ear cups may not suit smaller heads
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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