Over-Ear
Dan Clark Audio Stealth
78Great
$4,500
Full review dataDan Clark Audio Stealth 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.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled
82Outstanding
$2,300
Full review dataScore 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 Stealth
- HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled
HearWiki score
78
82
Sound
9.3
9.5
Value
5.7
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 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Stealth2021
- HE 1000 Unveiled20243 yr newer
Specifications
StealthHE 1000 Unveiled
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $4,500
- $2,300
- HearWiki score
- 78
- 82
- Released
- 2021
- 2024
- Availability
- Still sold new
- 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
- 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- 8 Hz - 65 kHz
- Impedance
- 23 Ω
- 28 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 90 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Weight
- 415 g
- 450 g
- Detachable cable
- -
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- -
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- -
- 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 remarkably refined and natural sound signature, backed by strong technical performance and flagship-level build quality. It excels in clarity and detail while maintaining a smooth presentation, though it requires a powerful amplifier to reach its full potential, especially in the bass. As a wired-only model with balanced connectivity, it targets audiophiles seeking top-tier closed-back performance.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Natural and smooth tonal balance
- Pro:Flagship-grade build and accessories
- Con:Requires ample amplifier power
- Con:Premium price point
- Con:No wireless or ANC options
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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