Over-Ear
Erzetich Air
54Average
$1,200
Full review dataErzetich Air 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.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
83Outstanding
$1,400
Full review dataScore 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.
- Erzetich Air
- HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
HearWiki score
54
83
Sound
6.0
9.3
Value
3.0
8.8
Price (USD)
$1,200
$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
The HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth 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.
- Air2020
- HE 1000 Stealth20233 yr newer
Specifications
AirHE 1000 Stealth
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $1,200
- $1,400
- HearWiki score
- 54
- 83
- Released
- 2020
- 2023
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 50 mm dynamic
- planar magnetic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- planar
- Driver size
- 50 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- -
- 1
- Frequency response
- -
- 8 Hz - 65 kHz
- Sound signature
- warm
- neutral
- Impedance
- 80 Ω
- 32 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 93 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Weight
- 450 g
- 458 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- No
- Pad material
- leatherette
- -
- Connector
- -
- 6.35 mm
- Balanced connection
- -
- Yes
- Model code
- Charybdis
- -
What reviewers said
Erzetich Air
The Erzetich Air is a premium open-back wired headphone featuring 50mm dynamic drivers, delivering a warm sound signature with an 80-ohm impedance. Its lightweight 450g build and leatherette pads aim for comfort, while the detachable cable adds practical flexibility for audiophiles seeking a high-end listening experience.
- Pro:Warm, engaging sound signature
- Pro:Detachable cable for easy replacement or upgrade
- Pro:Comfortable leatherette ear pads
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Requires a dedicated amplifier due to 80-ohm impedance
- Con:Premium price point may not suit all budgets
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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