Erzetich Dirac 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

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.

Erzetich Dirac
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth

HearWiki score

Sound

8.5

9.3

Value

5.5

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

HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth (2023) against Erzetich Dirac (2022). 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.

Dirac2022
HE 1000 Stealth20231 yr newer

Specifications

DiracHE 1000 Stealth

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,200; $1,400
HearWiki score: 64; 83
Released: 2022; 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: -; 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; -

Specification comparison of Erzetich Dirac vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
Spec	Erzetich Dirac	HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,200	$1,400
HearWiki score	64 / 100 Good	83 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2022	2023
Audio
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	-	neutral
Impedance	80 Ω	32 Ω
Sensitivity	-	93 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
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 Dirac

The Erzetich Dirac is a handmade, wired over-ear headphone that pairs solid craftsmanship with a lively, energetic sound. Its 50 mm dynamic drivers deliver a detailed and engaging presentation, though the 450-gram weight and premium price point make it a niche choice for dedicated enthusiasts.

Pro:Excellent build quality and craftsmanship
Pro:Lively, engaging sound signature
Pro:Detachable cable for easy replacement

Con:Heavy at 450 grams
Con:Premium price tag
Con:Polarizing aesthetic design

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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