Focal Clear 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 4 of 4 measures.

Focal Clear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth

HearWiki score

Sound

8.8

9.3

Value

8.8

Price (USD)

$1,500

$1,400

Specifications

ClearHE 1000 Stealth

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,500; $1,400
HearWiki score: 75; 83
Released: 2017; 2023
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 40 mm dynamic; planar magnetic
Driver type: dynamic; planar
Driver size: 40 mm; -
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 28 kHz; 8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature: neutral-warm; neutral
Impedance: 55 Ω; 32 Ω
Sensitivity: 104 dB/mW; 93 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Weight: 450 g; 458 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: -; No
Connector: -; 6.35 mm
Balanced connection: Yes; Yes

Specification comparison of Focal Clear vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
Spec	Focal Clear	HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,500	$1,400
HearWiki score	75 / 100 Great	83 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2017	2023
Audio
Driver	40 mm dynamic	planar magnetic
Driver type	dynamic	planar
Driver size	40 mm	-
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	5 Hz - 28 kHz	8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature	neutral-warm	neutral
Impedance	55 Ω	32 Ω
Sensitivity	104 dB/mW	93 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Design
Weight	450 g	458 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	-	No
Connector	-	6.35 mm
Balanced connection	Yes	Yes

What reviewers said

Focal Clear

The Focal Clear is a premium open-back, wired over-ear headphone that delivers a warm-neutral sound signature, balancing musicality with technical precision. Its 40mm dynamic drivers provide a detailed and engaging performance, while the detachable cable and balanced connectivity offer flexible use with high-end audio gear. Built with a robust 450g frame, it prioritizes sound quality and comfort for discerning listeners.

Pro:Warm-neutral tuning that is both musical and revealing
Pro:Excellent technical performance with detailed dynamics
Pro:Detachable cable and balanced support for versatile setups

Con:Heavy at 450g, which may cause fatigue over long sessions
Con:High impedance (55 ohm) requires a capable amplifier
Con:Premium price point limits accessibility

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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