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Focal Stellia 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.

Score 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.

  • Focal Stellia
  • HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled
HearWiki score
74
82
Sound
9.0
9.5
Value
4.5
6.8
Price (USD)
$3,000
$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 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Stellia2018
  • HE 1000 Unveiled20246 yr newer

Specifications

StelliaHE 1000 Unveiled
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$3,000
$2,300
HearWiki score
74
82
Released
2018
2024
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 - 23 kHz
8 Hz - 65 kHz
Impedance
35 Ω
28 Ω
Sensitivity
106 dB/mW
-
Codecs
SBC
-
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
435 g
450 g
Water resistance
none
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
-
Connector
3.5 mm
-
Balanced connection
Yes
Yes

What reviewers said

Focal Stellia

The Focal Stellia is a premium closed-back over-ear headphone that pairs a 40mm beryllium dynamic driver with a wide 5Hz-23kHz frequency response for detailed, high-resolution sound. Its 35-ohm impedance and 106dB sensitivity make it easy to drive from a variety of sources, while the 435g build and plush materials aim for lasting comfort. As a wired-only model with no ANC or wireless features, it targets audiophiles seeking a refined, reference-grade listening experience.

  • Pro:Rich, detailed sound with strong separation and clarity
  • Pro:Easy to drive given its moderate impedance and high sensitivity
  • Pro:Premium build quality with luxurious materials
  • Con:Very high price point limits accessibility
  • Con:Presentation can feel somewhat lifeless or dry at times
  • Con:No wireless or noise-cancelling features for a wired-only design

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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New comparisonFocal StelliaHiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled