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Grado GS3000 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.

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.

  • Grado GS3000
  • HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
HearWiki score
77
83
Sound
9.0
9.3
Value
6.1
8.8
Price (USD)
$2,000
$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 Grado GS3000 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.

  • GS300020263 yr newer
  • HE 1000 Stealth2023

Specifications

GS3000HE 1000 Stealth
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$2,000
$1,400
HearWiki score
77
83
Released
2026
2023
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
52 mm dynamic
planar magnetic
Driver type
dynamic
planar
Driver size
52 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
4 Hz - 51 kHz
8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature
-
neutral
Impedance
38 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
99.8 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
398 g
458 g
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
-
No
Connector
XLR
6.35 mm
Balanced connection
-
Yes

What reviewers said

Grado GS3000

The Grado GS3000 is a premium open-back wired headphone that prioritizes an engaging, musical sound over technical neutrality. Its large 52mm dynamic drivers deliver a lively, spacious presentation with impressive dynamics and bass, making it particularly well-suited for genres like jazz, soul, and soft rock. While its build is functional rather than luxurious, its high sensitivity and relatively low impedance make it easy to drive from a wide range of amplifiers.

  • Pro:Musical, entertaining, and engaging sound signature
  • Pro:Spacious and open presentation with strong dynamics
  • Pro:Easy to drive thanks to high sensitivity and moderate impedance
  • Con:Build quality feels utilitarian, not premium for the price
  • Con:Open-back design offers no isolation and leaks sound
  • Con:Requires a wired connection with XLR, limiting portability

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.

Compare something else

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New comparisonGrado GS3000HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth