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Grado Ps1000 Le vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 - Outstanding overall at around $2865.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Grado Ps1000 Le
Sound9.0
Value7.0
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
Sound9.5
Value7.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Grado Ps1000 Le vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
SpecGrado Ps1000 LeHiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$1495$2865
HearWiki score84 / 100 · Great88 / 100 · Outstanding
Released20102016
Audio
Driverdynamicplanar
Driver size52 mm131.15 mm
Drivers per side21
Frequency response5Hz-50kHz8Hz-65kHz
Sound signature-Neutral
Impedance38 Ω35 Ω
Sensitivity99.8 dB/mW90 dB/mW
Wireless
Multipoint pairingNo-
Features
Active noise cancellingNo-
Controlsbuttons-
Design
Weight400 g420 g
Detachable cableNo-
USB-CNo-
Balanced connection-Yes

What reviewers said

Grado Ps1000 Le

The Grado PS1000 is a premium wired over-ear headphone that delivers exceptionally detailed, dynamic, and neutral sound, with a particularly outstanding midrange. Its high price is matched by strong build quality and a striking design, though its substantial weight and firm headband may cause discomfort during extended use.

  • Pro:Excellent clarity and detail retrieval
  • Pro:Dynamic and powerful sound presentation
  • Pro:Strong build quality with distinctive design
  • Con:Heavy and less comfortable for long sessions
  • Con:Non-detachable cable limits flexibility
  • Con:High price may not suit all budgets

HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2

The HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 is a premium planar magnetic headphone offering a neutral, reference-grade sound signature with exceptional clarity and detail. Its large 131mm driver delivers a wide, airy soundstage while maintaining precise imaging, making it a strong choice for critical listening. Despite its high price, it earns top-tier marks for tonal accuracy and technical performance, though it requires a capable amplifier to shine.

  • Pro:Excellent neutral tonality with accurate timbre
  • Pro:Outstanding detail retrieval and resolution
  • Pro:Very wide and open soundstage
  • Con:High price point limits accessibility
  • Con:Low sensitivity (90dB/mW) demands powerful amplification
  • Con:Large ear cups may not suit smaller heads

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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