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Grado PS2000e 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.

  • Grado PS2000e
  • HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled
HearWiki score
65
82
Sound
9.0
9.5
Value
4.1
6.8
Price (USD)
$3,480
$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 7 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 7 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • PS2000e2017
  • HE 1000 Unveiled20247 yr newer

Specifications

PS2000eHE 1000 Unveiled
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$3,480
$2,300
HearWiki score
65
82
Released
2017
2024
Availability
Discontinued
Still sold new
Driver
50 mm dynamic
planar magnetic
Driver type
dynamic
planar
Driver size
50 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
5 Hz - 50 kHz
8 Hz - 65 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
28 Ω
Sensitivity
99.8 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Controls
none
-
Weight
530 g
450 g
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
-
Balanced connection
-
Yes

What reviewers said

Grado PS2000e

The Grado PS2000e is a wired, open-back flagship headphone that delivers a fast, detailed, and natural sound signature, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers to the brand. Its 50mm dynamic drivers are easy to drive, yet the headphone benefits from high-quality sources and amplification to fully shine. While built with premium materials and offering strong dynamics, its high price, open design, and unconventional aesthetics limit its appeal to dedicated audiophiles.

  • Pro:Excellent, engaging sound with strong dynamics
  • Pro:Natural and refined tonal balance
  • Pro:Easy to drive despite high-end performance
  • Con:Very expensive
  • Con:Significant sound leakage due to open-back design
  • Con:Polarizing, old-school looks

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 comparisonGrado PS2000eHiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled