Over-Ear
Grado Signature S950
78Great
$1976
Full review dataGrado Signature S950 vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled 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 Unveiled - Outstanding overall at around $2299.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled
88Outstanding
$2299
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Grado Signature S950
Sound8.0
Value6.5
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled
Sound9.5
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Grado Signature S950 | HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1976 | $2299 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2025 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | planar |
| Driver size | 52 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 3.5 Hz – 51.5 kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Impedance | 38 Ω | 28 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 117 dB/mW | 95 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 395 g | 450 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
Grado Signature S950
The Grado Signature S950 is a high-end open-back headphone that leans towards a neutral, analytical sound with impressive detail retrieval and a wide, immersive soundstage. It offers strong imaging and transient response, and its high sensitivity makes it easy to drive from portable devices, though its treble can be sharp and bass weight is limited. The detachable cable and comfortable fit are practical perks, but long listening sessions may be affected by the bright tuning.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and clarity
- Pro:Wide, spacious soundstage with strong imaging
- Pro:Easy to drive from portable sources due to high sensitivity
- Con:Treble can be sharp and fatiguing over time
- Con:Bass is not particularly deep or weighty
- Con:Midrange may sound recessed to some listeners
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled
The HE1000 Unveiled is a premium open-back planar headphone that elevates high-end performance with a remarkably expansive, precise soundstage and detailed, engaging vocals. It delivers top-tier resolution and dynamics for its price, though its exposed driver cups demand careful handling and it lacks a 4.4mm cable in the box. Overall, it stands as a highly accomplished flagship for discerning listeners.
- Pro:Outstanding resolution and dynamics
- Pro:Very large, precise soundstage
- Pro:Engaging vocal presentation
- Con:Exposed cups require careful handling
- Con:No 4.4mm cable included
- Con:High price point
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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