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HiFiMAN Edition X V1 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.

  • HiFiMAN Edition X V1
  • HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
HearWiki score
59
83
Sound
8.0
9.3
Value
-
8.8
Price (USD)
$1,800
$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 HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth 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.

  • Edition X V12016
  • HE 1000 Stealth20237 yr newer

Specifications

Edition X V1HE 1000 Stealth
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$1,800
$1,400
HearWiki score
59
83
Released
2016
2023
Availability
Discontinued
Still sold new
Driver
131.2 mm planar magnetic
planar magnetic
Driver type
planar
planar
Driver size
131.2 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
8 Hz - 50 kHz
8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature
-
neutral
Impedance
25 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
103 dB/mW
93 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
399 g
458 g
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
-
No
Connector
-
6.35 mm
Balanced connection
Yes
Yes

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN Edition X V1

The HiFiMAN Edition X V1 is a large open-back planar magnetic headphone designed for serious audiophiles seeking a spacious, natural sound. With its low 25-ohm impedance and high sensitivity, it pairs easily with portable players while delivering a smooth, slightly warm tonal balance. Its open-back design offers an airy soundstage but comes with significant sound leakage and minimal isolation, making it best for quiet listening environments.

  • Pro:Spacious, open soundstage with a balanced, slightly warm presentation
  • Pro:Low impedance and high sensitivity make it easy to drive from portable sources
  • Pro:Detachable cables and balanced connection option included
  • Con:Open-back design leaks sound heavily and offers poor isolation
  • Con:Not suitable for travel, office use, or noisy environments
  • Con:Premium price point limits accessibility

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.

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New comparisonHiFiMAN Edition X V1HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth