HiFiMAN Edition X V2 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 $1399.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

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

HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 leads on 3 of 4 measures.

HiFiMAN Edition X V2
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2

HearWiki score

Sound

8.5

9.5

Value

6.5

7.0

Price (USD)

$1,300

$1,400

Specifications

Edition X V2HE 1000 V2

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,300; $1,400
HearWiki score: 82; 88
Released: 2016; 2016
Availability: Discontinued; Discontinued
Driver: 80 mm planar magnetic; 131.2 mm planar magnetic
Driver type: planar; planar
Driver size: 80 mm; 131.2 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 8 Hz - 50 kHz; 8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature: neutral; neutral
Impedance: 25 Ω; 35 Ω
Weight: 399 g; 420 g
Detachable cable: Yes; -
Balanced connection: Yes; Yes

Specification comparison of HiFiMAN Edition X V2 vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
Spec	HiFiMAN Edition X V2	HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,300	$1,400
HearWiki score	82 / 100 Great	88 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2016	2016
Audio
Driver	80 mm planar magnetic	131.2 mm planar magnetic
Driver type	planar	planar
Driver size	80 mm	131.2 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	8 Hz - 50 kHz	8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature	neutral	neutral
Impedance	25 Ω	35 Ω
Design
Weight	399 g	420 g
Detachable cable	Yes	-
Balanced connection	Yes	Yes

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN Edition X V2

These open-back planar headphones deliver a clean, balanced sound with excellent detail retrieval and a wide soundstage. Their lightweight build and comfortable fit make them suitable for long listening sessions, while the low impedance allows them to be driven easily by portable sources. The tuning is neutral-leaning, offering accurate reproduction across the frequency range without excessive coloration.

Pro:Accurate, neutral tuning with clear treble
Pro:Excellent detail and instrument separation
Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear

Con:Expensive price point
Con:Bass extension could be more impactful for some
Con:Open-back design leaks sound and lacks isolation

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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