Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Edition X V2
82Great
$1299
Full review dataHiFiMAN Edition X V2 vs HiFiMAN HE 1000se: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN HE 1000se 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 1000se - Outstanding overall at around $1699.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000se
88Outstanding
$1699
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
HiFiMAN Edition X V2
Sound8.5
Value6.5
HiFiMAN HE 1000se
Sound9.5
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Edition X V2 | HiFiMAN HE 1000se |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1299 | $1699 |
| HearWiki score | 82 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2016 | 2018 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | planar |
| Driver size | 80 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-50kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | Neutral | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 25 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB/mW | 96 dB/mW |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 399 g | 440 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 1000se
The HiFiMAN HE1000se is a high-end planar magnetic headphone that delivers exceptional detail retrieval and a spacious, airy soundstage. Its bright-neutral tuning offers strong bass and treble extension, though the prominent treble can become harsh with lower-quality recordings. While its 35-ohm impedance and 96 dB sensitivity make it moderately easy to drive, it still benefits from quality amplification to perform at its best.
- Pro:Outstanding resolution and micro-detail clarity
- Pro:Wide, airy soundstage with excellent instrument separation
- Pro:Strong extension at both frequency extremes
- Con:Bright, peaky treble can fatigue on poorly mastered tracks
- Con:Requires a decent amp despite moderate sensitivity
- Con:Midrange lacks warmth and body for some tastes
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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