Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
88Outstanding
$2865
Full review dataHiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 vs Meze Liric: 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 $2865.
Over-Ear
Meze Liric
82Great
$1539
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
Sound9.5
Value7.0
Meze Liric
Sound8.5
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 | Meze Liric |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $2865 | $1539 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 82 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2016 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | planar |
| Driver size | 131.15 mm | 92 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 4Hz-92kHz |
| Sound signature | Neutral | - |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | 61 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | 100 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 420 g | 391 g |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
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
Meze Liric
The Meze Liric is a premium closed-back planar headphone that prioritizes portability and easy driving, delivering a clear, detailed, and energetic sound with a luxurious build. It excels in control and refinement but trades some bass weight and physical impact for a more immediate, engaging presentation, making it best suited for listeners who value clarity over raw punch. Its compact size and high sensitivity for a planar make it a versatile option for high-end on-the-go listening, though it demands quality sources to shine.
- Pro:Excellent clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Premium, luxurious build quality
- Pro:Easy to drive for a planar model
- Con:Lacks deep bass extension and physical punch
- Con:Requires high-quality source gear for best performance
- Con:Pricey for the performance offered
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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