Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
88Outstanding
$2865
Full review dataHiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 vs STAX SR-009D: 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
STAX SR-009D
88Outstanding
$2640
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
STAX SR-009D
Sound9.5
Value5.5
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 | STAX SR-009D |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $2865 | $2640 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2016 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | push-pull electrostatic circular sound element |
| Driver size | 131.15 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 5Hz-42kHz |
| Sound signature | Neutral | - |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | none |
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| ANC type | - | none |
| Transparency mode | - | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 420 g | 594 g |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | 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
STAX SR-009D
The STAX SR-009D is a premium electrostatic over-ear headphone that pushes the boundaries of high-fidelity audio with an exceptionally wide frequency response and transparent, detailed sound. Its open-back design and push-pull driver technology deliver a refined, airy presentation, but it demands a dedicated amplifier and a significant investment. This is a statement piece for audiophiles seeking the utmost in technical performance, not a casual listening device.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Very wide frequency range (5Hz-42kHz)
- Pro:Premium build quality with detachable cable
- Con:Requires specialized electrostatic amplifier
- Con:Very high price point
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.