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HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled: 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 3 of 4 measures.

  • HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
  • HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled
HearWiki score
83
82
Sound
9.3
9.5
Value
8.8
6.8
Price (USD)
$1,400
$2,300

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

HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled (2024) against HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth (2023). These are 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.

  • HE 1000 Stealth2023
  • HE 1000 Unveiled20241 yr newer

Specifications

HE 1000 StealthHE 1000 Unveiled
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$1,400
$2,300
HearWiki score
83
82
Released
2023
2024
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
planar magnetic
planar magnetic
Driver type
planar
planar
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
8 Hz - 65 kHz
8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature
neutral
-
Impedance
32 Ω
28 Ω
Sensitivity
93 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
458 g
450 g
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
-
Connector
6.35 mm
-
Balanced connection
Yes
Yes

What reviewers said

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

HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled

The HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled is a premium open-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers an exceptionally wide and precise soundstage with rich, engaging vocals. It offers flagship-level resolution, dynamics, and a spacious presentation that pushes the boundaries of its price class, though its exposed cup design demands careful handling. With a lightweight 450g build and balanced connectivity, it's a high-end choice for audiophiles seeking top-tier wired performance without active noise cancellation.

  • Pro:Exceptional soundstage width and precision
  • Pro:Outstanding resolution and dynamic range
  • Pro:Engaging and detailed vocal presentation
  • Con:Exposed cups require careful handling
  • Con:No 4.4mm connector included in the box
  • Con:Premium price point may not suit all budgets

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 HE 1000 StealthHiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled