Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
82Great
$949
Full review dataHiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth 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 HE 1000 Stealth
Sound8.5
Value7.5
HiFiMAN HE 1000se
Sound9.5
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth | HiFiMAN HE 1000se |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $949 | $1699 |
| HearWiki score | 82 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2023 | 2018 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | planar |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | Neutral | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 93 dB/mW | 96 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 458 g | 440 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
The HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth is a high-end planar magnetic headphone that delivers a refined, neutral sound signature while being easier to drive than its size suggests. It offers excellent comfort and technical performance for a flagship model, though its large frame and bright treble on certain recordings may not suit everyone. Overall, it represents strong value in the premium tier, especially at its current price point. Its stealth magnet design helps minimize interference, contributing to its clean, detailed output. The headphone benefits from amplification but remains usable with portable sources, making it versatile for a range of setups. Its build quality is solid, and the detachable cable adds practicality, though its weight and fit can be a consideration for some listeners.
- Pro:Refined, neutral sound with strong detail retrieval
- Pro:Easier to drive than typical planars, works well with modest sources
- Pro:Comfortable despite its large size, with plush earpads
- Con:Heavy build may cause fatigue during long sessions
- Con:Large ear cups can be awkward for smaller head sizes
- Con:Treble can sound uneven or harsh on bright recordings
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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