Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
83Outstanding
$1,400
Full review dataHiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth vs HiFiMAN HE 1000se: 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.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000se
77Great
$2,000
Full review dataScore 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 1000se
HearWiki score
83
77
Sound
9.3
9.3
Value
8.8
7.2
Price (USD)
$1,400
$2,000
Specifications
HE 1000 StealthHE 1000se
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $1,400
- $2,000
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 77
- Released
- 2023
- 2018
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- planar magnetic
- planar magnetic
- Driver type
- planar
- planar
- Drivers per side
- 1
- -
- Frequency response
- 8 Hz - 65 kHz
- 8 Hz - 65 kHz
- Sound signature
- neutral
- neutral-bright
- Impedance
- 32 Ω
- 35 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 93 dB/mW
- 96 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Weight
- 458 g
- 440 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- No
- -
- Connector
- 6.35 mm
- 3.5 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 1000se
The HiFiMAN HE1000se is a high-end planar magnetic headphone that delivers exceptional clarity, detail, and a spacious soundstage with a neutral-bright signature. It offers strong bass and treble extension, but its elevated treble can be sharp or fatiguing on demanding recordings. While relatively sensitive, it still benefits from quality amplification to reach its full potential.
- Pro:Outstanding detail retrieval and resolution
- Pro:Wide, airy soundstage with excellent imaging
- Pro:Strong bass and treble extension
- Con:Bright treble can be harsh on poor recordings
- Con:Midrange lacks warmth and body
- Con:High price limits value
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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