Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
83Outstanding
$1,400
Full review dataHiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth vs HiFiMAN HE 6: 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 6
71Good
$1,900
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 4 of 4 measures.
- HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
- HiFiMAN HE 6
HearWiki score
83
71
Sound
9.3
8.9
Value
8.8
-
Price (USD)
$1,400
$1,900
Specifications
HE 1000 StealthHE 6
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $1,400
- $1,900
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 71
- Released
- 2023
- 2010
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- planar magnetic
- 60 mm planar magnetic
- Driver type
- planar
- planar
- Driver size
- -
- 60 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- -
- Frequency response
- 8 Hz - 65 kHz
- 8 Hz - 65 kHz
- Sound signature
- neutral
- neutral-bright
- Impedance
- 32 Ω
- 50 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 93 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Weight
- 458 g
- 502 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- -
- Connector
- 6.35 mm
- 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 6
The HiFiMAN HE 6 is a demanding, high-end planar magnetic headphone that rewards powerful amplification with a bright-neutral, highly resolving sound. Its large 60mm drivers deliver impressive detail and extension, though the heavy build and firm clamping force require a sturdy setup and patient listener.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and transparency
- Pro:Wide frequency response with strong treble extension
- Pro:Detachable balanced cable for flexible connectivity
- Con:Very power-hungry; requires a strong dedicated amplifier
- Con:Heavy at 502g, causing fatigue during long sessions
- Con:Bright tuning may be harsh for treble-sensitive listeners
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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