Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
82Great
$949
Full review dataHiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth vs Sennheiser HD 800: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 800 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sennheiser HD 800 - Outstanding overall at around $1800.
Over-Ear
Sennheiser HD 800
88Outstanding
$1800
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
Sennheiser HD 800
Sound9.5
Noise cancelling0.0
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth | Sennheiser HD 800 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $949 | $1800 |
| HearWiki score | 82 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2023 | 2009 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | dynamic |
| Driver size | - | 56 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 14Hz-44.1kHz |
| Sound signature | Neutral | - |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 93 dB/mW | 102 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 102 |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 458 g | 330 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | No | 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
Sennheiser HD 800
The Sennheiser HD 800 is a premium open-back headphone designed for audiophiles who prioritize an expansive, speaker-like soundstage and exceptional detail retrieval. Its large dynamic drivers and angled transducer placement deliver a wide, airy presentation with precise imaging, though it demands a powerful amplifier to perform at its best. While the price tag is steep, the combination of engineering precision, comfort, and clarity makes it a standout choice for serious listening at home.
- Pro:Exceptional soundstage width and spatial imaging
- Pro:Highly detailed and resolving treble with controlled bass
- Pro:Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- Con:Requires a high-power amplifier; not suitable for portable use
- Con:Fully open design offers no noise isolation
- Con:Expensive retail price
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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