Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
83Outstanding
$1,400
Full review dataHiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth vs STAX SR-009D: 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
STAX SR-009D
81Outstanding
$2,600
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
- STAX SR-009D
HearWiki score
83
81
Sound
9.3
9.7
Value
8.8
7.4
Price (USD)
$1,400
$2,600
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
STAX SR-009D (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
- SR-009D20241 yr newer
Specifications
HE 1000 StealthSR-009D
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $1,400
- $2,600
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 81
- Released
- 2023
- 2024
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- planar magnetic
- 2× electrostatic
- Driver type
- planar
- electrostatic
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 2
- Frequency response
- 8 Hz - 65 kHz
- 5 Hz - 42 kHz
- Sound signature
- neutral
- -
- Impedance
- 32 Ω
- 145000 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 93 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- ANC type
- -
- none
- Transparency mode
- -
- No
- Companion app
- -
- No
- Custom EQ
- -
- No
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Weight
- 458 g
- 452 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- No
- Pad material
- -
- leather
- Connector
- 6.35 mm
- -
- Balanced connection
- 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
STAX SR-009D
The STAX SR-009D is a premium open-back electrostatic headphone engineered for audiophiles seeking exceptional clarity and detail. With its ultra-wide frequency response and refined driver design, it delivers a transparent, highly resolving soundstage, though it demands a dedicated amplifier and a substantial investment. Its leather pads and detachable cable add to a luxurious, high-end experience.
- Pro:Exceptional transparency and resolution
- Pro:Wide frequency response for detailed highs and lows
- Pro:Premium build with leather earpads
- Con:Very expensive
- Con:Requires specialized electrostatic amplifier
- Con:No noise cancellation or wireless features
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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