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HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth vs STAX SR-4070: 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.

Score 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
  • STAX SR-4070
HearWiki score
83
59
Sound
9.3
7.6
Value
8.8
-
Price (USD)
$1,400
$1,700

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

The HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth is 22 years newer, but it is 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. For 22 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • HE 1000 Stealth202322 yr newer
  • SR-40702001

Specifications

HE 1000 StealthSR-4070
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$1,400
$1,700
HearWiki score
83
59
Released
2023
2001
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
7 Hz - 41 kHz
Sound signature
neutral
mid-forward
Impedance
32 Ω
145000 Ω
Sensitivity
93 dB/mW
97 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
-
No
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
none
Weight
458 g
480 g
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
-
No
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
No
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-4070

The STAX SR-4070 is a premium electrostatic over-ear headphone designed for audiophiles seeking a wired, reference-grade listening experience. With a mid-centric sound signature and exceptional technical performance, it delivers detailed, high-fidelity audio across an extended frequency range. Ideal for critical listening, this headphone requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier and offers no modern conveniences like ANC or wireless connectivity.

  • Pro:Exceptional technical performance with detailed sound reproduction
  • Pro:Wide frequency response from 7 Hz to 41 kHz
  • Pro:Mid-centric tuning ideal for vocals and instruments
  • Con:Requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier, limiting portability
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless features
  • Con:Heavy at 480 grams, potentially uncomfortable for long sessions

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonHiFiMAN HE 1000 StealthSTAX SR-4070