Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
83Outstanding
$1,400
Full review dataHiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth vs STAX SR-L700MK2: 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-L700MK2
69Good
$1,650
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
- STAX SR-L700MK2
HearWiki score
83
69
Sound
9.3
9.0
Value
8.8
6.8
Price (USD)
$1,400
$1,650
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 7 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 7 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- HE 1000 Stealth20237 yr newer
- SR-L700MK22016
Specifications
HE 1000 StealthSR-L700MK2
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $1,400
- $1,650
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 69
- Released
- 2023
- 2016
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- planar magnetic
- electrostatic
- Driver type
- planar
- electrostatic
- Drivers per side
- 1
- -
- Frequency response
- 8 Hz - 65 kHz
- 7 Hz - 41 kHz
- Sound signature
- neutral
- -
- Impedance
- 32 Ω
- 145000 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 93 dB/mW
- 101 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Weight
- 458 g
- 371 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- 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-L700MK2
The SR-L700MK2 delivers a highly detailed and open electrostatic presentation that echoes STAX's flagship character at a more accessible price. It excels in treble clarity, transparency, and spaciousness when paired with a suitable amplifier, though it may lack bass weight and dynamic punch. Build quality is a noted compromise relative to its premium cost, but overall sound resolution remains class-leading.
- Pro:Exceptional treble detail and transparency
- Pro:Open, spacious soundstage with cohesive imaging
- Pro:Strong value within the STAX electrostatic lineup
- Con:Limited bass extension and impact
- Con:Build quality feels below the price point
- Con:Can lack dramatic dynamics or musical warmth
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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