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HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth vs Ultrasone Edition 8 EX: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth vs Ultrasone Edition 8 EX, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

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
  • Ultrasone Edition 8 EX
HearWiki score
83
-
Sound
9.3
-
Value
8.8
-
Price (USD)
$1,400
$1,800

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 5 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 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • HE 1000 Stealth20235 yr newer
  • Edition 8 EX2018

Specifications

HE 1000 StealthEdition 8 EX
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$1,400
$1,800
HearWiki score
83
Not scored
Released
2023
2018
Availability
Still sold new
Discontinued
Driver
planar magnetic
40 mm driver
Driver type
planar
-
Driver size
-
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
8 Hz - 65 kHz
5 Hz - 46 kHz
Sound signature
neutral
-
Impedance
32 Ω
38 Ω
Sensitivity
93 dB/mW
96 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
458 g
330 g
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

Ultrasone Edition 8 EX

The Ultrasone Edition 8 EX is a premium closed-back over-ear headphone designed for audiophiles who prioritize detailed, immersive sound. It incorporates S-Logic EX technology for a spacious, surround-like soundstage and ULE shielding to minimize electromagnetic emissions, all wrapped in a durable, luxurious build with chrome plating and high-quality leather. As a wired model without ANC, it focuses purely on sonic performance and comfort for critical listening sessions.

  • Pro:Immersive S-Logic EX soundstage enhances spatial imaging
  • Pro:Build quality is excellent with chrome plating and solid aluminium
  • Pro:Comfortable Ethiopian sheep leather ear cushions
  • Con:No active noise cancellation for isolation in noisy environments
  • Con:Relatively low sensitivity may require a powerful amplifier
  • Con:Premium price point is a significant investment

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 StealthUltrasone Edition 8 EX