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HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth vs Yamaha Yh-4000: 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
  • Yamaha Yh-4000
HearWiki score
83
81
Sound
9.3
9.2
Value
8.8
7.3
Price (USD)
$1,400
$2,500

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 Yamaha Yh-4000 is 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • HE 1000 Stealth2023
  • Yh-400020263 yr newer

Specifications

HE 1000 StealthYh-4000
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$1,400
$2,500
HearWiki score
83
81
Released
2023
2026
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
planar magnetic
50 mm planar magnetic
Driver type
planar
planar
Driver size
-
50 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
8 Hz - 65 kHz
5 Hz - 70 kHz
Sound signature
neutral
-
Impedance
32 Ω
34 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
320 g
Foldable
-
No
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
No
Pad material
-
leather
Connector
6.35 mm
3.5 mm
Balanced connection
Yes
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

Yamaha Yh-4000

The Yamaha YH-4000 is a premium open-back planar magnetic headphone that prioritizes raw, uncolored sound over convenience, with a lightweight 320g build and a wide 5 Hz–70 kHz frequency response. It delivers exceptional detail, clean transient handling, and low distortion at typical listening volumes, making it a top-tier choice for audiophiles who value transparency and comfort over features like noise cancellation or wireless connectivity. As a wired-only model with a 3.5mm balanced option, it demands a dedicated amplifier to shine, but rewards with a composed, airy presentation.

  • Pro:Exceptional detail retrieval and composure
  • Pro:Very comfortable for extended listening
  • Pro:Low distortion and clean transient handling
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Wired-only, no USB or wireless options
  • Con:Requires a good amp due to low sensitivity

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonHiFiMAN HE 1000 StealthYamaha Yh-4000