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HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled vs HiFiMAN HE 1000se: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled - Outstanding overall at around $2299.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled
Sound9.5
Value7.5
HiFiMAN HE 1000se
Sound9.5
Value6.5

Specifications

Specification comparison of HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled vs HiFiMAN HE 1000se
SpecHiFiMAN HE 1000 UnveiledHiFiMAN HE 1000se
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$2299$1699
HearWiki score88 / 100 · Outstanding88 / 100 · Outstanding
Released20242018
Audio
Driverplanarplanar
Drivers per side2-
Frequency response8Hz-65kHz8Hz-65kHz
Sound signature-Bright neutral
Impedance28 Ω35 Ω
Sensitivity95 dB/mW96 dB/mW
Wireless
Multipoint pairingNo-
Features
Active noise cancellingNo-
Design
Weight450 g440 g
Detachable cableYes-
Balanced connectionYesYes

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled

The HE1000 Unveiled is a premium open-back planar headphone that elevates high-end performance with a remarkably expansive, precise soundstage and detailed, engaging vocals. It delivers top-tier resolution and dynamics for its price, though its exposed driver cups demand careful handling and it lacks a 4.4mm cable in the box. Overall, it stands as a highly accomplished flagship for discerning listeners.

  • Pro:Outstanding resolution and dynamics
  • Pro:Very large, precise soundstage
  • Pro:Engaging vocal presentation
  • Con:Exposed cups require careful handling
  • Con:No 4.4mm cable included
  • Con:High price point

HiFiMAN HE 1000se

The HiFiMAN HE1000se is a high-end planar magnetic headphone that delivers exceptional detail retrieval and a spacious, airy soundstage. Its bright-neutral tuning offers strong bass and treble extension, though the prominent treble can become harsh with lower-quality recordings. While its 35-ohm impedance and 96 dB sensitivity make it moderately easy to drive, it still benefits from quality amplification to perform at its best.

  • Pro:Outstanding resolution and micro-detail clarity
  • Pro:Wide, airy soundstage with excellent instrument separation
  • Pro:Strong extension at both frequency extremes
  • Con:Bright, peaky treble can fatigue on poorly mastered tracks
  • Con:Requires a decent amp despite moderate sensitivity
  • Con:Midrange lacks warmth and body for some tastes

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

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