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HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled vs Meze Empyrean Ii: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 82. 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 leads on 3 of 4 measures.

  • HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled
  • Meze Empyrean Ii
HearWiki score
82
77
Sound
9.5
8.8
Value
6.8
6.8
Price (USD)
$2,300
$3,000

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

HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled (2024) against Meze Empyrean Ii (2023). These are 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.

  • HE 1000 Unveiled20241 yr newer
  • Empyrean Ii2023

Specifications

HE 1000 UnveiledEmpyrean Ii
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$2,300
$3,000
HearWiki score
82
77
Released
2024
2023
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
planar magnetic
hybrid
Driver type
planar
hybrid
Driver size
-
102 mm
Drivers per side
1
-
Frequency response
8 Hz - 65 kHz
8 Hz - 110 kHz
Sound signature
-
neutral
Impedance
28 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
-
90 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
-
105
Multipoint pairing
-
No
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
-
No
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
none
Voice assistant
-
No
Weight
450 g
449 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
-
No
Connector
-
XLR
Balanced connection
Yes
Yes

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled

The HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled is a premium open-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers an exceptionally wide and precise soundstage with rich, engaging vocals. It offers flagship-level resolution, dynamics, and a spacious presentation that pushes the boundaries of its price class, though its exposed cup design demands careful handling. With a lightweight 450g build and balanced connectivity, it's a high-end choice for audiophiles seeking top-tier wired performance without active noise cancellation.

  • Pro:Exceptional soundstage width and precision
  • Pro:Outstanding resolution and dynamic range
  • Pro:Engaging and detailed vocal presentation
  • Con:Exposed cups require careful handling
  • Con:No 4.4mm connector included in the box
  • Con:Premium price point may not suit all budgets

Meze Empyrean Ii

The Meze Empyrean II is a high-end open-back headphone that refines the original's signature into a more polished, widely appealing sound. It pairs a hybrid isodynamic driver with a comfortable, premium build, delivering an engaging yet technically capable performance, though its open design means no isolation and it requires a dedicated amplifier. It's a versatile flagship that balances accuracy with musicality, making it a strong choice for discerning audiophiles.

  • Pro:Refined, more accurate tuning than the original
  • Pro:Extremely comfortable and well-constructed
  • Pro:Engaging and musical presentation
  • Con:Upper treble can sound slightly uneven
  • Con:Dynamics feel somewhat restrained at times
  • Con:Open-back design offers no noise isolation and leaks sound

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

Compare something else

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New comparisonHiFiMAN HE 1000 UnveiledMeze Empyrean Ii