Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled
82Outstanding
$2,300
Full review dataHiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled vs STAX SR-009S: 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.
Over-Ear
STAX SR-009S
67Good
$3,290
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled leads on 4 of 4 measures.
- HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled
- STAX SR-009S
HearWiki score
82
67
Sound
9.5
9.2
Value
6.8
4.3
Price (USD)
$2,300
$3,290
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 Unveiled is 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- HE 1000 Unveiled20246 yr newer
- SR-009S2018
Specifications
HE 1000 UnveiledSR-009S
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $2,300
- $3,290
- HearWiki score
- 82
- 67
- Released
- 2024
- 2018
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- planar magnetic
- electrostatic
- Driver type
- planar
- electrostatic
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 1
- Frequency response
- 8 Hz - 65 kHz
- 5 Hz - 42 kHz
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 145000 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 101 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Weight
- 450 g
- 441 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Balanced connection
- 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
STAX SR-009S
The STAX SR-009S is a premium open-back electrostatic headphone that delivers exceptional transparency, speed, and detail, making it a top-tier choice for discerning listeners. Its refined, slightly warmer tuning than the original SR-009, combined with a spacious soundstage and precise imaging, offers a highly immersive experience, though it demands high-quality source material and dedicated amplification. It stands among the best in its class, with only a few newer models potentially edging it out.
- Pro:Exceptional detail resolution and speed
- Pro:Wide, open soundstage with precise imaging
- Pro:Comfortable fit with large earcups
- Con:Very revealing, unforgiving of poor recordings
- Con:Requires specialized electrostatic amplifier
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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