
HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled vs STAX SR-4070: 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.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled | STAX SR-4070 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $2299 | $1700 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2024 | - |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | Electrostatic |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 7Hz-41kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Mid-centric |
| Impedance | 28 Ω | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 95 dB/mW | 97 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | none |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| ANC type | - | none |
| Transparency mode | - | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | - | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 450 g | 480 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Foldable | - | No |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
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
STAX SR-4070
The STAX SR-4070 is a high-end electrostatic headphone that prioritizes midrange clarity and detail retrieval over bass impact or treble sparkle. Its exceptionally low-distortion driver and wide frequency response make it a technical powerhouse, but it demands a dedicated electrostatic amplifier and offers no modern conveniences. This is a niche, serious-listening tool for audiophiles who value precision and neutrality above all else.
- Pro:Exceptional technical performance with superb detail and separation
- Pro:Neutral, mid-focused tuning that avoids harshness or fatigue
- Pro:Detachable cable adds flexibility for custom setups
- Con:Requires a specialized electrostatic amp, adding significant cost and bulk
- Con:No built-in controls, app support, or EQ options
- Con:Heavy at 480g and not foldable, limiting portability
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.