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HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled vs Ultrasone Edition 15: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled vs Ultrasone Edition 15, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score 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
  • Ultrasone Edition 15
HearWiki score
82
-
Sound
9.5
-
Value
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

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
  • Edition 152018

Specifications

HE 1000 UnveiledEdition 15
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$2,300
$3,000
HearWiki score
82
Not scored
Released
2024
2018
Availability
Still sold new
Discontinued
Driver
planar magnetic
40 mm driver
Driver type
planar
-
Driver size
-
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
8 Hz - 65 kHz
5 Hz - 48 kHz
Impedance
28 Ω
40 Ω
Sensitivity
-
94 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
450 g
320 g
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
-
No
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

Ultrasone Edition 15

The Ultrasone Edition 15 is a premium wired, semi-open headphone built with a gold-titanium composite driver that delivers a warm, musical low end and crisp treble. Its handcrafted cherry wood cups, aluminum frame, and detachable LEMO cables emphasize a high-end, durable design for audiophiles. With a 40-ohm impedance and 94 dB sensitivity, it pairs well with quality headphone amplifiers.

  • Pro:Rich, warm bass with detailed highs
  • Pro:Premium cherry wood and aluminum construction
  • Pro:Detachable LEMO cables for easy replacement
  • Con:High price point
  • Con:No noise cancellation or wireless features
  • Con:Requires a separate amplifier for best performance

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

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