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HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled vs ZMF Tessidera: 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
ZMF Tessidera
Sound9.2
Value7.5

Specifications

Specification comparison of HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled vs ZMF Tessidera
SpecHiFiMAN HE 1000 UnveiledZMF Tessidera
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$2299$2500
HearWiki score88 / 100 · Outstanding88 / 100 · Outstanding
Released20242026
Audio
DriverplanarPlanar magnetic with 1-micron diaphragm
Driver size-80 mm
Drivers per side22
Frequency response8Hz-65kHz20Hz-20kHz
Impedance28 Ω35 Ω
Sensitivity95 dB/mW92 dB/mW
Wireless
Multipoint pairingNo-
Features
Active noise cancellingNo-
Design
Weight450 g570 g
Detachable cableYes-
Balanced connectionYes-

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

ZMF Tessidera

The Tessidera is a premium open-back planar headphone that channels ZMF's signature warm, musical tuning into a planar driver format. It delivers a smooth, full-bodied sound with particularly rich vocals and natural timbre, all while being relatively easy to drive for a high-end model. The build is solid overall, though the stock grill finish shows minor cosmetic imperfections.

  • Pro:Smooth, full-bodied tuning with rich vocals
  • Pro:Excellent timbre and natural instrument reproduction
  • Pro:Relatively easy to drive despite large 80mm drivers
  • Con:Mid-forward balance can vary with amplifier pairing
  • Con:Minor cosmetic roughness on the stock grill
  • Con:Heavy at 570g, requiring a sturdy headphone stand

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

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