
HiFiMAN HE1000 WiFi vs STAX SR-009D: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the STAX SR-009D 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 HE1000 WiFi | STAX SR-009D |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $2699 | $2640 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2025 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | push-pull electrostatic circular sound element |
| Drivers per side | - | 2 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz ± 0.5 dB | 5Hz-42kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 145000 Ω |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | SBC/AAC/aptX/aptX HD/LDAC | none |
| Bluetooth version | 5.1 | - |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 23 h | - |
| Full charge time | 180 min | - |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | none | none |
| Transparency mode | No | No |
| Companion app | No | No |
| Custom EQ | No | No |
| Wear detection | No | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 452 g | 594 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| USB-C | Yes | No |
What reviewers said
HiFiMAN HE1000 WiFi
The HiFiMAN HE1000 WiFi is a premium open-back planar headphone that blends high-end wired-style audio performance with wireless convenience, including WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB-C playback via its built-in DAC and amplifier. It supports high-resolution codecs like LDAC and aptX HD, delivering a spacious, detailed soundstage, though its real-world battery life may fall short of marketing claims. Priced around $2699, it targets audiophiles seeking a versatile, all-in-one flagship listening solution without active noise cancellation or app-based controls.
- Pro:Outstanding planar sound quality with wide frequency response
- Pro:Versatile connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C, and wired modes
- Pro:Comfortable over-ear design with premium build
- Con:Expensive at roughly $2699
- Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
- Con:Real-world battery life may be shorter than stated 23 hours
STAX SR-009D
The STAX SR-009D is a premium electrostatic over-ear headphone that pushes the boundaries of high-fidelity audio with an exceptionally wide frequency response and transparent, detailed sound. Its open-back design and push-pull driver technology deliver a refined, airy presentation, but it demands a dedicated amplifier and a significant investment. This is a statement piece for audiophiles seeking the utmost in technical performance, not a casual listening device.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Very wide frequency range (5Hz-42kHz)
- Pro:Premium build quality with detachable cable
- Con:Requires specialized electrostatic amplifier
- Con:Very high price point
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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