Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000se
88Outstanding
$1699
Full review dataHiFiMAN HE 1000se vs HiFiMAN Susvara: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN HE 1000se 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 1000se - Outstanding overall at around $1699.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Susvara
88Outstanding
$6000
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
HiFiMAN HE 1000se
Sound9.5
Value6.5
HiFiMAN Susvara
Sound10.0
Value4.0
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN HE 1000se | HiFiMAN Susvara |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1699 | $6000 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2018 | 2017 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | planar |
| Drivers per side | - | 1 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 6Hz-75kHz |
| Sound signature | Bright neutral | Neutral |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | 60 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/mW | 83 dB/mW |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 440 g | 450 g |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
HiFiMAN HE 1000se
The HiFiMAN HE1000se is a high-end planar magnetic headphone that delivers exceptional detail retrieval and a spacious, airy soundstage. Its bright-neutral tuning offers strong bass and treble extension, though the prominent treble can become harsh with lower-quality recordings. While its 35-ohm impedance and 96 dB sensitivity make it moderately easy to drive, it still benefits from quality amplification to perform at its best.
- Pro:Outstanding resolution and micro-detail clarity
- Pro:Wide, airy soundstage with excellent instrument separation
- Pro:Strong extension at both frequency extremes
- Con:Bright, peaky treble can fatigue on poorly mastered tracks
- Con:Requires a decent amp despite moderate sensitivity
- Con:Midrange lacks warmth and body for some tastes
HiFiMAN Susvara
The HiFiMAN Susvara is a reference-class planar flagship that delivers exceptional transparency, detail, and natural tonality across the spectrum. Its demanding power requirements make it a serious investment for audiophiles with high-end amplification, but those who can drive it are rewarded with top-tier resolution and musicality.
- Pro:Exceptional detail retrieval and transparency
- Pro:Natural, realistic midrange with airy treble
- Pro:Fast, well-textured bass response
- Con:Very power-hungry, needs premium amplification
- Con:Premium price point
- Con:Heavy build may impact long-term comfort
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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