
HiFiMAN HE 1000se vs Sivga SV231: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the HiFiMAN HE 1000se vs Sivga SV231, 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.
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN HE 1000se | Sivga SV231 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1699 | $1049 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | Not scored |
| Released | 2018 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | - |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | - |
| Sound signature | Bright neutral | - |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/mW | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 440 g | 318 g |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
| Model code | - | SV023 |
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
Sivga SV231
The Sivga SV231 is a premium wired, open-back over-ear headphone that combines a 50mm beryllium-coated LCP dynamic driver with elegant walnut wood earcups for a spacious, airy presentation and rich, natural mids. Its high 300-ohm impedance pairs well with dedicated amplifiers, while the detachable high-purity OCC cable and plush, ergonomic pads ensure lasting comfort. This model is aimed at audiophiles seeking a warm, detailed sound without any built-in noise control.
- Pro:Wide, immersive soundstage with excellent imaging
- Pro:Warm, natural vocal reproduction with clear treble
- Pro:Lightweight 318g build with comfortable earpads
- Con:Requires a powerful amp due to 300-ohm impedance
- Con:No active noise cancellation, so it's not for noisy environments
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and lets in ambient noise
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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