Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000se
88Outstanding
$1,700
Full review dataHiFiMAN HE 1000se vs STAX SR-507: 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
STAX SR-507
78Great
$1,100
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
STAX SR-507
Sound8.5
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN HE 1000se | STAX SR-507 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1,700 | $1,100 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2018 | 2010 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | Electrostatic |
| Drivers per side | - | 2 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 7Hz-41kHz |
| Sound signature | Bright neutral | Neutral |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/mW | 118 dB/mW |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 440 g | 533 g |
| Balanced connection | 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
STAX SR-507
The STAX SR-507 is an electrostatic headphone that delivers a highly neutral and transparent sound, prioritizing accuracy and detail over coloration. Its technical performance is outstanding, though it demands a dedicated electrostatic amplifier to unlock its full potential, making it a niche choice for serious audiophiles. The sound is fast and precise, with excellent resolution across the frequency range, though the tuning may come across as slightly lean for some listeners.
- Pro:Exceptional detail retrieval and clarity
- Pro:Fast transient response with electrostatic speed
- Pro:Neutral and accurate tonal balance
- Con:Requires a specialized electrostatic amp, adding cost
- Con:Lean tuning may lack warmth for some
- Con:Heavy build at over half a kilogram
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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