Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000se
88Outstanding
$1,700
Full review dataHiFiMAN HE 1000se vs STAX SR-L700MK2: 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-L700MK2
84Great
$1,030
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-L700MK2
Sound9.0
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN HE 1000se | STAX SR-L700MK2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1,700 | $1,030 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 84 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2018 | 2016 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | Push-Pull Open Back Oval Electrostatic |
| Drivers per side | - | 1 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 7Hz-41kHz |
| Sound signature | Bright neutral | - |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/mW | 101 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 440 g | 363 g |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| 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-L700MK2
The STAX SR-L700MK2 is an open-back electrostatic headphone that delivers outstanding clarity, transparency, and an expansive soundstage, making it a top-tier choice for detail-oriented listeners. It offers much of the flagship electrostatic character at a more accessible price point, though it requires a dedicated amplifier and may not satisfy those seeking heavy bass or a dramatic presentation. While its sonic performance is exceptional, the build quality is a notable letdown given the premium cost.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Impressive soundstage and openness
- Pro:Strong value within the electrostatic lineup
- Con:Lacks bass impact and extension
- Con:Build quality feels subpar for the price
- Con:Needs a dedicated electrostatic amplifier
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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