Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000se
88Outstanding
$1699
Full review dataHiFiMAN HE 1000se vs STAX SR-X1: 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-X1
78Great
$885
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-X1
Sound8.5
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN HE 1000se | STAX SR-X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1699 | $885 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2018 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | electrostatic |
| Driver size | - | 30 mm |
| 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 | 234 g |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
| 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-X1
The STAX SR-X1 is an electrostatic headphone that delivers a spacious, neutral, and highly detailed sound signature, making it a compelling budget-friendly entry into the brand's lineup. It excels in clarity, speed, and transparency while maintaining a lightweight and comfortable fit, though it requires an external energizer and is not suited for portable use. Its bass is less punchy than typical dynamic headphones, but it offers strong overall value for those seeking electrostatic performance without the top-tier price.
- Pro:Exceptional detail and transparency
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended listening
- Pro:Balanced, neutral tonal character
- Con:Requires a separate electrostatic amplifier or energizer
- Con:Bass impact is less forceful than dynamic models
- Con:Very open design offers minimal sound 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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