Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000se
88Outstanding
$1699
Full review dataHiFiMAN HE 1000se vs Ultrasone Edition 8: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the HiFiMAN HE 1000se vs Ultrasone Edition 8, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Over-Ear
Ultrasone Edition 8
Not yet scored
$1199
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
Ultrasone Edition 8
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN HE 1000se | Ultrasone Edition 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1699 | $1199 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | Not scored |
| Released | 2018 | 2018 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | 40mm titanium-plated tri-bass tube driver |
| Driver size | - | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | - | 1 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 6Hz-42kHz |
| Sound signature | Bright neutral | - |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | 30 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB/mW | 96 dB/mW |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 440 g | 260 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
Ultrasone Edition 8
The Ultrasone Edition 8 is a premium closed-back headphone with a 40mm titanium-plated driver and proprietary S-Logic tech, delivering a notably expansive soundstage for a closed design. Its build features a striking ruthenium finish and plush sheepskin earpads, making it both a visual and comfort standout. With a balanced, clear signature and strong bass presence from the tri-bass tube, it suits critical listening across genres, though its high price targets serious enthusiasts.
- Pro:Impressively wide and airy soundstage for a closed-back model
- Pro:Rich, well-defined bass with clear mids and treble
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable with premium leather padding
- Con:Very expensive for the performance offered
- Con:High sensitivity may reveal noise from weaker sources
- Con:Some may find the clamping force slightly firm initially
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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