HiFiMAN Susvara vs Sennheiser HE-1: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN Susvara comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 77. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: HiFiMAN Susvara - Great overall at around $5999.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

HiFiMAN Susvara leads on 3 of 4 measures.

HiFiMAN Susvara
Sennheiser HE-1

HearWiki score

Sound

9.6

9.9

Value

4.4

0.8

Price (USD)

$6,000

$105,000

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

HiFiMAN Susvara (2017) against Sennheiser HE-1 (2016). These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Sennheiser HE-1 adds USB-C.

Susvara20171 yr newer
HE-12016

What differsSusvaraHE-1

USB-C: No; Yes

Specifications

SusvaraHE-1

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $6,000; $105,000
HearWiki score: 77; 66
Released: 2017; 2016
Availability: Still sold new; Discontinued
Driver: planar magnetic; 2× electrostatic
Driver type: planar; electrostatic
Drivers per side: 1; 2
Frequency response: 6 Hz - 75 kHz; 8 Hz - 80 kHz
Sound signature: neutral; harman
Impedance: 60 Ω; -
Sensitivity: -; 114 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: -; No
ANC type: -; none
Weight: 450 g; 550 g
Detachable cable: Yes; -
USB-C: No; Yes
Balanced connection: Yes; -

Specification comparison of HiFiMAN Susvara vs Sennheiser HE-1
Spec	HiFiMAN Susvara	Sennheiser HE-1
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$6,000	$105,000
HearWiki score	77 / 100 Great	66 / 100 Good
Released	2017	2016
Audio
Driver	planar magnetic	2× electrostatic
Driver type	planar	electrostatic
Drivers per side	1	2
Frequency response	6 Hz - 75 kHz	8 Hz - 80 kHz
Sound signature	neutral	harman
Impedance	60 Ω	-
Sensitivity	-	114 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
ANC type	-	none
Design
Weight	450 g	550 g
Detachable cable	Yes	-
USB-C	No	Yes
Balanced connection	Yes	-

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN Susvara

The HiFiMAN Susvara is a flagship planar magnetic headphone with a neutral sound signature, delivering exceptional detail, natural timbre, and fast, textured bass. It offers a highly refined and airy presentation, though it demands powerful amplification to reach its full potential. This reference-class model is built for audiophiles seeking top-tier transparency and technical performance.

Pro:Exceptional resolution and detail retrieval
Pro:Natural, realistic midrange and timbre
Pro:Fast, textured bass response

Con:Extremely power-hungry, requires high-end amplification
Con:Very expensive flagship pricing
Con:Heavy at 450g, may cause fatigue over long sessions

Sennheiser HE-1

The Sennheiser HE-1 is an electrostatic flagship headphone that represents the absolute pinnacle of audio engineering, delivering an ultra-transparent and precise sound signature tuned to the Harman target. With an exceptionally wide frequency response and high sensitivity, it offers a level of detail and clarity that is virtually unmatched in the high-end audio world. This wired, over-ear model is designed for the most discerning audiophiles seeking the ultimate listening experience.

Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
Pro:Wide 8 Hz–80 kHz frequency response
Pro:Neutral Harman-tuned sound signature

Con:Extremely high price point
Con:Requires dedicated amplifier setup
Con:No active noise cancellation

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparison HiFiMAN Susvara Sennheiser HE-1