Is the HiFiMAN Edition X V2 worth the upgrade from the HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled?
Verdict
Downgrade
The HiFiMAN Edition X V2 actually scores 6.0 points below the HiFiMAN HE 1000 Unveiled, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on sound (9.5 to 8.5) and value (7.5 to 6.5). On paper: weight 450 g to 399 g. Worth checking: active noise cancelling goes No to No. It is at least $1400 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound9.58.5
- Value7.56.5
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | HE 1000 Unveiled | Edition X V2 | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancelling | No | No | |
| Weight | 450 g | 399 g | |
| Driver | planar magnetic | 80 mm planar magnetic | |
| Frequency response | 8 Hz - 65 kHz | 8 Hz - 50 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "HE 1000 Unveiled to Edition X V2". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across over-ear and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.