HiFiMan HE1000 Stealth & HE1000SE: Which version is best for you? 

I finally got my hands on the HE1000 Stealth, and I’ve been able to do a direct comparison between the HE1000SE, the Arya Stealth and the Edition XS, which I already own. I’ve only auditioned them for a half day, but I mostly agree with your assessments-especially in comparison to the HEKSE. I do think they’re the most impeccably tuned headphone HFM has produced to date-certainly the most Harman-compliant. The most notable improvement I’ve heard thus far compared to the others, and a characteristic I’ve never found in any of the prior HFM offerings, is the bass response. The published FRCs show a 5-6 dB increase in the low shelf starting around 30hz, and boy can I hear it-for my other headphones I always fully engage the analog xBass feature on my Pro iCAN Signature, but for these I encountered a few tracks where I had to dial it back. The headphones were literally producing a physical bass response on rock tracks that is immeasurably exciting, and a clear advantage over my HEKSE and Arya SE. Interestingly, the Edition XS produces something close to this deep, clean and stable bass response as well, and a very fine Harman signature which reinforces my belief that these are very underrated cans, and the best you can buy under $500 (perhaps under $1,000). The other notable difference I notice when comparing the HE1000 Stealth to the HE1000se is a considerably reduced fatigue factor. I know you found these new HEK Stealths to be brighter than the SEs, but I’m experiencing something unexpected-the high mids, around the 6,500 to 8,500 hz range, are noticeably attenuated compared to the SE, both on the FRCs and subjectively, and thus I experience none of the bitingly intense accents that have caused listening fatigue for me in the past with the SEs-the same fatigue factor that has also differentiated the HEK V2 and SE enough for Crinacle to rate the V2s in the Superior range (fourth from the top) compared to the lower A+ rating given to the more costly SEs. The higher frequencies (over 9,000 hz) may be more prominent in the HEK Stealth, but I don’t experience that as fatigue-perhaps my 54 year old ears aren’t able to discern the excess brightness you reported in these compared to the SE, but I think this just calls attention to how broad “brightness” can be defined and experienced along differing ranges of the audible spectrum and between different ears. The only characteristic I have yet to define between the HEK Stealth and the SE is resolution and detail retrieval. Frankly I’ve never heard another headphone that is as resolving as the HEKSE-and I’m sure that is a factor both of their inherent design and their bright tuning. On these initial listenings, I make up that the SEs may still have an advantage in this regard (albeit a slight one), but I’d need to level out their tunings with PEQ to fully determine whether the HEK Stealth resolves detail as divinely as the SE. Given that the two are using essentially identical magnets and the same neodymium driver, along with identical grilles and ear cup form factors, if the SEs are an improvement in this quality I’d sure like to know why. Finally the build quality of these new HEK Stealths is extraordinary, and in my view as equally fine as the HEKSE. I suppose some might quibble with the wood veneers around the pad housing, but I actually like that look, and in terms of comfort I don’t think you could ask for a lighter weight, more comfortable form factor in any flagship headphone. I’ve owned my SE for over a year and have put them through the paces for sure, and they still look unblemished and as good as new. I fear that the $1,999 price point is going to omit this HEK Stealth from serious consideration amongst the other outlandishly priced flagships out there-the Susvara still enjoys the reputation as the sole major player in the Stereophile set, and I think HFM’s later iterations such as the HEKSE and this new HEK Stealth offer considerable innovations and advantages over the seven year old Susvara. Personally I can’t appreciate any ways in which the Susvara outdoes the HEKSE (for instance) in resolution, soundstage or timbre, and in fact I think the HEKSE is considerably superior to the Susvara in tuning, efficiency (that sensitivity of 83 is a technological relic in my view), and bass response. Similarly, if I had never heard the HEKSE (and paid $3,500 for it), I would consider this HEK Stealth as an endgame headphone-and I’m still not convinced that the HEKSE earns its $1,500 higher price point in any way. Those who claim the soundstage isn’t as wide and the detail retrieval isn’t as exacting may fail to recognize how much tuning influences both of these factors-and I’d lay odds that if the HEKSE and HEK Stealth were leveled with PEQ, they’d sound near identical. Assessing them both out of the box, I still consider the elevated bass shelf and the tamed high mids I’m enjoying in these HEK Stealths advantages over the HEKSE, despite their lower price point-and given their near-identical presentations in all other categories, I’m left to conclude that the HEK Stealth is priced lower simply as a reflection of the lower costs of technological improvements, along with a strategic decision to leave the SEs priced higher to maintain their “flagship” status. I think these new HEK Stealths now represent the best headphones you can buy (at least for the rock, electronica, EDM and similar genres I enjoy) for under $2,000, if not overall. For comfort, build, versatility, tuning, soundstage and “fun” factor I haven’t found their peer. I’m baffled by how unheralded they have been and still are, and given how quietly HFM launched them (barely at all), I think that’s a indicator of how marketing hype can tempt folks to part ways with three times their cost with quite specious returns on their investment.

I just received the HE 1000 stealth and man they are definitely a worthy upgrade over the Arya stealth, just everything perfect that I look for in a headphone. And they are a perfect with the ef 400 and also the chord mojo 2. Extremely happy with my purchase.

Great review and you did a good job of covering up for not having the other v2 to compare. But, I still wish you did.

Really appreciated this thorough review. I thought I got screwed when the Arya Organic came out after I got the Arya Stealth last year. But after listening to your explanation from your video of Arya Organic and now this video on the HE1000SE vs HE1000 V2 Stealth, I realize the HE1000SE is just the right addition to my headphone collection. The Arya SE is really the maximum brightness I want to experience and I would love to have a headphone that could provide better intimacy, better tonal balance, that could provide better enjoyment in listening to Jazz music. Right now I'm using LCD-X for smooth jazz and Focal Clear for crossover jazz. The Arya rarely gets used for these because it's not intimate enough or too aggressive in the treble for enjoyment. I'm hoping the HE1000SE will be the solution of providing a bigger and more enjoyable sound stage for crossover jazz and better timbre and nice smoothed out detail in smooth jazz when paired with the Hifiman EF400

Thanks Lachlan, I’m going to wait for the HE1000SE invisible magnet edition V81 ; )

What a coincidence, I'll be at a shop tomorrow to take a 2nd listen to the HE1000 Stealth (and probably the Arya 2021 as well).

Really good to know that you are a musician that plays viola and violin. That instantly adds to the credibility of your ear and listening sensibilities. I'd have liked to know that a long time ago. Of course I've always trusted and enjoyed your reviews but being a musician, that's another level. Throw that information around more often.

28:06 Excellent review Lachlan, I really enjoyed it. I thought your comments comparing the Arya, V2 stealth and the SE were strong and very accurate. I owned the V2 non stealth for 4 years before upgrading to the SE, which I’ve owned for 2 years now. Although I absolutely loved my V2’s, I quickly realized they were no match for the SE’s lightning speed and absolutely smooth presentation. The SE’s, although ruthlessly visceral, are also smooth as butter and have one of the best centre images I have ever heard. You’re totally right, the V2 stealth is way more “Out there” left and right wise, but the SE’s ability to reign everything in and provide a cohesive, smooth yet totally enjoyable wall of sound around my head is nothing short of intoxicating. My original non stealth V2’s were actually brighter in my opinion than the SE’s are! Great video, I thought your comments were spot on. Keep up the great work, I really enjoy your reviews!!

After being captivated by this review, I'm considering the Hifiman HE1000 Stealth and HE1000SE. I've gathered that the HE1000SE has sonic similarities with the Susvara, and the HE1000 Stealth might lean towards the brighter side in treble. Given my current gear, I'm leaning towards the HE1000SE. I've been deeply immersed in high-fidelity audio and am cherishing the pairing of my Hifiman Edition XS with the Chord Mojo 2. The Edition XS punches above its price point, delivering a sonic experience that's hard to match. While they can be a tad bright for certain genres, I've fine-tuned them with EQ, adding a touch of bass warmth to achieve my desired sound signature. I'd love to hear recommendations from the community on this. Your insights are highly sought after. 🎶🎧

awesome review mate! is the note decay of the two similar to that of the verite open?

I purchased both the HE1000SE and HE1000v2 Stealth at the same time two months ago, for the sale prices of $1999 and $1399 respectively. I kept the SE. They are extremely open to EQ. And the only thing i needed to do to get a touch more staging is reduce the upper mids a touch. The detail retrieval and the "realism" is uncontested on the SE. I EQ'd my SE to the tuning of the Meze Elite, essentially, which means I now have the staging and separation of the Elite (and the HE1000v2 Stealth for that matter), along with the uncontested detail and realism of the SE. EQ'd, I cannot imagine there is a better headphone, especially at the $1999 price point. I do not believe there is a better end game headphones value than the Hifiman HE1000SE for $1999 in the world.

Thanks Lachlan for a great and helpful review. I purchased the Meze Elites and the Burson Soloist 3X largely on your reviews and I have been VERY happy! The Elites will almost certainly be my endgame cans. However, I am also thinking about purchasing the HE1000se headphones as a second option and as a 'contrast' to the Elites, so your comparison to the HE1000se was very helpful. May I ask if you think the Burson Soloist 3X might help tame any potential treble sharpness/brightness which is sometimes associated with the HE1000se? Unfortunately, where I live I won't get a chance to demo personally the HE1000se. Thanks again and keep up the great content!

I’ve had the opposite experience with the SE compared to the original V2-I find my SE somewhat fatiguing on certain tracks, although far more detailed and resolving. I’m surprised to hear about this treble excess in the HE1000 Stealth, because Crinacle ranks the original V2 above the SE only due to the latter’s excess brightness. The original V2 and Susvaras are two out of the four options that Crinacle gives an “S” rating, with the SE listed at the top of the table offerings in the “A+” range-again only due to tuning differences. From what I’ve heard, the original V2 differs from the Stealth model only in terms of the Stealth magnet, and I’m perplexed that this would change the FRC to such an extent. I’ve auditioned the original V2s compared to the SE and the Arya Stealth, and I find the V2s and the Aryas to be almost identical in their tuning-the V2s are much harder to drive, but they share the wide soundstage and very Harman-compliant tuning with the Aryas. For that reason I consider the original V2 to be the “step-up” from the Arya Stealth, differing almost exclusively in resolution and imaging quality-and I consider the SE to be in another category altogether. I also consider the Edition XS to be the entry level option in this line of three HFM options with the original V2 and the Arya Stealths-they also have similar tuning and soundstage, and honestly I think they only differ from the Aryas in the premium aspects of the build. I don’t think one could ask for a finer-sounding headphone under $1,000 (under $500!). One thing you didn’t mention was the extra bass extension shown in your own FRCs in the HE1000 Stealth compared to the SE-it looks like there’s a 5db increase in the bass shelf in the former, and I’m curious if the new HE1000 Stealth has more bass slam out of the box compared to the SE. I also don’t agree with the Susvara/SE comparison-the Susvara (from 2016) is pre-Harman, and it is substantially lacking as a result in the bass compared with the SE. Consequently, at least for rock or similar genres, I find the Susvara to be incredibly dull and anemic, and far less physical and exciting than the SE-from my perspective I still consider the SE to be HFM’s definitive all-rounder flagship for that reason. To me the Susvara is a prototype of what HFM achieved with their Stealth magnet technology, and its oval pad successors took its merits many steps further-and I think its price point is justified only in the service of recouping their original R&D costs for their step up in the game in the industry. Their subsequent offerings have been far more efficient and modern-sounding, while retaining all of the Susvara’s speed and detail-even with the larger driver. When I received the Susvara along with the Arya Stealth, original V2 and SE for a definitive audition (using a Topping d90se and a 14 watt balanced iFi Pro iCAN Signature amp to drive the hell out of them), the Susvaras were the first to go back in the box-it continues to elude me why folks still speak with such reverence about that thing (I think they’re being biased by price). HFM’s oval pad innovations improve on the Susvara in just about every category. I had a very hard time deciding between the original V2 and the SE, because I loved the former’s tuning-but in the end I couldn’t part ways with the SE’s level of detail. So I kept the SE and added the Arya Stealth to give me a similar experience to the V2. It was my hope that the V2 Stealth would offer the perfect combination of the V2’s tuning and soundstage along with the SE’s impeccable detail. Based on your review and FRC specs it sounds like that was a folly. I also own the Meze Elites, and they are far and away more muted and less detailed to my ears than the SE-with both pad options I find the Elites seriously wanting in the high end. I do think that all the HE1000 options belie any claims of poor build quality in the HFM line-my set is impeccably and seamlessly assembled and I have zero worries about their durability. I have heard that the Dekoni Hybrid pads on the SE potentiate their bass response and tame their treble and fatigue to some extent, although I’ve been afraid to try the pad roll because I’ve heard of many folks who have cracked the frames on the stock pads when attempting to remove them. Would be curious about your own experience with this. But overall I applaud you for another thoughtful review!

Great review ❤ I had the HE1000SE for almost two years but then sold it. I appreciate the large and spatial representation, the price of the HE1000SE has fallen significantly in Europe, maybe I'll get it again.

I have probably watched this review 3 times now. So helpful! I have enjoyed the Arya Stealth quite a bit but if I can get more out of the HEK line I’d rather upgrade now. I’m using an EF400 - can you provide me any info of how the HEK Stealth vs HEKSE performed on the EF400? I know I’ll need to try them to know for sure but I’m hoping to learn as much as I can before spending more money 😊

Thank you for the detailed review. I'm waiting after ordering He 1000 se.

the SE is really tempting at the moment. some UK dealers selling at around £1600 now.

Thanks for this great review. I got my HE1000se 1.5 months ago and love it so much.The sound stage is so amazing!

Excellent video! Loved the B role intro and music. Having the Arya Stealth I have been wondering how much of a sound upgrade I would experience moving to the HE1000 series. Thanks for all the details describing each versions sound. Looks like I'll be saving up for the HE1K SE. Do you think once you get the HE1K SE the Arya Stealth will be obsolete in one's collection? Not sure if I should trade up or keep it in my collection. I also appreciate the comparison to the Susvara. I completely understand that sometimes a less technical headphone can actually be more fun to listen to. That's what the Sennheiser HD6XX/650 do for me. Thanks again for the great reviews! Cheers

HEKse is a good time. Very likely to please many people especially if you listen to a lot of different genres and have a preference for vocals and strings. You'd be in for a treat and I would say.. it would be worth the extra spend over the Arya SE. The Arya Organic might throw a wrench into that evaluation when it's released but the HEKse is a very, very easy recommendation if you don't mind the spend. Very balanced, I'd agree with your evaluation of its general characteristics and your assessment of its tonal strength. I recall being confused by what HiFiMan was trying to accomplish with these various offerings at similar price points but I think it's a bit simplified for me now: if you can afford the HEKse ---> just get it

I’m in Sydney and demo’d the 3 headphones compared here. Pretty spot on evaluation mate. I probably would dish the new 1000stealths more than you did. To hot in the treble for me. For example, in “cocaine” in Eric Claptons slowhand album, there’s a little snare shuffle that most headphones mush up, i could hardly hear it on the hek stealths without the bass and guitar being unbearably loud. I ended up happily buying the Arya stealth. The SE does have a lovely smoothness to the mid bass that separates in some songs it but I found it hard to pick between them on a lot of songs, and some songs I liked the Arya better. In the end I couldn’t warrant twice the price for the SE.. yet… lol

I've got extra unexpected money to burn! Considering the SE is now £1900 vs £1100 for the Stealth V2, I'll trade my Ayra Stealth for the SE. May as well go full upgrade, but can fully demo them and hopefully the shop still has my amp (Burson 3x GT) to use as well. My Tungstens are still months away so will see when they arrive as I doubt I keep both well, maybe not!

It's especially confusing when the HE1000 V2 and HE1000 V2 Stealth have absolutely NO differentiator externally. You might be able to see the magnet difference if you look closely at the earcups but that's about it. And yes the non stealth is quite a bit different, the stealth version adds quite a bit more bass compared to the non stealth which is more neutral and leaner sounding.

Thank you for the video, been looking for this! please asking for some help, Im a person that get fatigued with the arya v2 non stealth and Im trying to find the right hifiman upgrade, the last 2 options are the he1000v2 Original and the newer he1000v2 stealth, which one do you recommend to have a look first, focusing mainly and getting the version of he1000 with less treble. thank you in advance, hello from Brisbane mate!

That t-shirt is amazing

Thanks for sharing. To realize the full potential of a headphone, the FR should be personalized. In addition, the EQ can be used to correct construction and principle-related unevenness in the FR. I recently did an a/b comparison between the HE-1000 Stealth and the Susvara. Both were set to the same volume and FR. So I was able to check the headphones for their technical performance. For me, the HE-1000 Stealth was clearly the winner. The Sus has the higher transparency, and higher resolution. The HE-1000V2 Stealth has significantly more energy and punch in the low frequencies, and a more authentic timbre. The Susvara has a different character than the HE-1000 Stealth. The Sus is extremely airy and high-res. Which are very positive characteristics to the next. However, as is well known, the coin has two sides. Due to its airiness, it lacks a "stable foundation" in the low frequency range. At least in direct comparison with the Stealth, the bass seems relatively powerless and gentle (it reminds me of the typical DCA sound).With the Susvara, it was already clear at medium volume and some drums, or a bass guitar, that it has significantly less impact, and punch, than the Stealth.Incidentally, I've already had the experience with the LCD 5 that at some point a point is reached where even more resolution somehow has a negative effect. Nobody needs more resolution than Stealth delivers. I suspect that out of 100 people the preference would be split 50/50. For gentle classical music or very smooth jazz, I would also prefer the Sus. For the rest clearly the Stealth. I had almost every TOTL headphone you can buy. The HE-1000 Stealth is the best I've ever heard. PS. The Lyr+ is a perfect match for the HE-1000 Stealth.

4:16 Sorry if i got that wrong, but the HE400SE is the hardest to drive Hifiman after the Susvara? What about the HE-6 for example? When i tried the 400SE the didn't seem very power dependant to me. More like a Sundara

Thanks man. I have the HE1000SE and absolutely love them but I also have eardrums where I don't find things too bright in case it helps. Ie:My Hd800 sounds great to me

Great review. I've had my HEKse for a long time now. It was an upgrade to the Arya V2 and although it sometimes comes across a bit bright, it's a huge upgrade over the Arya (not heard Arya Stealth) in every aspect of sound. One thing worth reiterating - the depth that you get with the HEKse compared to the Arya. "Chocolate Chip Factory" by Tool sounds two-dimensional on the Arya compared to the HEKse that has the drums going not just left to right but front to back. Not quite the level of the Utopia but it compensates for that with the overall size of the soundstage. I've recently been considering upgrading to the Susvara even though I've never heard it (so, a gamble). But having heard so many opinions saying that I might be disappointed unless I find a perfect match in terms of amp (not just raw power but also sound signature) which I wouldn't really want to spend that much money on, I think I'm better off with the HEKse since it's highly enjoyable and different enough from the Utopia to make me wanna reach for it. I know that you're a big fan of the Elite, I hope that I can hear what they sound like. My hunch is that I wouldn't enjoy them long-term because I find "smooth" headphones boring, although it can certainly be a very sensible choice if one's plan is to "only" have one headphone in their collection. The consensus seems to be that the HEKse is technically very close to the Utopia and well ahead of the Elite. I think your love for the Elite's tonality will play a big factor in your perception of the headphone (which applies to all of us and all of our preferences), but you did also mention that going back to the HEKse reminds you of how coloured the Elite is. That's one of the reasons I've been unwilling to let my HEKse go - even though it sometimes sounds a bit too technical, I then switch to the Utopia which has its own nuanced colouration and sooner or later I'll return to the HEKse... and so the story goes, having contrasting headphones keeps me always engaged and always entartained. 🙂 I think that the Susvara could spoil this balance in my case.

This is a really useful review for me at the moment. I have just returned today from the dealer and ended up preferring the Arya Stealth over the 1000SE due to its more 'direct' presentation and tuning. Unfortunately they did not have the HE1000 Stealth for me to try. If I understand you correctly, the presentation and tuning of the Arya Stealth and HE1000 Stealth are very similar, but the 1000 Stealth has better technicalities...is that correct? If so I'll wait until I can compare the Arya Stealth and the 1000 Stealth before making a purchase. Your advice is very much welcomed if you have time.(Liked and Subscribed)

Thank you for answer! By the way, is it possible make review of affordable fully balanced amp with pre amp woo wa22 especially highlighting tube rolling to choose right ones. For 2700$ it’s great for its tech specs.

I ordered Arya and was looking to upgrade to he1000 but you praise the Meze Elite more than he1000 and it's closed hp so now I'm thinking to order Meze.

Nice review.. Do you think SE is a good mastering tool with a little eq?

Can I ask how it does the stealth compare to the old V2? which one do you prefer? You're the only youtuber I could find at the moment that has a proper review in depth on it. thank you agian for great video

Will you do a Video or do you have an opinion on the Arya Organic compared to the He1000se?

Excellent as always

I'm happy that I have He1000 v2, not stealth or SE. Stealth technology doesn't match my ears. I used to have Arya Stealth. It was perfect in the beginning. However, after the honeymoon time, I often had fatigued by the bright and sharp sounds. I know that Arya stealth had pinpoint accuracy and clarity. Still, my honeymoon didn't last long with Stealth technology. These are just my subjective experiences. Also, I have never tried he1000 stealth or SE. So I might be wrong.

actually recently I bought a new Hifiman he1000se, its cables are black as the same as He1000v2.

Hello, is it possible to upload the he1000v2stealth frequence to harman target? Would be great! :) thanks for everything!

I would like your opinion on the following. With the Stealth, despite the Harman target, I noticed a certain tendency to sharpness, or obtrusiveness, in the 1 kilohertz range. can you remember how wer se compares to that?

The SE is curretly USD$1800 (with a three-year warranty!), just in case Mr. Dietz is unable to supply one of his Mod House Tungsten headphones according to my specifications.

I own the dac/amp TA-ZH1ES, do you think this will work well with the v2 Stealth? TA-ZH1ES power: 1.2 / 32Ω Hifiman HE1000V2 Stealth: 32Ω / Sensitivity 93 dB

do i understnd well?he1000 you speak about is the stealth magnet?

What dac/amp all in one combo would you recommend to get the HE1000 Stealth to the warmer site ? So that the treble becomes more smooth. Would you go for the SMSL M500 MK3 , the Topping 7 pro plus or the Fiijo K9 Pro ESS or the Mojo 2 maybe? Or would you go for some EQ in the treble. Thanks for the great review by the way?

I got the HEKSE's. Compared them side by side to my Arya Stealth's. I think Arya Stealth stock tuning slightly better and more tolerable. However HEKSE is clearly better headphone. Stage width, depth, spaciousness, separation, details all on another level. Definite step up. And no, it's not because of elevated treble. The headphone is inherently more capable. To my ears, Arya is more intimate, mid forward and slightly warmer and slightly more bassy. You get more meat from the mids and more impact from the lows and highs. It sounds more focused and upfront. Slightly thicker. HEKSE mids quite distant and treble quite elevated. It sounds softer and layered. Going from Arya S to HEKSE stage immediately opens up to the sides and in front. There are a lot more things going on in the music. All separated and have space around them. HEKSE makes Arya sound flat and blunt. Arya have sharper attack but HEKSE have better dynamic expression i think. Arya is a bit more engaging headphone. HEKSE offers more imaginative soundstage. I found HEKSE much better for games. The staging and imaging much better. Arya Stealth comes out a bit better with engaging, hype music. It's more aggressive and focused. Both of these headphones are bright i think. I use EQ with them. I mean they are fine if your listening session is short but you kinda need EQ if you keep them on your head all day. Impressive headphones. I see why they are expensive. But i think they should focus on tactility of their drivers for their upcoming headphones. I heard people saying HE6 and HE6se have that tactility. I haven't heard these headphones myself but i honestly crave that aspect of the sound. On the other hand, that tactile quality may harm the staging capabilities so everything is a trade off i guess.

I think i have got an itch to get something for new year :P I got the focal clear which i like, hifiman edition xs which is good. I think i am little treble sensitive but i usually use Roon and get it adjusted. Do you think under $1800 Aud Stealth would be a good upgrade? plz

For me the cheaper one looks like it has better sonics' Good review as always, thank you ✌😎👍

is the fiio k7 enough to power up the he1000 stealth?

Another stellar review,I have been hearing great things about the Raal ribbon headphones, have you come across them Lachlan?

I wonder, Lachlan - did you at all perform a burn in process? I've owned several HFM cans and the "reference" lines of Ananda and above have all benefitted from at least 50 hours (to start) for the treble to mellow out. Just curious. Great impressions - as usual......

Have you tried the ZMF Caldera yet? Any chance a review is coming?

Which egg shape Hifiman headphone you think has the widest soundstage ? Not the biggest but the widest, lateral depth. Distance of right/left to the ear. Especially interested in new HE 1000 v2 stealth vs Arya Stealth. I'm not looking for height or depth. I'm looking for more width like HD800S. So far i heard XS, Ananda v2 and Arya Stealth. I found that XS has the widest soundstage. I want more clear right and left imaging. Arya Stealth seems to push lateral images in front a bit and sound fairly closer to the ear.

Hi sir, I am using Edition xs and I wanna upgrade to a better headphones. My preferences are: 1. More forward depth in the sound stage like the singer is in front of my head (not left and right width) 2. Better bass impact than Xs Thank you

Great video. I just went to HIFIMAN website, but as you said the names are just too confusing. What it says "HE1000 V2" said "Newly Upgraded Version of the HE1000". But, it's same price as HE1000 Stealth. Does this mean this v2 is not a stealth version?? Does it mean HE1000 Stealth is actually HE1000V2 Stealth at the same price??? I gave up on the ordering.

Hello I have a Hifiman EF-400 DAC and Hifiman recently issued a recall for some of units, I was wondering if there was a way to measure my amp and find out if my unit is one of the ones affected?

I have TT2 and meze empy (thanks to your review). Would 1000SE work well with TT2?

I bought new HEkSE for 1900€ because of discount of Hifiman and discount saler. It’s amazing price compared to its level. Original price in France is 2300€ because of French taxes. Happy for those who have price 1999$ outside EU. And with additional seller discount it’s possible to get it in 1600-1700$.

SE VS Organic?

Hi Lachlan, I ordered HE1000V2 non stealth, but got HE1000 stealth as a surprise. I was interested in non stealth due to the praise it got over the years. Now my dealer is unable to return slthough I have sent email to hifiman also. Do you think the stealth is still ok the keep. Any preferred DAC, AMP for good synergy you recommend please...

Hello! I wanna order dekoni pads for he1000se and organic. Please could you help me with advice? 1. How sound could change with hybrid pads and perforated leather? 2. Pads can be removed and installed without glue? on latches? 3. Maybe exist better pads than Dekoni? I anticipate decreasing treble and increasing bass a little. And I don’t like comfort with stock pads.

I think a comparison between HE1000SE and Final D8000 pro will be a good battle... And i think how you described the Meze is like a typical V shaped sound... and the graph shows it

Hi, I was looking for a DAC/AMP for the He1000se around $1000-$2000. I currently have the JDS elements III ... I was thinking in the Chord Qutest + JDS or the RME ADI-2 DAC FS ( I watches the video that you posted 3 years ago) ... What do you think about these 2 options? any other recommendation? Thanks

I always thought everyone was kung-fu fighting according to the 70s hit song lol Great video review , I have the arya stealth and very happy with it , hopefully I can get the he1000se in the future.

I really wish you could review these headphones with a flat frequency. Meaning both headphones frequency response flat by sonarworks or similar program . This way we know what's is really better.. eq added to headphone color the sounds which is not a bad thing. But comparatively no fair... Audio engineer would love that review too as more engineer starting to use headphone but ideally want flatten response.. 🙏

Im not going to lie - i had the exact opposite experienxw. The Stealth was smooth (but bright) with thicker bass, while the SE was super bright (especially past 10khz.)

He1000se has become my favorite planar over the others thank you again for your review

On Amazon if I wanted the HE1000V2 STEALTH do I buy the he1000 or the he1000v2 listing??? It's so confusing lol. Also literally EVERYONE says the he1000 special edition has HUGELY overblown treble so it can't possible be right that the he1000v2 stealth has even more treble. This is the one part that just confounds me you must've been reviewing a different pair because most people say the he1000 special edition is way way to bright and ear piercing treble and I couldn't tolerate that lol.

Since the SE is available since 2018, is there any unique identifier for the latest version?

Would you say that the Ifi Zen stack is enough to drive the HE1000 Stealth?

How do we purchase the he1000 stealth? I can't find anything about them anywhere.

I like treble and main the DT1990's so I guess I will like the HE1000 Stealth?

And very interested in your reviewing mad 24 from ambient acoustic with 24 drivers in each headphones. It’s miracle based on comments in web. Company from Ukraine and they are manufacturing this miracle during the war! They have test version of mad 24 in Europe.

Nice

V2 is brighter than SE da fuck? V2 has always been known to be warmer.. its weird stealth version made it brighter.

I keep losing focus on the review because of your t-shirt 😂

Which one would be better for Mixing and Mastering music? SE or V2?

Haha , this is nearly opposite what Josh Valour said.. that the SE over detailed and treble high.. but probably through the topping 90 stack that he raves about.. (very Pin point and dry) For the price, it’s hard to go past the Arya Stealth with a better, lush warm amp..

What sucks is i bought bitfrost 2/64 and zmf verite close which i s good but now bought he1000se and its a bit bright or to much highs just not much fullness and i cant go out and buy another amp/dac just for one headphone ,, grrr this is disappointing .

How do the HE1K Stealth's compare to the LCD X 2021?

I think HiFiMan's concerns of dropping in ranking is over blown. Maybe you might get an older residual stock by a third party seller or worst non-planar headphones with deceptive descriptions.

Arya organic is out !!

You have a bit of uptalk, sir. Seems common with Australians for some reason.

Another useless audio review! This one is great but,.....that one is great too but,...kind of similar???!!!

HE1000 VS STEALTH IS NOT TOO BRIGHT!!