A refinement of the original HE1000 sound?
Intro:
The HE1000 series has been a mainstay in the high-end planar market for quite some time now. While I’ve been impressed by their treble clarity and technical prowess, I’m not particularly fond of the bright tuning. The Ananda, a more affordable model that shares a similar design, strikes a more balanced tone in my view.
Hifiman is known for rolling out their ‘stealth magnet upgrade’ across most of their headphones, and the HE1000 is no exception. I’ve previously reviewed the Arya Stealth and appreciated its improved tonal balance. However, the upper treble can still feel a bit splashy, with an enhanced peak at 11-12kHz, typical of stealth magnet models thus far .
But with the new HE1000 Stealth, the story seems to have taken an unexpected turn…
For the full suite of measurements, see the final section of the article.
Specs & Comfort
Price: US$ 1399, AU$ 2399
Transducer size: N/A
Effective area: 80-100*65 mm approx.
Transducer type: planar magnetic
Earpad size: 135*95*30-20mm
Earpad fitting mechanism: clipped-on
Sensitivity: 93 dB/mw @1kHz
Impedance: 31.5Ω @1kHz (measured)
Connector: dual 3.5mm TRS
Weight: 457 grams
Clamping force: medium
Headband swivel: 270° approx.
Comfort: 7.5/10 (slightly heavy)
Measurement & Sound
link to the frequency response measurement & more comparisons
Tonal balance:
Overall, the new HE1000 Stealth presents an expansive and commendably well-balanced sound. I would argue this is one of the best-tuned models in Hifiman’s egg-shaped series so far. This change took me by surprise: rather than the typical boosted upper-treble associated with earlier stealth magnet models, the HE1000 Stealth features smoother, more linear highs. There’s also a noticeable increase in warmth from the bass, lending an ‘organic’ feel to the sound, if you like.
The Bass, typical of the Hifiman egg-shaped series, has a subtle warmth than being completly flat. There’s a touch of added bloom, evidenced by a lift around 50-120Hz. Beyond this, it remains very linear, extending down to 10Hz with minimal roll-off. In terms of quantity, it is comparable to the Edition XS but cleaner. It’s not as flat and tight as the original HE1000 V2, though.
Compared to the Arya Stealth, the HE1000 Stealth offers a slightly more bass presence, resulting in a more impactful delivery. Personally, I like the HE1000 Stealth’s presentation for sounding more flavourful and substantial, while never overwhelming. This is particularly valuable given that egg-shaped Hifimans tend to sound bright. Added bass bloom is therefore a welcome counterbalance.
The Midrange strikes a fine balance between body and clarity. It exudes that typical Hifiman mids – while generally natural, it’s slightly reserved and polite in terms of presence. However, it does feel warmer and fuller compared to the HE1000 V2, while smoothing out some of the peakiness in the upper treble, resulting in a more pleasant listen. Compared to previous egg-shaped models, it is not as delicate as the Ananda, nor as somewhat edgy as the Arya Stealth.
When compared to headphones with ‘dead-flat’ tuning like the HD600 or the Sundara, sibilant tones may be slightly more pronounced. But it rarely sounds aggressive or harsh, unless the track is mastered particularly bright. Compared to the HE1000 V2 and the Arya Organic, the HE1000 Stealth is better controlled in this regard. While I still won’t consider it ideal for ‘vocal heads’ as it doesn’t produce the most lush or engaging midrange, it remains realistic and vivid, just not specifically tuned to romanticise vocals (like the LCD-3 does, for example). In many ways, the midrange quality reminds me of Hifiman’s flagship, the Susvara, albeit with a more coloured touch.
The Treble sounds crisp and airy, while remaining smooth overall. Instruments sound realistic and natural, avoiding harsh or grating qualities. In the highest octaves of the treble extension, the HE1000 Stealth may not sparkle as much as the original HE1000 V2 or the Arya Stealth. Nevertheless, the highs maintain an excellent porportion with the mids and lows, presenting a well-rounded sound.
As such, this is arguably the most unfatiguing treble rendition I’ve encountered yet in the Hifiman egg-shaped lineup, a genuine surprise given some contrasting measurement results on the internet. It’s important to note that these measurements often come from non-standard rigs. The frequency response measured on this unit aligns much more closely with that provided by Oratory1990, who uses the same industry-standard rig as this site does. It remains uncertain whether this is due to unit variation, silent revisions, or simply measurement rig differences. Do note that my unit was produced in mid-2023 with the latest packaging and black stock cable.
Other qualities:
- Soundstage and Imaging:
The soundstage of the HE1000 Stealth is expansive and has a decent depth. While the horizontal expansion isn’t significantly larger than previous models, the spatial presentation feels more natural, probably due to a more linear response in the upper treble. Unlike the HE1000 V2, which tends to concentrate energy around a 12kHz peak, the HE1000 Stealth offers a more even-handed stage, avoiding the sense of ‘two walls on the sides’ some have noted with the V2. While lateral stage may be wide, the V2 feels somewhat less diffused – imagine that you are sitting in a large concert hall.
The sense of depth remains comparable to earlier models like the V2 and Arya Stealth. It may feel a little less ‘transparent’ as the bass takes up more space in the room. Yet it still sounds airy and well-defined, whereas the Ananda can come across as a bit ‘fuzzy’ here. Imaging might be slightly less precise than the original HE1000 V2, a trade-off for the improved tonal balance with richer bass and lower mids presence.
- Clarity:
Clarity remains a defining feature of the HE1000 series. The resolution in the HE1000 Stealth is outstanding, about on par with the Arya Stealth. While it may be slightly less ‘detailed’ than the original HE1000 V2, the trade-off for improved tonal balance is, IMHO, well worth it. The original HE1000 V2’s upper-treble spike often felt excessive, and the mids could seem somewhat distant and lacking presence. In contrast, the HE1000 Stealth strikes a better balance in this regard. While the Arya and the HE1000 V2 are often celebrated as exemplars of ‘detail monster’ headphones, the HE1000 Stealth takes a different path. It’s commendable that Hifiman chose not to go down that direction uncritically.
- Dynamics and Impact:
Dynamics are very good, though not the strongest feature. The contrast between loud and soft notes is satisfying, comparable to top dynamic headphones like the Sennheiser HD800 or the Audio Technica ADX5000. The attack and decay of notes are slightly less incisive, a trait I observe in most egg-shaped Hifimans. By comparison, the Audeze LCD-5 offer exemplary snappiness in transients. Some electrostatic headphones, such as the Stax L700, also perform very well at lower price points. Compared to the original HE1000 V2, the dynamic contrast has softened slightly, but not significantly.
In terms of impact, it surpasses the HE1000 V2 providing more authoritative sense of punch. However, there are still better headphones in this respect. While the scale of impact benefits from the large driver size, it’s not the most hard-hitting. Headphones like the Focal Utopia and the Audeze LCD-4 deliver a more robust sense of slam. The egg-shaped series may not specialise in dynamic qualities, although I haven’t reviewed the HE1000se in depth. If dynamics are a priority, there are more affordable alternatives that excel in this area.
Conclusion and value:
Overall, I am pleased with the changes Hifiman has made to the HE1000 Stealth. Contrary to my initial expectations of a brighter, more ‘technical’ sound, the HE1000 Stealth offers a rounded presentation with fuller bass and refined highs. The shift towards a less ‘esoteric’ and more easily enjoyable sound is welcomed, particularly for those who appreciate the large driver design and expansive sound.
Among the current egg-shaped lineup, the HE1000 Stealth stands out as the most balanced and thus the easiest to recommend for newcomers to the series (with a deep pocket). While the Ananda OG may still be a tad smoother in the highs, but it doesn’t quite match the performance of the HE1000 Stealth in terms of clarity and bass impact.
However, if all you want is a unique addition to your lineup, then you might consider the original HE1000 V2 or the new Arya Organic. Mind you, though, I find the tuning of the Arya Organic doesn’t quite live up to its name. This is not neccessarily a criticism, but to me the HE1000 Stealth more fittingly deserves the label ‘organic’.
Priced at US$ 1399 / AU$ 2399, the HE1000 Stealth is probably not the go-to option for those seeking price performance ratio. Indeed, the Edition XS and Ananda offer excellent sound at a fraction of the price. However, if you’re after the very last bits of improvement, the HE1000 Stealth justifies its higher price within its competitive tier. For those attracted to the expansive, airy presentation of large planar drivers, I believe the HE1000 Stealth will deliver satisfactorily.
Pros: airy, balanced and well-rounded tuning; expansive soundstage; fuller bass and mids compared to previous models; excellent all-rounder
Cons: the midrange dip may not please everyone; good dynamic qualities but not the best among competitors in its price bracket; highs can still be slightly bright for those sensitive to treble;
Value Grade (assessment on value, NOT sound quality)
Notes on EQ
While not mandatory, the HE1000 Stealth could benefit from some EQ adjustments. Those who prefer a more linear midrange might consider filling in the dip around 1-3kHz. Additionally, if you’re sensitive to treble, reducing it by a few decibels could improve listening comfort over extended sessions. Personally, I find these tweaks sufficient, an extra bass shelf can also be enjoyable when you’re in the right mood.
My personal EQ setting for this headphone:
Preamp: -4.1 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 1900 Hz Gain 4.5 dB Q 1.500
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 2800 Hz Gain -2.0 dB Q 3.000
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 4900 Hz Gain -2.5 dB Q 3.000
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 7300 Hz Gain -2.5 dB Q 3.000
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 12200 Hz Gain -2.0 dB Q 3.000
If your goal is to EQ the HE1000 Stealth to match the Harman Target, consider the AutoEQ function provided by Squiglink as a convenient starting point. I personally recommend customising the filters to better suit your own hearing, especially in the treble. While the AutoEQ provides a useful baseline, individual adjustments can opften significantly improve your listening experience.
MEASUREMENTS
Frequency Response Average (unsmoothed):
Bass extension cutoff is 10hz so as to fully capture frequencies which though outside of the ‘audible range’, may be felt by our bones and muscles. The response is obtained by an average of 5-6 positional variations. The graph is unsmoothed.
Positional Variation:
This graph illustrates how headphone placement on the head affects perceived tonal balance: with the ear positioned at the front (blue), centre (green), and back (red) of the driver.
Leakage Test:
This graph demonstrates how a small leakage (simulated using thin-armed glasses) can result in FR change.
Impulse Response:
An impulse response graph illustrates a headphone’s ability to respond to sound signals.
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD% 2nd-9th) & Excess Group Delay (94 dB):
These measurements are conducted in quiet, normal room conditions (as opposed to an anechoic chamber), meaning there may be some influence from ambient room and external noise. These results should be considered a preliminary assessment of performance, primarily for identifying major issues, and do not reflect the best-case performance scenario. Any peaks/dips around 9 kHz are most likely artifacts from pinna interaction/phase cancellation, rather than inherent features of the device under test.
Comment: These are excellent results. Nothing to worry about here.
Channel Matching:
Channel matching graphs do not relate to the sound profile. A specialised configuration is used to capture differences between channels, mitigating interference from positioning on the rig and the asymmetry in the GRAS pinnae design, a legacy of KEMAR. The left (blue) and right (red) channels are measured using a flat plate coupler with an IEC60318-4 ear simulator.
Electric Phase & Impedance:
The above graph shows the measured impedance (green) and electric phase (grey).
END OF THE ARTICLE
Disclaimer: This review is not sponsored or endorsed by any business or related entity. The headphones reviewed are my own unless stated otherwise. Any links or recommendations included are purely informational and do not involve any financial affiliation or endorsement on my part.
Do you think these are better headphones for EDM than the HE 1000 V2?
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Hi Tashan. The HE1000 Stealth might be a better fit for having more bass punch and slam. But there’s a vast range of styles within EDM, so it also depends on the exact type of songs that you listen to.
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Hi Sai! Love your reviews and very much appreciate all the measurements you take 🙂
Hifiman is recently selling the HE1000 stealth (refurbished) for $1,150 and I was thinking of selling my Arya Stealth to buy it.
While I love the Arya Stealth, I often find myself craving a slightly more balanced sound whilst still retaining the things that made the Aryas great. Would you say proceeding with this plan in mind is worth it? Or just keep the stealth with EQ?
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Also, I would like to add that the HE 1000 V2 (refurbished) is also available at the same price. Now, I’m even more torn!
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Hi mate, thanks for the kind words!
If by a slightly more balanced sound you’re looking for reduced and more refined highs, especially above 10kHz, then the HE1000 Stealth might be the perfect fit for you. It’s also got slightly fuller bass and mids.
While EQ is certainly an option, and you could closely match the desired sound by reducing the upper treble on the Arya Stealth, keep in mind that treble is often the trickiest area to EQ effectively. Even slight shifts in how the headphones sit on your head can cause noticeable fluctuations in the treble range (as shown in the positional variation graphs in my reviews). This means achieving a precise EQ setting can be challenging unless you consistently wear the headphones in the same position.
With all the deals these days, the price gap is indeed shrinking. If you’re ready to invest, upgrading could be a worthwhile move. However, I do recommend experimenting with EQ first – it’s free and a good way to test if the changes meet your expectations. 😉
Regarding the HE1000 V2 OG, it’s also a great headphone, but its treble can be a bit peaky – perhaps not as bright overall, but it’s peakier/more uneven compared to the Arya Stealth, and certainly more so than the HE1000 Stealth. If you can get a good deal, it might also be a great option. However, I’d suggest trying them out first if possible.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you got other questions.
Sai
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That was indeed super helpful thanks!! What you described as basically what I want from the Arya. Normally, I would have laughed at buying something more expensive but it finally looks like Hifiman is cutting the huge margin on there more expensive headphones.
I’ve messed around with EQ for a while but not quite sure how I feel about the overall result, EQ has always been a tricky thing because my mind tends to fixate too much on the stock sound and any deviation from it is a bit distracting. That said, I still apply a very small EQ to my headphones. I’ll probably pop in my local store and try out the he1000 stealth to compare.
My other question was regarding amplification. Do you think something like the JDS Labs Element 3 be sufficient for the HE1000 Stealth? That’s what I use for the Arya Stealth and I don’t find anything missing, but there are always people online who swear that getting “better” amps is essential.
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Absolutely, if you have the opportunity to demo them, that would be ideal! Yes, EQ especially in the treble range can be quite tricky.
While it’s true that some audiophiles advocate for more expensive amps, claiming they unlock additional potential, the actual audible difference can often be subtle. If you’re satisfied with how the Element 3 powers your Arya Stealth, it’s likely to perform well with the HE1000 Stealth too. If you’re still curious about the potential differences with other amps, why not also try some out at the store? 😉
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Hi Sai,
Just thought I should update you that I demo’d (and bought) the HE1000 stealth, for $2k (Australian).
I found your review absolutely spot on. Diminishing returns kick hard, still, it’s not an outrageous price compared to TOTL headphones. I feel like this as as ‘TOTL’ you can get (for Hifiman headphones anyway) before the value proposition becomes absolutely ridiculous.
Technically, I think these are very similar to the Arya Stealth. But the tuning is better, and even though its a minor adjustment, it feels big because the things rectified in the HE1000 stealth are what I disliked about the Arya.
Perhaps I’m just sensitive to treble, but it being “smoother” on the HE1K Stealth made the headphone so much more enjoyable and the made details (in particular in the bass region) pop out more. And for my preferences, I love the added bass ‘bloom’. It seems to add more body to the overall sound, with minimal impact on clarity. On the graph it looks minimal, and it could just be placebo, but this is the first open-back where I don’t feel the need to EQ the bass, only lacking that extra impact that you would get from a Utopia.
As for the mids: same thought as yours. This headphone finally made me understand the subjectivity of our hobby, in all the headphones I own (Focal Clear, HD600 and now HE1K stealth), I found their midrange to be “realistic”, but presented as different “flavors”.
I’m still trying to figure out how the exactly 3kHz, 5kHz and the 11kHz peak influence overall sibilance and harshness; are the 3 and 5kHz peaks responsible for exaggerating vocal sibilance? What about the 11 kHz? Would love to hear your thoughts on this. I suppose I shouldn’t call it harsh, “fatiguing” is probably the right term, because everything sounds natural, just something parts of the frequency can have a bit too much energy.
I’m trying to figure out which of these peaks I’m most sensitive to, but it’s probably the one that can (sometimes) cause “sibilance” in vocals, especially for tracks where the vocals are loud in the mix. That said, there are some vocal-centric tracks these sound (imo), better than the other two headphones, like Gotye’s ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’. Everything sounds more vivid and lifelike. Yes, vocals are not as forward as the HD600 but it doesn’t matter because in all the headphones, you can easily tell that the vocals are forward in the mix and everything sounds how it should… just slightly varied…. if that makes any sense?
It’s funny because I find the mids (I think the vocals in particular) on the HD600 can also be fatiguing, depending on the track.
Overall, I also think this is an excellent all-rounder, if you are fine with the 1kHz dip and some of the peaks. I don’t know which of these are the most significant, but I found that applying the EQ preset you mentioned in the review does make things smoother and less fatiguing, but it does end up detracting a bit of resolution and that sense of space. Which leads me to my last question, is there a milder form of the same EQ preset that you would recommend? One that aims to slightly reduce “sibilance” but better retain the character of the headphone?
But I digress, I suppose even though its a good all-rounder, it isn’t perfect… and that’s why people own multiple headphones for different “flavours” of sound XD.
Once again, appreciate your reviews and the work you do. You have become my go to reviewer for headphones 🙂
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Hey Ryan,
I appreciate the detailed update! I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoy the HE1000 Stealth, and that my review helped. You’ve got a great lineup – the Clear, HD600, and the HE1000 Stealth each have their own unique character.
Re your questions about midrange tone and sibilance. Typically, the frequencies around 3kHz and 5kHz are more associated with the lower harmonics of vocals and don’t usually exaggerate sibilance. It’s the frequencies above 6kHz that are generally responsible for sibilance, depending on the specific sibilance frequency of each track or vocalist. A peak at 11kHz can contribute to what many describe as “zing” or a sense of harshness. With the HE1000 Stealth, as with most Hifiman headphones, I suspect that’s the area causing issues, given the usual boost there. A good starting point is, as you noted, EQ – try reducing 12000Hz by 4dB with a Q value of 2.5. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, let me know which songs are troubling you, and we can adjust further from there.
A more moderate EQ profile that you suggested would be a good approach too. To do that, simply reduce the amount of gain in each filter. Perhaps something like this:
Preamp: -4.1 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 1900 Hz Gain 2.5 dB Q 1.500
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 2800 Hz Gain -2.0 dB Q 3.000
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 4900 Hz Gain -2.0 dB Q 3.000
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 7300 Hz Gain -1.5 dB Q 3.000
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 12200 Hz Gain -2.0 dB Q 3.000
This should help soften those peaks without losing too much of the resolution or spatial qualities.
Thanks gain for your kind words. It really keeps me motivated and continue writing.
Sai
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That $1399 price is certainly more palatable than what it was before! Looks like a fantastic headphone overall! Though I can’t help but feel a bit sad for previous owners who will have to sharply decrease their price to sell their older hifiman headphones (seeing how almost all their planners got a huge price cut).
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Oh absolutely. $1399 is quite the offer – unless you bought it at full price last week, right? Nothing like a good old price drop to make all the early supporters feel special haha. But hey, that’s Hifiman for you. Patience is definitely rewarded, I suppose. 🙂 In any case, I think the value for money is indeed quite good for this headphone right now.
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Man HE1000SE measurements with some aliexpress pads would be so helpful. You have all the eggshapes but the flagship eggshape is missing.
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Actually been hunting down a pair. Keep an eye out 😉
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You can now find them in the database.
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May I know which are the exact aliexpress pads that are most similar to the dekoni pads? Thanks
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Hi there, those are actually sold by quite a lot of stores on Ali/Ebay. The pics should look about the same as the Dekoni ones. I bought them here but I think they just onsell the same thing.
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Thanks, just ordered a pair for my he1000v2, after the stock pads started to disintegrate. Looking forward to trying them out. Appreciate all your work!
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Happy to help! Feel free to drop another note how you like the new pads when you’ve had a chance to try them out. 😉
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Pads came last week and finally had the chance to test them today. The velour? (named velvet fabric in the store) are noticeably warmer than the perforated sheepskin, no doubt about it. Perforated sheepskin would probably sound closer to the stock he1000v2 pads based off memory, although it’s been a while since I’ve listened to those.
Manual sine sweep still demonstrates 1-3khz dip, 5/8.5/11khz peaks on both pads, with a massive peak around 7khz. To my ears at least.
To be honest it is quite difficult to properly A/B them though, as the pads are a huge hassle to swap.
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Yep that sounds about right how I think of them as well. The velour ones used are quite similar in sound to leather pads. The perf sheepskins are my go-to for a sound that’s a bit warmer/more linear compared to stock while also being more durable and comfortable (IMO). It’s interesting to hear about your manual sweep. I generally hear a dip around 7kHz, with moderate peaks around 8-8.5kHz and more significant ones around 11-12kHz. That might explain why some Hifiman models just don’t quite suit me.
Anyway, cheers for the update. You’re spot on about the hassle of swapping pads definitely makes A/B testing a chore. Hell, there’re folks claim they can A/B test power cables. guess we just got slow hands!
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Yeah, after a few more back-and-forths I’ve finally settled on the perf sheepskins. While the velours are warmer (darker?), the perf sheepskin seems to offer better bass and a more balanced highs IMO.
Compared to stock there’s definitely more 1-3kHz present. Vocals are lusher but the soundstage is slightly compromised. EQing the region down by a few dB seems to tweak the tuning to something more reminiscent of stock. But for now I’ll enjoy the change in pace.
Regarding the 7kHz peak, I’m starting to think maybe it’s just my ears. I’ve noticed that the peak is consistent even amongst IEMs I’ve tried.
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That’s what I was getting at. If those peaks and dips are showing up with different headsets, it’s probably just how our ears are ‘tuned’.
And yeah, the mids are definitely more forward with those pads, which makes the soundstage feel a bit tighter. Sometimes I wonder why Hifiman sticks to just one type of earpads across their whole range. Back in the day, they used to include different sets with models like the HE6/HE500. Maybe it’s just about cutting costs.
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Im a bit confused about all the verssions:
HE 1000
HE 1000 V2 (2.5 mm)
HE 1000 V2 (3.5 mm)
HE 1000 SE (special edition)
HE 1000 V2 Stealth Magnetic
which one is the “HE 1000 stealth”, the “HE 1000 V2 Stealth Magnetic” ?
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Yeah, they sure are confusing as hell… But yep, the “HE 1000 V2 Stealth Magnetic” is the one you’re asking about. Hifiman seems to have started referring to them as just the “HE 1000 Stealth” at some point, though.
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Hi Sai!
Greatly done and beneficial review as always.
Would appreciate your comparative take on the HE1000 Stealth vs Moondrop Cosmo (with and without EP100A pads), especially in terms of technicalities: resolution (detail and clarity), imaging and perceived staging, dynamics (micro and macro) and transience.
Moreover, which one do you think has a more accurate tone and timbre between these planars.
I also noticed there’s a 1K hump on the Cosmo’s graph for both its stock and EP100A pads (stronger on the stock pads), doesn’t that hump cause the vocals to sound nasally or hunky?
Build- and comfort-wise, I’d appreciate your take on them, too.
Thank you again for all the great work and help that you consistently do.
Take care.
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Hi there,
They’re pretty different in design, tuning and overall feel, but yeah, it makes sense to compare them since they’re both planars around the same price. I’d say the Cosmo especially with the EP100A pads leans more towards a conventional and neutral-ish sound, while the HE1000 Stealth has a more fun and flavourful presentation.
When it comes to technical performance, I think they’re fairly close overall. The Cosmo pulls ahead slightly in resolution with a cleaner, sharper presentation, while the HE1000 Stealth has the upper hand in staging. For dynamics, the HE1000 Stealth hits harder with macro swings, but the Cosmo does a better job at handling microdetail and subtle shifts. Timbre-wise, I’d give the edge to the Cosmo, though some might prefer the richer bass and mids on the HE1000 Stealth.
As for the 1khz hump on the Cosmo, yeah it can make the mids sound a bit nasally or honky especially with the stock pads. It’s much less of an issue with the EP100A pads. The Para pads helps bascially smooth that out.
Comfort-wise, I’d personally go with the HE1000 Stealth. It’s lighter and the weight distribution is better. That said if you’re not into the big cup design, the Cosmo might feel more manageable on the head.
Hope that helps!
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Dear Sai, thank you for the in-depth response and, yes, your takes and responses have always been helpful.
A couple of months ago, I had asked you about AR5000 and R70XA and you were helpful then, too. Thank you.
I didn’t get either of those headphones and, instead, have decided to increase the budget and get something around 1K USD and be done with the pursuit of the better sound for a couple of years.
The music I listen to is primarily instrumental (soundtracks, classical, neo-classical). I have to say that good quality boosted bass is appreciated with some tracks within these genres.
I could get the Cosmo for a cheaper price than HE1000 Stealth, but one problem is that I don’t think I could acquire the Para pads if I were to get the Cosmo. So, my current best choice would be the EP100A pads.
Were I to EQ the Cosmo, equipped with the EP100A pads, with your provided EQ settings, would you say that I could get close to the macro dynamics of HE1000 Stealth? Simply, can I get a richer sound out of Cosmo via EQ?
Finally, what headphones is your recommendation for around 1K USU for someone with my music preferences as his only would-be set of open-backs?
I could later get an HD600 for some of my vocal genres like americana to which I occasionally listen. But, the main genres to which I listen are instrumental, and that’s why I decided to spend the most for them.
I’d also love to know what headphones is your favorite for around/under 1K USD for your preferences, as well. Haha!
Thank you again for reading and responding to my questions and helping me with my decision making.
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Appreciate the kind words! Glad I could help out before too.
If you’re using the EP100A pads on the Cosmo, you can definitely dial in a richer and more dynamic sound with EQ. That said, I don’t think it’ll 100% match the macro dynamics of something like the HE1000 Stealth. Macro dynamics are a bit tricky to quantify, since they’re more about how the driver reacts to sudden shifts and large swings. Stuff like diaphragm tension, excursion limits, and how the driver handles leakage all play a part. EQ can help bring out more bass and body, for sure, but it can’t fully replicate what the hardware itself isn’t tuned to do. You might lose a bit of that slam and weight that the HE1000 has in its stock form, but a well-EQ’d Cosmo can still sound full and engaging.
Given your focus on instrumental music I think both are great options. The HE1000 Stealth has that wide, open presentation and a sense of space that really brings out orchestral depth and layering. The Cosmo holds its own with more precision and slightly sharper detail, while the HE1000 breathes more naturally in larger arrangements.
With that said I think you’ve already narrowed it down well for this budget range. Another one worth considering, though not a planar, is the HD800S. It’s been widely discussed and probably already on your radar, but still a top-tier pick for instrumental work.
Personally, my favourites in this price range are the Clear MG Pro (sale price here in AU), the Cosmo or the HE1000 Stealth depending on the track. The Cosmo is probably the best allrounder. I’ve also got the Fiio FT7 coming in soon, which sits in that same price bracket, so I’m curious to see how it holds up.
Let me know what you end up going with!
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Thank you.
Would love to experience a Focal like Clear, but where I live these headphones are not easily accessible; I have to import them, too.
In fact, due to not having any authorized dealer nowhere near me for these headphones and the infamous QC stories that have been associated with owning a Hifiman, I’ve been staying away from Hifimans, and instead have been waiting for the release of the FT7 to see where it sits tonality- and technicality-wise among the competition and how it specifically compares with the Cosmo, Organic, and HE1000 Stealth.
But, now, since a few reviews have come out for the FT7, I still don’t have a clear/complete picture regarding its capabilities and flaws. The reviews of the FT7 have been mixed to say the least. The review which has affected me negatively in particular is the one from Resolve in which he discusses the high modal response variation of the FT7 and its drivers/channels being mismatched. Drivers/channels being mismatched is not good for imaging if I’m not mistaken, and for nowhere near this price point, you want for the drivers to come under such question.
Man, I had high hopes for the FT7! Haha!
Although, I’m still waiting for your review of the FT7 and its comparisons to the mentioned headphones within this price range like the Cosmo. Your work and words in audio are indeed valued highly by me, dear friend.
Regarding the HD800S, it’s simply out of my price range. The most I can afford to pay for a pair of headphones is the current price of HE1000 Stealth at around 1100USD and, admittedly, that’s even pushing it for me. In comparison, the prices of the FT7, Organic, and the Cosmo are much more friendly to me. Haha!
I’ll wait for your review/comparisons of the FT7 which I already know it would be great as always, and will probably pull the trigger on a pair of open-backs in the next 2 months. I’ll certainly let my helpful friend know what I get.
Appreciate all your helpul words again, dear Sai.
Love your work and take care.
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Thanks, mate. I totally get where you’re coming from. The FT7 had me curious too which is exactly why I had to try it for myself. I’ll keep your suggestions in mind and do a proper comparison. Take care and chat soon!
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Hi, I came across your work recently. I’m still searching for my next headphones for studio production/mixing of EDM—mainly melodic house and techno. I’ve owned the Ananda Nano and the Arya Organic and sold them. I like that the Nano has linear sub-bass extension and sounds tight and fast/dry, with some rumble, slam, and good punch, but it lacks overall weight/body/feel compared with Audeze, and it also misses some things the Arya Organic gets right (and vice versa).
Headphones will never fully reproduce the low end you get from speakers in a well-treated room—the body/room interaction just isn’t there, a.k.a. a different experience—so for EDM it’s crucial to have more sub-bass quantity without compromising quality (no muddiness or slowdown). I avoid FR tunings that show sub-bass roll-off (e.g., –3 dB), because that forces you to boost what the driver isn’t naturally reproducing, which will never be 100% ideal/identical to its original capabilities; needing +6–10 dB down low tends to stress the driver even if there’s some headroom available in your headphone amplifier.
Given those physical limits, many HIFIMAN models aren’t ideal for bass-heavy EDM. The Harman target is widely considered a solid baseline for what sounds acoustically “right.” The data is clear about this: if you do not boost the low end in your headphone when trying to achieve a reasonable Harman target—following the purpose to recreate what is actually sounding “flat” in a treated room and thus universally acoustically right—you’re actually referring to what sounds inaccurate, like following, at worst, FF or a limited DF.
Therefore, the Harman target still is and should be considered a strong basis that proves what sound is actually considered to be accurate, with minor adjustments due to several personal physical factors but still firm data (64%). Harman wasn’t an attempt to create a subjective experience where people, by taste, could add/remove low & high frequencies; the purpose was to reproduce what sounded like a pair of speakers in a treated room, double-blind controlled. I’m sharing this not to sound arrogant or give any other impression; I just want to share valuable information for anyone out there. At the same time, I also want to thank you for bringing out all these measurements and reviews; I can see how passionate, educated, and dedicated you are.
Most HIFIMAN tunings are bass-flat and, in my opinion, almost all need extra low end. Frequency response is the number-one factor in perceived balance. After that come driver headroom/EQ-ability, seal/pads, THD, and so on.
I’d love your honest comparison, because I haven’t tried the HE1000 Stealth yet. If the driver has potential, I’d try adding a dynamic/low-end processor (transient shaper), crossfeed, and a bass-control tool (Ozone 12), and I’d consider pad options too.
I would love to have your feedback on the following:
NAN-7, Dan Clark Noire X, and HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth; if you also see the potential (with processing) of Arya Stealth, feel free to give a short opinion. Also feel free to use words and/or numbers that help to have a different perspective from notions of concepts, terminology, words we are using.
My chain is a clean, linear DAC/amp: Topping D90SE + A70 Pro.
Tonality — Frequency Response
Score (1–10): ____ (Notes): __________________________________________________________________________
Technicalities — Microdetails–Macrodetails balance / Transients & Speed – Decay, Sustain & Resolution
Score (1–10): ____ (Notes): __________________________________________________________________________
Low-end — Sub / Rumble / Slam / Punch / Tight / Meaty
Score (1–10): ____ (Notes): __________________________________________________________________________
Midrange — Body / Presence / Clarity / Texture / Forwardness–Recession / Timbre accuracy
Score (1–10): ____ (Notes): __________________________________________________________________________
High-end — Extension / Air / Sparkle / Sibilance control / Smoothness–Grain
Score (1–10): ____ (Notes): __________________________________________________________________________
Spatial — Soundstage / Depth / Imaging / Separation
Score (1–10): ____ (Notes): __________________________________________________________________________
Feel — Energy & Groove
Score (1–10): ____ (Notes): __________________________________________________________________________
Top-3 strengths — list the three standout traits
Non-linearities — THD (measurements if available & handling post-EQ) / Resonances / Phase / Group Delay / CSD / Compressed
Score (1–10): ____ (Notes): __________________________________________________________________________
Thanks for your precious time and answers.
Best regards,
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Hi again,
I’ve also taken the time to select mostly open-backs for consistency when positioned on your head, interesting frequency-response measurements on Squiglink from certain brands that are in a certain frequency range close to Harman and/or having the potential, when EQ’d, to be so (mostly under 600 USD, except for some). I’ve removed some due to driver limitations from distortion measurements I found; not sure the ones with sub roll-offs will take EQ well (Audio-Technica the hardest one and Sennheiser HD 490 Pro, which has a very interesting tuning and I haven’t seen you doing a review on this model). The ones that are mostly piquing my interest are HE6se V1 & V2, Verum MKII, Sennheiser HD 490 Pro, Arya Stealth, EFEP Avalon MKII (XK-AUDIO), Nan-6 & 7 & Meze 105 AER, I need now to collect more data with Oratory1990 for consistency. If you have any brief suggestion for my needs I highly appreciate again your time. I’ve returned Moondrop Para v1 also due to strong resonnances from 4khz and also into the highs which is pretty weird, amp limitation also when trying to EQ the low end close to Harman.
Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa
Audio-Technica ATH-R50x
Audio technica x apos ath-r70x refine
Sennheiser HD490pro
Sony MDR-MV1
Verum MKII
Nan-6 & 7
Hifiman Ananda stealth / Arya Stealth
Hifiman HE6se v1/v2, HE600 aldo price is high because recently introduced to market
Meze 105 AER
EFEP Avalon MKII XK-AUDIO
Editionx XV
LINSOUL SIMGOT EP5 (semi open) very cheap
E-MU Teak (closed back) seems to be a good contender to FT1
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Hi, thanks for taking the time to write such detailed thoughts. I get what you’re after.You’re right that most Hifiman models run flatter down low, which is why many people end up EQ’ing them, but it’s also true that not every driver responds the same way when you push bass shelves due to mechanical /acoustic reasons. And yes, I find the Para OG quite bright too.
From what you listed, the HE1000 Stealth is probably the safest bet. It takes EQ well, scales with your clean chain, and has the stage and refinement you’d want for production use. The Arya Stealth has a similar flavour but with less refined tuning, so I see it more as a budget-friendlier option if you want a taste of the same sound. The NAN-7 goes the opposite way, darker and bassier out of the box, with a thumpier low end but not as extended or airy up top. But it’s still very neutral sounding and takes EQ well. The Fluxion is perhaps the most all-rounded for your purpose: clean sub-bass, very linear tuning even stock, and strong EQ headroom. But the caveats are warranty outside China and whether you’re comfortable with its unveiled design.
If you want to go for a cheaper option to start with, the EP5 and FT1 are indeed great choices: powerful bass and crisp highs, while the mids are still linear enough. I would personally take the Teaks for better dynamics and clarity, but they come with a significant markup in price.
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Hi, thanks for your prompt reply by trying to enlighten my choices, much appreciated !
HE1000 Stealth seems to be a good option indeed, but considering the price at the moment I’m not sure it’s justified when the Arya Stealth seems to offer similar performance for half the price. You could argue that a 2–3% performance gain can be worth it, and I would say yes at some point. I will anyway wait for Black Friday and see if prices drop.
To be frankly honest, I’m tired of the FR from most of HIFIMAN. They are too bright and unbalanced, and people mostly use words like “clarity,” “extension,” “air,” whatever. In the end it’s all about correct tuning balance, and people have a hard time grasping that, because when you suddenly correct slightly the highs and the lows having the most correction with also slight mid correction following the harman target (with slight differences), people will think it’s not linear anymore because they look on the graphs, but it’s actually more linear within your listening experience and souding actually “flat” “neutral”, with all due respect, there is without a doubt places for subjective preferences for different purposes and target.
If the higher frequencies are distracting you, you lose perspective, focus less on what is most important (mids/low-end) in the first place, and you start creating dull mixes. You end up fatiguing quickly, this is a real sign and concern for ear-health longevity for anyone and there is a reason why people complain about bright tuning. This is why I’m now avoiding those measurements where EQ helps but doesn’t fix everything (resonances/distortion are still there, like with Moondrop Para I had this experience). EQ’ing the higher frequencies (besides the normal 9 kHz dip) above 10 kHz is a hassle, and we engineers tend to fix it the best way with a high shelf. I’m also sensitive but I genuinely think we are all sensitive with minor differences and stronger one like ear loss.
Like the Edition XV or HE600 are looking more interesting in that regards. People will tell you it’s less fatiguing, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s lacking clarity/resolution on the contrary. When I read you, you’re capturing these nuances and understanding, so that’s why I value your opinions, it’s hard to find a place like this, so thanks again for your work. “Audiophiles” will use words like “V-shaped,” and so on. They actually never went to a professional studio in a treated semi-anechoic chamber to hear what is tonally/acoustically correct for the vast majority of people aldo the experience you might say is different compare to headphone, but the goal remain the same “linearity/neutral” the low-end especially is where most of people will realize. So to clarify I’m not a bass-head guy haha. We hope use, engineers we will find more brand entering the market as HEDDphone did recently.
The Fluxion you mentioned does have an interesting FR, but from 40 Hz down to 20 Hz a ~10 dB roll-off is not acceptable for me, especially with EDM sub-genres, so I’ll avoid this one especially considering its price. I’d much rather EQ the Avalon MKII. Money is made mostly in the low-end and mid-range rather than the highs (EDM).
The NAN-7 is also very interesting (I can buy it second-hand for a very good price, so it’s really tempting, but relying only on your review might be a “risky trade”. The 1–3 kHz dips looks easy to adapt closer to Harman while taking into account ear-gain region sensitivity. I need the vocals and most of the important instruments to be brought forward for critical judgment; otherwise it’s too laid-back and will overhype.
For now I’m hesitating with the HE6SE v1 (prices are low due to stock emptying). I’m just worried about my amp driving it, since with the Para I had protection kicking in starting at 20 ohms, so performance started to decrease down to 12 ohms (ASR measurements) The A70 Pro is one of the most powerful amps out there (Para is indeed 8 ohms), different from 50, and I’ve read up to 60+ on measurements also so I hope I’ll have enough headroom without distortion/compression.
HE600 is certainly an option, but overpriced currently with all the other options at a better price/performance ratio.
So yeah, in summary: because I do not have any headphone at the moment, I need to make up my mind and find a solid solution as soon as possible while waiting for Black Friday, financially wise as well to have a second refenrece pair of hp:
NAN-7
HE6SE v1
Arya Stealth (also found easily second-hand at a decent price)
Avalon MKII (XK-AUDIO)
Edition XV (if the driver has potential, I can add a transient/low-end shaper and add slam/punch/dynamics with EQ)
Warm Regards (sorry for the long answer)
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Hi again. I get what you mean about Hifiman tunings often being bright, and yes, as you said, clarity/detail isn’t always the same as balance. FWIW I do feel that Hifiman headphones tend to have great clarity, it’s just that a lot of the models unfortunately aren’t as linear across the whole spectrum as we would want, especially when compared to flat speakers.
If that’s fatiguing for you, then models like the Edition XV or NAN-7 are more promising since they lean warmer and less sharp up top while still giving good resolution. Between your shortlist, I’d say the Arya Stealth is the most versatile and safe choice if found used at a good price, the HE6se v1 gives you more weight and body but demands power and has rougher mid-treble transition.
The Avalon MKII is fine especially since you are happy to EQ, though build and support are weaker. Also, its THD performance is less optimal possibly due to large driver design (0.5-1%, 50-1000Hz), though inaudible in most cases. The XV is more of a musical allrounder than a surgical tool but can work with some processing. Out of these, I’d probably pick between Arya Stealth and NAN-7 depending on whether you want more air or more punch, and then maybe add a second pair later for contrast.
Ultimately, given your background with good monitors, I’m not sure any headphone will quite hit that level of “flat” for you. If you want a safer bet, look at something like the FT1 or HD490 Pro. If you want to experiment with planars, then I’d keep the shortlist to Edition XS (XV is more expensive and since your’d EQ anyway, you might as well go with the XS), Arya Stealth (better build and overall SQ than XS), and NAN-7 (all-rounder, but more expensive), depending on your budget and preference.
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Do you think HE1000 Stealth + HE6se v2 would be good complement to each other ? Eggshape planar + round ”angry” planar.
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Haha yeah that’s actually a fun combo. The HE6se v2 is probably the least “angry” of the he6 bunch, but it still has that edge compared to the more gentlemanly HE1000 stealth.
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What do you think about the amping(he6sev2) ? Does it really matter ? I really doubt it but i don’t have experience either. I don’t listen very loud and my amp have about 2W output at that impedance. I feel like people just listen very loud from a speaker amp and think it improves dynamics etc… however they aren’t aware they are listening louder.
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That’s something that was a much bigger deal maybe 15 years ago. When the original HE6 dropped, it was a real problem for most headphone amps back then, which were mostly designed for high-impedance stuff that needed high voltage swings. The HE6, being super insensitive, needed a ton of current.
So, at the time it made sense to use speaker amps, since speakers are low impedance and those amps had plenty of current and gain.
But today, you’ve got desktop headphone amps pushing 10W plus. A lot of them can easily do a few watts into 50 ohms. So it’s really not a major concern anymore unless you’re using a small DAC/amp all-in-one.
You can still benefit from a powerful amp, but the whole speaker amp thing is more of a meme now.
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I’m currently on the hunt for some new headphones, and have really been enjoying your reviews. I think the measurements you make are super important for people to make informed decisions! so keep up the great work. Just on that, do you have any information about the distortion levels of the HE1000 stealth?
I’m currently considering the HE1000 Stealth, FIIO i5, Para II, and 800s. Since I mainly use headphones for movies (I mainly listen to music with speakers), I’m really keen on soundstage. Would be keen to hear thoughts on how the HE1000 compares to the 800s in this regard.
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Cheers, Joe (didn’t want to sign off as ‘anonymous’
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Hey Joe, I appreciate you leaving the comment and your name. I am glad you find the stuff here useful. Yes, I did measure the THD on the HE1000 Stealth. They did great with the test. I have added the THD measurements to the post.
If you are mainly going to use the headphones for movies, I think the HD800S might just be the way to go. It is still the king of soundstaging, and it takes EQ really well (although the other headphones you mentioned also do).
The HE1000 Stealth comes in second regarding staging, though it has better bass extension and the unique planar sound character with a more ethereal, diffused presentation.
Hope that helps! Let me know if you have other questions
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Thanks Sai, I really appreciate the advice! I had a feeling the 800s was the way to go, but kind of wanted it to be the HE1000 lol. I really like the design of it.
Out of curiosity, do you think the SE version approaches the 800s in terms of staging?
Keep up the good work mate!
Cheers,
Joe
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Hey Joe,
I totally get why you’d want the HE1000, it’s a great looking headphone.
The HE1000se does indeed have a larger stage than the HE1000 Stealth. To my ears, both of the HE1000 series headphones have a more convincing projection of stage depth and a more holographic presence for the vocals and instruments than the HD800S. Having said that, the HD800S still has the edge in the sheer ‘grandness’ of the sound images and overall horizontal width.
In cases like this, it’s mostly physics at play. I’d recommend the HD800S because it’s the go-to recommendation for a soundstage headphone and is known to be great for movies. But the HE1000 series aren’t slouches either so it just comes down to the style of presentation you prefer.
If you want, another option would be to get the Edition XS first. That’d let you get a taste of how the soundstaging is on Hifiman’s egg-shaped planars, as they’re pretty similar in style (just that the higher-end models are often more technically capable and tuning-wise more refined). Then, it isn’t too difficult to get a used pair of HD800S or HE1000 Stealth, so you could make it a catch&release process if you like to experiment.
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hey there, just wanted to say that your excellent reviews and unbelievably good headphone collection/measurement collection were key in my purchase decision for this pair.
Really love reading your reviews, just wish you did more lmao, and some more comparisons/a rating system for each category or something would be nice but that’s just a nothingburger overall.
I had the chance to listen to some headphones, went like this :
Edition XV -> Arya Organic -> HE1K Stealth -> LCD-5 -> HD800S
The most disappointing was the 800S, i just didnt get the point of it really, things were just so diffused it didn’t feel right. The LCD-5 feels like the logical step up from the HE1K V3 imo, better dynamics as well as better details, but that’s it, it’s an improvement sure but the price difference is astounding right now. To my ears, the difference is there but just not that big, certainly not enough to justify the price.
I got the HE1K V3 at 1200 USD… yeah… these Hifiman headphones with the recent price cuts is one of the best things to happen in audio. Pairing them with the Topping DX5 II i’m now concerned about my hearing lmao oh and im always eq’ing stuff and found this to be unbelievably smooth, fun and satisfying :
Preamp: -2.5 dB
Filter 1: ON LSC Fc 100 Hz Gain -0.6 dB Q 0.900
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 1000 Hz Gain -1.8 dB Q 3.000
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 1800 Hz Gain 3.0 dB Q 1.400
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 2800 Hz Gain -3.6 dB Q 3.000
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 4900 Hz Gain -2.4 dB Q 3.000
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 7200 Hz Gain -1.4 dB Q 3.000
Filter 7: ON HSC Fc 10000 Hz Gain -3.0 dB Q 0.900
If I want bass I just use this :
Preamp: -6.5 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 20 Hz Gain 6.5 dB Q 0.500
Very very happy with my purchase, yeah more expensive and better stuff exists but it just sounds so good i don’t really see the point in more expensive headphones, i’m just gonna go down the speaker route if i spend that much lol. And the feeling of getting a thing at 1/3rd its original price is also contributing to the satisfaction
Thoroughly impressed and satisfied, I just hope these things last more than 2-4 years at least lmao Hifiman’s QC stories are scary!
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Hey, thanks for the thoughtful comment. Yeah I’ve been thinking about something like a ranking system but I want to make sure it’s a fair and honest one. Maybe one day!
You’re certainly making some very smart moves as far as I can tell! The HE1000 Stealths are without a doubt one of the most well-rounded models Hifiman is currently making. Especially since you’re good at EQ, you can make them great for everything. I like how your EQ profile addresses the upper mids, and that wide band filter at 10kHz seems well thought out.
And the Topping DX5 II is definitely a watershed amp/DAC with the value it offers. It’s a clean DAC, has plenty of amp power, and includes customisable EQ, all in a small box for a modest cost.
Enjoy your setup!
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yess these are extremely nice! I just loved how smooth it felt on the top end, with eq it just feels like listening to a nice pair of speakers up close.
Honestly, it feels like although things DO get better, it just is blown way out of proportion. I have the Moondrop X Crinacle DUSK IEMs and wanted an endgame and moved away from iems to headphones as it seemed like a logical upgrade and i must say, i can hear the improvements but it feels like they’re so small after a while that anything more feels like it’s more of a bragging right/”i finally did it” type of thing than anything else. Like a status/luxury tax is being paid alongside the sound. I personally don’t really care about all that, all I care about is the sound and that’s why the diminishing returns suck for me.
Maybe I’m just a pleb but based on the way some blokes were being all high and mighty about stuff and saying “oh this’ll change your life” and all that I kind of expected more? I mean i literally saw people crying after listening to some headphones and stuff, idk man am i underselling stuff or are they overselling? lol
What are your thoughts on this as an enthusiast who’s deep into this hobby? You have the most balanced takes with the most insightful way of explaining things, based on reviews at least, I trust your judgement.
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Thanks for the kind words. Yeah diminishing returns are absolutely real in this hobby. Luckily, we are seeing more and more stuff that performs better for cheaper these days like those Crinacle IEMs (I really love the Daybreak, by the way).
Some high-end stuff is better, but it’s more of a hit-or-miss situation rather than a blanket rule. A lot of high-end gear is just tuned poorly. Sometimes the reasoning is that people who can afford those items want something different or special. So, it’s not always just about the sound quality alone. In that way it is pretty much the same old story in this hobby as it is in many others.
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hell yeah! another crinacle enjoyer!
i don’t mean it lightly but you’re to headphones for me what crinacle is to iems, such nice balanced takes. I used to just look for the turning point, when everything just “transformed” or something and crinacle and you just cut through the fluff and say it as it is. I love how highly critical you are of the expensive stuff but still not snobby enough to dismiss lower end stuff, the same as crinacle.
Whereas the snobsters always forgive every flaw of the high end stuff and act like you’re not a real audiophile unless you spend 3000 dollars on something lmao. And you said exactly what was on my mind. It’s just a luxury tax that is being paid, not a sound tax. People pay that much and justify it with flowery words it seems. I don’t think poor tuning is bad and i dont think liking that is bad, but being snobby about it and acting like you know more just for spending more is just hilariously sad and infuriating i think. Dunning-kruger effect perhaps?
“i got this thing and it’s the best in the world, everyone else is beneath me, i know and understand everything and any other product is absolutely mid” – The type of thinking i see perpetuated in all 3 audiophile communities of speakers, iems and headphones.
It’s why I withdrew from the hobby a while ago and only focused on random stuff, then decided to get back in for my newer pair of iems/headphones and found you thankfully. Erin’s Audio Corner, Crinacle and you, you three allowed me to make safe, hassle free purchases and even though you’re all more knowledgeable and critical than most you’re all able to appreciate and recommend lower end stuff, talking about diminishing returns but still acknowledging the strengths of the higher end stuff. The exact kind of reviewers I wanted and couldn’t ask more. So again, thank you boss, keep up the good work!!!
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Haha that’s high praise, I’m flattered. But you’ve rightly captured why I do this. Erin and Crinacle are absolutely among the people (and you can’t leave out Tyll) who inspired me to start reviewing. For so long in this hobby we had to rely on highly subjective takes from people who were just putting out opinions. I don’t mean that measurements are everything, but they certainly help keep us honest and offer a much more stable reference point.
But yes, at the end of the day, what truly matters is your enjoyment. That is what music is supposed to be about. That is also part of the reason why I write slowly. I want to spend most of my time actually enjoying the music and not constantly busy going rounds testing gear one by one. I probably already do that more than is healthy, but it’s the only way I can make this blog possible. So yeah, my suggestion is always to just be happy with what you have and simply enjoy the music. Don’t be fooled by ‘more expensive means better’, and avoid upgradeitis. That is all there is to it.
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exactly! Measurements arent the end all be all but they certainly help ground things in reality. Subjective reviews backed by objective testing is the best way to go about, if they both match up then the consumer has the perfect idea about the product.
And you’re so right! Enjoying music is what I do at the end of the day, be it from my expensive gear or my phone speakers! I’m just in this hobby to get good quality sound, not to collect gear and you have helped me tremendously. I’ve found my iem and headphone endgame, these all sound IMMENSE!
Have a lovely day boss
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Glad I could help you get there! Enjoy the music my man. Have a great day yourself!
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It seems that fate has led me here. I’ve been into speakers/home theater/2ch for a while but never really gotten into headphones. I currently have a pair of Sennheiser Game One open backs. I’ve never had a headphone amp, or even heard any headphones through one, but I got ahold of a Magni Unity and powered my little gaming headphones with it.. Wow, what a difference it made.
So, being the insane person I am, I currently have the DX5 II on order and I’m finalizing my choice between headphones. I’ve never actually heard a planar before, or any high end headphones, but from what I’ve read they seem like they’d be right up my alley. I’d mostly be using these for listening to music and some casual gaming. I listen to a pretty variety of music, from Death/Black Metal, to Classical, to Reggae, and much more. I think I’ve nailed it down between the Arya Organic and the HE1000 Stealths.
I’m leaning toward the HE1000s over the Arya’s currently. I guess my real questions are, given my situation which way would you go, how big of a jump in sound quality am I about to experience, and I’m I crazy? Thanks for taking so much of your time to read through all of these questions and give such detailed responses. Much respect sir!
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One more point to add: I could spend more, of course. I guess I’m trying to hit that point right before the diminishing returns REALLY start to kick in. From what I’m seeing it looks like this or the Arya Organic might be in that territory? I’m currently seeing the HE1000 Stealth listed at $950 and the Arya Organic for $769.
Okay, two more points to add: I don’t mind EQing at all.
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I’m not sai but just a guy who got to audition some headphones including the arya organic and the he1000 stealth. I’m someone who’s very sensitive to treble, so the he1k stealth was by default better for me. But it just felt far smoother in general, it felt less peaky to me.
The detail amount was similar and imaging felt slightly tighter with a smaller soundstage on the HE1K stealth, exactly how i’d like it, same detail with lower treble is a huge plus in my books.
However, I could’ve just eq’d it all out, the main reason why I got the HE1K Stealth was the build. I just friggin adore the metal build. I love how it feels to the touch and how it looks. Oh and they also came with some balanced cables out of the box too. Considering all that, it felt like a worthy purchase to me but it all depends on what you like. Both are excellent.
Due to recent price cuts the HE1Kse looks to be the point where diminishing returns go haywire 1500-1800 USD is not chump change but for a basically top of the line product? Mighty impressive. Half that of before. If it were found at 1500 USD i think it’d be the go-to “endgame” fr.
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I went ahead a ordered the HE1000 with some balanced 4.4mm cables. I’m excited to try it out.
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hell yeah! Let’s go! The one thing you’ll notice is that it won’t be crazy exciting, it’ll sound “just right” and that, to me, is absolutely worth the money. It doesn’t feel like the most crazy soundstage headphone, not the most detailed, not the best in dynamics
But it’s just “smooth” and “nice”. Most people don’t like that but for me this is invaluable. I can send you my eq presets if you want, they’re tweaks of the harman curve, i auto eq’d to harman and tweaked to my tastes.
Hope you have a nice dac amp with 2+ watts of power, that’ll let you EQ to your heart’s content. I got a DX5 II and I literally use low gain and am stuck at -7 to -4 db despite a 6-7 db bass boost lol, without eq im at -20 to -15 db. This thing was SO worth it for me. My endgame, unless the Susvara can be found at 2-2.5k usd, im not getting any other set. And the amp in its low gain is enough to make me go deaf, i cant imagine using it at high gain without eq and maxing it out 😹😹
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I’ve had the DX5 II on order before I even bought the headphones and I’m still waiting on it! I’m currently running it with a Magni Unity w/ DAC. Compared to the cheap gaming headphones, I’d say the HE1000’s are plenty exciting. They sound VERY fast and the bass is amazing! Surprisingly, I don’t find them too bright, for the most part.
I played everything from Yoshi Horikawa, to Carcass, to Tool, to Michael Jackson, to Infected Mushroom, and played Marvel Rivals with them. Everything sounded crisp, detailed, and full bodied. I do agree about the soundstage, however. Coming from being more of a loudspeaker audiophile-type, I’d prefer if it was a bit larger, but it’s fine.
My main issue right now is the pads. They are very scratchy and uncomfortable. I’m thinking about trying one of the ZMF pads. I also used Peace to AutoEQ to Oratory’s settings and sort of tweaked some values from there. I’ll definitely check yours out too if you want to share. Overall, I’m very happy with them, though. The more I listen the better they sound!
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oh yeah mine are just with the highs turned down a LOT it’s harman tuned till 8khz with -1 db at 1-2khz and then i have a high shelf 10khz with -5 db. I can’t stand treble much haha
but man oh man does this sound good and you’re so right. The more I listen the more I love it. Fully satisfied! It’s crazy that I can tune a bright headphone down to a natural tone for me and still love it so much. Gotta love EQ!
Hope you have luck with the pads though! I’m happy with mine but i can see why you might have an issue. And the DX5 II is such a beauty as well, I love how it looks and also the screen though it’s behind my laptop most of the time lol
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I’m late to this thread, but I’m glad Jiraya was able to help you out. I read both your comments and I think Jiraya’s spot-on.
The Arya Organics aren’t bad, but they have a strong personality. They’re known for that really bright, airy, sparkly treble, which can sometimes overshadow other stuff in the mix, making the midrange sound a bit lean. Since you listen to so many different genres, I’d agree with Jiraya that the HE1000 Stealth is a safer bet. I also think it’s just an overall more refined and better-tuned choice compared to the Arya Organic.
If you were only listening to classical or other instrumental stuff, I might say the Arya Organic is a similar choice. But since that’s not the case for you, definitely go with the Stealth.
Hope you get your new headphones soon, and enjoy them!
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Hi! Thanks! I just got them yesterday and I’m really happy with them, overall. They seem to handle everything I’ve thrown at them, so far. I’m just waiting on my DX5 II to finally arrive so that I can give them a bit more current, hopefully, and use my balanced cable. My biggest grip is with the comfort of the pads. They are extremely scratchy feeling. I’ve heard that the ZMF pads were really comfortable and don’t drastically alter the sound, so I may one of theirs. I’m always open to suggestions, however!
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That’s great new, I’m happy you’re enjoying the sound!
Re the ear pads, if you want to keep the sound signature as close to the original as possible but switch to a more comfortable material, I’d suggest checking out the perforated sheepskin pads you can find on sites like Aliexpress or eBay. They’re a great sounding and less expensive option if you’re not ready to commit to a Dekoni/ZMF yet. Honestly, I’d even say these are my favourite aftermarket option, even when you include all the Dekoni and ZMF ones.
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hey sai, just dropping an update
Listening to my HE1000 V2 Stealth and absolutely loving it! But I’ve just been having weird experiences with the EQ. I can’t seem to find anything concrete. But the general trend is that I darken EVERYTHING and get rid of some very ugly resonances.
EQ1 :
Preamp: -3.9 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 70 Hz Gain -1 dB Q 0.7
Filter 2: ON LSC Fc 112 Hz Gain 2 dB Q 0.9
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 1700 Hz Gain 2.5 dB Q 2
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 2000 Hz Gain 1.5 dB Q 2
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 2900 Hz Gain -2.5 dB Q 3.3
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 4900 Hz Gain -3 dB Q 5
Filter 7: ON PK Fc 6500 Hz Gain 1.5 dB Q 0.5
Filter 8: ON PK Fc 7000 Hz Gain -1 dB Q 1.5
Filter 9: ON PK Fc 9500 Hz Gain -4.5 dB Q 0.6
Filter 10: ON HSC Fc 15000 Hz Gain -5 dB Q 0.9
EQ2 :
Preamp: -3.9 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 70 Hz Gain -1 dB Q 0.7
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 1700 Hz Gain 2.5 dB Q 2
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 2000 Hz Gain 1.5 dB Q 2
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 2900 Hz Gain -2.5 dB Q 3.3
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 4900 Hz Gain -3 dB Q 5
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 7096 Hz Gain -2 dB Q 0.596
Filter 7: ON PK Fc 9500 Hz Gain -4.5 dB Q 0.6
Filter 8: ON HSC Fc 15000 Hz Gain -4 dB Q 0.9
Filter 9: ON PK Fc 957 Hz Gain -1.5 dB Q 1.5
Filter 10: ON LSC Fc 110 Hz Gain 3 dB Q 0.9
I made a lot of eq presets and basically seem to be going for a sound in between these 2 and I’m now preferring EQ2. I don’t really get it, based on graphs it’s like, so dark! But to my ears it sounds quite close to irl speakers like me Adam T5V (with highs lowered to be neutral, thus a -3.5 db LS at 5000 hz) or even my BT Sony XB100 with lowered bass and lower mids.
EQ2, to my ears, sounds flat. It sounds extremely nice and completely smooth. Reminiscent of speakers. Am I deaf or something or is this actually supposed to be alright? I don’t really get it but I love the sound. Perhaps my HRTF is weird. Or maybe listening to race cars the other day messed up my ears lol
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Haha, well everyone has their preferred tuning. Planar headphones especially Hifiman sound bright to a lot of people. And it makes perfect sense since you’re comparing them to monitors.
I took a look at both your presets, and I wouldn’t say the downslope on your EQ2 profile is too radical since it kinda resembles flat speakers in a room with a downtilt, just like you said. You might just prefer a slightly warmer/darker sound than average, but I’d say that’s completely within the bounds of “normal,” especially for someone who’s used to speakers. And then again it also depends on what kind of stuff you listen to.
Maybe you’d enjoy the Edition XV too, but since you’ve got the HE1000 Stealth, there’s really no point in grabbing those!
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Thanks for the reply mate! I was so confused, I felt like I was going deaf or something but that’s the issue with headphones ig, the preferred tuning changes SO much from person to person!
Oh and i’m not used to speakers, im actually used to iems 😹😹Had an Aria before, then got a DUSK this year and then got the he1k stealth and the adam t5v. I really love the DUSK’s DSP Default tuning, i just lower the midbass a little and it sound stunning to me. Btw, I listen to all sorts of music. Which is why I prefer something neutral, if i boost stuff up for one genre others sound wack. I prefer one tuning which sounds nearly exceptional on all stuff.
Also, I DID try the XV! It was quite nice in terms of tuning and i can definitely see myself not needing EQ for it! But it was just not an upgrade from my DUSK. I didn’t see the point in spending that much money for a sidegrade, I wanted a one and done type of thing and thanks to you and the power of EQ I’ve found my audio nirvana. Bopping my head to friggin orchestral tracks’ rhythm because it sounds so good 😹😹.
Without the EQ/with a shoutier eq, the soundstage felt weird to me, i didn’t really get the “detail” and soundstage praise that people were giving, but with the EQ i started to appreciate the headphones more. It felt like i could just TASTE the sounds, like I could touch em lol, wish i had a rig to see how the tuning looks as im curious to see what my own head’s target is.
But yeah, again, thanks for the answer!
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I’ve actually never tried the DUSK, maybe I should. Anyway congrats on finding your endgame! Now all that’s left is to just enjoy the music. 😀
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I read a very interesting comment by a user here about the Harman curve that is basically mimicking a treated room , so a headphone that follows that would be a great tool for mixing and mastering – basically a professional tool. That made me think a lot as I well enjoy a pretty substantial low shelf on my planars. Not sure why they are mostly just flat in the bass section I would guess a physical limitation , but then again , if it makes the headphone sound more natural then where’s the harm ? Possible distortion of a kind ? So perhaps a really good set would be a pair that does not distort with a bass shelf since it’s the most demanding part of the spectrum , and it’s seems that in the world of head-if it’s more about an experience rather than replicating reality or else all makers would chase the same exact sound. In fact I have yet to meet a consensus from audio pros about a perfect pair and I would think that a good pair would be one you know really well , so it might help by being a reference. (Like the NS-10)
Got the stealth on order. Very excited about them upgrading from EXS. I will write a follow up in a while..
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Yeah that’s the whole idea behind the Harman curve. In reality the Harman listening room is still a little different than a typical studio monitor setup (mainly in the bass and treble amounts). But it represents a great approximation to flat response of speakers in a room, and people have been EQing their headphones to match that.
Open-back planars tend to have flat bass just because of how they’re physically designed with that large thin membrane (which gives you a relatively linear response). Some use analog/digital devices to boost the bass, but most are naturally flat.
That said, you can still easily EQ them to have more bass, similar to Harman. If it’s done well there’s really no harm at all (as long as the headphone itself is well-designed: no sharp peaks or dips, phase issues, distortion under high volume, excursion limits, etc.). There’s already a ton of info on how to EQ (like with EqualizerAPO on Windows).
So yeah, I absolutely recommend trying EQ. The HE1000 Stealth is an excellent EQ platform for that, since it’s got clean bass and no distortion/phase issues.
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