Hifiman HE1000 Stealth Review

Sound – Hifiman Comparisons

For this section I have used the Cayin Audio HA-3A as it has dual balanced outputs, making it easy to switch between headphones. The DAC used still is the Aquarius and it’s my laptop streaming from Tidal using ROON.

HE1000 V1 & V2

Between the V1 and the V2, the V1 has always been my favorite headphone but it has been discontinued in the meantime. The original might not be the fastest of the series or have the best treble extension, but the V2 version for me personally was a tad too forward and bright sounding overall. The bass was also presented differently (bigger), the mids had more weight and while the V2 clearly has a technical superiority over the original version, I just couldn’t enjoy it as much.

The HE1000 V2 headphone sounds quite different from the( V1 and) Stealth version.

The V2 compared to the Stealth is lighter in all overall presence and the bass impact is not as impressive. The V2 is a more neutral tuned headphone where the Stealth is fuller with bigger bass presence and thicker vocals. The V2’s soundstage width, spaciousness and airiness goes even further than that of the Stealth. Both headphones share the same excellent positioning, depth, layering and stereo imaging. I do find the dynamics, precision/accuracy, extension, and resolution of the Stealth to be of a higher level. It for sure is more easy and more exciting to listen to than the V1 and V2.  

HE1000SE

The Hifiman SE ($1.999 USD) was the first version with the 3.5mm headphone connectors and it basically combined the best of the V1 and V2, in an easier to drive package. The SE compared to the previous versions has an increased sensitivity of 96dB (was 90dB in the V2) and new Neodymium magnets.

To me the HE1000SE combined the best of the V1 and V2 models: it has the excellent speed, attack, clarity and extension of the V2 mixed up with the more impactful bass, smoother presentation and musical character of the V1.  The SE version when it was released had the perfect mix of musicality and technical performance. It still is more expensive than the Stealth today.

The SE version compared to the Stealth is easier to drive. Looking at the FR curves you will see the SE has lighter bass presence than the Stealth (in reality it isn’t that big of a difference), with less elevated upper mids (vocals) and treble. The biggest audible difference (also on the graph) is the treble extension, and the gap is quite large. You immediately hear the bigger contrast with the vocals and upper treble, and to my ears it sounds more correct and natural in the Stealth version. The SE is softer and more intimate sounding, and some listeners will prefer that characteristic. The Stealth is wider, more spacious and to me more refined. That said, the SE makes it easier to hear the fine detail, where the Stealth needs a better headphone amp to get to the best level.

I quite enjoy listening to the SE version, but I still prefer the Stealth overall. It both are great headphones and it will depend on how you will drive it, and what your tonal preference is.

Arya Stealth

The last headphone I want to compare the HE1000 Stealth to is the Arya Stealth. The Arya is a very popular headphone and its loved by many, myself included. For only $999 USD you get a lot in return. Compared to the Stealth it is playing on a lower technical level and you also get the less wide sound stage effect the SE version also displays.

The Arya probably is the easier headphone to listen to with a softer vocal presentation, but for the pure technical quality you still have to go to the Stealth. For movies, series and videocalls I actually prefer the Arya over the Stealth. Non trained ears will most likely prefer the Arya as it’s easier on the ears, and that’s perfectly fine. It is a great, fun and very musical headphone after all.

If you want me to compare the HE1000 Stealth to a specific planar headphone from my collection, let me know in the comments section and I’ll try to make it happen.

Conclusion

At the actual price the Hifiman HE1000 Stealth is selling for, it is a no-brainer. Great comfort and excellent sound quality, what more do you want?

The only downside I can see here is that you need a good amplifier and/or source to really make the HE1000 Stealth sound its very best. As such I wouldn’t recommend it as a starting point, unless you have the funds to invest in the rest of your chain.

For me personally, the new Stealth is my favorite of the HE1000 series, which now counts 4 models. The SE would be my second choice, followed by the V1 and then the V2.

The Hifiman HE1000 Stealth gets our Recommended Buy Award and it now is featured on our Best Headphone list where it is in very good company.

PROs

• Excellent tuning
• Comfortable
• Discounted price

CONs

• Large in size
• Needs a good amp to get the best out of it

Page 1: Hifiman, HE1000 Stealth, Box & Delivery, Build Quality & Design, Comfort & Usability & Isolation, Price & Accessories

Page 2: Sound Intro, Sound General, Sound Synergy Desktop, SS Mobile

Page 3: Sound comparisons, Conclusion