Short answer: the AKG K812. Both are rated 4.1/5 for sound quality (#62 and #76 of 481 over-ear headphones), and the AKG K812 costs $1,999 against $2,299 for the HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled, so with nothing between them on sound quality, price settles it.
What the AKG K812 does well: In oratory1990’s measurement it earns a preference score of 85 with only a 2.2 dB deviation from target, so the overall balance sits close to what most listeners prefer. The catch: A 6.9 dB peak near 5.8 kHz adds an edge to vocals, cymbals and sibilance on bright recordings, while a 3.8 dB dip near 2.3 kHz pulls the upper mids back slightly.
Why pick the HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled: A preference score of 83.6 with a smooth 1.79 dB deviation, from the median of four squig.link measurements, places it among the more accurate open planars. Watch for: Sub-bass falls 4.3 dB below target under 60 Hz (5.5 dB down at 30 Hz), so deep synth lines and organ pedals lose physical weight.
Buy the AKG K812. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $300 less than the HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled.
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In oratory1990’s measurement it earns a preference score of 85 with only a 2.2 dB deviation from target, so the overall balance sits close to what most listeners prefer.
B&H Photo Video $1,999.00 eBay
A preference score of 83.6 with a smooth 1.79 dB deviation, from the median of four squig.link measurements, places it among the more accurate open planars.
Amazon $2,299.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| AKG K812 | HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,999.00 | $2,299.00 |
| Ranked | #62 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #76 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 85 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 84 (median of 4 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.20 dB standard deviation | 1.79 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.11 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.44 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-4.7 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.5 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 53mm dynamic | - |
| Impedance | 36 ohms | 28 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB SPL/V | 95 dB |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (390 g) | - |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 54kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
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