Short answer: the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000. It ranks #22 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $2,199; the HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled ranks #76, rated 4.1/5, and costs $2,299, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The case for the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000: A preference score of 89 with a perfectly neutral tilt reflects a balanced tuning, with bass and low mids within about 0.7 dB of target. The catch: The 420 ohm impedance calls for a dedicated headphone amplifier, because a phone or dongle will struggle to drive it to a satisfying volume.
The case for 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. The tradeoff: 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 Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000. It is rated higher for sound quality than the HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphones rankings.
A preference score of 89 with a perfectly neutral tilt reflects a balanced tuning, with bass and low mids within about 0.7 dB of target.
Amazon $2,199.00 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000 | HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,199.00 | $2,299.00 |
| Ranked | #22 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #76 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 89 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 84 (median of 4 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.99 dB standard deviation | 1.79 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.01 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.44 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 32 Hz (-6.6 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 58mm dynamic | - |
| Impedance | 420 ohms | 28 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 95 dB |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (270 g) | - |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Headphone Comparisons
How Audio-Technica ATH-ADX5000 compares with other leading options: