Short answer: the Dan Clark Audio E3. It ranks #1 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.9/5, at $2,299; the HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled ranks #76, rated 4.1/5, at $2,299. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.
The Dan Clark Audio E3 is the better-sounding pick. In oratory1990’s measurement it earns a preference score of 101, with response held within about 1 dB of the Harman target from sub-bass through the upper mids. The catch: The upper treble is uneven, with a 5.6 dB dip near 9.9 kHz followed by a 5 dB peak near 11.9 kHz, which can make cymbals and sibilance sound slightly uneven.
What the HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled does well: 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 Dan Clark Audio E3. It is rated higher for sound quality than the HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled at the same price, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
In oratory1990’s measurement it earns a preference score of 101, with response held within about 1 dB of the Harman target from sub-bass through the upper mids.
Amazon $2,299.00 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Dan Clark Audio E3 | HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,299.00 | $2,299.00 |
| Ranked | #1 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #76 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 101 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 84 (median of 4 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.05 dB standard deviation | 1.79 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.04 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.44 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.5 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.5 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Open |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 27 ohms | 28 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | 95 dB |
| Weight | 1 lbs (455 g) | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Frequency Response Compared
Both headphones’ measurements overlaid on the Harman target. Above the target sounds louder in that range, below it quieter. Each curve is the median of several independent measurements, shifted so its 500 Hz to 2 kHz average sits at 0 dB, so only the tuning is compared.
Measurement data: the Dan Clark Audio E3 from boizoff, capraaudio, gadgetrytech, kr0mka, kuulokenurkka, superreview and vsg; the HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled from kr0mka, kuulokenurkka, sai and vsg, all via squig.link.
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