Short answer: the DUNU Arashi. Both are rated 4.0/5 for sound quality (#106 and #111 of 481 over-ear headphones), and the DUNU Arashi costs $1,380 against $1,699 for the HIFIMAN HE1000se, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
Why pick the DUNU Arashi: Hobbyist measurements give it a preference score of 82 with a smooth 1.95 dB deviation from target, so midrange and bass sound natural and well balanced. Watch for: Sub-bass falls about 4 dB below target under 60 Hz and is 5.4 dB down at 30 Hz, so the lowest rumble in electronic and film scores is lighter than ideal.
The case for the HIFIMAN HE1000se: In oratory1990’s measurement the planar drivers land close to the Harman target, with a preference score of 81 and bass and midrange within about 2 dB of target. The catch: A 9 dB dip near 9.5 kHz sits right beside an 11 dB peak near 11.9 kHz, so cymbals and sibilants can sound uneven and sparkly rather than smooth.
Buy the DUNU Arashi. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $319 less than the HIFIMAN HE1000se.
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Hobbyist measurements give it a preference score of 82 with a smooth 1.95 dB deviation from target, so midrange and bass sound natural and well balanced.
Amazon $1,380.00 eBay
In oratory1990’s measurement the planar drivers land close to the Harman target, with a preference score of 81 and bass and midrange within about 2 dB of target.
Amazon $1,699.00 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
| DUNU Arashi | HIFIMAN HE1000se | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,380.00 | $1,699.00 |
| Ranked | #106 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #111 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 82 (median of 2 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 81 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.95 dB standard deviation | 2.31 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.39 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.29 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.4 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 100mm planar magnetic | - |
| Impedance | 26 ohms | 35 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 97 dB/mW | 96 dB |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Weight | - | 1 lbs (440 g) |
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