Short answer: the HIFIMAN HE6. Both are rated 4.1/5 for sound quality (#60 and #76 of 481 over-ear headphones), and the HIFIMAN HE6 costs $1,899 against $2,299 for the HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
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. 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.
What the HIFIMAN HE6 does well: A preference score of 85 and a smooth deviation of 2.2 dB around the target show a well-controlled response, with low mids within 0.5 dB of target for natural male vocals and guitars. Watch for: Sub-bass falls about 5 dB short under 60 Hz and the bass region is nearly 2 dB light, so kick drums and bass synths lack weight.
Buy the HIFIMAN HE6. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $400 less than the HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled.
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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 eBay
A preference score of 85 and a smooth deviation of 2.2 dB around the target show a well-controlled response, with low mids within 0.5 dB of target for natural male vocals and guitars.
Amazon $1,899.00 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
| HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled | HIFIMAN HE6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,299.00 | $1,899.00 |
| Ranked | #76 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #60 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 84 (median of 4 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 85 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.79 dB standard deviation | 2.20 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.44 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.14 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.5 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 27 Hz (-5.8 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 28 ohms | 50 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 95 dB | 83.5 dB |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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