HIFIMAN HE1000 V1 vs HIFIMAN HE1000 V2

Short answer: the HIFIMAN HE1000 V2, if you are buying new. The HIFIMAN HE1000 V1 ranks higher than it (#124 vs #141 of 382 over-ear headphones, 3.9/5 vs 3.8/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 is still sold new at $2,999.

The case for the HIFIMAN HE1000 V1: Crinacle’s measurement gives it an excellent Harman preference score of 80 with a 2.38 dB spread. The catch: Discontinued, so it is mainly found used.

Why pick the HIFIMAN HE1000 V2: A preference score of 78 in oratory1990’s measurement, with a bright, detailed lean (treble about 2 dB above target from 6 to 16 kHz) that suits listeners who like neutral or brighter tuning. The tradeoff: A 6.9 dB peak near 7.9 kHz right next to a 7.1 dB dip near 9.3 kHz, plus presence about 3.1 dB above target, can make cymbals and sibilance sharp or tiring at volume.

Buy the HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 new; the HIFIMAN HE1000 V1 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.

Want more options? Browse the full Headphones rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

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• HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 vs ZMF Ori 3.0
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The Two Headphones In Full

HIFIMAN HE1000 V1 Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the HIFIMAN HE1000 V2, ranked lower, rated 3.8/5, released Sep 2016. See every HIFIMAN HE1000 V generation.

Pros: Crinacle’s measurement gives it an excellent Harman preference score of 80 with a 2.38 dB spread. Its tonal tilt of -0.25 sits close to the target, so the overall balance is neither dark nor bright.

Cons: Discontinued, so it is mainly found used. Its 2.38 dB spread is less even than the best measured sets.

Full HIFIMAN HE1000 V1 review and specifications →

Released	2015 (11 years ago)
Back	Open
Connection	Wired
Deviation From Target	2.38 dB standard deviation
Driver Type	Planar magnetic
Form Factor	Over-ear
Frequency Response	8Hz - 65kHz
Harman Preference Score	80 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ)
Impedance	35 ohms
Sensitivity	90 dB/mW
Tonal Tilt	-0.25 (negative is warmer, positive brighter)
Weight	1.1 lbs (480g)

EQ preset to match the Harman target

Set a preamp of -6.9 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.

Filter	Frequency	Gain	Q
Low shelf	105 Hz	+7.6 dB	0.70
Peak	61 Hz	-12.9 dB	1.78
Peak	5,719 Hz	-3.9 dB	1.26
Peak	1,953 Hz	+5.1 dB	3.71
Peak	9,193 Hz	+3.2 dB	2.21
High shelf	10,000 Hz	-2.8 dB	0.70
Peak	36 Hz	+1.6 dB	5.18
Peak	479 Hz	+1.4 dB	3.57
Peak	1,244 Hz	-2.4 dB	6.00
Peak	110 Hz	-0.5 dB	2.40

• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • AutoEQ results for the HIFIMAN HE1000 V1 (crinacle measurement)

HIFIMAN HE1000 V2: $2,999.00 Apos Audio $2,999.00 eBay

Older model: the HIFIMAN HE1000 V1 (ranked higher, rated 3.9/5). See every HIFIMAN HE1000 V generation.

Pros: A preference score of 78 in oratory1990’s measurement, with a bright, detailed lean (treble about 2 dB above target from 6 to 16 kHz) that suits listeners who like neutral or brighter tuning. Bass from 60 to 200 Hz is right on target, so bass lines stay tight and clean. Its 35 ohm impedance is easy for most desktop amps.

Cons: A 6.9 dB peak near 7.9 kHz right next to a 7.1 dB dip near 9.3 kHz, plus presence about 3.1 dB above target, can make cymbals and sibilance sharp or tiring at volume. At 90 dB sensitivity and 420 g it wants a proper amp and is heavy. The Audeze LCD-2 Closed Back rates higher at a similar price. See headphone amps and DACs with enough power to drive it.

Full HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2016 (10 years ago)
Back	Open
Built-in Microphone	No
Connection	Wired
Deviation From Target	2.19 dB standard deviation
Driver Type	Planar magnetic
Form Factor	Over-ear
Frequency Response	8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Harman Preference Score	78 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ)
Impedance	35 ohms
Sensitivity	90 dB
Sub-bass Extension	Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-4.1 dB at 30 Hz)
Tonal Tilt	+0.56 (negative is warmer, positive brighter)
Weight	0.9 lbs (420 g)

EQ preset to match the Harman target

Set a preamp of -5.2 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.

Filter	Frequency	Gain	Q
Low shelf	105 Hz	+5.5 dB	0.70
Peak	5,889 Hz	-3.8 dB	1.48
Peak	2,216 Hz	+3.0 dB	0.39
Peak	2,913 Hz	-5.9 dB	2.45
Peak	110 Hz	-1.4 dB	0.32
High shelf	10,000 Hz	-2.6 dB	0.70
Peak	1,073 Hz	-0.9 dB	4.34
Peak	1,745 Hz	+0.5 dB	2.40
Peak	246 Hz	-0.8 dB	3.95
Peak	388 Hz	+0.8 dB	4.17

• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • AutoEQ results for the HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 (oratory1990 measurement)
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 vs Meze Empyrean II
  • HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 vs ZMF Ori 3.0
  • HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 vs Austrian Audio The Composer
  • HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 vs Audeze LCD-2 Closed Back