Short answer: the HIFIMAN HE1000 V2. It ranks #95 of 216 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $2,999; the Meze Empyrean II ranks #106, rated 3.7/5, at $2,999. With prices this close, go by the sound-quality ranking rather than the cost.
The case for 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. Watch for: 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. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Meze Empyrean II at the same price, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 | Meze Empyrean II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,999.00 | $2,999.00 |
| Ranked | #95 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #106 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 78 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 76 (median of 3 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.19 dB standard deviation | 2.21 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.56 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.61 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-4.1 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-3.3 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 35 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB | 90 dB SPL/mW |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (420 g) | 1 lbs (449 g) |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 8Hz - 110kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 102 x 73mm planar magnetic (Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array) |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More top alternatives to HIFIMAN HE1000 V2:
- Audeze LCD-2 Closed Back vs HIFIMAN HE1000 V2
- Austrian Audio The Composer vs HIFIMAN HE1000 V2
- HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 vs ZMF Ori 3.0
- Audeze LCD-2 Closed Back vs Meze Empyrean II
- Austrian Audio The Composer vs Meze Empyrean II
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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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The Two Headphones In Full
HIFIMAN HE1000 V2: $2,999.00 Apos Audio eBay
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
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Meze Empyrean II: $2,999.00 Headphones.com eBay
Full Meze Empyrean II review and specifications →
| Back | Open |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.21 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 102 x 73mm planar magnetic (Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array) |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz - 110kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 76 (median of 3 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB SPL/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-3.3 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.61 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 1 lbs (449 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons