The Hifiman HE1000SE was launched in 2018 and is still going strong as one of Hifiman’s top offerings after five years. Not many headphones in the Hifiman lineup remain unchanged for a longer period of time. The company has a habit of continuously making new versions of its headphones. It happened to the HE1000 (v1) which came out in 2015 and soon was replaced by the HE1000 v2 a year later (2016). Two years later came the HE1000SE (2018). The v2, however, was not discontinued and has thus been around two years longer than the HE1000SE.
Recently, however, the HE1000v2 got the “stealth magnet” treatment. This new version is called the HE1000 Stealth. Time will show if the HE1000v2 will be discontinued. The HE1000SE already had stealth magnets from the beginning, so it’s unlikely to see a new revision soon – but who knows?
The headphone in the current Hifiman lineup that has been unchanged for the longest period of time is the summit-fi planar magnetic Susvara. Both the HE1000 and the HE1000SE have been called the “Baby” or “Poor Man’s” Susvara. This is with good reason. They sound great and give you much of what the bigger brother offers – at a much lower price.
The HE1000SE is still not an inexpensive headphone. However, there have been significant and very welcome price reductions in the Hifiman lineup recently, including the HE1000SE which at the time of writing costs 1999 USD from Hifiman’s Store. In recent years, prices of high-fidelity headphones have had a steep rise. It is very welcoming that Hifiman seems to go the other way.
The continuous lineup expansion and model revisions from Hifiman can be a bit confusing. However, I find it more honest and consumer-friendly to do like Hifiman and go public with every change they do to their headphones and give them appropriate new names, instead of doing like their main competitor Audeze (and many others), namely to make significant changes without changing the name or announcing anything to the customers.
The first Hifiman to get stealth magnets was the Susvara, the second was HE1000SE. Recently Hifiman has upgraded many headphones with their stealth magnets, which is a fancy word for more aerodynamically shaped magnets. It’s similar to Audeze’s Fazor waveguides, except the Fazors are add-ons, while stealth magnets are shaped inherently aerodynamically.
With the HE1000v1 and v2, however, Hifiman used another approach, which was to design a non-symmetrical magnet structure with smaller magnets on the inside. See the picture below.
I’m not sure if they kept the asymmetrical magnet structure with the stealth revision, but their website shows both technologies for the HE1000 Stealth, while neither the Susvara nor the HE1000SE seems to have asymmetrical magnet structure listed as a part of their specifications.
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The HE1000SE utilizes Neodymium magnets (which is not uncommon in planar magnetic headphones) and a diaphragm which is so thin that it is measured in nanometers, although I don’t know the actual number. The headphone’s sensitivity is a friendly 96 dB/mW, and along with the low impedance of 35 ohms this makes the HE1000SE potentially suitable for use with a decently powerful portable DAC/amp. For comparison, HE1000 Stealth is 92 dB/mw and 33 ohm, HE1000 v1 and v2 90 dB/mW and 35 ohm.
HE1000SE Key Specifications:
- Frequency response: 8Hz – 65KHz
- Impedance: 35 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 96 dB
- Weight: 440g
- Cable detachable from headphone with 3.5mm connector.
- Cables (3 included): One 3m with 4 pin XLR, one 3 m TRS and a 1.5 m with 3.5 mm angled plug.
BUILD QUALITY AND COMFORT
The HE1000SE is one of the better-built and nice-looking headphones out there. It features the egg-shaped design Hifiman has adopted for most of their recent models. Often I find the egg-shaped headphones too large, but the headband on the HE1000SE is so short sale the pads so thick that the headphones sit comfortably on my head. The pads are good and there is plenty of space and depth for your ears. The construction is mainly steel and wood veneer. I find it solid and I especially like this swivel action that lets you rotate the cups freely.
The cables are very light and feature a tube construction with thin wires inside. It feels a bit flimsy but at the same time, they are so light that I personally find them very nice.
AMPLIFICATION
The HE1000SE has a relatively high sensitivity and a low impedance, which on paper makes it suitable for a range of amplifiers. However, that doesn’t mean that any amplifier will make it sing to its fullest potential.
I used my RME ADI-2 DAC FS as a source for all comparisons.
BRYSTON BHA-1
One of my favourite amplifiers of all time. Dead on neutral, hyper-resolving and powerful. With the HE1000SE, the bass is powerful and textured, there’s lots of separation and detail. However, this is not my favourite match for the HE1000SE. It sounds slightly clinical and a bit dry, the mid-range feels a little polite and the sound lacks a bit of that natural and organic feeling I want from a great match. This is not the amplifier’s fault. IMO all headphones should sound great on the BHA-1. A relevant example is that the HE1000 v2 does pair very well with it. I’ll come back to headphone comparisons later. Anyway, amplifier matching is a part of the game in this hobby so I move on.
QUESTYLE CMA800R
This is a gem of an amplifier that is sadly discontinued. It features proprietary internal Current Mode Amplification. This amplification technology lives on in Questyle’s desktop DAC/amp combos CMA Twelve and CMA Fifteen, though I never have heard those, only their predecessors (which sounded great).
The Questyle has a warmer, slightly thicker sound to it. This suits the HE1000SE well. I like it a lot better with the Questyle than with the Bryston. The mid-range is sweeter and it doesn’t feel as bright and “shouty”. The bass is still very good, spatial resolution is very good. I like what I hear.
DROP OBJECTIVE 2 (O2)
Going totally budget, I grab the Objective 2. The O2 amp was the budget reference amp for a decade or more. Now JDS Atom and Schiit Magni have taken over, but I’d be surprised if they sound very different. The O2 was a positive surprise. This little amp does incredibly well with the HE1000SE. The tonal balance is great, with great dynamics too. Lacks a little refinement but this is incredible, especially considering the price. Going back to the Questyle, there is clearly a difference in resolution, the CMA800R offers more micro detail, but their tonality and dynamic abilities are very similar.
AUDIOQUEST DRAGONFLY BLACK 1.5
This little USB dongle certainly has enough juice to drive the HE1000SE with authority, 50% is more than loud enough. I never stop being surprised by what that little thing can deliver. However, it lacks the refinement I think HE1000SE deserves. The sound is a bit edgy and can be fatiguing. That being said, it sounds very good in absolute terms. The dynamics are great.
LAKE PEOPLE G103P
This little gem of an amplifier does so much right. It’s ever so on the darker side of neutral, which suits the HE1000SE well. This amp is a step up from the O2, but not quite as smooth as the Questyle. The differences are small in absolute terms but it is a matter of refinement. The sound signature of the O2, G103 and the Questyle are similar, but there is an increase in refinement as you move up from the O2 to the G103 to the Questyle.
RME ADI-2 DAC FS
This “Swiss army knife” has a great headphone output. It drives most headphones nicely and the HE1000SE is no exception. It’s very tight and punchy. But like the lower priced amps mentioned, it lacks that extra refined feeling of the Questyle. Don’t get me wrong, the ADI-2 and HE1000SE make a great combo, but the HE1000SE sounds even better with a better amp.
MONOLITH THX 887 BY MONOPRICE
This actually sounds marvellous with the HE1000SE. Very neutral and transparent. Sometimes it’s a bit bright because the music and the headphones are bright. I am really amazed by what this amp delivers. It is so detailed and punchy, so neutral. Listening to it long term I don’t find it fatiguing, just extremely neutral. Comparing it to the Questyle, the THX AAA actually feels even cleaner, but the Questyle is very close and has a welcome dose of warmth.
REBEL AMP
Ukrainian Rebel Amp is based on a circuit design by AMG technologies and comes in a nice and sturdy chassis and a fabolous green colour (but you can get it in black too). It sounds really good with the HE1000SE. Very close to the Monolith THX AAA, very detailed and neutral but maybe a tad more warmth. A very nice pairing.
AURALIC TAURUS
Another sadly discontinued amplifier. Like the Questyle it offers a bit of welcome mid-range warmth to the HE1000SE. Plays great with the HE1000SE. Crisp and clear, but not too bright, with a slight warmth to the sound. It sounds very similar to the Questyle, a tad more open and clear if anything but lacking that little weight and nice thickness to the tones.
WOO AUDIO WA22
The WA22 often tends to bring out the mid-range and dynamics of a headphone, along with overall great performance. I have upgraded tubes (TS5998, JAN VT231, GZ34) – so it’s quite a costly package. But it’s fabulous sounding.
This is one of my favourite amplifiers for the HE1000 v2, and it definitely pairs well with the HE1000SE too. It’s quite similar to the Questyle, just even nicer with more mid-range presence. The WA22 makes the music feel a bit more alive and sparkly.
CARY SLI-80 Signature
Oh, my beloved SLI-80. It’s the best headphone amp ever. You can use the headphone output or the speaker outputs, there are triode and ultra-linear modes. It’s just fabulous. With silent tubes, even the HE1000SE can go straight from the speaker outputs. And it just sounds incredible. No hint of brightness and great mid-range presence. Just pure bliss.
AMPLIFIERS – CONCLUSION
So what does this tell us? It is clear that even the Audioquest Dragonfly Black had no problem driving these headphones to way above normal listening levels with impressive dynamics and slam. Also, the O2 and the G103P impressed me. The ADI-2 is a great all-in-one. However, the more expensive amps were more refined and offered an even more pleasurable listening experience. The exception was the dead neutral Bryston BHA-1, which I find didn’t give the HE1000SE the necessary helping hand with mid-range presence and warmth. My favourite amps were the Woo WA22 and the Cary SLI-80, but the Questyle CMA800R and the Auralic Taurus, which both are slightly warm-sounding solid-state amps, were excellent. I did, however, find myself most impressed by the Monolith THX AAA 887, which offers an extremely clean and powerful sound. The Rebel Amp was maybe even better with the HE1000SE, since it sounded very similar to the Monolith but slightly warmer.
Concluding, the HE1000SE doesn’t demand too much power but deserves an amp which delivers refinement. I would personally also look for an amp which is on the warmer side of neutral for the HE1000SE. A suitable high quality transformer coupled tube amp certainly doesn’t harm.
HEADPHONE COMPARISONS
Even though I show pictures with different cables, all testing was done with the stock cable. The other cables are for the pictures only as far as this comparison goes. I will specify which amplifiers I use. Often I use different amplifiers but I make sure none of the headphones are at a disadvantage before starting the “official” comparison. In other words, the comparisons would’ve been similar or identical if i used the same amp for both headphones. I know, because I always checked.
SENNHEISER HD800 SDR (HD800S) VS HE1000SE
My HD800 has an SDR resonator, making it very similar to the HD800S. I also have Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin pads on my HD800 and an Atlas Zeno cable, so it’s not stock but still sounds close to the original.
I use the Questyle CMA800R for the HE1000SE, Auralic Taurus for the HD800 SDR. The source is the RME ADI-2 DAC FS.
EDIT: My comparisons would’ve been similar or identical if i used the same amp for both headphones. I know, because I checked.
20 – Album by Medeski, Martin and Wood
Listening to this album, I find the HE1000SE to be very open sounding. It’s very crisp and clear, with a great bass presence. The HD800 is very enjoyable and has a more intimate presentation (believe it or not). The bass is better with the HE1000SE, deeper and cleaner. However it’s also more dominant, the mid-range is more polite. The HE1000SE offers a higher level of detail across the board, the HD800 SDR is more balanced across the frequency range. I do overall prefer the HE1000SE, though.
Dualist by Ola Kvernberg
Again, HE1000SE rules in the bass department. It’s more open and cleaner sounding, but also a bit more distant. However, I prefer the HD800’s mid-range, but not enough to order it overall.
Nevermind by Leonard Cohen
Great presentation from the HE1000SE. Plenty detailed, great separation and spaciousness. However, the HD800, even though less detailed, has a very nice presentation, bringing the mid-range more in focus.
Sue by David Bowie
This sounds better with the HD800. The HE1000SE is technically better, but it sounds more balanced with the HD800.
Never Forget the Good Ones by Solveig Slettahjell
Slow jazz vocals. Again the mid-range and especially vocals are not very upfront in the mix with the HE1000SE but it’s otherwise superior.
Hudson 1726 by Hilary Hahn
This recording is a gem. The HE1000SE is wonderfully detailed and spacious. The HD800 is also wonderful. It’s not as sparkly, but it has a bit more meat to the tones. Even though the HE1000SE is technically better, I like the presentation of the HD800. The HE1000SE sounds a bit “boxed in” sometimes.
Limit to your love by James Blake
I like the vocal presentation of the HD800, but the HE1000SE has better bass and micro detail.
HE1000SE VS HD800 SDR WITH WOO WA22
I choose to try the HD800 with an even better amp, HE1000SE still amped by the Questyle. Basically that made the differences similar, but the HD800 is more delicious than with the Taurus – which naturally makes me like it even more. However, do I like it more than the HE1000SE? It depends.
Concluding, the HE1000SE is technically better than the HD800. It has better bass as well as cleaner mid-range and treble. However, the HD800 isn’t far behind and often offers a more pleasing, more mid-range focused presentation. Especially when the HD800 SDR is amped by the WA22, it’s hard to say which I prefer.
What is very impressive, though, is that the HE1000SE has an even more expansive soundstage than the HD800 SDR, along with superior bass quality and less distortion all over, especially the treble, it’s cleaner sounding, simply put. And even if I often prefer the more upfront midrange of the HD800, the mid-range of the HE1000SE is gorgeous in its own way and extremely detailed.
AUDEZE LCD-3 VS HE1000SE
Running the LCD-3 from the Auralic Taurus and the HE1000SE from the CMA800R. ADI-2 DAC FS as a source.
EDIT: My comparisons would’ve been similar or identical if i used the same amp for both headphones. I know, because I checked.
Cité Tango by Astor Piazzolla/Gotan Project
Sounds great on both, but different. The HE1000SE is brighter and more airy. Bass is great on both. Performed detail level is similar, but they are more apparent with the Hifiman.
Midnight City by M83
Again they are both great but different. The LCD-3 is more enveloping, and the HE1000SE is more open. Both are detailed, dynamic and punchy.
Winter, Vivaldi 4 Seasons by The Norwegian chamber orchestra
Delicious on the LCD-3 but a lot more open sounding with the HE1000SE. More apparent micro detail.
Almost like The Blues by Leonard Cohen
The bass is more satisfying with the LCD-3, the HE1000SE again brighter, less mid-range presence, and a much more articulated treble.
I find both these headphones very enjoyable. The HE1000SE is technically better sounding but the LCD-3 is no slouch and has a very pleasing tonality. I especially prefer the mid-range presence of the LCD-3. The HE1000SE lacks a bit of energy in the upper mid-range but has superior treble clarity and airy and precise imaging. It is also way more comfortable. I am a fan of the old Audeze house sound, so consider me biased.
If I was in a shop and had decided to purchase only one of these headphones, it would be difficult to decide. However, the clarity, soundstage and comfort of the HE1000SE might win. Was I to have two headphones (only) these might be the perfect supplementary pair.
AUDEZE LCD-X VS HE1000SE
The new LCD-X is a lot clearer and neutral sounding than the original, which I also liked. It’s significantly different from the LCD-3, relatively speaking.
I power the LCD-X with the Auralic Taurus and the HE1000SE with the Questyle CMA800R.
EDIT: My comparisons would’ve been similar or identical if i used the same amp for both headphones. I know, because I checked.
Bordeaux State of Mind by Bendik Hofseth
Slow melodic jazz. The saxophone and electric guitar sound like honey with the LCD-X, the percussion is not dominating, and the bass is present and well-balanced. It’s an immersive experience.
With the HE1000SE there is more space between the instruments, and the room is bigger. Percussion is a lot more dominant due to the more energetic treble.
Bored by Deftones
Prog metal. Sounding crisp and clear with the HE1000SE, punchy and lots of detail and texture. Switching to the LCD-X, I find it less aggressive and bright sounding, but even more enveloping.
Brahms Symphony no.4 by Gewandhausorchester
Here the airiness and separation, the fine detail and precise staging make the HE1000SE a lot more enjoyable.
Can’t You See by Susan Wong
The female vocals are sweeter with the LCD-X, I find the HE1000SE a bit dry sounding.
So For Us by Labyrinth
Both headphones have a very satisfying bass, but I prefer the presentation of the LCD-X. The HE1000SE is a bit bright and thin sounding with the vocals and also lacks done of that extra fat, delicious bass delivered by the LCD-X.
Concluding, there is no doubt that the HE1000SE is technically stellar and has a wider and deeper soundstage. The problem I have with it is a dip in the upper mid-range that along with the energetic treble can make it a bit bright and a bit dry sounding occasionally. That being said, is still a delicious headphone.
FOSTEX TH-900 VS HE1000SE
The TH-900 is an open-sounding closed-back headphone, famous for its detailed, V-shaped sound signature.
I use the Woo WA22 for the TH-900 (it sounds best to me with that amp, with a bit of extra warmth) and the Questyle CMA800R for the HE1000SE.
EDIT: My comparisons would’ve been similar or identical if i used the same amp for both headphones. I know, because I checked.
Bear by Erland Dahlen
Electrica jazz instrumental. The bass hits hard with the TH-900, everything is detailed and spacious sounding. The HE1000SE sounds quite similar, more open, less coloured bass performance but missing a bit of warmth to the sound.
Cadenza by Marcin Wasilewski Trio
Here, the saxophone is more upfront with the HE1000SE. Sounds great. The percussion is precise, the bass is powerful but not too much, lots of detail and texture, this track feels very well balanced with the HE1000SE. It’s great with the TH-900 too, but the mids are a bit drawn back.
Daddy Lessons by Beyonce
The TH-900 has just too much bass, the HE1000SE is more neutral. However, they sound quite similar in the mid-range and treble. Both are spacious and detailed, the HE1000SE even more so than the TH-900. I like the mid-range tonality better with the TH-900, but that bass is just too much.
Down by Stone Temple Pilots
This track sounds better with the TH-900, the full bass gives it a very punchy and enveloping feel, and the HE1000SE sounds a bit thin. Perfectly enjoyable once your brain has adjusted, though.
I keep listening and comparing, I try swapping amps. However, the impressions remain similar. The HE1000SE is more detailed, better balanced, has tighter bass, better soundstage and is generally more of an all-round performer. The TH-900 is sometimes fabulous, and sometimes its sound signature doesn’t match the music.
FOCAL CLEAR MG VS HE1000SE
The Clear MG is more than half the original price of the HE1000SE, but recent sales have brought the HE1000SE a lot closer. They sound initially quite similar, not too far apart in terms of sound signature
Identikit by Radiohead
Three bass kicks nicely with the MG, spacious and balanced presentation. The HE1000SE has a little bit less kick in the bass, but not far away. It’s more spacious, less intimate. The MG is more full-bodied, and the HE1000SE has a bit better separation and fine detail. Vocals are a bit thinner and drier with the HE1000SE.
Muggen Fallskjerm by Jøkleba
Here, the bass also had more punch with the Clear MG. It’s a warmer and fuller presentation. The HE1000SE is again more spacious, more treble, and less mid-range.
Almost like The Blues by Leonard Cohen
Quite similar here, both have great bass, Vicente’s’ voice is full and raspy like it should be. Everything is more distant with the HE1000SE. Bigger stage, better separation.
As Before by Olga Konkova
The HE1000SE is markedly more spacious and roomy sounding. Every instrument has a separate place in space. The Clear sounds a bit muffled in direct comparison, although I soon enough adjust to the more intimate presentation. The fine detail in the treble is more resolved with the HE1000SE.
Bored by Deftones
This sounds more engaging with the Clear. It’s a bit fatter sounding, the guitars are fuller sounding, and everything is more upfront and “intimate”. The HE1000SE is absolutely great sounding, though, but in direct comparison, I prefer the Clear.
Can’t You See by Susan Wong
Some delicate guitar and female vocals. The HE1000SE is delicious, you can hear every little detail, the guitar strings are crisp and their sound is full of texture. Moving to the Clear, it becomes apparent how much more detailed the HE1000SE is. The fine textures and subtleties are on a level above.
C.P.E. Bach Cello Concertos by J-G Queyras
Again, there is more refinement and fine detail with the HE1000SE, although the Clear MG is very enjoyable too.
Concluding, these are both great headphones. Often I preferred the Clear MG for the extra punch, sweeter mid-range and more full-bodied presentation. The difference, however, isn’t that big. The HE1000SE, on the other hand, is better at detail and resolution, has a wider soundstage and is technically better with a higher resolution across the board.
SENNHEISER HD800S VS HE1000SE
First, I try these with the HE1000SE amped by the Questyle CMA800R and the HD800S amped by the Auralic Taurus.
EDIT: My comparisons would’ve been similar or identical if i used the same amp for both headphones. I know, because I checked.
All For Us by Labyrinth
The HE1000SE is more spacious, the bass hits stronger, is brighter and clearer. The HD800S isn’t far behind, but details are less pronounced, the soundstage is not as wide. However, it has a more meaty presentation that has an appeal too. However, I prefer the HE1000SE.
Almost like The Blues by Leonard Cohen
Very nice with the HD800S. Feels well-balanced across the spectrum. Moving over to the HE1000SE, there is better separation, instruments and vocals stand out more. Everything is a bit more open and clear.
As Before by Olga Konkova
This sounds a little better with the HD800S to me. It’s a bit dry and distant sounding with the HE1000SE in direct comparison. A bit more distant, but still clearer and more detailed. Honestly, it’s just a subjective thing. The HE1000SE is great.
There is no right time by Be Good to Me Poly
The treble is a bit sharp on the HE1000SE, but it’s again better across the board.
Can’t You See by Susan Wong
Crisp guitar with lots of small subtle details, vocals are delicate and textured with the HE1000SE. The HD800S lacks the HE1000SE’s extreme clarity across the board. Especially the mids feel a bit lacking in fine texture.
Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons by The Norwegian chamber orchestra
Both are great with classical music, but the HE1000SE is clearer, more spacious and more detailed.
I’m repeating myself here. The HE1000SE is more spacious, has better separation, more detail and deeper and stronger bass. However, the HD800S is not too far away and offers a warmer sound signature.
Before I quit, I give the HD800S a second chance, hooking it up to the Woo WA22. I keep the HE1000SE connected to the Questyle. This certainly narrows the gap but doesn’t flip it around. The HE1000SE is still the better headphone, even if the HD800S sounds better with the Woo WA22 than with the Taurus.
HE1000 v2 VS HE1000SE
So, now it’s getting really interesting. The HE1000SE was launched as a “bettered and easier to drive” HE1000.
For this comparison, I give the HE1000 the benefit of the Woo WA22 and the HE1000SE gets the Questyle.
EDIT: The WA22 sounds better with both, but it doesn’t change the main relative differences between these headphones. The WA22 makes more of a difference to the V2 than the SE. Given the higher price of the SE, I have the benefit of the WA22 to the V2. My comparisons would’ve been similar if i used the same amp for both headphones. I know, because I checked.
Can’t You See by Susan Wong
The detail level, separation and soundstage are all very similar. The HE1000SE is crisper and brighter. They are tuned differently. The HE1000 has warmer, a little thicker mids. I find it the most natural sounding.
All For Us by Labyrinth
Again, the detail etc is the same, the only difference is the tuning. The HE1000SE is a bit brighter and drier sounding, which gives a slightly more apparent sense of texture, but to me it feels a bit artificial in direct comparison to the HE1000 v2.
Almost like The Blues by Leonard Cohen
Again the same. They are equally detailed and the sound stage is marvelous with both. However, I prefer the presentation of the HE1000. The bass also has a more natural feeling to it.
C.P.E. Bach Cello Concertos by J-G Queyras
Here too, the only difference is in the tuning. Both are great, but I find the HE1000 most natural.
I am already repeating myself after just a few tracks so I continue my playlist and there is no difference in the perceived difference between these two cans. Identical amount of detail and same stage depth and width. They both have a great extension in both directions. Both are great performers. The difference is however in the presentation in the frequency response. The HE1000SE is offering a brighter and drier sound, with a less upfront mid-range. The HE1000 v2 has more warmth, a slightly less pronounced high end and a more natural-sounding low-end presentation. Basically, I find HE1000 v2 more natural sounding all over.
As you might remember I did not use the same amp when testing the differences between these headphones, I gave the cheapest headphone benefit of the best amp. However, the point with the HE1000SE is that it’s easier to drive. The Questyle CMA800R is definitely not a bad (or cheap) amp anyway. However, I did swap amps. My preferences didn’t shift. The HE1000SE sounds a bit sweeter with the WA22, but basically the differences remain.
Then also I tried both with the Monolith THX 887 from Monoprice. It sounds marvellous with the HE1000SE. However, it works great with the HE1000 v2 too, so my my comparative impressions again remain the same.
HIFIMAN HE-6 SE v2 (STOCK) VS HE1000SE
I’m a really big fan of the HE-6, both the original and the SE. I live the tuning, the tonal balance, the tight yet fill bodied bass, the present midrange and the treble (when properly amped)
I run the HE-6 SE from the Bryston BHA-1 and the HE1000SE from the Questyle CMA800R.
It is very apparent that these are not shaped in the same mould. The HE-6 SE first of all has a thicker sound. Let’s try some tracks:
All For Us by Labyrinth
Both have a very satisfying bass. The HE1000SE isn’t inferior to the “king of bass”. Both have lots of detail. The soundstage of the HE1000SE is clearly more open, but I personally like the HE-6 SE tuning a bit more.
Almost like The Blues by Leonard Cohen
The HE1000SE feels cleaner and tidier, more open but also brighter. The midrange is very detailed and textured, but I would like it even more if it was presented with a bit more warmth and body.
Clocks by Erland Dahlen
Here, the HE1000SE shines. The treble is clearly more resolved and liquid. Details are easier to pick out, and there is a great sense of space.
Brahms Symphony #3 by Gewandhausorchester
Orchestral music is also a great showcase for the qualities of the HE1000SE. The HE-6 SE is still good, is more intimate, and is less bright. However, definitely a win for the HE1000SE.
Can’t You See by Susan Wong
This song is very beautiful with the HE1000SE. Lots of detail and texture and space. Again the mid-range is more present with the HE-6 SE.
I continue listening through the playlist, and the impressions remain the same: They both have great bass. The HE1000SE is more detailed, especially in the treble. The HE-6 has a more present mid-range. The HE1000SE is more spacious.
HIFIMAN HE-6 SE MODDED VS HE1000SE
So I have two pairs of HE-6 SE. This one is modded with airflow grills, leather pads and some speaker padding fibres (Mundorf angel hair) between the grills and the driver (similar to what the original HE-6 had) With these mods in place, especially the open grills, the HE-6 SE sounds significantly more open and detailed, especially I find that the treble is cleaner.
Listening through my playlist much is the same. The HE-6 SE has a fatter bass. The HE1000SE is still more open sounding and very detailed However the modded HE-6 SE is very close. I still like the spaciousness and treble of the HE1000SE and the bass and mid-range of the HE-6 SE. With the modded HE-6 SE, the difference in detail level is less apparent, the soundstage of the HE-6 SE is also now closer to that of the HE1000SE. Strangely, Hifiman has chosen to keep the grills on the HE-6 SE whilst they years ago have patented the window shade design to avoid reflections. I also cannot understand why they discontinued the HE-6 SE, or why it was sold so cheap. At the Adorama peak sales, it was the headfi bargain of a lifetime. Frankly, I never understood why they discontinued the original HE-6 either. It’s even better than the HE-6 SE. So is the HE1000SE.
HIFIMAN HE-6 “4 SCREW” ORIGINAL VS HE1000SE
So this will be an interesting comparison. I use my Cary SLI-80 Signature for this round. The HE-6 from the speaker taps and the HE1000SE from the headphone output. I use the Violectric V800 DAC. The HE-6 has been modified with lambskin pads, airflow grills and a very nice and expensive silver cable but has the angel hair padding between the grills and the driver intact.
So, this setup became very interesting indeed. SLI-80 is my favourite amplifier for both headphones. It really brings out the mid-range of the HE1000SE, which has been my main complaint. The mids are brought a little more up front. This amplifier is a gem for headphones and speakers alike. What amazed me the most was how similar these two headphones now sound, remember that I use the speaker taps for the HE-6.
Slow by Leonard Cohen
They both sound great, the bass is just right, lots of detail, great soundstage on both. The mids feel even a bit more natural to me with the HE-6, though.
Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons by the Norwegian chamber orchestra
Both are fabulous sounding. In detail retrieval, I find them to be on the same level across the board. They both have similarly expansive sound stages. I find the HE-6 perfectly balanced, the HE1000SE still has a bit of the V-shaped sound signature left. Some might prefer it, though. It’s a matter of subjective preference.
Lovers on the Sun by David Guetta
This song can be painfully bright and is also a great song for testing bass performance. It’s not really a high-quality production. The HE-6 is more forgiving, it’s less painful to listen to, putting it that way. Bass performance is great on both. The HE1000SE actually has more bass quantity than the HE-6. It is also brighter and still has that midrange that I find a little polite. I prefer the HE-6.
I continue through the playlist and I find that my observations are consistent throughout different genres and tracks. In this setup, they are actually really close. Both sound wonderful. The HE1000SE has more treble energy, less mid-range presence and often more bass quantity. They both have great detail retrieval across the board from top to bottom. However, I am a die-hard HE-6 fan and prefer its presentation.
Finally, I hooked up the HE-6 to the Bryston BHA-1 and the HE1000SE to the Auralic Taurus. They sound less similar on the solid-state amps. Even though the HE-6 shines brighter on s good speaker amp, I find that the impressions from above remain. The HE1000SE actually changes the most, gets more airy but at the same time thinner sounding. They sound equally detailed, although the detail stand out more with the HE1000SE. With the HE-6, everything just flows very naturally across the spectrum. As you might have guessed, I still prefer the original HE-6 to the HE1000SE. However, the HE1000SE is still a great headphone.
STAX SR-L700 VS HIFIMAN HE1000SE
STAX L700 (with Blu Tac mod) powered by KGSSHV CARBON, the HE1000SE powered by Bryston BHA-1 or the Woo WA22. Source ADI-2 DAC FS.
This comparison is mostly a cut and paste from my SR-L700 review.
The HE1000SE is double the price of the L700, but if you see the system as a whole with amplifier costs, it’s not an unfair comparison.
As Before by Olga Konkova
Jazz/female vocals: The L700 is again beautiful with this piece. Punchy percussion and crystal clear vocals and piano. The HE1000SE feels a bit dulled down, the vocals not as clear, and the percussion not as crisp. Objectively it sounds really good too, but slightly veiled compared to the L700.
Floratone by Floratone
Jazz/dub. Very nice on the HE1000SE. Bass drum kicks, percussion is snappy. However, the L700 also had a snappy bass, and an even more open and detailed sounding presentation. A bit brighter, but very appealing. I prefer the bass presence of the HE1000SE, the rest is better with the L700. With some EQ, the Stax is right there.
Giraffe by BMX
Jazz impro. Sounds great with the HE1000SE. L700 is brighter and faster sounding. Again it lacks a little bit of the bass sometimes, but on this track, it’s not massive anyway. All in all, I prefer the STAX here. It is just much more clear and more organic sounding. The Hifiman is a bit veiled in direct comparison.
Guilty Party by The National
The vocals are so full of life and nerve with the L700. When I move over to the HE1000SE it’s like someone exchanged the microphone for a lower quality one. It’s not bad by any means but it lacks the extreme intimacy and natural effortlessness of the L700. The Hifiman is enjoyable but feels less natural and a bit muffled in direct comparison. The bass is a bit more present though.
Lovers on the Sun by David Guetta
The HE1000SE wins this one (even though my LCD-X is better on this track by far). EDM is not the strong suit of the L700. Without EQ, that is.
Rockets by Smashing Pumpkins
Without the EQ bass boost, this song basically falls apart with the L700. The HE1000SE is not ideal either. Both are bright and not really making the Smashing Pumpkins sound right. Actually, I prefer the L700 with EQ bass boost to the HE1000SE without. But the HE1000SE with boost is the best of the two. However I don’t find any of them to do justice to one of my favourite bands and I go to pick up my LCD-X, but my hand reach for my balanced (modded) AKG K702 instead, and it totally knocks the socks off both the Stax and the Hifiman. No contest.
The Unforgiven by Metallica
As before, the L700 has great separation and it’s very articulated. However, it’s bright and missing in the bass. The HE1000SE isn’t ideal either, sounds a bit too bright, shouty and splashy. Not unlistenable, but it’s a hard track to get right.
Bach Trios by Yo-Yo Ma et.al.
All strings, sounding good on the HE1000SE. Better sounding still on the L700. Lots of air around each instrument and everything feels very much alive. Each note is living its own life. I plug the HE1000SE into my WA22 tube amp, and it becomes more alive sounding, but still not reaching the level L700.
Undertow by REM
Keeping the HE1000SE connected to the WA22, things sound great. Moving over to the L700, The separation is better and there is more space around each instrument and more air. The bass is more present with the HE1000SE, though.
Concluding, the L700 is an uneven performer. Often absolutely stunning, with effortless detail retrieval and a very alive and airy-sounding presentation. The uneven and underwhelming bass response is the weak spot. EQ can solve this. The HE1000SE is a quite bright-sounding headphone, like the L700. I like the treble and the mid more with the L700, but the bass quantity and quality is in another League with the HE1000SE. The Hifiman is also a lot more comfortable. Both are great headphones but neither are perfect.
FOCAL UTOPIA VS HE1000SE
The final challenge for the HE1000SE is the Utopia. By many claimed to be the “best headphone in the world”, however, it hardly is. But it is really good. I have the original version, not the slightly revised 2022 edition. I use the EAR HP4 tube amplifier for both headphones.
Bear by Erland Dahlen
The bass drum hits hard with the HE1000SE. Lots of space and detail. Great treble. The bass forvalt hit quite as hard with the Utopia. The Utopia, however, does sound better balanced. More effortless in its presentation, more effortless micro detail. The HE1000SE has a bigger sound-stage.
Bored by Deftones
They both sound good. Detailed across the board, nice bass punch. However, the Utopia sounds more right.
Brothers by Adam Baldych and Helge Lien Trio
Here, I don’t find the HE1000SE to have a bigger sound-stage. They sound quite similar, but the bass is slightly more present with the HE1000SE, while the treble feels cleaner on the Utopia. I also prefer the mid-range of the Utopia. But both are great.
Can’t You See by Susan Wong
Again, they are not very dissimilar. Both are very detailed. Mids a bit more present with the Utopia. The vocals are full of texture and nuance with both. You can hear every molecule of air moving, especially with the Utopia.
In conclusion, as I continue through the playlist I find that my basic impressions are mostly the same. The Utopia feels better balanced, delivers detail even more effortless in the mids and highs. It has a slightly more body and detail to the mid-range, which I like. The HE1000SE has better bass quantity and quality and a slightly bigger sound-stage.
CONCLUSION
The Hifiman HE1000SE is a great headphone, delivering world class performance close to the utter best. It doesn’t demand much power from the amplifier. It is quite sparkly with a good dose of treble energy, but seldom getw fatiguing. The only weak spot for me is the mid-range, which even though it is extremely textured and full of detail, with most amps has less warmth and flesh to it than I personally prefer. That is, however, a completely subjective thing. With EQ, though, that’s not gonna be an issue whatsoever and even without EQ, the brain (even mine) adjusts quite easily.
Comparing headphones and analyzing differences is one thing. Enjoying music is another. As I sit here listening to the HE1000SE, I find myself enjoying it immensely. It’s vast sound-stage, the deep, textured bass, the clear and neuanced midrange and the crisp, yet liquid highs is a pleasure to listen to. Also, it is one of the most comfortable and good looking headphones around. The Hifiman HE1000SE is impossible not to like and at the current selling price it’s an easy headphone to recommend.
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