HiFiMAN HE-1000 V2 Stealth Edition Planar Headphones

The HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 Stealth is the Stealth Magnet edition of HiFiMAN’s acclaimed flagship HE1000, a full-size open-back planar for reference listening at home or in the studio. It pairs the world’s first nanometer-thickness headphone diaphragm, so thin it is invisible from the side, with Stealth Magnets, HiFiMAN’s advanced asymmetrical magnetic circuit and the window-shade grille, and comes with 6.35mm and 4-pin XLR cables.

The world’s first nanometer-thickness diaphragm

The HE1000’s film is only nanometres thick, far less than 0.001mm, with a submicron-thickness conductor: a breakthrough core technology developed by HiFiMAN and a first in headphones. It is extremely challenging to work with, but this film is the cornerstone of the HE1000’s remarkable sound.

Stealth Magnets

The special shape of the Stealth Magnets lets sound waves pass through without interference. The design is acoustically transparent, greatly reducing the wave diffraction turbulence that degrades sound, for pure, accurate, full-range output.

Advanced asymmetrical magnetic circuit

Seven years of painstaking research went into the double-sided, asymmetrical magnetic circuit, the partner for the nanometer diaphragm, which HiFiMAN says gives near-perfect reproduction of live music.

Patented “window shade” system

The alloy window-shade grille was created to protect the driver while keeping the back optimally open, so sound waves aren’t reflected back to cause extra vibration and distortion. The result is a broader soundstage, exceptional imaging and clarity, and a distinctive, modern look that matches the HE1000’s premium alloys and wood trim.

Lighter, slimmer, more comfortable

• Headband: a revised design, lightweight but firm, for a broad range of head sizes and shapes, with a better seal around the ears for better bass. A distinct metal alloy combined with fine perforated calfskin makes a durable arch that lets heat escape.
• Ear cups: slimmer, asymmetrical cups follow the shape of the human ear.
• Ear pads: chamfered to follow the contour of your head, denser and with a greater asymmetrical angle for better bass and a richer soundstage, now covered in polyester instead of velour for more transparency.
• Craftsmanship: the metal structure is CNC-milled and hand-polished, with the surface finish refined by meticulous craftsmen.

Cables

The user-replaceable connectors make cables quick to swap. HiFiMAN’s cables use crystalline copper and crystalline silver wire for a wide frequency range and low signal loss; the HE1000 V2 Stealth comes with two 3m cables, one with a 6.35mm plug and one with a 4-pin XLR balanced plug.

Good to know

• In the box: HE1000 V2 Stealth, 6.35mm cable, 4-pin XLR cable and quick guide.
• Easier to drive: the HiFiMAN HE1000se.