Hifiman HE1000se - the Headphone Holy Grail!

I think I’ve found the headphone holy grail! It’s not secret that the Hifiman HE1000se is a great headphone. However, now that the new unveiled has been released, prices have dropped on this bad boy, putting it under $1500. This is a serious end-game headphone for a very reasonable price. What makes it so great? It’s not amp picky. It sounds great with just about everything!
Thanks to Hifiman for sending it out for review.
Links to other products in the video (NOT affiliate):
Hifiman HE1000se: store.hifiman....
Of course, I always recommend you take a look at the used market, below are some sites that are great for that.
Head-Fi: www.head-fi.org/
HifiGuides: forum.hifiguid...
Reddit: / avexchange
Hifi-shark: www.hifishark....
US AudioMart: www.usaudiomar...
Some of my favorite equipment for various niches (some links are affiliate):
7hz Saltones Zero: amzn.to/3VrQG8A
Kiwi Ears Cadenza: amzn.to/3Z1LcnT
Simgot EA500: amzn.to/3OMOqXB
Fav IEM: Blessing 3: bit.ly/aposayr...
Cheap Open-Gaming Headphone: AD700X: amzn.to/3b4ACUS
Super Cheap Closed-Back Gaming: Recon 500: amzn.to/3numqem
Cheap All-Around Headphone: SHP9600: amzn.to/3b6aUiP
Quicksilver Headphone Amp: quicksilveraudi...
JM Audio XTC Closed: www.jmaudioedi...
Gaming Headphone (wired): DT 900 Pro X: amzn.to/3Hkw1hj
Gaming Headphone Wireless: Audeze Maxwell: amzn.to/3KCwrlr
Budget Bluetooth Portable DAC/Amp: BTR7: bit.ly/ayritap...
Topping G5: ​​amzn.to/44hr43z
Budget Dongle: Dawn Pro: Moondrop Dawn Pro (apos): bit.ly/ayritap...
Wired Portable DAC/Amp: Cayin RU6: bit.ly/ayritru6
Cheap Desktop DAC/Amp: Ifi Uno: amzn.to/3Ym0W30
Budget Friendly Clean/Linear DAC/Amp: Fiio K7: bit.ly/ayritk7...
Budget TWS: Soundcore Space A40: amzn.to/3KRAknx
Hifiman Ananda Nano: bit.ly/ayritap...
Hifiman Arya Organic: bit.ly/ayritap...
Hifiman HE1000se: store.hifiman....
Main Home Theater / Hifi Stereo Setup:
Soncoz SGD1: amzn.to/3DnaHpQ
FOSI ZA3 (2 in mono): amzn.to/3wJCSyQ
Sparkos Op-Amps: sparkoslabs.co...
Emotiva T0+: emotiva.com/pr...
Jamo C10 Sub: amzn.to/3xmdaRg
DIY 12” Passive Sub
Sub Amp: Aiyma A07: amzn.to/3YocZ0f
Bedroom Home Theater / Hifi Stereo Setup:
Aiyma A07: amzn.to/3YocZ0f
Topping E30: amzn.to/3kPXcsm
Elac Speakers: amzn.to/3HEpkHN
Upstairs:
JBL306P MKII: amzn.to/3wsdCNR
Cables:
Hart Audio Cables: hartaudiocable...
Worlds Best RCA Interconnects: amzn.to/3pB2Oa7
Worlds Best XLR Interconnects: amzn.to/3vEdwxO
4.4 to XLR Balanced Cable: amzn.to/3UxF83G
3.5 to RCA Cable: amzn.to/3S0x7CF
Recording Gear:
Canon EOS RP: amzn.to/42UuVms
Canon 16mm: amzn.to/3UUyAij
Maono XLR: amzn.to/3Tt2IOF
Behringer UM2: amzn.to/3CO65d2
iPhone 14 Pro (overhead): amzn.to/3OQFiCh
Current Desktop Set Up:
Alesis Elevate 5 MKII: amzn.to/3TtU30h
JDS Labs Element III: bit.ly/ayritjd...
Hifiman Ananda Nano: bit.ly/ayritap...
Hifiman Arya Organic: bit.ly/ayritap...
JM Audio XTC Closed: www.jmaudioedi...
#hifiman #he1000se #review

[@MrAyrit]

Just a slight update here. There was some confusion on models. The headphone I've reviewed is the HE1000se, it's current price is $1545 (still a great headphone at that price: store.hifiman.com/index.php/he1000se-openbox.html. The cheaper headphone is the HE1000 Stealth (see why I was confused), it's price is sub $1100. I imagine it's a great headphone, but I don't know that I've heard that one. Also, there are refurb Arya Organics for $949, which is a pretty killer deal too: store.hifiman.com/index.php/arya-organic-refurbished.html

[@Avean]

Just ordered these again. I had them before but couldn't live with spending so much on a pair of headphones. But ever since i sold them i have regretted it ever since. There is nothing like it. It's the only pair of headphones where i have shed tears listening to music. Headphones in this price range can be over analytical but these ones have really perfect punch to the bass as well and very musical. Definetely my favourite so far.

[@Stratejii]

Which amp did you use? I'm looking for something low cost.

[@Avean]

@@Stratejii It might sound insane but i am actually only using a SBX G6. I am using the headphones for music, movies and gaming while on the PC. I am not quite sold on expensive amps yet.

[@blejzerosamigos6115]

What you are reviewing is He1000se which is 1600 dollars(originally 35 hundred )he 1000 stealth is 12 hundred, just to clarify.

[@The-Oreo-Man]

Was about to say that. But It's $1700. I got them the start of this year in march at $2000. There my babys!

[@harackmw]

@@The-Oreo-Man Indeed! I am scared to try them on some hybrid tubes, because it might mean I am selling a lot of gear.....

[@chickenheads3746]

I’ve owned one for 3 years now and I’m still as amazed today as I was the first month I listened to it at its exceptional chops. It’s almost like the drivers are big screens and the sound comes spatially from “Everywhere”. It’s always been my favorite headphone. Great review !

[@chungang7037]

Hifiman's flex on the market continues. I got the HE1000se [not stealth magnet edition] at 1699 in one of sales brand new, and I don't know what Hifiman is thinking. I know they are older stock, but man, why buy anything else in the 1000-2000 dollar range? The only thing is if you wanted another headphone more focused on timbre, but for imaging and soundstage these are nuts~

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

I got my HEKSE for the equivalent of USD$1450.

[@chungang7037]

@@ReverendDr.Thomas nice, I think it is just going to get cheaper.

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

@@chungang7037, and therefore, more difficult to sell secondhand, for a decent price. :(

[@JTB--]

HEKse and HEK Stealth V4 are the best bang for the buck HIFIMAN headphones in their lineup

[@TheVeganVicar]

Except the Edition XS, of course. ❤🎉❤

[@JTB--]

@@TheVeganVicar Yeah the XS is another one. The only turn off for me with the XS is it's headband style. Not a fan

[@MarcLie90]

Metalic timbre, but yeah, 70% there​@@TheVeganVicar

[@theodorezurla496]

Best bang for the buck in the hobby rn

[@leadfrog82]

The discounted one at 4.48 is a different model, it's HE1000 Stealth edition, and you are reviewing HE1000SE, which is more resolving, more detailed and has always been more expensive than HE1000 Stealth Edition.

[@harackmw]

A lot of reviewers don't even know the HE1000se exists, and it has been around forever. Hifiman should have given it a new name, like "Susvara lite" or something like that, so people don't get confused.

[@matthewhilty4209]

I know people go nuts about the ultra high end $3000 dollar plus headphones, but after going to CanJam I was surprised on how happy I was with my HE1000se. It got 90% of the way to Susvara and 85% of the way to Sus Unveiled at a fraction of the price not to mention it does not need exotic amps to make it sound good. A Simple Vali2 or 3 amp from Schiit at $149 drives it just fine. It even seems to take to a EQ without distortion if you need a little more bass. (Edit: The Vali2 is on closeout right now for 119 dollars which is a great deal and comes with the tube.)

[@harackmw]

The HE1000se was $3500 originally, assuming you actually demoed the Se and not another lookalike model.

[@matthewhilty4209]

@@harackmw I demoed and purchased :) .

[@harackmw]

@@matthewhilty4209 Well, I meant you said people go on about 3000dollar headphones but the headphone you bought was 3500 dollars originally.

[@chungang7037]

@@matthewhilty4209 how much?

[@joshuamitchell1733]

Any 1,000 headphone can be eq to sound like it's cousin. I have the he 1000 v2 and have it eq to sound like the susvara. Focal clear to utopia. Etc Easy money

[@FUSEDFORCE]

got mine love them went through over 50 headphones and ended with these with a burson conductor 3 end game and amazing for gaming

[@bongofury3176]

recently acquired some HE1000se. They are an absolute steal at their new price. Beautiful on almost any amp. Fantastic headphones when you upgrade cable and pads. The Dekoni fenestrated are excellent (£60). Currently using £50 graphene/palladium/silver Lunashops cable that sounds great. I actually enjoy them as much as my 1266Phi but for different reasons...

[@meangoooo]

I've never loved Hifimans, both for their build and sound, but the HE1000 was the only Hifimans I really liked.

[@asan1050]

Hey Mr. Ayrit, Thank you!

[@VitiateTheImmortal]

I got the HE1000 stealth edition. Cost me 3.100€ a while back. Still loving it like crazy! XD just got it a new stack and a physical EQ

[@davadmillar1582]

The headphone you're holding is the SE because it has the darker wood. (the V2, Stealth, and SE have progressively darker woods). It's currently $2,000 new or $1,550 open box.

[@TCFlam]

The HE1000SE that you are reviewing it's not the same as the HE1000 stealth magnets. They don't sound the same and the price isn't less than 1200, it's actuallly 1700. It Would not hurt if you make a little bit of research before putting out a review...

[@nickkarach76]

HE1000se, the one you are holding in this review, are $1699 currently. The one you kept showing for $1119 was the HE1000 Stealth. This is a completely different model,, and I find the HE1000 Stealth to sound much worse than the HE1000se

[@chungang7037]

yeah I just realized this at the end

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

Mr. Ayrit, thank you for another wonderful headphone review! 👌 Love my "HEKSE." 🎧 Reverend Dr. Thomas, ✝️ The Vegan Vicar 🌱

[@FUSEDFORCE]

best sound stage , great holographic and the imaging is the best iv heard , my hd800s soundstage feel so narrow letterbox compared to he100se

[@jimrobbe390]

Which headphone is better for FPS-gaming / pinpointing enemies, the HD800s or the HE1000se? I now have a HE1000 Stealth which is NOT good for FPS-gaming.

[@patlezinc]

Did you hear the Unveiled? I did, and sold me SE to buy one

[@harackmw]

He1000se? You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

[@jokanevad]

Thanks for a great review! I’m contemplating picking up a used pair for EUR 950 (seems like a exceptional deal). The problem is that I just sold my Fiio K9 Pro and currently only have a Fiio KA17. Do you think the KA17 will be able to drive the HEKse to near thier potential (balanced output is 650w into 32ohm).

[@Chris-tf7gi]

For general listening I actually grab my Edition XS over my HE1000SE. The XS have 90% of the detail and are easier to listen to all day in the treble without fatigue. (I also really like the XS headband for my head.) Detail across the range and the treble is also what makes the HE1000SE superb. They're just that extra more revealing, and you can tell. When I want that reminder that my music can sound even more detailed I reach for the HE1000SE. They're a steal at the new price. I just can't always wear them as long because part of that revealing nature sometimes means they get a little bright for me. Edition XS is more forgiving. No problem. I have and enjoy both!

[@geardawg1358]

Interesting, in the market for something new, the EDXS seems like quite a good buy at the current price, was already on my short list, thanks the comment!

[@AKSBSU]

I have always used lower priced headphones but recently decided to try something nicer and ordered and amp/ DAC and the HD490 and Edition XS, which are all supposed to arrive later today. I wanted an elite gaming headset and planned to use the HD490 for that. I was hoping the XS would be a nice complement to the Sennheiser for other things like music and movies, but I don’t know if there will be too much overlap between them yet and may return one of them. However, I’ve really had the HE1000se in the back of my mind wondering if it is worth the big difference in price (which I can afford, but I don’t like spending money if it isn’t worth it). Do you think the HE1000se would be a good compliment to either of those headphones? I am tempted to send one back and upgrade to a HE1000se but have struggled to get decent information about it. I made a Reddit post asking these things and got downvoted and condescending insults instead, typical of that cesspool I suppose. Have you used the HE1000se for gaming or other uses? I want at least one excellent headset for that. One for gaming and another for everything else ideally. Thanks.

[@joelshaw6963]

I purchased the HE1000SE at the NYC Canjam this year and I must say that this was one of the best purchases in the Hifi world I have made since I bought 4 Quad ESL57s and stacked them. At the same Canjam I purchased the Aune S17 class A headphone amp to run the system fed by a Mojo2. I picked up the HE100SE as a demo with full warranty (only used for the that Canjam) for $1399 and they threw in a headphone upgrade cable. I repeated this with the Aune was $550 with the same demo status. What a bargain for what can be considered end game (certainly for the dollar value). With the Aune driving the headphones the bottom and is super tight and the mids are reminiscent of a warm tube like sound due to the FET circuitry. This headphone amp hits way beyond its price tag. The Mojo2 feeds it all with the ability to add lossless EQ (I use it very sparingly for subsonic sounds). It will be interesting to see if there is an unveiled version of the HE1000SE. That said, I will not be giving up my HE100SE as the depth, detail and sound curve creates a natural magic to my ears. Final note: I do have a slight concern about going with any unveiled products as this requires a great deal of caution to avoid small bits of metal such as a staple that could easily pierce the planar drive element. In place of heading that direction I might consider purchasing the new Mini Shangri-la headphone and energizer, but likely not until Hifiman improves the headphone architecture to the same as the upper tier levels used on the HE1000SEs. If I do go this route I'll still hang on to my HE1000SEs. Of course the HE1000SEs excel with all music, but don't forget to watch streaming content with the HE1000SEs as your mind will be blown. Highly recommend?

[@1oldson]

would love to hear a comparison with JM XTC2 open 😜

[@Steve0310]

IIRC the HE1000se were $3499 before the big price drop

[@russell5244]

Do not replace the cable !

[@peregrinodisastrado]

Love yout reviews mate! Can a chord mojo2 drive them? Hi from Denmark

[@ghas4151]

The HEKSE sounds great through the Mojo 2. Great detail and soundstage while having a bit of warmth, and if you want some low end punch, the lossless EQ is really fun to play with. Especially as the drivers on this headphone can be pushed hard with no distortion. Apart from expensive desktop amps, I don’t think you can get any better for the price and portability factor.

[@justino9042]

This was the susvara before the susvara

[@dleblanc343]

Fun fact Susvara launched before HEKse actually. HEKv2 preceded Sus, then HEKse came out in about 6 months after Susvara with stealth magnet addition

[@chungang7037]

Wait, did you buy the HE1000se or the HE1000 stealth magnet?

[@The-Oreo-Man]

He has both and the one he's showing is the HE1000se. But he's mixing the prices and Models in the video...

[@chungang7037]

@@The-Oreo-Man almost as confusing as Hifiman's own naming scheme.

[@The-Oreo-Man]

@@chungang7037 lol🤣

[@sidesup8286]

Do you or anyone else know precisely what the 1000 series would do "significantly better than the 404i 2020 version? Fill in the blank. If I get the 1000, I'd be saying to myself " The 404i is not nearly as____as the 1000se model. Thanks.

[@Ezees23]

I own the he400i 2020, the Ananda, the Arya Stealth, and the HEK Stealth. What I can tell you is that they pretty much line up as they're presented - cost to performance wise - with each next priced model adding details (ie: bass depth/detail, real to life timbre, texture you can actually "feel", overall imaging detail, soundstaging depth, and kind of rich sounding refinement) over the next lowest priced one(s). The HEK Stealth is a far cry from the 2020i, IMO - hell, it's very easily noticeably better than the Arya Stealth - with the Arya being noticeably thinner and threadbare sounding in comparison.....

[@geardawg1358]

Not quite fully relevant to the video, but curious if you still use the RU6, or if you've moved on, if so what to? I have an RU6 along with a few others, however I'm wanting a DAC upgrade, trying not to break the bank, but would like a new piece for a bit of fun and enjoyment. You seem to have similar taste, so I value any input you might have.

[@MrAyrit]

I simplified to just an Element III for the time being.

[@geardawg1358]

@@MrAyrit Thanks for the reply, I'm pretty committed to the R2R world, just trying to decide which one to buy.

[@Jamie-666]

Vs the Organic?

[@harackmw]

Organic is anything but organic; I tried them side by side and the organic is way brighter.

[@The-Oreo-Man]

Organic Is WAY TOO BRIGHT for me. It has more bass then HE1000se, but at the cost of your hearing in the treble. Also the Arya Organic is quite picky to amps you have. If the amp is bright... well you know where that goes... The HE1000se has more depth to the sound stage and a Hair more Height in stage. The HE1000se Goes and sounds Deeper and a more less boomy sounding(more clean) bass. When the sound track gets at the most busy sounding, the HE1000se Is substantially more controlled then the Arya Organic. but Joshua Valour says the Arya organic sound more spacious because it has all the air around the instruments which is too much and bleeds the sound together. But if you PEQ the 7500kz to 8500kz just right on the HE1000se you get the same effect but better then the organic. also if you PEQ the bass of the HE1000se below 115 Its also better then the Arya Organic. But the downside the Arya Organic is $980 right now on sale on Headphones.com. The HE1000se is $1700 right now (Basically a $720 difference). I had boughten both and lessened to them both for a wile (Arya Organic for 9 months and my HE1000se for 7 months). I traded the Arya Organic to upgrade to the HE1000se for $800. Man was that so worth it. Keep in mind I got the HE1000se in March 2024 when it was $2000 and the Organic was still $1300. Never have been more happy for that exchange. But this all up to you to decide. Im just helping you pick the right one for you to pick out.

[@Jamie-666]

@@harackmw That's what I've gleaned, after all the glowing reviews ofc.

[@thomassh2o]

Compared to the Arya organic? Looking at their sales atm

[@MrAyrit]

I think they are both excellent. I'd say 1000se if you don't mind a little treble, Organic if you're more prone to be bothered by treble.

[@soulfulfool]

he1000 stealth are less then 1200 but you are talking about he1000se so those are open box 1550$

[@SupplyNinja]

Dude. Know the product you are reviewing. You are reviewing the HE1000 SE not the HE 1000 Stealth. This headphone is not under $1200.

[@calvinyip364]

Pls review Fiio ft1

[@mrt6349]

I need a pair of headphones, problem is iam treble sensetive so i am a bit unsure of what to get. I can spend 3k usd.

[@MrAyrit]

Look at Meze. The Arya Organic would also be an alternative.

[@philnoud8638]

Just get the HE1000se and a Schiit Lokius tone control unit.

[@stephannordmann5346]

The HE1000SE is for my ears to bright in the higher ends I prefer the HE 1000 not SE

[@Innocence44]

Just got mine. Not bright at all to my ears. Strange.

[@stephannordmann5346]

@Innocence44 You have to try both at the same time it is a different and it is depending on the cable and the Amp too. Congratulations to this amazing headphone👍💯

[@Innocence44]

@@stephannordmann5346 You may be right about the source chain (amp) and cables. I use mine with a custom all copper cable and a Violectric amp, which is known for being a tad on the warmer side. To me, they sound just right in the upper frequencies.

[@stephannordmann5346]

@@Innocence44 I am happy 4 you and your combination is great 👍

[@joelshaw6963]

I hear what you are saying. That said, if driven by the proper amp the HE1000SE is fantastic. Try the budget Aune S17 Class A headphone amp. I use the Mojo 2 as a desktop Dac and I must say the combo is near end game at a bargain price. The Mojo2 also offers lossless eq if you want to tamp down the treble but I found this completely unnecessary. The only thing I added was a very slight boost to the subsonic levels. Wow! Amazing.