When it comes to premium headphones, the HIFIMAN HE1000 Unveiled is a standout model that promises exceptional sound and build quality. After spending time exploring its features and performance, I’ve compiled a detailed analysis for audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike. This headphone retails for $2,699, making it a flagship for some audiophile collections. From its unique design to its sonic capabilities, here’s everything you need to know.
What Comes In The Box
- HE1000 Unveiled
- Magnetic Veils
- 1.5m single-ended 3.5mm headphone cable
- 3m XLR balanced cable
- 3m single-ended 6.35mm headphone cable
- HIFIMAN Warranty
Aesthetics and Functionality
The HE1000 Unveiled boasts a striking design that immediately captures attention. Its exposed drivers, a hallmark of the “Unveiled” series, offer a fascinating visual concept reminiscent of the Susvara Unveiled. This unique look not only showcases the headphone’s advanced engineering but also serves as a conversation starter for any audiophile.
The all-silver finish adds a modern, elegant touch, making it a statement piece on any shelf or desk. Its minimalist yet futuristic design reflects a focus on both aesthetics and performance.
Comfort is another strong point. The suspended headband—a signature HIFIMAN feature—ensures a fatigue-free experience, even during extended listening sessions. Crafted with lightweight materials, the headphones feel almost weightless on the head. The earcups’ ergonomic design perfectly conforms to your ears, providing excellent isolation while remaining breathable. This balance makes the HE1000 Unveiled ideal for long listening sessions without discomfort.
Using the FiiO K19 desktop amplifier with these headphones was an excellent pairing. They amp plus my computer gave the headphones plenty of power and listening was a breeze. I could see a lot of different amplifiers being used to complement the signature of these headphones.
Tech Specs
- Type: Fully Open-Back
- Coupling: Over-Ear
- Style: Wired
- Driver Type: Planar Magnetic
- Frequency Response: 8Hz – 65kHz
- Sensitivity: 95 dB
- Impedance: 28 Ω
Listening Review
Soundstage
The soundstage is one of the most impressive aspects of the HE1000 Unveiled. Its width and depth create a three-dimensional listening experience that wraps around you. Unlike many headphones that feel closed-in, these deliver an expansive audio environment where sounds appear to extend beyond the physical boundaries of the earcups.
Instrument placement is highly accurate, making it easy to discern layers in complex tracks. For example, when listening to Pink Floyd’s “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” each guitar riff, synth layer, and vocal line is placed with pinpoint precision. Whether you’re diving into an orchestral masterpiece or an ambient soundscape, these headphones immerse you in the music, allowing you to fully appreciate the artistry.
Low Frequencies
The low end is versatile and adapts beautifully to different genres. In slower ballads, it’s soft and mellow, adding emotional depth, while in rock tracks, it’s punchy and driving without overpowering the mix. The bass response is tight and controlled, avoiding the common pitfalls of muddiness or boominess.
Bass notes are textured, and the rumble in lower register vocals adds richness. A personal highlight was listening to Fleet Foxes’s “White Winter Hymnal”; the bass guitar’s distinctive twang resonated with clarity and authority. Similarly, in the Severance opening title theme, the deep, resonant bass notes anchor the track, creating an emotional and cinematic experience.
Midrange Frequencies
The midrange delivers natural, detailed vocal reproduction. Layers of instrumentation shine, even in busy arrangements, revealing subtle textures that might go unnoticed on less capable headphones. Vocals are silky smooth, capturing every nuance of the performance.
Listening to Mina’s “Cittá vuota” is a testament to the HE1000 Unveiled’s prowess. Her voice is rich, full of emotion, and surrounded by intricate piano and string layers that remain distinct yet cohesive. Maroon5’s “She Will Be Loved” also benefits from this clarity, with each backing vocal and instrumental detail coming through with stunning realism. The midrange excels at highlighting emotional dynamics, ensuring an engaging listening experience.
High Frequencies
The high frequencies are airy and spacious, providing an excellent counterbalance to the weighty lows. This quality reduces listening fatigue, making the HE1000 Unveiled suitable for long sessions. The treble is crisp and detailed without being harsh, striking a perfect balance that audiophiles will appreciate.
Large orchestral pieces, like Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 9”, shine through these headphones. The open soundstage lets you hear not just the instruments but the space around them, capturing the ambiance of the recording venue. High-pitched string sections and delicate cymbal crashes maintain their shimmer and clarity, adding to the headphones’ overall sense of realism.
Summary
The HIFIMAN HE1000 Unveiled is an extraordinary pair of headphones that excels in design, comfort, and sonic performance. Its expansive soundstage, textured bass, detailed midrange, and airy highs make it a joy to listen to across a wide range of genres. Whether you’re an audiophile seeking precision or a music lover looking to rediscover your favorite tracks, the HE1000 Unveiled is a worthy investment.
If you’re considering upgrading your audio setup, these headphones offer a combination of technical prowess and artistic design that’s hard to beat. For those who value critical listening, the HE1000 Unveiled opens up a world of sonic possibilities. Pair them with a high-quality DAC and amplifier to unlock their full potential, and prepare to experience your music like never before.
The HE1000 Unveiled is available for purchase and demo at Audio46.
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Thank you very much for the review! I see that you reviewed Arya Unveiled day before. How does HE1000 Unveiled compare to Arya Unveiled? Are HE1000 much brighter than Arya or just a little, also I read vocals and soundstage are better on Arya. But I suspect that Arya might be a bit less technical and resolving than HE1000, as I listened to HE1000 Stealth and Arya Organic, the later seemed noticeably inferior to Stealth in terms of almost everything… I lean towards HE1000, just afraid they could be too bright for me… Thank you again!
Hi, glad you liked the review! Looking at the Arya Unveiled and the HE1000 Unveiled side by side, they share a lot of similar qualities in soundstage and attention to detail. You can do some great technical listening with both of these headphones, as the level of precision in the imaging is definitely admirable.
The HE1000 Unveiled has a more balanced response than the Arya, so you get more treble than you would on the Arya Unveiled. It was not overly bright in the treble response, so frequencies in that range did not get shrill or piercing. I found the bass response in the Arya to be boosted in comparison, so you hear a much deeper and richer sound in the low end. It could sound overwhelming for someone who is sensitive to bass, but for someone who likes an extra kick in the bass, they will very much enjoy.
Keep a lookout for our comparison review of the HE1000 Unveiled and the Arya Unveiled! Coming soon 😉
Hi! Thank you very much for your prompt response! Comparison review will come real handy then! Will certainly wait for that!