Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- The HE1000SE is described as the most detailed headphone that reviewers have ever heard, displaying recording errors with exceptional clarity.
- Comfort is excellent, attributed to a linear clamp force, asymmetric earpads, and full rotation/tilt capabilities.
- Sound quality is phenomenal, with versatile planar magnetics allowing use with nearly any device, though the HE1000SE benefits from a more powerful amp.
- The design features a very transparent open-back, and 'stealth magnets,' contributing to a spectacular soundstage.
- Bass response is ultra-fast, informative, and very dynamic, maintaining integrity even in busy recordings.
Product Considerations
- The included cables feel cheap and are ergonomically poor.
- Treble response can be a little bit bright and harsh, especially with poorly recorded or older music.
- The mid-range, while detailed, is not as warm as some other headphones, potentially making it less pleasing for certain vocal styles.
- While the soundstage is good, some reviewers felt there are wider and deeper headphones available at a lower cost.
- The HE1000SE is incredibly honest, and it can sometimes be 'too honest', focusing more on the recording's flaws than the music itself.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Sundara, the HE1000SE has a very similar sound signature, but is stronger and more detailed in all areas.
- Compared to the LCD-4, the HE1000SE is more detailed, but the LCD4 has impeccable bass response and is more enjoyable.
- Compared to the HD 800 S, the HE1000SE is stronger and flatter in the bass response and far more detailed.
- Compared to the HE1000 V2, the sound signature is more neutral.
Takeaway: The HE1000SE is a high-end headphone that is both technically impressive and very detailed, with excellent soundstage and imaging, for listeners who want to hear every nuance in their recordings. Its comfortable design makes it great for long listening sessions.
All
HE1000se
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
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Manufacturer's details
Features
Specifications
- Impedance : 35Ω
- Sensitivity : 96dB
- Frequency Response : 8Hz-65kHz
- Weight : 15.5oz (440g)
Manufacturer product description (from their site)
HE1000se — Remarkable audio reproduction featuring nanometer-thin diaphragms, acoustically transparent Stealth Magnets, and a rigid metal structure for precision sound and craftsmanship.
Overall product release timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
We analyzed reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—and what stands out most is the following:
- HIFIMAN offers a wide range of headphone models, varying in tonality from warm to neutral to balanced, allowing for different listening preferences and catering to various audiophile tastes.
- The brand is known for their "Stealth Magnet" design which reduces wave diffraction turbulence to lower distortion and improve transparency.
- They incorporate planar magnetic drivers in many of their headphones, known for their speed, detail, and impactful bass response.
Select products
Product lineup breakdown
Every model uses a planar magnetic driver with a nanometer-thin diaphragm, so music reaches you with low distortion. The HE400se, under $500, is the entry model and brings that driver within reach. The Arya Stealth Magnets add the Stealth Magnet array, letting sound pass with less turbulence, so voices and imaging come through clearer. The HE-R10P at the top is a closed-back planar, so it keeps room noise out.
- Start here. Choose the HE400se if you have a tight budget and want to experiment with modifications, since reviewers say it suits exactly that.
- Sweet spot. The Arya Stealth Magnets give you the airy imaging, transparency and clarity reviewers praise, a step beyond the cheaper models that lack that array.
- All in. The HE-R10P is priced far above the Isvarna, and it gives listeners who share a room remarkable imaging and detail with a spacious feel from a sealed design.
All products from this brand
Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
286
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
91
Founding Year
2005
Our take on the brand
HIFIMAN is the reason planar magnetic headphones are no longer exotic. Started by Dr. Fang Bian in 2005, the Chinese company builds planars with nanometer-thin diaphragms and open "Stealth Magnet" arrays shaped so sound passes through with less turbulence and distortion, and it also makes electrostatic headphones at lower prices than the category usually asks. The tuning varies from warm to neutral across the range, so it pays to choose a model by sound, and the Sundara and the Arya are both on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
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Used
HIFIMAN
All the brand's used products, not just this one
What if you spend more?
HIFIMAN
HE1000 Unveiled
2699
2699
/
7
Reviews
HIFIMAN is the reason planar magnetic headphones are no longer exotic. Started by Dr. Fang Bian in 2005, the Chinese company builds planars with nanometer-thin diaphragms and open "Stealth Magnet" arrays shaped so sound passes through with less turbulence and distortion, and it also makes electrostatic headphones at lower prices than the category usually asks. The tuning varies from warm to neutral across the range, so it pays to choose a model by sound, and the Sundara and the Arya are both on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
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Product Strengths
- Improved vocal timbre and texture qualities of certain instrument tones come forward
- Very well-balanced, natural, and surprisingly smooth-sounding
- One of the most consistent headphones in terms of measurements
- Bass is fully extended, almost perfectly flat down to 20Hz, providing all the bass information
- Mid-range is better, with less of a dip around 2kHz compared to previous models
Product Considerations
- Removing the grill exposes the driver, exposing the membrane, which is not ideal, still requiring great care when handling to prevent damage
- There's an excess around 4kHz, which can focus the treble and compress it a little
- It is not as good as what you find with the best planar magnetic headphones for harmonic distortion
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs other HE1000 series: Vocals timbre is significantly improved
- Vs HIFIMAN Arya Stealth: Unveiled's treble response is not quite as peaky
- Vs HIFIMAN HE1000SE: The mid-range is no longer dry, the treble region is no longer peaking
- Vs HIFIMAN Sysvara OG: HE1000 Unveiled's soundstage is more open, more 3D, and deeper
- Vs T+A Solid Therapy: HE1000 Unveiled provides slightly more mid-range energy and a sweeter mid-range in general
Takeaway: The HE1000 Unveiled has great sound and build, and it's more natural and balanced than older models. It’s a great headphone for detail, soundstage, and imaging.
Video review
Our take on the brand
HIFIMAN is the reason planar magnetic headphones are no longer exotic. Started by Dr. Fang Bian in 2005, the Chinese company builds planars with nanometer-thin diaphragms and open "Stealth Magnet" arrays shaped so sound passes through with less turbulence and distortion, and it also makes electrostatic headphones at lower prices than the category usually asks. The tuning varies from warm to neutral across the range, so it pays to choose a model by sound, and the Sundara and the Arya are both on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
Product Page
Product Page
Meze
Empyrean II
2999
2999
/
13
Reviews
Meze Audio is a Romanian headphone maker known for natural materials, with wood ear cups and leather on many models. Its headphones are held together with screws and metal fixings, so they come apart easily and parts can be replaced. Self-adjusting headbands and carefully chosen pads keep the range comfortable. The flagship Elite Tungsten and the closed-back Liric use the Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver. The closed-back 99 Neo has foam pads that isolate well, which suits listening at home. The 109 PRO and Empyrean II are on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Top-notch build quality, with premium materials and a comfortable design
- Excellent sound quality with a balanced presentation—no outstanding weaknesses across the frequency spectrum
- Two sets of earpads are included (Duo and Alcantara) for sound customization
- The design has a strong aesthetic, and the magnetic pad swapping system is easy to use
- Wider soundstage and more three-dimensional imaging
Product Considerations
- Sensitivity has dropped compared to the original Empyrean and Elites, requiring slightly more power to drive
- There might be a little bit of extra emphasis around the three to four kilohertz mark, which can make them a little bit fatiguing—a little bit bitey in the treble
- Not the largest soundstage that can be experienced at this price point
- The open design leaks sound and doesn't offer much in the way of isolation
- Those particularly sensitive might hear some spikiness in the lower treble region
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Original Meze Empyrean: Empyrean II has a more neutral tuning, is more defined, and has better detail separation
- Vs Meze Elite: Empyrean II offers stronger bass extension and more of the engaging emotional delivery
- Vs Meze Elite: The Elite seems more expansive than Empyrean 2, though not by a lot
- Vs HIFIMAN HE1000SE: The HE1000SE sound is more spacious, the bass is snappier, and the amount of detail is slightly above the Elite and Empyrean
Takeaway: The Empyrean II is an enjoyable headphone, improving on the original with a more accurate and versatile sound that maintains the core Empyrean identity. The comfort, build quality, and well-balanced sound make it a great choice for a high-end listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Meze Audio is a Romanian headphone maker known for natural materials, with wood ear cups and leather on many models. Its headphones are held together with screws and metal fixings, so they come apart easily and parts can be replaced. Self-adjusting headbands and carefully chosen pads keep the range comfortable. The flagship Elite Tungsten and the closed-back Liric use the Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver. The closed-back 99 Neo has foam pads that isolate well, which suits listening at home. The 109 PRO and Empyrean II are on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
Product Page
Product Page
Austrian Audio
The Composer
2699
2699
/
10
Reviews
Austrian Audio is an Austrian maker of headphones and microphones, started in Vienna by former members of the AKG core team. Its Hi-X headphones use its own Hi-Xcursion drivers and aim for a neutral, accurate sound that reveals the detail in a recording. The closed-back Hi-X55 is meant for monitoring and long sessions, the open-back Hi-X65 is built for mixing and mastering, and the Hi-X25BT adds Bluetooth for listening away from the studio. The Composer is the flagship, with a 49mm driver whose diaphragm has a diamond-like carbon coating.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Built with premium, high-quality, sturdy materials with a solid feel
- Very comfortable and relatively lightweight, suitable for long listening sessions
- Easy to drive with low impedance and reasonable sensitivity
- Delivers a reference-grade sense of clarity, balance, and vast soundstage
- Excellent instrument separation and imaging
- Easy to drive with low impedance and reasonable sensitivity
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers found the range of headband adjustment limited, making it potentially unsuitable for those with smaller heads
- The banana plug cable connectors are proprietary, limiting third-party cable options
- The stock cable is acceptable, but not particularly premium feeling
- The bass is a little lightweight and might require EQ adjustment for some listeners
- A dip at 2kHz was noted by some reviewers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sennheiser HD800S: The Composer has better bass extension, but the HD800S has better resolution and detail
- Vs HIFIMAN Arya/HE1000 series: The Composer sounds more natural than some HIFIMAN planars, and it may have greater bass depth
- Vs Meze Audio Empyrean II: The Composer goes deeper in the soundstage, with better layering and more sub-bass presence, but the Empyrean II is softer and more relaxed
- Vs ZMF Outure Classic: The Composer has better bass response but is smoother and more tame in the treble
Takeaway: The Austrian Audio Composer is a well-built, comfortable, and easy-to-drive headphone with a balanced, clear, and detailed sound signature. It offers a reference quality that can be great for critical listening and casual enjoyment.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Austrian Audio is an Austrian maker of headphones and microphones, started in Vienna by former members of the AKG core team. Its Hi-X headphones use its own Hi-Xcursion drivers and aim for a neutral, accurate sound that reveals the detail in a recording. The closed-back Hi-X55 is meant for monitoring and long sessions, the open-back Hi-X65 is built for mixing and mastering, and the Hi-X25BT adds Bluetooth for listening away from the studio. The Composer is the flagship, with a 49mm driver whose diaphragm has a diamond-like carbon coating.
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Product Page
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ABYSS
Diana MR
2995
2995
/
8
Reviews
Abyss is an American maker of planar magnetic headphones, built from scratch at its facility in Buffalo, New York. The frames are CNC-machined aluminum, and the headband adjusts for width, height and toe-in to set the seal. Several Diana models use a scaled-down version of the driver technology in the flagship AB1266 TC, and the Diana DZ comes in exotic finishes such as real Damascus and abalone. The Joal plays well from portable players, while the fully open AB1266 TC is designed for a powerful desktop amplifier.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Delivers a beautifully smooth and refreshingly beefy tuning compared to previous Diana headphones
- The most comfortable planar magnetic set of cans ever worn
- Build quality is very impressive
- Good mid-range
Product Considerations
- Needs additional padding for optimal scalp comfort
- Treble can become problematic
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Diana MR most remind reviewer of a super version of the HIFIMAN Edition XS
- Spatial presentation is better from the HIFIMAN HE1000SE, and the midrange is better balanced as well
Takeaway: The Diana MR is the most accessible set of high-end open-back planar headphones to date from Abyss. It is a fun and impressive listen.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Abyss is an American maker of planar magnetic headphones, built from scratch at its facility in Buffalo, New York. The frames are CNC-machined aluminum, and the headband adjusts for width, height and toe-in to set the seal. Several Diana models use a scaled-down version of the driver technology in the flagship AB1266 TC, and the Diana DZ comes in exotic finishes such as real Damascus and abalone. The Joal plays well from portable players, while the fully open AB1266 TC is designed for a powerful desktop amplifier.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
HIFIMAN
Arya Unveiled
1449
/
Released
2024
ARYA UNVEILED — Grille-Free, Open-Back Planar Headphones with Stealth Magnet Clarity.
HIFIMAN is the reason planar magnetic headphones are no longer exotic. Started by Dr. Fang Bian in 2005, the Chinese company builds planars with nanometer-thin diaphragms and open "Stealth Magnet" arrays shaped so sound passes through with less turbulence and distortion, and it also makes electrostatic headphones at lower prices than the category usually asks. The tuning varies from warm to neutral across the range, so it pays to choose a model by sound, and the Sundara and the Arya are both on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Clarity with refined control of the highs, and more forward mids that jump out for vocals and live jazz recordings
- Retains the warm, rich bass, with some extra energy to how it punches
- Smooth character of sound, a sense of refinement
Product Considerations
- New models mean new prices
- Some might be fine with the cheap plastic covers that must be removed before each listening session, and the increased risk to the drivers themselves
- The new Unveiled designs remove any kind of protection from the backside of the drivers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Aria Unveiled has a sense of refinement that the previous Arias did not have, it is improved in pretty much every way
- The Aria Unveiled cannot keep up with the technical performance of the HE1000SE, tonally, the Aria Unveiled might be preferable to some people over the slightly brighter sounding HE1000SE
Takeaway:
The Aria Unveiled offers a balanced and refined sound, making it a versatile choice for various music genres and preferences. Improved clarity and controlled highs create an enjoyable listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
HIFIMAN is the reason planar magnetic headphones are no longer exotic. Started by Dr. Fang Bian in 2005, the Chinese company builds planars with nanometer-thin diaphragms and open "Stealth Magnet" arrays shaped so sound passes through with less turbulence and distortion, and it also makes electrostatic headphones at lower prices than the category usually asks. The tuning varies from warm to neutral across the range, so it pays to choose a model by sound, and the Sundara and the Arya are both on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
Product Page
Product Page
HIFIMAN
HE1000 Stealth
1399
/
Released
2022
Pioneering nanometer-thin, 3D-printed diaphragm combines ultra-lightweight construction with extreme rigidity, delivering exceptional clarity, speed, and transient response.
HIFIMAN is the reason planar magnetic headphones are no longer exotic. Started by Dr. Fang Bian in 2005, the Chinese company builds planars with nanometer-thin diaphragms and open "Stealth Magnet" arrays shaped so sound passes through with less turbulence and distortion, and it also makes electrostatic headphones at lower prices than the category usually asks. The tuning varies from warm to neutral across the range, so it pays to choose a model by sound, and the Sundara and the Arya are both on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Expansive and well-balanced sound, making it one of the best-tuned models in HIFIMAN’s egg-shaped series
- Smooth, more linear highs and a noticeable increase in warmth from the bass, lending an ‘organic’ feel to the sound
- Outstanding resolution, on par with the Arya Stealth
- Generally comfortable, with improvements to the headband compared to older models
- Features acoustically invisible stealth magnets, which enable sound waves to traverse the magnets without causing interference
Product Considerations
- Accessories (cables and stand) are basic for the price point
- Can be too large for individuals with smaller heads
- Maintains a bright character and can be quite revealing, it necessitates thoughtful pairing based on individual listening preferences, and then again it may not suit every listener
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Arya Stealth: Has a larger soundstage and is more resolving, with better treble presence, brilliance, and sparkle, the Arya Stealth has a more intimate sound with forward vocals and a slightly thickened midrange
- Vs HE1000 V2: Features smoother, more linear highs, more warmth from the bass—resulting in a more pleasant listen
- Vs Verite Camphor Burl: The Verite is heavier sounding and more musical, with better dynamics but is not as reference or liquid-sounding
- Vs Arya Organic: The HE1000 Stealth clearly outperforms in terms of tonal balance and technical capabilities
- Vs Susvara: The tuning, technical performance, resolution, and refinement closely resemble those of the Susvara
Takeaway: The HE1000 Stealth offers a balanced and detailed sound with a wide soundstage, making it suitable for critical listening and enjoying various music genres. It's a high-performing headphone that delivers excellent value.
Video review
Our take on the brand
HIFIMAN is the reason planar magnetic headphones are no longer exotic. Started by Dr. Fang Bian in 2005, the Chinese company builds planars with nanometer-thin diaphragms and open "Stealth Magnet" arrays shaped so sound passes through with less turbulence and distortion, and it also makes electrostatic headphones at lower prices than the category usually asks. The tuning varies from warm to neutral across the range, so it pays to choose a model by sound, and the Sundara and the Arya are both on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
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ZMF
Atrium
2499
/
Released
2022
The ZMF Atrium is our most open design, which features our patent-pending rear damping system that accentuates stage layering, depth, tactile "feel" with realistically natural timbre. The Atrium expands the range of spatial sound experience first incepted with the auteur (now the "auteur classic"), through its shared biocellulose driver heritage and linear ZMF tuning.
ZMF is an American headphone maker that builds its earcups by hand from wood, in many species, so each pair looks different. The Vérité uses a vapor-deposited beryllium driver and the Atrium a biocellulose one. The Caldera is a closed planar magnetic design with the Atrium Damping System. The Vérité, Atrium and BOKEH each come in open and closed versions, and the Atrium is on our Best Open-Back Headphones list. The Auteur Classic Upgrade gives an existing Auteur Classic a new driver set and wood baffle, so owners can update without replacing the headphone.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Stunning aesthetics and high-quality craftsmanship with various wood options and grill designs available
- Creates a wonderful sense of space with a great spherical soundstage and natural depth
- Has an amazing ability to be both smooth and detailed at the same time
- Provides a deep reaching and encompassing bass sound with a punchy and impactful profile
- Natural and lifelike tonal quality with vibrant midrange and textured vocals
Product Considerations
- Not ideal for those seeking maximum detail retrieval or a reference-level sound
- May not be the best choice for music that relies heavily on aggressive, distorted electric guitars due to potential mid-range harshness
- Bass extension may not reach as deep as some planar headphones
- The stock cable has shape memory, and some may prefer aftermarket options
- It's a heavier headphone, so comfort may be a concern for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs ZMF Verite: The Atrium sits alongside it, and is a significant step above the Auteur, in the sense that it is competing absolutely with the Verite, whereas the Auteur doesn't quite reach the heights of the Verite
- Vs Sennheiser HD650: The Atrium overall tuning is very reminiscent of the Sennheiser HD 650, where it is still fairly neutral, but it tends towards a little bit of warmth
- Vs HIFIMAN HE1000 V2: The HE1000 V2 has a bigger soundstage, but the imaging and the separation handle spatial reproduction much better than the Atrium does
Takeaway: The ZMF Atrium offers a beautiful design and a unique sound signature that combines smoothness and detail, making it a very enjoyable listening experience across many genres. Its ability to create a lifelike and engaging soundstage makes it a worthwhile option for those looking for something special.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ZMF is an American headphone maker that builds its earcups by hand from wood, in many species, so each pair looks different. The Vérité uses a vapor-deposited beryllium driver and the Atrium a biocellulose one. The Caldera is a closed planar magnetic design with the Atrium Damping System. The Vérité, Atrium and BOKEH each come in open and closed versions, and the Atrium is on our Best Open-Back Headphones list. The Auteur Classic Upgrade gives an existing Auteur Classic a new driver set and wood baffle, so owners can update without replacing the headphone.
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Mod House Audio
Tungsten
1699
/
Released
2023
Introducing Tungsten, Mod House Audio's first headphone designed from the ground up. Tungsten is the crowning achievement of over 3 years worth of work in research and development.
Mod House Audio is an American headphone workshop that specializes in modifying headphones and making the parts to do it. Its Argon models rework Fostex headphones with a modified driver, baffle and cups. Owners can buy the Argon Mk3 complete, or order the Argon Mk3 Conversion for a Fostex they already own. The Tungsten is the company's first headphone designed from the ground up, after more than three years of development. Buyers choose single-sided or double-sided magnet drivers and pick aluminum or carbon fiber grills.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Nice cable made in partnership with Viking Wave
- Attractive design with some components being 3D printed
- Comfortable to wear with well-distributed weight and ZMF earpads
- Stands out with its 'warm yet balanced' sound signature, described as having flat bass extension and an emphasized lower mid-range
- Delivers instrument separation, and sounds reasonably spacious
Product Considerations
- Build quality can feel a little rough around the edges, which may be noticeable
- Requires a dedicated headphone amplifier
- The dual-sided version is more expensive, while the single-sided version is affected by pressure changes inside the pad
- Sound can come across a little bit crunchy and trebly
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Against Audeze MM500, the MM500 has better build quality
- Against Meze Empyrean 2, the Empyrean 2 is more comfortable
- Against Dan Clark Audio E3, the E3s overall sound more competent
Takeaway: The Modhaus Tungsten is a unique headphone built with care. It's enjoyable to listen to, has good bass extension, and the sound can be customized by swapping earpads.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Mod House Audio is an American headphone workshop that specializes in modifying headphones and making the parts to do it. Its Argon models rework Fostex headphones with a modified driver, baffle and cups. Owners can buy the Argon Mk3 complete, or order the Argon Mk3 Conversion for a Fostex they already own. The Tungsten is the company's first headphone designed from the ground up, after more than three years of development. Buyers choose single-sided or double-sided magnet drivers and pick aluminum or carbon fiber grills.
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HEDD
HEDDphone TWO
1999
/
Released
2023
HEDD is a German maker of studio monitors and headphones, founded in 2015. Every product is built by hand in Berlin. Co-founder Klaus Heinz studied under Oskar Heil, inventor of the Air Motion Transformer, and AMT drivers are at the center of the range. HEDD calls the HEDDphone the world's first full-range AMT headphone. Owners can switch the monitors between closed and ported modes and between Lineariser and natural voicing to suit the room. The HEDDphone TWO has the HEDDband, which adjusts height, width, curvature and clamping pressure.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Improved ergonomics and comfort compared to the original HEDDphone, largely due to a significant weight reduction and the innovative HEDDband system for adjustable fit
- Highly detailed and resolving sound, particularly in the midrange, with excellent timbral resolution and microdynamic control
- Unique and expansive soundstage that doesn't restrict the sonic image to inside the head, resembling a good pair of speakers in a well-tuned room
- High-quality build with premium materials and a 5-year warranty inspires confidence
- Excellent accessory package including a carrying case, spare earpads, and multiple cable options
Product Considerations
- Can be picky with recording quality, performing best with well-recorded tracks and less impressive with lower-quality productions
- Some reviewers find the clamping force of the headband to be too strong, even on the lowest setting
- Bass response may lack sub-bass extension or 'oomph' for some listeners, especially those craving a strong low-end rumble
- The treble might be perceived as bright or sibilant by some listeners, particularly due to an elevation in the upper treble region
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HEDDphone One: The Two is lighter, more comfortable, and has a more neutral and technical sound, while the original has more bass impact and a unique timbre
- Vs Audeze MM-500: Both are aimed at professionals with a neutral tuning, but the HEDDphone Two has greater technical performance, microdynamic control, and detail retrieval
- Vs Sennheiser HD800S: The HD800S has a greater sense of soundstage, openness, and instrument separation, while the HEDDphone Two has better low-level detail for individual instruments and microdynamics
- Vs HIFIMAN Arya: The Arya has more midbass punch and upper treble energy, while the HEDDphone Two offers greater technical performance
- Vs Meze Elite: The Elite offers a more rich and entertaining signature, where the HEDDphone Two is more neutral and reference-like
Takeaway: The HEDDphone Two is an innovative headphone with impressive sound and design, offering improvements over the original and it is worth buying if one is looking for excellent sound quality and detail. While its aesthetics may not be its strongest attribute, it delivers on technical sound and offers an enjoyable listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
HEDD is a German maker of studio monitors and headphones, founded in 2015. Every product is built by hand in Berlin. Co-founder Klaus Heinz studied under Oskar Heil, inventor of the Air Motion Transformer, and AMT drivers are at the center of the range. HEDD calls the HEDDphone the world's first full-range AMT headphone. Owners can switch the monitors between closed and ported modes and between Lineariser and natural voicing to suit the room. The HEDDphone TWO has the HEDDband, which adjusts height, width, curvature and clamping pressure.
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