Synergy
Efficiency
I would consider a 1-watt per side power output sufficient to drive the HE1000 UNVEILED to acceptable volume levels. However, with more power, they will scale even further.
For example, the iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon supplied enough power on the balanced connector, but not so much on the 3.5mm connector. Unfortunately, you have to outsource a cable with 4.4 connectivity, which should not be too difficult.
Even though their efficiency level is the highest among the HE1000 series, they still require decent amplification. I would consider high-quality amplification since they also seem source-sensitive and reveal subtle differences in gear.
Pairings
Testing the HE1000 UNVEILED with some of HIFIMAN’s DAC amplifier combos produced some unexpected, but interesting results. Particularly with the EF400 and the EF600, which are two of their most popular models.
I preferred the EF400 because it just sounded smoother, giving the HE1000 UNVEILED a relaxed character contrasting the bright presentation I perceived with the EF600.
The EF600 sonics seemed hotter with the HE1000 UNVEILED being able to unveil that characteristic meaning that they’re source-sensitive up to a point.
When you use higher-tier gear some positive changes are noted. I truly enjoyed these headphones with my SMSL combo because they show off the analog sonic signature of the Opamp-based amplifier and the large and precise soundstage of the DAC section.
Select Comparison
HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth
Technical
So far, the HIFIMAN HE1000 has gone through four revisions and the Stealth is the third version in this saga. The major difference with this model is the implementation of the Stealth magnet design.
The HE1000 went through the same transformation as the ARYA in that the first version used a metal mesh that was ditched for a mesh that improved driver ventilation, and then came the Stealth Magnet design.
Design
The HE1000 Stealth’s Asymmetrical cups are the same size and use similar pads. However, the pads that come with the Stealth version of the HE1000 are stiffer. The clamping force seems to be the same and so is the comfort level except for the slight firmness feel of the pads.
The Stealth uses HIFIMAN’s nanometer-thickness diaphragm and acoustically invisible Stealth magnets alongside their patented window shade system. It also uses HIFIMAN’s ergonomic headband design but the leather is tan instead of black.
The cups sport a ring of wood which I’ve verified to be wood instead of being a simple synthetic material ring with a wood veneer. The HE1000 Stealth does look more elegant because of that color break.
The HE1000 UNVEILED seems to be industrial-looking, and monotone in appearance. Some love it, some hate it, it seems.
Performance
When you compare these two headphones side by side, the first thing that hits you is a reduction in soundstage size. The height and width are reduced in size on the HE1000 Stealth, a common characteristic of the Stealth Magnet design.
The same thing happened with the ARYA line: the soundstage shrank, but in applying Stealth technology, the accuracy and technical abilities increased.
The same can be said about the HE1000 UNVEILED, but it gives you both traits in one package: a large soundstage with increased height and width and no loss in placement accuracy.
Sonically, the HE1000 Stealth produces a more forward bass response. If you look at each headphone’s frequency graph, you’ll notice a flatter bass response on the Stealth compared to the bass of the HE1000 UNVEILED which dips starting at around 40Hz. At 20Hz it displays a 3-decibel drop so it seems the Stealth version has improved bass extension.
The midrange is presented more darkly and is pushed back within the soundscape on the Stealth version. The HE1000 UNVEILED produces a brighter midrange response.
The high frequencies are very well extended on both sets but the HE1000 UNVEILED high frequencies seem to be produced with more weight behind each note.
I couldn’t figure out why the HE1000 Stealth was offered at such a low price until I realized they sounded closer to the ARYA Organic compared to the other HE1000 headphones previously made.
Is that a bad thing? Not at all. They beat the Arya Organic in a couple of areas, such as soundstage and timbre.
HIFIMAN Audivina
Technical
Labeled a studio monitor, the HIFIMAN Audivina is a beautiful-looking headphone made with large wooden cups and a similar color palette to the original HIFIMAN Deva in headband and pad color scheme.
The Audivina is a closed-back design full-sized headphone and an anti-thesis to the HE1000 UNVEILED in every way. It uses a smaller driver that looks closer to an RP-series driver, and not a typical HIFIMAN full-sized Nano diaphragm driver, installed inside very large wooden cups.
Design
The Audivina cups are prominent, to say the least. They are large cups and I wouldn’t wear them outside, but they’re beautiful wood cups, to say the least. The pads also display an increased amount of stiffness compared to the pads used on the HE1000 UNVEILED.
The Audivina uses the same style of headband assembly with a small increase in clamping force. This and a stiffer pad translate into a fit that seems snug but not fatiguing. These are designed to be worn for long periods.
Performance
There’s a split audience when it comes to the HIFIMAN Audivina’s sonic qualities. Many complain about some off-sounding, oddball frequencies that mar the overall listening experience. Perhaps what they’re listening to is a bad recording.
The Audivina has its moments in which it sounds horrible, then there are times when it sounds wonderful. It is a pair of headphones that are analytical in every sense of the word and is not for everyday enjoyment, as is the HE1000 UNVEILED.
The Audivina is not even a headphone that one would consider for soundstage and placement accuracy, although it does well in this area, particularly for a closed-back. The Audivina is an analytical tool that is unforgiving as far as bad recordings are concerned.
HIFIMAN ARYA Organic
Technical
The HIFIMAN ARYA lineup consists of four models, three of which are still available today. But my favorite is the Organic because it steps it up sonically and produces the best soundstage and realistic tonality in general compared to the other three.
HIFIMAN released the HE1000 Stealth around the same time as the Organic but had to answer quickly and go back to the drawing board.
Why? I think it was because the ARYA Organic and the HE1000 Stealth were too close to each other sonically, so HIFIMAN had to step up and build an improved HE1000 worthy of the name, hence, the release of the HE1000 UNVEILED.
Design
The Organic uses the same headband design with a different headband strap that is not of an expected quality, to be honest here. I would think headphones of this price tier would have been built with materials of a higher quality level.
I like the Organic’s added strip of wood and some have asked me if it is wood. I’ve done an exploration on both these models and can verify that they do not use a synthetic material with a wood vinyl veneer. This is real wood.
These two headphones seem to use similar pads, however, the ARYA Organic pads are stiffer. The HE1000 UNVEILED comes with a softer pad that adds a small level of comfort over the Organic.
Performance
The HIFIMAN Organic produces a natural tone and a balanced frequency response alongside a precise soundstage. However, it is reduced in size compared to the ultra-large, wide, and tall soundstage of the HE1000 UNVEILED.
Another aspect that improves is the high frequency extension which is nicely extended on the ARYA Organic but even more so on the HE1000 UNVEILED. Vocal clarity is also improved.
A good analogy to use here is to consider the HIFIMAN Window Shade system implemented on all the ARYA models and to describe the effects of the grill-less open back.
On the ARYA Organic and other HIFIMAN headphones that have the Window Shade system implemented, it’s just that, you’re looking through a window and you can see the image on the other side of the glass well. However, on the HE1000 UNVEILED implemented headphones, there is no window.
My Verdict
The HIFIMAN HE1000 UNVEILED is certainly a worthy contender within this segment and then some. It’s a headphone that produces an enormous, precise sonic 3D panorama and an addictive vocal presentation. It provides an excellent performance in general.
The only caveat is the extra care one has to take when handling the cups when the protective plates are taken off and the lack of 4.4mm connectivity, which can easily be resolved.
I’m certain that even at retail these will fly out the door because of the sound quality they provide. HIFIMAN hit the ball out of the park with this one and in my case, my set will probably never go back in the box again.
HIFIMAN HE1000 UNVEILED Technical Specifications
- Frequency response: 8Hz to 65kHz
- Sensitivity: 95db
- Impedance 28Ω
- Weight: 450g (excluding magnetic veils and headphone cable
