The HiFiMan HE1000se open-back planar magnetic headphone stands as a testament to HiFiMan's commitment to pushing the boundaries of high-end audio. As the third iteration in the prestigious HE1000 series, this Special Edition (se) model represents a significant leap forward in both design and performance. One of the most notable improvements in the HE1000se is its increased sensitivity. With a lower impedance of 35 ohms and a higher sensitivity of 96dB, these headphones offer superior performance and efficiency. This enhancement translates to a greater sense of presence and realism in audio reproduction, particularly when paired with high-performance audio equipment such as dedicated headphone amplifiers, Digital Audio Players (DAPs), and Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs).
The sound signature of the HE1000se is characterized by its exceptional detail and dynamic range. While it leans towards an analytical presentation, it manages to maintain a natural sound that avoids becoming overly clinical. This balance allows for a revealing listening experience that doesn't sacrifice musicality. One of the HE1000se's most striking features is its expansive soundstage. The headphones create a sense of space that is truly impressive, making them particularly well-suited for genres that benefit from a wide, open presentation, such as classical music and jazz. The large soundstage contributes to a three-dimensional presence, allowing listeners to discern individual instruments and subtle details with remarkable clarity. In terms of frequency response, the HE1000se excels across the spectrum:
- Bass: The low-end response is characterized by its quickness and precision. The sub-bass, in particular, stands out, providing depth and impact without overwhelming the overall balance.
- Midrange: The mids are richly textured and full of detail. Vocals and instruments in this range are presented with clarity and nuance, allowing listeners to hear subtle inflections and tonal characteristics.
- Treble: The high frequencies are energetic and airy, contributing to the headphones' sense of spaciousness. The treble presentation adds sparkle and definition without becoming harsh or fatiguing, maintaining a pleasant tonality.
The HE1000se's ability to render a clear, detailed, and smooth sound signature makes it particularly adept at immersing the listener in vocal performances. The headphones' capacity to reveal the subtleties in an artist's voice can make for an emotionally engaging listening experience. It's worth noting that while the HE1000se is more efficient than some of its predecessors, it still benefits from high-quality amplification (amp). When paired with appropriate equipment, these headphones can deliver a listening experience and sound quality that rivals or surpasses many more expensive options on the market. The HE1000se has excellent layering and a timbre that will make any audiophile melt. They’re truly endgame material.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the HiFiMan HE1000se Headphone with the Black Dragon Premium Cable for HiFiMan Headphones. The Black Dragon Premium Cable is a great upgrade for your HiFiMan Susvara, Susvara Unveiled, HE1000se, HE1000v2, Arya, Arya Stealth Magnets, or Ananda headphones. UP-OCC copper strands in the Black Dragon enhance the body, shape, and immediacy of music. The Black Dragon will smooth out the treble without sacrificing detail on a headphone with top-end sizzle, like the Ananda. On a more neutral-sounding headphone like the Susvara or the Arya, the Black Dragon will add some warmth, fullness, and musicality. For a warmer headphone like the HE1000 and HE1000v2, the Black Dragon will give you even more of a musical, immersive, "I'm there" feeling. This versatile cable works well with most genres, particularly Rock and Roll, Pop, R&B, Electronica, and other music with a big, bold presentation. Its a great option for other HiFiMan headphones like the HiFiMan HE1000, HiFiMan Arya, Arya Organic, HiFiMan Ananda, and other open-back headphones on the market (like the Sennheiser HD800S, Audeze LCD-4, and Focal Utopia).
Upgraded Technology for more Sonic Bliss
The HiFiMan HE1000se introduces neodymium magnets, enhancing efficiency and reducing distortion for unparalleled sound purity. Neodymium's superior magnetic strength in a compact size ensures consistently exceptional output, surpassing larger ferrite magnets. This innovation makes the driver faster and more dynamic, capturing every sonic detail for a compelling performance.
The HE1000se features a nanometer-thin diaphragm, offering extreme responsiveness and minimal distortion. At just one nanometer thick, the diaphragm provides rapid response and a high dynamic range, bringing recordings to life and satisfying even the most demanding listeners across all genres—from soft acoustic music to high-energy rock & roll. Additionally, the Stealth Magnets adjacent to the diaphragm reduce sound wave diffraction turbulence, delivering the purest, cleanest performance with no distortion.
Special Edition
The previous model, HE1000 V2, is one of the best-reviewed headphones in the high-performance personal hifi audio market. Cited by multiple reviewers as being the best headphone in its price range, it could easily have been left as is, but Dr. Bian is a firm believer that even the best can always be made demonstrably better.
"As popular as it may be, I believe it’s important to keep pushing the envelope with revisions that present a dramatic improvement in sound while maintaining the essence of what made the original such an overwhelming success with music fans and audiophiles who invest in the best equipment for enjoying their favorite recordings.”
— Dr. Fang Bian, Founder & CEO, HIFIMAN
High-End Build Quality
The HiFiMan HE1000se features the signature design elements of many HiFiMan headphones: ovular-shaped ear cups, window-shade grille design, and an ergonomic headband. The patented window shade open-back design minimizes distortion by preventing unwanted reflections and vibrations, preserving the artist’s performance. This results in a wide, natural soundstage that delivers an acoustically accurate listening experience, akin to a concert hall.
Ergonomically, the HE1000se offers exceptional comfort, thanks to a specially designed headband with a steady arch structure for stability and durability, ensuring years of use without any change in fit. The headphones' build quality is robust, incorporating metal parts and deep, comfortable ear pads on the ear cups. This design ensures hours of fatigue-free listening. Additionally, a new matte finish with ebony wood trim adds a sophisticated and attractive touch to the overall design.
Features:
- Nanometer Thickness Diaphragm: Utilizes an ultra-thin nanometer-grade diaphragm that is lightweight and responsive, providing fast transient response and reduced distortion.
- Stealth Magnets Technology: Incorporates Hifiman's Stealth Magnets technology, which reduces wave diffraction turbulence for improved clarity, resolution, and reduced distortion in the audio signal.
- Advanced Planar Magnetic Drivers: Features advanced planar magnetic drivers that deliver detailed, accurate sound reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum, ensuring clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass.
- Open-Back Design: Designed with an open-back configuration to provide a spacious and natural soundstage, offering an immersive listening experience with excellent imaging and instrument separation.
- Comfort and Build Quality: Crafted with premium materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and high-grade leather ear pads, ensuring durability and comfort for extended listening sessions.
What's in the Box?
- HE1000se Headphones
- 1.5m Headphone cable with 3.5mm headphone connection to 3.5mm connector
- 3m Headphone cable with 3.5mm headphone connection to XLR connector
- 3m Headphone cable with 3.5mm headphone connection to 6.35mm connector
FAQ
How does the HE1000SE compare to the original HE1000 and HE1000 V2?
The HE1000SE is considered an improvement, offering better detail retrieval, improved bass response, and a more refined overall sound.
Does the HE1000SE use Stealth Magnet technology?
No, the HE1000SE doesn't use Stealth Magnets, but it does feature an advanced magnet design for improved performance.
How power-hungry are the HE1000SE headphones?
While they're more efficient than some planar magnetic headphones, they still benefit from a good quality amplifier for optimal performance.
What's the sound signature of the HE1000SE?
It's known for a relatively neutral signature with excellent detail, wide soundstage, and well-extended bass.
How comfortable are the HE1000SE headphones?
They're generally considered very comfortable, with large ear cups and a lightweight design for their size.
How does the HE1000SE compare to the Susvara?
While both are excellent, the Susvara is generally considered a step up in terms of resolution and overall refinement.
Are the cables on the HE1000SE detachable?
Yes, the HE1000SE features detachable cables with proprietary connectors.
How is the build quality of the HE1000SE?
The build quality is generally excellent, with premium materials including a wood veneer on the ear cups.
Is the HE1000SE good for all music genres?
Yes, its neutral signature and excellent detail make it versatile for a wide range of music genres.
How does the HE1000SE compare in value to other high-end headphones?
While expensive, many consider the HE1000SE to offer excellent value in the high-end headphone market, competing with even pricier models.
Technical Features
- Frequency response
- 8Hz - 65KHz
- Impedance
- 35 Ohms
- Stock Cable:
- 1.5m lenght 3.5mm-to-3.5mm
3m length 3.5mm-to-¼"
3m length 3.5mm-to-XLR balanced
- Sensitivity
- 96 dB
- Weight
- 440g (15.52 ounces)