HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 Over Ear Planar Magnetic Headphone

Product Information

The V2 Stealth has a less diffuse soundstage than the original V2, better detail and better bass (from what I've gathered from several impressions. Then I looked a bit deeper (and watched Resolve's review) and came to the realization that the treble was probably entirely too hot and spikey in the FR for me to enjoy. When an headphone can deliver full bodied presentation with natural timbre for both piano and female vocal, I know i'm into mid centric territory that doesn't forget their fundamentals harmonic hidden in lower mid range. Another headphone that shares this "bright, but smooth enough to not be annoying" trait was the HD800 SDR. I would assume that by now, HiFiMan, like Audeze has tightened down their production processes to produce consistent sounding units.

As far as V2 original vs V2 Stealth (and going off Oratory1990s measurements,) the V2 Stealth is a lot smoother and not near as bright as the V2 original while still having more air. The ear pad material has been changed from velour to polyester with an improved headband design and slimmer ear cups. The forgiving nature of the signature, which allows lo fi and older to be heard in a lovingly nostalgic way is still there, albeit with just a smidgeon less compromise. While this sound impression is mostly based on EF600 DAC-AMP pairing, diversify test I do confirm these are source transparent as well as scaling up with power output.Maybe it's just age, maybe there's something I'm not hearing that is elevated/wrong with the sound that is bugging me but I can't explain it. When Passion for Sound reviewed HE1000 Stealth vs HE1000SE some were perplexed about his HE1000SE impressions as it didn't mention any of this. It's among most tactile piano presentation I've head and well, solo piano have a magnify sens of grandeur as if you where a minuscule being hide in immense piano where each note surround you from every direction in dense singular layerings. A striking teardrop design that dared to rest the earpad against the cheekbone was/is a strange sensation that takes some getting used to.

This headphone throws itself at you now, with more power and macro dynamics compared to the HE-1000v2, now with more finesse and agility.At home or at the office you best use it in a silent environment as a lot of sounds leaks in and out. Drums sounds accurate, well textured, well detailed, and aren't a bloaty mess like other bass-emphasized Hifiman's (Edition XS) get.