Nice review. I echo you sentiments about this headphone. The HEKse's are a complete package. Only to be bested by it's big brother the Susvara and the TC's to my ears. Both are harder to drive and more amp picky than the HEKse's. Making the HEKse's one of the best buys today.

The problem with hifiman has always been the QC. Driver failures and build issues plague most of their products, from entry level to totl stuff. Had a close brother return his he1k after <1month of use due to failed driver. I, myself had a poorly built he400 a few years back, ended up having a broken headband.

nice review! i'm glad you enjoyed he1000se
reading makes me feel a little curious though as your review is actually the first formal (?) review on head-fi, considering how high profile1000se is haha.

I was as surprised not to have seen a review on these. I searched a few times before I started this entry. Thanks for the kind words.

You can add Arctic Cables to the list of options for a custom cable. I use my HEKSE with a Signum+ and I also have the Forza Noir Hybrid HPC. Both outstanding cables...

What you didn't tell us is how you rate the HEKSE against the Utopia's

@Jon773 overall I preferred the HE1000se to the Utopia but it may be more a matter of preference. The Utopia has less bass but the bass is tighter and slightly faster while the 1000se is fatter sounding and just slightly behind the speed of the utopia in the bass. On the treble side the 1000se is more detailed and has a slightly more realistic timbre.

I guessed was close between the two. My friend just picked up some Utopia's so I am hoping to have a listen at some point soon. Great review, thanks

How does HE1000se compare to the Arya?

@szore i haven't heard the Arya

do u not find vocals very distant sounding?