[jkteddy77]

Just received my HE1000 "V3" Stealth. I really wanted the V2s, I didn't know much about the Stealth, but the V2s were harder to find, and I got a good deal on a new closed box pair of Stealths with receipt and everything.

I have them connected to my O2 Amp and Modi+ DAC. I wondered if these could benefit from a better amp to drive them, but they seem considerably louder than my HD800S, so maybe it's fine.

If you wanna invest only a little outside your stax, a Used or Refurbed EF400 would be the perfect DAC/AMP for them price/performance

 

[Nick727]

I still think day to day not a single one of those matter if the Organic's got a preferred sound.
I'm considering A/B/Cing HEKV2 , HEKV2 Stealth, and Organic together to truly decide on my final eggshape.
I have a suspicious feeling where the Arya will lose in detail, it will make up with dynamics and fun.

Oh yeah definitely, if you have the option to A/B all the models then that's for sure the best way to compare what's best for you. Unfortunately not everyone can compare them all side by side.

I will say I think you can probably EQ the Stealth to a sound profile close to the Organic, while you won't be able to EQ the Organic to have more detail like on the Stealth. Just something to think about.

 

[MKHP]

Oh yeah definitely, if you have the option to A/B all the models then that's for sure the best way to compare what's best for you. Unfortunately not everyone can compare them all side by side.

I will say I think you can probably EQ the Stealth to a sound profile close to the Organic, while you won't be able to EQ the Organic to have more detail like on the Stealth. Just something to think about.

Exactly, I come from organic and for me heks is clearly better technically, and what I did since it was a little more dynamic and makes better use of the bass, organic which gives it that dynamic, I simply did eq to bring that part of organic and it is incredible how the heks sound, I personally prefer heks for their technical level, detail, timbre and construction, simply EQ and blow you mind.

 

[johnnywelk]

I have the Arya pre-stealth. The V2s sound more natural to me. Slightly less treble energy and slightly more bass (not a ton more though). Sound-staging is not as wide on some tracks, but it always sounds more realistic and natural than the Aryas; it can be very wide on some tracks, though. That coupled with the better build quality makes it worth it to me. That being said, I probably would not have paid $3K for them when they were at that price.

I think I’ll be moving on from the Arya, which are a great headphone. It just doesn’t make sense to me to keep both. If anyone is interested, PM me.

Looks like those might be the He1000 v2 stealths. I ordered He1000 v2's non stealth and received ones with stealth magnets as well.

I believe if the magnet is wider in the middle than the top and bottom (like a cross shape) then they are stealths, if they are rectangular than they are the old v2s.

Someone can correct me if I am wrong though!

 

[joseph69]

There's the HE1000, HE1000V2, HE1000 Stealth (which is the V2 with stealth magnets), and the HE1000se.

All different models, and all the prices have dropped dramatically over time.

THERE IS NO HE1000V2 STEALTH -- this only adds confusion to which HE models there are.
Released order:
HE1000
HE1000V2
HE1000SE (Stealth magnets)
HE1000 Stealth (hence the name -- Stealth magnets)

 

[MKHP]

HE1000 Stealth (HE1000V4)
Arya Organic (Arya V4)

 

[syr1990]

Looks like those might be the He1000 v2 stealths. I ordered He1000 v2's non stealth and received ones with stealth magnets as well.

I believe if the magnet is wider in the middle than the top and bottom (like a cross shape) then they are stealths, if they are rectangular than they are the old v2s.

Someone can correct me if I am wrong though!

Hmm what makes you think they are the stealths? I think you are correct about the shape of the magnets distinguishing the two models but to me it looks like they are rectangular (same length).

They also came in the V2 box (I don’t think the stealth come in the box) and with the V2 manual and cables. The last thing that makes me think they are the V2 is their sensitivity. When comparing them with my Aryas, I actually have to slightly turn the volume up on the HEK to level match to the Arya. They are supposed to be the same sensitivity. But if they were the stealths, which are more sensitive, I would have to turn the volume down to level match to the Aryas.

 

[johnnywelk]

Hmm what makes you think they are the stealths? I think you are correct about the shape of the magnets distinguishing the two models but to me it looks like they are rectangular (same length).

They also came in the V2 box (I don’t think the stealth come in the box) and with the V2 manual and cables. The last thing that makes me think they are the V2 is their sensitivity. When comparing them with my Aryas, I actually have to slightly turn the volume up on the HEK to level match to the Arya. They are supposed to be the same sensitivity. But if they were the stealths, which are more sensitive, I would have to turn the volume down to level match to the Aryas.

Mine came with all of the same (v2 box/cables), it just really looks to me like the stealth magnet from your picture. Just shine a flashlight from the outside and if the magnet is wider in the three middle slots like mine then I believe you have the stealth. Here's a picture:

And here is your picture brightened up:

 

[Tonza]

I'm pretty sure mine are V2 non stealth (came with the old box and catheter cables) and they also have outside wider magnets in the middle. The magnets themselves have sharp angles so not rounded. I bought these from Hifiman in April.

 

[Objedych]

Greetings!))
Finally comleted the setup for my HE1000SM with Hiby RS6 as a drive/transport.

 

[Hungrcaio]

I had a he1000 v1 in the past and loved it. Had to sell for I needed money in the time. I just got the he1000 Stealth, but I'm not sure I like it as much as I liked the v1. Need more time to assess though. There was something about the He1000 V1 + Singxer SA1 that was so musical and magical to me. I don't know, might have to try and grab those two again. I'm with HE1000 Stealth and EF400 now.

 

[Nick727]

THERE IS NO HE1000V2 STEALTH -- this only adds confusion to which HE models there are.
Released order:
HE1000
HE1000V2
HE1000SE (Stealth magnets)
HE1000 Stealth (hence the name -- Stealth magnets)

You're right, but where it gets confusing though is the HE1000 to the HE1000V2 had physical design changes, on top of sound changes. The HE1000 Stealth is the same physical design as the V2, with the addition of stealth magnets. It makes it really confusing for someone who hasn't been following and just started shopping around.

Also, FWIW, HiFiMan seems to be calling the HE1000 Stealth the HE1000V4 internally. When you order them the shipping reference indicates that you purchased the HE1000V4.

It's really a mess overall, especially with the pricing constantly changing and with 2 models being the same price.

 

[Lindholdt]

Finally picked up the Stealth, it is going to be a fun weekend, comparing them to my Sundara's
Have a great weekend all!

 

[bagwell359]

I had a he1000 v1 in the past and loved it. Had to sell for I needed money in the time. I just got the he1000 Stealth, but I'm not sure I like it as much as I liked the v1. Need more time to assess though. There was something about the He1000 V1 + Singxer SA1 that was so musical and magical to me. I don't know, might have to try and grab those two again. I'm with HE1000 Stealth and EF400 now.

It was some years ago since I heard it but I’d say the v1 was more ethereal with bass as the least featured part of the sound - that profile makes one focus on transparency. for well recorded smaller scale music. Not meaning build quality but it seems more fragile and tipped up. If one’s tastes are wide ranging, you’d need something like an LCD-4 in your collection to cover the basses.

The Stealth v4 has not only more impact, it’s got a meatier midbass. Warmer, seems less transparent. Better for rock, dynamic and large music. It’s a better all rounder. Not a bass cannon but for non bass heads on a SS amp with high damping and good snap it’s enough. I’d be very happy with this and a Raal CA-1a as my sole cans.

 

[syr1990]

Mine came with all of the same (v2 box/cables), it just really looks to me like the stealth magnet from your picture. Just shine a flashlight from the outside and if the magnet is wider in the three middle slots like mine then I believe you have the stealth. Here's a picture:

And here is your picture brightened up:

I’m not sure if looking at the driver from the outside is the right way to make the distinction. Looking from the inside, they do not look like the picture posted here by @winnipegaudioenjoyer of the stealths:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/hifiman-he1000-planar-dynamic-headphone.748334/post-17727151

The magnets on mine look like they are the same length; perhaps others can chime in on how to distinguish the V2 and Stealth: