HIFIMAN HE1000 Unveiled

[Patlezinc]

Last optimisation. Sounding great for songs, very natural, without sibilance Think I am done.

Headroom -1.5dB

(20 - +1.5db Q0.3)
1800 + 1.5 db q1.8
3000 - 0.5db q3
5300 -2db q4
8500 -4db q4
10000 -4db q2.5

 

[edwina77]

I finally got around to do some comparisons with the HE1000 Unveiled to the Caldera and Sus OG.
I listened to the HEKU for 3 months straight before doing this comparison so my ears have adjusted heavily to it.
Also, my first real headphone I bought over 20 years ago, still have, and compare everything as a reference to is my HD600s.

To no ones surprise the HEKU is closer to the Sus than to the Caldera.
The HEKU is close in detail and speed to the Sus. The treble on the Sus is just a little bit more polite
but not too much. The mids on the HEKU are more forward than the Sus, less ethereal than Sus, but again not a drastic distance. But enough to own both in my opinion.

Compared to the Caldera, the HEKU is definately brighter.
The vocals are bit more distant on the Caldera as well. Drums and bass lines have slighly more ooomph on the Caldera but less texture as compared to the HEKU. And the treble is definately more recessed somewhat. Not to say the Caldera doesn't have texture but it appears to lack texture in comparison to the HEKU and I beleive its due to the more recessed treble.

I listened to quite a few songs and took some notes when comparing the HEKU to the Caldera.

'Cola' by Arlo Parks sounds sweeter on the Caldera but feels like sometihing is missing.

'Carnival' by Natalie Merchant, the drums appear more hollow on the Caldera. I easily notice less texture, yet it is easier to listen on the Caldera, Better for background listening. Natalie's voice is a bit warmer on the Caldera.

'Code Cool' by Patricia Barber, the repeating bass line is a little more prominant on the Caldera but again less texture.
Also, Patricia Barbers' sibilance is easier on the ears on the Caldera. Her sibilance doesn't bother me on the HEKU but its not for background listening while on it can be on the Caldera.

'In the Air Tonight' by Phil Collins... the Caldera gives a slightly more emotional presentation. Phil's
voice is just a bit more distant which is better for this song. However, the famous drum crescendo is more realistic to me on the HEKU due its better texture.

'Angel' by Massive Attack, sounds more rumbly for lack of a better word on the Caldera. Also, this track has a 'tick' sound that alternates back and forth with a low rumble. This tick sounds almost too forward on the HEKU. On the Caldera and the Sus, this tick is not as forward. Horace Andy's voice is better on the HEKU, a bit more forward as this is a track with a lot of energy. On Caldera, his voice is a bit more distant. Almost too distant, but I can see how some may like that better.

'Teardrop' by Massive Attack, from the same album as above, Elizabeth Fraser's voice is warmer on the Caldera. Sweeter. A very easy listen. The Caldera was my favorite headphone to listen to this song. The HEKU is now my favorite. Her voice is cleaner and dare I say more sublime. While not as clean or detailed as I first listened to on my old HD600s, its the closest, tonally, on the HEKU than anything else I have.

'Drums of Death' by FKA twigs... Caldera has a touch louder oomph as I wrote, but less texture. HEKU sounds deeper with more texture and is faster on the repeated drum line transitions and on her repeated voice line at the beginnning of the song. Faster, clearer, and cleaner on the HEKU. But not too drastic, just noticeable.

'Uptown' by Primal Scream, the bass line, again more texture on the HEKU but the echo between the beats of the bass line seem bigger or deeper on the Caldera. Then when the singing starts with the repeated vocals of 'Uptown, uptown....' the HEKU has a clearer, cleaner separation of the overlapped singers than on the Caldera.

'Skinny' by Billie Eilish.... both beautiful presentations, just different. Closer on the HEKU than Caldera, but not one better than the other. Billie's closely miced vocals sound great on both. Just a matter of how close you want her to be. Lean in to the closeness with the HEKU or add some distance with the Caldera.

'Nude' by Radiohead... just bigger and grander on the HEKU. This whole album has a big emotional impact for me based on when it came out and events of my life. Suffice to say, I cried and stopped taking notes.


What I've learned from all these comparisons...
Caldera ia great for easier listening. Great for multitasking. I've done work while listening to many songs on the Caldera. However, its not boreing at all. It's just that he HEKU can at times be more forward in the vocals and has more treble. At times, I stop working while listening to the HEKU due that difference. The Susvara is better than both for listening while doing work. More polite than both....
Both the HEKU and the Sus are a bit more resolving than the Caldera but not too noticeable.
I've learned to appreciate bass texture far more than I did before this comparison as well..

The Caldera appears more colored to me with a pleasant, warmer presentation than the Sus and HE1000 Unveiled. Sus appears the most natural as people often call it. HE1000 Unveiled is just a tad brighter than Sus and may be more noticeable on poorer recordings. But on a great recording that brightness does help with the soundstage beatifully.

 

[yrstruly]

I finally got around to do some comparisons with the HE1000 Unveiled to the Caldera and Sus OG.
I listened to the HEKU for 3 months straight before doing this comparison so my ears have adjusted heavily to it.
Also, my first real headphone I bought over 20 years ago, still have, and compare everything as a reference to is my HD600s.

To no ones surprise the HEKU is closer to the Sus than to the Caldera.
The HEKU is close in detail and speed to the Sus. The treble on the Sus is just a little bit more polite
but not too much. The mids on the HEKU are more forward than the Sus, less ethereal than Sus, but again not a drastic distance. But enough to own both in my opinion.

Compared to the Caldera, the HEKU is definately brighter.
The vocals are bit more distant on the Caldera as well. Drums and bass lines have slighly more ooomph on the Caldera but less texture as compared to the HEKU. And the treble is definately more recessed somewhat. Not to say the Caldera doesn't have texture but it appears to lack texture in comparison to the HEKU and I beleive its due to the more recessed treble.

I listened to quite a few songs and took some notes when comparing the HEKU to the Caldera.

'Cola' by Arlo Parks sounds sweeter on the Caldera but feels like sometihing is missing.

'Carnival' by Natalie Merchant, the drums appear more hollow on the Caldera. I easily notice less texture, yet it is easier to listen on the Caldera, Better for background listening. Natalie's voice is a bit warmer on the Caldera.

'Code Cool' by Patricia Barber, the repeating bass line is a little more prominant on the Caldera but again less texture.
Also, Patricia Barbers' sibilance is easier on the ears on the Caldera. Her sibilance doesn't bother me on the HEKU but its not for background listening while on it can be on the Caldera.

'In the Air Tonight' by Phil Collins... the Caldera gives a slightly more emotional presentation. Phil's
voice is just a bit more distant which is better for this song. However, the famous drum crescendo is more realistic to me on the HEKU due its better texture.

'Angel' by Massive Attack, sounds more rumbly for lack of a better word on the Caldera. Also, this track has a 'tick' sound that alternates back and forth with a low rumble. This tick sounds almost too forward on the HEKU. On the Caldera and the Sus, this tick is not as forward. Horace Andy's voice is better on the HEKU, a bit more forward as this is a track with a lot of energy. On Caldera, his voice is a bit more distant. Almost too distant, but I can see how some may like that better.

'Teardrop' by Massive Attack, from the same album as above, Elizabeth Fraser's voice is warmer on the Caldera. Sweeter. A very easy listen. The Caldera was my favorite headphone to listen to this song. The HEKU is now my favorite. Her voice is cleaner and dare I say more sublime. While not as clean or detailed as I first listened to on my old HD600s, its the closest, tonally, on the HEKU than anything else I have.

'Drums of Death' by FKA twigs... Caldera has a touch louder oomph as I wrote, but less texture. HEKU sounds deeper with more texture and is faster on the repeated drum line transitions and on her repeated voice line at the beginnning of the song. Faster, clearer, and cleaner on the HEKU. But not too drastic, just noticeable.

'Uptown' by Primal Scream, the bass line, again more texture on the HEKU but the echo between the beats of the bass line seem bigger or deeper on the Caldera. Then when the singing starts with the repeated vocals of 'Uptown, uptown....' the HEKU has a clearer, cleaner separation of the overlapped singers than on the Caldera.

'Skinny' by Billie Eilish.... both beautiful presentations, just different. Closer on the HEKU than Caldera, but not one better than the other. Billie's closely miced vocals sound great on both. Just a matter of how close you want her to be. Lean in to the closeness with the HEKU or add some distance with the Caldera.

'Nude' by Radiohead... just bigger and grander on the HEKU. This whole album has a big emotional impact for me based on when it came out and events of my life. Suffice to say, I cried and stopped taking notes.


What I've learned from all these comparisons...
Caldera ia great for easier listening. Great for multitasking. I've done work while listening to many songs on the Caldera. However, its not boreing at all. It's just that he HEKU can at times be more forward in the vocals and has more treble. At times, I stop working while listening to the HEKU due that difference. The Susvara is better than both for listening while doing work. More polite than both....
Both the HEKU and the Sus are a bit more resolving than the Caldera but not too noticeable.
I've learned to appreciate bass texture far more than I did before this comparison as well..

The Caldera appears more colored to me with a pleasant, warmer presentation than the Sus and HE1000 Unveiled. Sus appears the most natural as people often call it. HE1000 Unveiled is just a tad brighter than Sus and may be more noticeable on poorer recordings. But on a great recording that brightness does help with the soundstage beatifully.

Did you find the HEKU to lack dynamics? When comparing to the HEKSE it came off a tad polite and muted dynamically, and I’d imagine the Caldera beats it on that metric based on what I’ve read about the Caldera (although haven’t managed to test it myself at length).

 

[andybogo]

What do you think? For classical orchestral sound ( Beethoven Synphonien ) could the HE1000 U be better than the OG Susvara? I know only HE1000 U on an transistor amp. I have a HE1000 U but im thinking also to buy a second hand OG Susvara for work listening. But only i find it for 3000 Dollars/Euro.

 

[marhol]

I finally got around to do some comparisons with the HE1000 Unveiled to the Caldera and Sus OG.
I listened to the HEKU for 3 months straight before doing this comparison so my ears have adjusted heavily to it.
Also, my first real headphone I bought over 20 years ago, still have, and compare everything as a reference to is my HD600s.

Thank you very much for your very informative and detailed comparison with mentioned test songs. That was very enjoyable and valuable. I really liked your impressions, you pointed exactly stronger points of each headphone in these test songs. Well done.
Hopefully I will get a chance to demo HE1000 Unveiled with possible comparison to my He1000 V2 (non Stealth) and possibly Arya Unveiled and Susvara(OG and maybe Unveiled) in the second half of April. I have heard Susvara Unveiled and could compare it with HEK v2 and original Susvara. I´m really curious about bass impact and generally bass presence of HEKu and AryaU against HEKv2 because Susvara UNV wasn´t as good as OG Susvara and HEK v2 in that regard... As for frequency response all Unveiled models look similarly neutrally tuned and I have no complains there at all.

 

[edwina77]

Did you find the HEKU to lack dynamics? When comparing to the HEKSE it came off a tad polite and muted dynamically, and I’d imagine the Caldera beats it on that metric based on what I’ve read about the Caldera (although haven’t managed to test it myself at length).

I've never heard the HEKSE so I can not make any comparisons there.

As for dynamics between Caldera and HEKU, HEKU is faster than Caldera but Caldera hits a little harder on the low end. I tried to volume match around the vocals as best I could when making these comparisons. On the Bliss on low-Z, the Caldera was almost always 2 steps louder than the HEKU. Most songs were around -43 for HEKU, and -41 for Caldera on Bliss. This is playing DSD as well via HQPlayer to the Spring 3.

What do you think? For classical orchestral sound ( Beethoven Synphonien ) could the HE1000 U be better than the OG Susvara? I know only HE1000 U on an transistor amp. I have a HE1000 U but im thinking also to buy a second hand OG Susvara for work listening. But only i find it for 3000 Dollars/Euro.

As I primarily bought the HEKU for the more forward vocals, I didn't listen to very much classical during these past months. Looking through my Roon playback history, the only classical I listened to this month were a few different renditions of Dvorak's 9th.

I will try another comparison specifically for classical in the near future. Testing classical is also more time consuming. With the higher volume range of classical and widely varying degrees of volume mastering, it requires more volume adjustments. And picking a frequency to volume match against is harder for classical, while with songs, I easily volume match around vocals.

For Sus OG, classical has been a very beautiful experience that I prefer to listen with over the Caldera.

 

[marhol]

Somewhat silent in this thread... Next week I am going to demo this headphone along with Arya Unveiled and Susvara Unveiled and will definetely report back. Maybe even with Meze Elite cameo. I am mainly curious about HE1000 V2 (OG) and HEKu comparison.
At least some new reviews appeared recently:
https://www.ecoustics.com/reviews/hifiman-he1000-unveiled-headphones/
https://www.chifi.fr/test-hifiman-he1000-unveiled/
with the transcript here: https://headmania.org/2025/04/16/from-skeptic-to-believer-the-he-1000se-unveiled-experience/
In the video there is simple suggestion how to remove metal plates without worry, starts at 4:15 till cca 5:10. Thanks to @dan.gheorghe

 

[andrewchoppa]

Somewhat silent in this thread... Next week I am going to demo this headphone along with Arya Unveiled and Susvara Unveiled and will definetely report back. Maybe even with Meze Elite cameo. I am mainly curious about HE1000 V2 (OG) and HEKu comparison.
At least some new reviews appeared recently:
https://www.ecoustics.com/reviews/hifiman-he1000-unveiled-headphones/
https://www.chifi.fr/test-hifiman-he1000-unveiled/
with the transcript here: https://headmania.org/2025/04/16/from-skeptic-to-believer-the-he-1000se-unveiled-experience/
In the video there is simple suggestion how to remove metal plates without worry, starts at 4:15 till cca 5:10. Thanks to @dan.gheorghe

Well well well......My HEK Stealths are my alltime favourite allrounders. I've deomed almost every mainstream TOTL and owned a couple.
I have the HEK UVs in for a play.....As soon a s aiput them on, without ABing or listening to anything else prior, immediately I thought Theses are MAGNIFICENT!!!!!! Like TOTL Endgame MAGNIFICICENT!!!!!! I've only played them on a 20 yr old Talisman T3-H i bought recently cheaply, out from My Geshelli Dayzee, and I am just simply shocked........
They seem to do everything my Stealths do but soooooooo much better. They're not massively dynamic, or punchy or bass canons but they for me, are reasonably neutral and do everything right!!! Bass on them is amazing (without being bass canons), they pack a wonderful punch (without being hugely dynamic or slamming), are clear as the day, instruments go all around me, and can be picked individually. Mids are for me, perfect. Treble is in abundance but not in any way harsh or shrill or sibilant. The balance of tuning is just marvelous.
I'm admittedly a huge Hifiman fanboy and I wanted very much to love these after reading the myriad reviews in Googleland, and wow - was I NOT disappointed???
Comfort is just spot on and I love the look of the all silver and black. I don't care about the covers or the fact they need to be well treated - if I eve get a pair, mine will be!
I've tried Sus OG many times and Sus UV (from the friend that lent me these) and yes, they are wonderful cans but the HEK UV are, like baby bear's porridge..........just right!!
As mentioned, I've only had a short time with these on a 20 yr old amp, so will listen to them this weekend on all my different gear, and compare them to the Stealths, and report back.
But I can unashamedly say these are now on my Christmas list (2036 given their price haha).

 

[sahmen]

I also just saw this as well. Posting it here, although I do not find his jokes about tariff-related pricing too funny :

 

[andrewchoppa]

I also just saw this as well. Posting it here, although I do not find his jokes about tariff-related pricing too funny :

He's a great reviewer!! Very knowledgeable and helpful bloke!

What's wrong with his one line about it being so expensive in the USA?? It's not his fault what Trump has caused, and although a bit tongue in cheek (that's what humour is), it's true.

Anyway, cheers.

 

[joseph69]

I am mainly curious about HE1000 V2 (OG)

Own mine since '18 and have been listening to them consecutively for the past coupe of weeks, which I always enjoy immensely.

 

[marhol]

Own mine since '18 and have been listening to them consecutively for the past coupe of weeks, which I always enjoy immensely.

Yes, I also own HE1000 V2 since 2018 and it still is my favourite Hifiman model.
Yesterday I vistited high end shop in my country and had a chance to listen HE1000 Unveiled as well as Arya Unveiled and could compare it with my HEK v2.
My source of DAC/amp was my iBasso DX300 MAX as both models were relatively easy to drive. I also tried Susvara Unveiled which were considerably harder to drive and He1000 Stealth.
All Unveiled models (all have 2.5mm 3.5 mm sockets) were connected through Meze 4.4mm cable to balanced output of DX300 MAX able to provide around 1.3 Watt into 32 Ohm.
Of course not ideal for Susvara but I listen at moderate volumes, so for simple assessment of these headphones it was more or less sufficient for me. Listened genres were mainly rock, with some pop and classical.

Well I was really impressed with all Unveiled models but the most impressive for me were HE1000 Unveiled. My listening session took around 2 hours in a relatively quiet environment but take my impressions with a grain of salt, because:
1) as I said Susvara could certainly do with some more Watts
2) I evaluated 5 Hifiman headphones at the "same" time, so these are much more subjective impressions than proper comparisons.
3) I am in early 40´s, my hearing is fine, but I am not 18 anymore.

HE1000 Unveiled general observation -light and very comfortable, from my point of view quite nice looking headphones (nicer in person than on pictures) although TBH as for look I prefer that original design with grilles.
The sound of HEK UV is well balanced, effortless, vivid, fluid, coherent, impactful, dynamic, holographic, transparent...
I read a lot of impressions and was curious mainly about the bass performance vs my HEK v2. I have to say I was a little bit worried about bass abilities of these new Unveiled models because Susvara Unveiled did not convince me in bass vs Susvara OG. Despite the later is even more harder to drive I was more impressed by bass heft and impact of the original Susvara vs the Unveiled version in H2H comparison on my DX300 Max (both in balanced mode) earlier in the autumn of 2024. Well on He1000 UNV the bass is great, in my opinion stronger and beefier than on Susvara Unv. I would say HE1000 UNV has to my ears also slightly stronger and more impactful subbass vs HE1000 V2 and HE1000 Stealth. Bass and subbass have also great texture and detail. Arya Unveiled has also strong bass and subbass, maybe even heavier but slightly less controlled vs HE1000 UNV.

As for midrange HE1000 UNV has slightly improved overall timbre, vocals and instruments have a bit more body, detail and presence vs HEK v2 and Stealth. I also noticed electric guitars sounded fuller (more akin to listening via speakers) vs HEKv2 and Stealth. Arya UNV had also very nice midrange, with excellent vocal timbre.

In treble HE1000 UV is less prone to sibilance vs HEK v2 and HEK Stealth. But HE1000 UNV is certainly not forgiving headphone either. If the song carries sibilance HE1000 UNV will show it (as well Susvara and all mentioned Hifiman models) Most forgiving in terms of perceived sibilance were Arya UNV. Treble in HE1000 UNV was nicely detailed and cymbals had a bit more lifelike shimmer vs Arya UNV.

Summary:

HE1000 UNV vs HE1000 V2 (OG) - Unveiled is technically more advanced version while retaining the same sense of effortless musicality like HEKv2. It is slightly more detailed in all areas - bass, midrange, treble, it is more dynamic with more impactful subbass, fuller midrange and calmer treble. Soundstage is great as well, at least as wide as HEK v2, possibly even slightly wider with more precise imaging. But I have to say HEK v2 sounded very balanced and detailed even with comparison to Susvara UNV and HEK UNV and held its own in technicalities vs these newer models. To be honest I still preferred HEK v2 overall at least with DX300 MAX and at least for rock music against Susvara Unveiled and Susvara OG.

HE1000 V2 vs HE1000 Stealth - very very similar sound and overall tonality, from limited H2H comparison I would say HEK v2 to me had slightly wider soundstage and slightly smoother sound.

HE1000 UNV vs Arya UNV - more balanced and versatile tuning vs their older versions (HEK, Arya). Both technically very competent with great soundstage, I would say HE1000 UNV sound was slightly more effortless, slightly more open and slightly cleaner, especially in bass and treble. Arya bass was a bit boomier, heavier and treble sounds were not as precisely delineated as in HE1000 UNV. On the other hand Arya Unv had slightly smoother midrange and treble. Vocals were a bit more forgiving for sibilance vs HE1000 UNV.

HE1000 UNV vs Susvara UNV - similar tonality, both sounding very open and clean. From my perspective HE1000 UNV presented more body and heft in bass and thus were more preferable for me in genres like rock, prog rock/metal or some soundtracks where bass/subbass was important. E.g. I compared both in Hans Zimmer - Barbarian Horde (from Gladiator) both were excellent but HE1000 UNV sounded with that more pronounced bass even more enjoyable and "menacing" than Susvara UNV...
Vivaldi - Four Seasons - a toss up, both excellent in portraying violins and soundstage. Would need more time to discern differences between both headphones. But did not feel HE1000 UNV lagging much, if at all vs Susvara UNV... For me personally HE1000 UNV seems more balanced in bass-midrange-treble vs SUS UNV, at least on iBasso DX300 MAX. But to be fair Susvara is much harder to drive and with powerful desktop amp SUSu would certainly show more muscles at the bottom end...


HE1000 UNV is IMO the enhanced version of HE1000 v2. I havent heard HE1000SE but to me HEK Unveiled is upgrade vs HEK v2 not only in technicalities but also in tonality. I liked HEK UNV so much that I decided to purchase this version of HE1000. I should be getting new HEK UNV tomorrow. During the weekend I should add some new impressions vs HE1000 V2 and report back about synergy with Chord Dave.

P.S. Unfortunately I did not have enough time to try Meze line (Elite, Poet, Empyrean 2). But I would like to return to Techhouse in Bratislava, SVK to listen these models as well during my summer vacations.

 

[Turnaround]

HE1000 UNV vs Arya UNV - more balanced and versatile tuning vs their older versions (HEK, Arya). Both technically very competent with great soundstage, I would say HE1000 UNV sound was slightly more effortless, slightly more open and slightly cleaner, especially in bass and treble. Arya bass was a bit boomier, heavier and treble sounds were not as precisely delineated as in HE1000 UNV. On the other hand Arya Unv had slightly smoother midrange and treble. Vocals were a bit more forgiving for sibilance vs HE1000 UNV.

I picked the Arya Unveiled over the HE1000 Unveiled, when I compared the two. I do think the unveiled version of each is generally better than their prior versions.

I found the HE1000 Unveilved to be brighter than the Arya Unveiled, but not in a bothersome way like the Arya Organic (which is annoyingly bright to my ears). The HE1000 Unveiled has a larger and wider soundstage than the Arya Unveiled. The Arya Unveiled presents more full-bodied images (more meat on the bones) than the HE1000 Unveiled. These were the most obvious differences I heard comparing these headphones. The HE1000 Unveiled is more refined than the Arya Unveiled in some ways.

Tallying the main pros and cons for me, I preferred the larger soundstage on the HE1000 Unveiled, but I preferred the Arya Unveiled's top end and the more full-bodied images it cast. I thought the HE1000 Unveiled was technically better in some ways, but not worth the extra $1000 for me. If the price were the same, it would have been a toss of the coin which one I would have picked.

 

[silversurfer616]

Yes, I also own HE1000 V2 since 2018 and it still is my favourite Hifiman model.
Yesterday I vistited high end shop in my country and had a chance to listen HE1000 Unveiled as well as Arya Unveiled and could compare it with my HEK v2.
My source of DAC/amp was my iBasso DX300 MAX as both models were relatively easy to drive. I also tried Susvara Unveiled which were considerably harder to drive and He1000 Stealth.
All Unveiled models (all have 2.5mm sockets) were connected through Meze 4.4mm cable to balanced output of DX300 MAX able to provide around 1.3 Watt into 32 Ohm.
Of course not ideal for Susvara but I listen at moderate volumes, so for simple assessment of these headphones it was more or less sufficient for me. Listened genres were mainly rock, with some pop and classical.

Well I was really impressed with all Unveiled models but the most impressive for me were HE1000 Unveiled. My listening session took around 2 hours in a relatively quiet environment but take my impressions with a grain of salt, because:
1) as I said Susvara could certainly do with some more Watts
2) I evaluated 5 Hifiman headphones at the "same" time, so these are much more subjective impressions than proper comparisons.
3) I am in early 40´s, my hearing is fine, but I am not 18 anymore.

HE1000 Unveiled general observation -light and very comfortable, from my point of view quite nice looking headphones (nicer in person than on pictures) although TBH as for look I prefer that original design with grilles.
The sound of HEK UV is well balanced, effortless, vivid, fluid, coherent, impactful, dynamic, holographic, transparent...
I read a lot impressions and was curious mainly about the bass performance vs my HEK v2. I have to say I was a little bit worried about bass abilities of these new Unveiled models because Susvara Unveiled did not convince me in bass vs Susvara OG. Despite the later is even more harder to drive I was more impressed by bass heft and impact of the original Susvara vs the Unveiled version in H2H comparison on my DX300 Max (both in balanced mode) earlier in the autumn of 2024. Well on He1000 UNV the bass is great, in my opinion stronger and beefier than on Susvara Unv. I would say HE1000 UNV has to my ears also slightly stronger and more impactful subbass vs HE1000 V2 and HE1000 Stealth. Bass and subbass have also great texture and detail. Arya Unveiled has also strong bass and subbass, maybe even heavier but slightly less controlled vs HE1000 UNV.

As for midrange HE1000 UNV has slightly improved overall timbre, vocals and instruments have a bit more body, detail and presence vs HEK v2 and Stealth. I also noticed electric guitars sounded fuller (more akin to listening via speakers) vs HEKv2 and Stealth. Arya UNV had also very nice midrange, with excellent vocal timbre.

In treble HE1000 UV is less prone to sibilance vs HEK v2 and HEK Stealth. But HE1000 UNV is certainly not forgiving headphone either. If the song carries sibilance HE1000 UNV will show it (as well Susvara and all mentioned Hifiman models) Most forgiving in terms of perceived sibilance were Arya UNV. Treble in HE1000 UNV was nicely detailed and cymbals had a bit more lifelike shimmer vs Arya UNV.

Summary:

HE1000 UNV vs HE1000 V2 (OG) - Unveiled is technically more advanced version while retaining the same sense of effortless musicality like HEKv2. It is slightly more detailed in all areas - bass, midrange, treble, it is more dynamic with more impactful subbass, fuller midrange and calmer treble. Soundstage is great as well, at least as wide as HEK v2, possibly even slightly wider with more precise imaging. But I have to say HEK v2 sounded very balanced and detailed even with comparison to Susvara UNV and HEK UNV and held its own in technicalities vs these newer models. To by honest I still preferred HEK v2 overall at least with DX300 MAX and at least for rock music against Susvara Unveiled and Susvara OG.

HE1000 V2 vs HE1000 Stealth - very very similar sound and overall tonality, from limited H2H comparison I would say HEK v2 to me had slightly wider soundstage and slightly smoother sound.

HE1000 UNV vs Arya UNV - more balanced and versatile tuning vs their older versions (HEK, Arya). Both technically very competent with great soundstage, I would say HE1000 UNV sound was slightly more effortless, slightly more open and slightly cleaner, especially in bass and treble. Arya bass was a bit boomier, heavier and treble sounds were not as precisely delineated as in HE1000 UNV. On the other hand Arya Unv had slightly smoother midrange and treble. Vocals were a bit more forgiving for sibilance vs HE1000 UNV.

HE1000 UNV vs Susvara UNV - similar tonality, both sounding very open and clean. From my perspective HE1000 UNV presented more body and heft in bass and thus were for me more preferable for genres like rock, prog rock/metal or some soundtracks where bass/subbass was important. E.g. I compared both in Hans Zimmer - Barbarian Horde (from Gladiator) both were excellent but HE1000 UNV sounded with that more pronounced bass even more enjoyable and "menacing" than Susvara UNV...
Vivaldi - Four Seasons - a toss up, both excellent in portraying violins and soundstage. Would need more time to discern differences between both headphones. But did not feel HE1000 UNV lagging much, if at all vs Susvara UNV... For me personally HE1000 UNV seems more balanced in bass-midrange-treble vs SUS UNV, at least on iBasso DX300 MAX. But to be fair Susvara is much harder to drive and with powerful desktop amp SUSu would certainly show more muscles at the bottom end...


HE1000 UNV is IMO the enhanced version of HE1000 v2. I havent heard HE1000SE but to me HEK Unveiled is upgrade vs HEK v2 not only in technicalities but also in tonality. I liked HEK UNV so much that I decided to purchase this version of HE1000. I should be getting new HEK UNV tomorrow. During the weekend I should add some new impressions vs HE1000 V2 and report back about synergy with Chord Dave.

P.S. Unfortunately I did not have enough time to try Meze line (Elite, Poet, Empyrean 2). But I would like to return to Techhouse in Bratislava, SVK to listen these models as well during my summer vacations.

Slight correction…all Hifiman UV models have 3.5 sockets/connectors.

 

[up late]

I finally got around to do some comparisons with the HE1000 Unveiled to the Caldera and Sus OG.
I listened to the HEKU for 3 months straight before doing this comparison so my ears have adjusted heavily to it.
Also, my first real headphone I bought over 20 years ago, still have, and compare everything as a reference to is my HD600s.

To no ones surprise the HEKU is closer to the Sus than to the Caldera.
The HEKU is close in detail and speed to the Sus. The treble on the Sus is just a little bit more polite
but not too much. The mids on the HEKU are more forward than the Sus, less ethereal than Sus, but again not a drastic distance. But enough to own both in my opinion.

Compared to the Caldera, the HEKU is definately brighter.
The vocals are bit more distant on the Caldera as well. Drums and bass lines have slighly more ooomph on the Caldera but less texture as compared to the HEKU. And the treble is definately more recessed somewhat. Not to say the Caldera doesn't have texture but it appears to lack texture in comparison to the HEKU and I beleive its due to the more recessed treble.

I listened to quite a few songs and took some notes when comparing the HEKU to the Caldera.

'Cola' by Arlo Parks sounds sweeter on the Caldera but feels like sometihing is missing.

'Carnival' by Natalie Merchant, the drums appear more hollow on the Caldera. I easily notice less texture, yet it is easier to listen on the Caldera, Better for background listening. Natalie's voice is a bit warmer on the Caldera.

'Code Cool' by Patricia Barber, the repeating bass line is a little more prominant on the Caldera but again less texture.
Also, Patricia Barbers' sibilance is easier on the ears on the Caldera. Her sibilance doesn't bother me on the HEKU but its not for background listening while on it can be on the Caldera.

'In the Air Tonight' by Phil Collins... the Caldera gives a slightly more emotional presentation. Phil's
voice is just a bit more distant which is better for this song. However, the famous drum crescendo is more realistic to me on the HEKU due its better texture.

'Angel' by Massive Attack, sounds more rumbly for lack of a better word on the Caldera. Also, this track has a 'tick' sound that alternates back and forth with a low rumble. This tick sounds almost too forward on the HEKU. On the Caldera and the Sus, this tick is not as forward. Horace Andy's voice is better on the HEKU, a bit more forward as this is a track with a lot of energy. On Caldera, his voice is a bit more distant. Almost too distant, but I can see how some may like that better.

'Teardrop' by Massive Attack, from the same album as above, Elizabeth Fraser's voice is warmer on the Caldera. Sweeter. A very easy listen. The Caldera was my favorite headphone to listen to this song. The HEKU is now my favorite. Her voice is cleaner and dare I say more sublime. While not as clean or detailed as I first listened to on my old HD600s, its the closest, tonally, on the HEKU than anything else I have.

'Drums of Death' by FKA twigs... Caldera has a touch louder oomph as I wrote, but less texture. HEKU sounds deeper with more texture and is faster on the repeated drum line transitions and on her repeated voice line at the beginnning of the song. Faster, clearer, and cleaner on the HEKU. But not too drastic, just noticeable.

'Uptown' by Primal Scream, the bass line, again more texture on the HEKU but the echo between the beats of the bass line seem bigger or deeper on the Caldera. Then when the singing starts with the repeated vocals of 'Uptown, uptown....' the HEKU has a clearer, cleaner separation of the overlapped singers than on the Caldera.

'Skinny' by Billie Eilish.... both beautiful presentations, just different. Closer on the HEKU than Caldera, but not one better than the other. Billie's closely miced vocals sound great on both. Just a matter of how close you want her to be. Lean in to the closeness with the HEKU or add some distance with the Caldera.

'Nude' by Radiohead... just bigger and grander on the HEKU. This whole album has a big emotional impact for me based on when it came out and events of my life. Suffice to say, I cried and stopped taking notes.


What I've learned from all these comparisons...
Caldera ia great for easier listening. Great for multitasking. I've done work while listening to many songs on the Caldera. However, its not boreing at all. It's just that he HEKU can at times be more forward in the vocals and has more treble. At times, I stop working while listening to the HEKU due that difference. The Susvara is better than both for listening while doing work. More polite than both....
Both the HEKU and the Sus are a bit more resolving than the Caldera but not too noticeable.
I've learned to appreciate bass texture far more than I did before this comparison as well..

The Caldera appears more colored to me with a pleasant, warmer presentation than the Sus and HE1000 Unveiled. Sus appears the most natural as people often call it. HE1000 Unveiled is just a tad brighter than Sus and may be more noticeable on poorer recordings. But on a great recording that brightness does help with the soundstage beatifully.

i hope to compare all three of these headphones in the near future. based on your impressions, it appears that that both the og susvara and the he1000 unveiled are more resolving than the caldera. do they have more open presentations as well?

with regard to the og susvara and the he1000 unveiled, can you expand on the similarities and differences that you hear between them?