HiFiMAN has introduced the HE1000 Unveiled ($2,699), a follow-up to one of its most popular open-back planar magnetic headphones. Its “unveiled” technology adds a removable back panel that first debuted in the HiFiMAN’s flagship headphone, Susvara Unveiled ($8,000).
The removable back panel is called a Magnetic Veil. When not in use, it simply acts as a protective shield. During listening it’s removed to maximize the exposure rate of the grills. The company says its nanometer-thick diaphragm is so lightweight that reflections from the grill disturb the movement pattern of the diaphragm.
As Dr. Fang Bian, Founder and CEO, HIFIMAN Electronics explains: “The most effective way to avoid sound wave reflections and refractions from the grill is to eliminate the entirety of the grill design, leading to complete openness of the diaphragm. The result is sound that is demonstrably more detailed and open, which is why we refer to this approach as ‘unveiled’ technology.”
In addition, use of Stealth Magnet technology claims to achieve maximum sound transmittance and diaphragm control force at a refined balance point. Its purpose is to reduce distortion to a bare minimum for sound that is naturally warmer, with improved imaging and transparency.
Stealth Magnet technology is notable for an asymmetrical, double-sided magnetic circuit that gradually adjusts the magnet’s gap and cross-sectional shape, both inside and outside of the diaphragm.
Specifications Compared
| HE1000 V4 | HE1000 Unveiled | |
| MSRP | $1,399 | $2,699 |
| Sensitivity | 93 dB | 95 dB |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz-65KHz | 8Hz-65KHz |
| Driver Type | Planar Magnetic | Planar Magnetic |
| Impedance | 32Ω | 28Ω |
| Headphone Weight | 458 grams | 450 grams (excluding magnetic veils and cable |
Package Contents:
- Pair of headphones
- 3m headphone cable (4-pin XLR plug)
- 3m headphone cable (6.35mm plug)
- 1.5m headphone cable (3.5mm plug)
- Pair of Magnetic Veils
- Pair of ear pads (mounted on headphone)
- Owner’s Guide
“Following up the recent success of the Susvara Unveiled, we are proud to bring the Magnetic Veil design to one of our most popular high-fidelity headphone series to date,” says Dr. Bian. “It’s a point of differentiation that sets the HE1000 Unveiled apart from every other headphone in its price class.”
Initial Impressions
Planar magnetic headphones have come a long way over the past decade and it’s exciting to those of us who love headphone listening to see how companies such as HiFiMAN, Audeze, Dan Clark Audio, and Meze Audio are always trying to raise the bar with each new product cycle.
None of that innovation negates the sonic performance of the current crop of high-end planar headphones and we’re very curious to listen to these at CanJam SoCal 2024 this weekend to ascertain if the naked drivers truly make a difference.
The HE1000 Unveiled are not inexpensive at $2,700 USD and they enter the market against some strong competition from the aforementioned brands. HiFiMAN has introduced some excellent sounding headphones over the past few years and each new model has been easier to drive — which is one of the knocks against full-sized planar magnetic headphones.
We can’t wait to hear how these perform with a really high-end DAP and desktop amplifiers.
Price & Availability
The HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled are available for pre-order now for $2,699 at the HiFiMAN’s online store with an October 2024 expected ship date.
The previous version known as HE1000 Stealth Magnet (V4) is available for $1,399 at Amazon or Headphones.com.
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