HiFiMan HE1000 V4

The fourth revision of HiFiMan's nanometer-diaphragm flagship platform — the HE1000 that once anchored the top of the range, now positioned where serious first purchases happen. The window-shade grille, the oversized ear cups and the wide, effortless stage all carry over.

This is the sensible entry into summit-tier planars: for the buyer who wants to hear what the fuss is about without ordering conversation-piece hardware.

Know before buying: it is fully open — everyone in the room listens with you — and the cups are genuinely large, which suits big heads and long sessions more than commutes. A desktop amplifier is strongly recommended; it will play from less, quietly and without conviction.