HiFiMan HE-1000 Headphones vs Reference Speakers ?

I heard the Hifiman HE-1000 phones at the Newport and San Francisco audio shows. I think they are amazing! I'm still considering a purchase but hate to abandon my beloved Stax phones. But YES, I could live happily with a pair and a high-quality tube headphone driver unit. Also, I have heard them with digital music players, like the Sony HAP-Z1ES, and the sound quality is stunning.

The review of the Audioquest Nighthawk phones is flawed. The reviewer admits that he is really a speaker guy, has AKG 701 phones as his go-to phones and warns not to critically listen for 150-200 hours minimum (for break-in). I love headphones, but an hour a day is plenty. That means six months before I'm comfortable comparing the Nighthawks to my Stax or even the Hifiman HE-1000 that they compete with. At $600 the Nighthawks are probably a bargain, but I'll stick with my Stax or spring for the Hifiman HE-1000 if I want a change.

Listen to the HiFiman HE-1000 phones for yourself and decide. If AudioQuest can make headphones at $600 that match $3,000 phones, more power to them. I'm guessing they can't. Once you listen to the HE-1000, you'll understand!

Lots of opinions here, but very few from those who have actually heard the Hifiman HE 1000. Hearing is believing! If you don’t agree then that they are amazing, we can talk. The V2 revision probably even improved the sound, and user comfort.