Headphones — Sennheiser HE 1

The HE 1 is a legendary flagship electrostatic headphone system from Sennheiser, built with an extraordinarily wide bandwidth and exceptional sensitivity. The HE 1 represents Sennheiser's most ambitious current statement in headphone engineering, widely regarded as among the most accomplished headphone systems ever produced.

Key specs that matter

The transducer uses electrostatic or planar-magnetic driver technology in a wired configuration. Frequency response spans an extraordinary 8Hz to 80,000Hz within plus-or-minus 10dB - a remarkable bandwidth extending far beyond conventional audible range. Connection uses a 6.35mm jack. Sensitivity is an exceptional 114dB SPL at 1kHz/1mW - a remarkable figure for an electrostatic design.

Sound and use context

Expect the exceptionally detailed, precisely engineered character genuine electrostatic driver technology is broadly celebrated for, delivered at Sennheiser's absolute flagship engineering tier, widely regarded among the most accomplished headphone systems ever produced.

Pairing

As an electrostatic headphone system, the HE 1 requires its own dedicated matched electrostatic amplifier unit, typically supplied as a complete system rather than paired with third-party electrostatic amplifiers.

Alternatives

Other manufacturers' flagship electrostatic headphone systems, such as Stax's SR-009D, offer alternatives for buyers wanting to compare similarly ambitious electrostatic engineering.