Packaging and Accessories

HIFIMAN operates a web shop, and this sample shipped directly from the company, so we begin with the shipping packaging, since this is how paying customers would receive the HE1000 Stealth. The shipping box is appropriately sized, although with HIFIMAN stickers on multiple sides and one mentioning the contents inside. I will once again mention my preference for a stealthier approach, especially knowing these are expensive headphones. Inside is the product box, which comes in a shaped-to-fit bubble wrap and foam sheets on all sides, for further protection from overzealous couriers.


I was admittedly curious if the HE1000 Stealth also fell prey to the minimalist product box design HIFIMAN has been using for its less expensive headphones. Clearly yes, given we see a plain cardboard box with sticker labels as opposed to full banderoles. On the front is the company logo and product name with a sticker confirming this uses HIFIMAN's stealth magnets, as well as a small render of the headphones. Product specifications are on the side with the back taken up by another view of the headphones and their salient marketing features. Seals on the sides keep the contents inside in place, and opening the box reveals an accessory box at the top and the headphones packed underneath.


The accessory box has QR codes for warranty, registration, and a notice informing you will get six additional months of warranty if you follow them on social media and provide proof. General product support information is also seen here with the product serial numbers listed on the side. HIFIMAN is the only company I know of to have separate serial numbers for the two headphone drivers used here. There is no printed manual anymore, you will have to be content with the online version found here which goes over the design philosophy, user maintenance and upkeep, and provides more information about the various technologies that have gone into the making of this product.


HIFIMAN makes silent—or should I say stealth—changes to the product unboxing experience every so often. Around the same time I got the HE1000 Stealth, I also received the closed-back Audivina (review coming soon) which has a very similar packaging except that it ships inside a handy headphones carry case. I don't believe the HE1000 Stealth has this case included as of the time I write this review, but there may be one sooner than later if they decide to strengthen the accessories for headphones and address one of the complaints people have. This review sample otherwise just has the headphones placed in a machined foam insert for added protection. This comes to good use because HIFIMAN has made one of the foam pieces removable and it just so happens to be shaped like a headphone stand. It's not the most elegant solution but one that works enough to where you can now go from having the headphones inside the box to outside on your desk quite easily. The bottom of this foam piece has anti-slip rubber too.