Open back stage in closed back format
frequency range: 10 - 30000 Hz | sound pressure level: 120 dB | impedance: 68 Ohm | dynamic
The HP1000 impresses above all with its stage extension.
Sound 7.9
Bass Mids Trebles Stage Imaging
8 7.5 7.5 8.5 8
Handling 9
Processing Comfort Earpads Headband Weight
9 9 9 9 412 grams
Total 8.3
Price 300 €
Quickcheck
Pro Contra - detailed and textured - dynamics
- Stage - power hungry
- Comfort - not the best all-rounder
- Processing - tonal fluctuations
Intro
So far, I've been more familiar with SoundMagic's in-ears and am an obvious fan of the E11 in particular.
In fact, there are even some sonic parallels to the company's flagship over-ear model, the HP1000, especially in the bass and midrange, although (to preface this) I appreciate the E11 more for its tonal consistency.
Handling
As expected, the build quality is very good considering the price. I like the simple and slim design, which conveys value and also confirms this haptically. Plastic and aluminum form an attractive symbiosis here.
The comfort is very pleasant due to the soft PU leather (sheepskin) ear pads. Despite the noticeable weight of the headphones, they nestle very well against the head and can also be worn for several hours without any problems. The space inside the ear pads is ample and with the adjustable headband, the HP1000 should fit any anatomical requirements.
The HP1000 comes in a hardcover case along with a cloth pouch, a detachable 3.5mm cable with 6.3mm adapter as well as extension and a 4.4mm upgrade cable. The connection is a bit unusual and looks like a banana jack of a speaker cable split in the middle. Still, the connection is secure and without restrictions.
The isolation is certainly not a selling point and is quite permeable in both directions, which does not really do justice to a closed headphone.
Sound
Bass
In the bass range, the HP1000 is quite balanced, with a slight mid-bass focus. It is not interested in making any bass head claims, but mostly stays in a focused, neutral base posture with pleasant warmth. For me, it is quite well proportioned within the signature and generally does not tend to exaggerate. Sometimes he even lets it go a bit too restrained for my taste. In contrast, however, on rare occasions it is too present in the upper bass and slightly boomy.
A very solid, balanced bass with a warm note, with slight wobbles.
Mids
Basically, the mids are very detailed and of the somewhat brighter variety in the upper range, but slightly warmed up in the basement. This bears the risk of not always acting tonally correct. Voices can sound a bit thin around the top in some cases and fade into the background or sound a bit muffled and too warm. In general, the mids lack a bit of effervescence here and there, but this also depends a lot on the instruments used and their arrangement. For example, guitars tend to have a full character, but violinists or pianos do not always have the desired physicality or an authentic timbre.
Here, the HP1000 turns out to be a bit of a grab bag for my taste and seems somewhat inconsistent as a result. This means that the HP1000's mids can be breathtaking on the one hand, but on the other hand there are also moments where the timbre could be judged as simply off the mark. This is where getting used to the sound plays a role above all. The more you are willing to give the HP1000 some time, the more the mids will unfold their magic, but the tonal fluctuations will always accompany you.
Trebles
The trebles are mainly present in the lower range and around 10 kHz. This ensures that sibilants and sharpness are minimized, but as with the mids, there is a bit of a feeling of not always being on the right track tonally. The emphasis in the upper range can seem a bit artificial, and substance is sometimes lacking. Thus, some songs sound rather slightly brightened and overdrawn in the absolute high frequencies than that the level increase also brings an added value in terms of content. I would gladly trade some "brilliance" for airiness and fullness.
Stage
This is clearly where the HP1000's strength lies. For a closed headphone, the stage extension is enormous and clearly extends beyond the head. However, this is not true to the same extent in the deep.
Imaging
Basically, the HP1000 draws a fine and well-divided 3D image. Even though the X-axis seems much more lush than the Y- or Z-axis, the amount of space and its use surprises one again and again. However, the instrument placement could be a bit more accurate and sharper separated in some cases. Nevertheless, the HP1000 is technically very well positioned and more than lives up to its price tag.
Outro
The HP1000 impresses above all with its stage extension. This is definitely comparable to an open design and is clearly the HP1000's strength. However, you sometimes get the feeling that musical content gets a bit lost in the expanse.
Tonally, the HP1000 can be a bit of a grab bag and in some cases act a bit too thin and uninspired or as a contrast too warm and a bit dull. That's complaining on a high level, but still ensures that I can't give the headphones my complete trust musically, which limits them somewhat for me in daily use and it always takes some getting used to at the beginning in any case. Technically, however, the headphones definitely convince me and those who have their preferences in this area and can put up with the one or other tonal fluctuation should risk an ear.
Thanks to SoundMagic for providing the test headphones.
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