HiFiMAN Arya Review | 93 Data compared

The HiFiMan Arya open-back planar magnetic headphones provide a highly neutral sound profile with exceptional bass extension, delivering a wide, immersive soundstage for audiophiles. Pros include outstanding comfort and consistent frequency response, though the open design causes significant sound leakage and zero noise isolation. While not suitable for commuting due to their bulky design and lack of portability, they excel as a premium, low-distortion option for dedicated, quiet listening environments.

The HIFIMAN AryaGo is characterized in reviews as a bright-neutral, planar magnetic headphone offering immense, well-layered soundstages, exceptional micro-detail resolution, and deep, tactile bass. Users frequently praise its comfortable suspension design and high transparency, positioning it as a top-tier technical performer. Conversely, the headphones feature a distinct 1.5–2kHz midrange dip that can render vocals distant or thin, along with a top-end brightness that may be fatiguing for sensitive listeners. Other mentioned downsides include the use of plastic, a poor stock cable, and the requirement for a powerful amplifier, as noted in the Head-Fi Reviews.

The Hifiman Arya is a matte-black planar magnetic headphone that borrows advanced technology from the premium HE1000v2 to deliver a highly immersive and spacious sound profile. Its standout features include a wide 8–65,000 Hz frequency response, a massive and layered soundstage, and a comfortable, lightweight design featuring hybrid leather-and-velour padding. Acoustically, the Arya excels with a driving, energetic low end that delivers palpable depth, an articulated midrange that improves upon the sterile feel of the cheaper Ananda model, and a detailed, breathtaking high end well-suited for instrumentals. Despite its exceptional fidelity, the Arya has notable drawbacks, particularly regarding its power demands. With a low sound pressure level of 90 dB and a 35-ohm impedance, it requires substantial amplification to achieve peak volume and detail. The review also criticises the lack of a balanced 4.4 mm cable in the box, as it only comes with a single 5 ft (1.5 m) cable terminating in a 6.35 mm plug. Additionally, its high end can occasionally sound slightly bright or piercing compared to more relaxed models. Priced at $1,599, it is an elite,...

The Hifiman Arya V2 (Non-Stealth) is a premium, open-back planar magnetic headphone priced at $1,600 that delivers a lighter-than-expected fit despite its 400g weight. Its design heavily features a dense, high-quality plastic construction and large "SerenityPads" made from synthetic and velour materials. For connectivity, it utilizes a highly compatible dual 3.5mm plug setup that easily accommodates aftermarket cables. However, to achieve its true audio potential, the Arya V2 demands high-quality amplification, as the sound can become noticeably lean when paired with inadequate sources. The headphones present a distinct mix of structural advantages and design drawbacks. On the positive side, the suspension strap headband evenly distributes weight across the head, while the vertical and horizontal cup swivels guarantee a perfect acoustic seal. Conversely, the unboxing experience is notably bare, arriving in a plain cardboard box that completely lacks extra accessories or a balanced XLR cable. Additionally, the headband adjustment mechanism physically scratches the frame when used, and the massive size of the ear cups tends to cause jaw and neck pressure during prolonged listening sessions.

The Hifiman Arya (2021 edition) is a very large, open-back planar magnetic headphone that offers excellent wearing comfort and a lightweight feel despite its slightly heavy physical build. In listening tests, it delivers above-average tonality and outstanding spatial capabilities, creating a highly separated, expansive "miniaturized band" soundstage reminiscent of the Sennheiser HD800s. Structurally, the large cups ensure a very easy and secure fit on the ears, and the headphone utilizes standard 3.5mm plugs on each cup, allowing users to easily swap out the stock cable. However, the headphone suffers from notable treble brightness and a prominent high-frequency boost that causes annoying "zinginess" in female vocals, making it fatiguing to listen to without correction. Out-of-the-box bass response is also deficient compared to the target preference curve, and physical resonances cause a visible kink/vibration in the cup and headband measurements around 80 Hz. Additionally, it features below-average sensitivity and a stiff, coiled stock cord that remains frustratingly tangled. Ultimately, the review does not recommend the Arya out of the box, but highly recommends it if you apply Parametric EQ, which completely transforms...