Over-Ear
AKG K701
82Great
$570
Full review dataAKG K701 vs HiFiMAN Arya: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN Arya comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: HiFiMAN Arya - Outstanding overall at around $769.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Arya
88Outstanding
$770
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
AKG K701
Sound8.5
Value6.5
HiFiMAN Arya
Sound9.5
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | AKG K701 | HiFiMAN Arya |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $570 | $770 |
| HearWiki score | 82 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2006 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Planar |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-39.8kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 62 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB/mW | 90 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 105 | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 235 g | 430 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
AKG K701
The AKG K701 is a wired, open-back dynamic headphone designed for critical listening, offering a spacious and neutral sound signature with strong detail retrieval. Its lightweight build and breathable earcups make it exceptionally comfortable for long sessions, though its open design leaks audio and its price point is a notable consideration. It suits home listeners who prioritize clarity and an airy presentation over isolation or portability.
- Pro:Very comfortable and lightweight for extended wear
- Pro:Open, wide soundstage with detailed, balanced audio
- Pro:Detachable cable adds convenience and repairability
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
- Con:Relatively expensive for its feature set
- Con:Not suitable for portable or noisy environments
HiFiMAN Arya
The HiFiMAN Arya is a premium planar magnetic headphone known for its exceptionally fast, detailed, and airy sound. Its bright-neutral tuning delivers a highly resolving, spacious presentation with excellent technical performance, making it a strong choice for critical listening, though it requires a good amplifier to shine. With a comfortable open-back design and a relatively affordable price for its class, it balances high-end performance with accessibility.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and transparency
- Pro:Wide, open soundstage with precise imaging
- Pro:Fast and articulate planar driver response
- Con:Bright treble can be fatiguing for sensitive ears
- Con:Needs a powerful amp to reach full potential
- Con:Open-back leaks sound and offers little isolation
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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