Over-Ear
AKG K812
56Average
$1,110
Full review dataAKG K812 vs HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled - Outstanding overall at around $1199.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled
84Outstanding
$1,200
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- AKG K812
- HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled
HearWiki score
56
84
Sound
6.8
9.4
Value
3.9
8.0
Price (USD)
$1,110
$1,200
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled is 10 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 10 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- K8122014
- Arya Unveiled202410 yr newer
Specifications
K812Arya Unveiled
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $1,110
- $1,200
- HearWiki score
- 56
- 84
- Released
- 2014
- 2024
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 53 mm dynamic
- planar magnetic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- planar
- Driver size
- 53 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 1
- Frequency response
- 5 Hz - 54 kHz
- 8 Hz - 65 kHz
- Impedance
- 36 Ω
- 27 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 96 dB/mW
- 94 dB/mW
- Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
- 110
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Weight
- 390 g
- 413 g
- Foldable
- No
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- -
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- 6.35 mm
- Balanced connection
- -
- Yes
- Model code
- 3458X00010
- -
What reviewers said
AKG K812
The AKG K812 is a premium open-back reference headphone built around a large 53 mm dynamic driver, aiming for high-resolution, studio-grade sound. Its detailed and transparent tuning rewards careful pairing with quality upstream gear, though its measured performance has drawn some criticism regarding transient response and distortion. Overall, it's a technically ambitious flagship that prioritizes analytical listening over casual convenience.
- Pro:Exceptional detail retrieval and clarity
- Pro:Large 53 mm driver with wide frequency response
- Pro:Detachable cable adds versatility
- Con:Demanding of high-quality source gear
- Con:Measured distortion and transient issues noted
- Con:No noise cancellation or wireless features
HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled
The HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled is a high-end open-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers exceptional detail, tonal accuracy, and a balanced soundstage, making it a strong contender for audiophiles. Its grill-less design reduces reflections for cleaner audio, and it offers easy drivability for its class, though the exposed drivers require careful handling. With a neutral-to-warm tuning and broad frequency extension, it provides a compelling blend of technical performance and musicality.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and tonal accuracy
- Pro:Spacious and well-defined imaging
- Pro:Comfortable for extended listening sessions
- Con:Exposed driver design requires careful handling
- Con:Limited connectivity options out of the box
- Con:Ear-cup material may not appeal to everyone
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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