Over-Ear
AKG N90Q
78Great
$558
Full review dataAKG N90Q 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.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
AKG N90Q
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling8.0
Battery6.0
Value5.5
HiFiMAN Arya
Sound9.5
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | AKG N90Q | HiFiMAN Arya |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $558 | $769 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2018 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 52mm Japanese paper cone dynamic driver | Planar |
| Driver size | 52 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-25kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB/mW | 90 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | none | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 12 h | - |
| Full charge time | 240 min | - |
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | - |
| ANC type | hybrid | - |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | No | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Voice assistant | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 460 g | 430 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | - |
What reviewers said
AKG N90Q
The AKG N90Q is a premium, feature-packed closed-back headphone that focuses on high-end sound with a built-in calibration system and hybrid active noise cancellation. It delivers a clean, detailed, and spacious audio presentation, but its heavy build and mandatory battery-powered operation make it better suited for stationary listening than portable use. While technically impressive, its analytical tuning and steep price may not appeal to everyone seeking a more fun, relaxed sound.
- Pro:Excellent noise isolation and hybrid ANC performance
- Pro:Very large, immersive soundstage for a closed-back design
- Pro:Innovative TruNote calibration tailors sound to your ears
- Con:Heavy and bulky, making it impractical for outdoor use
- Con:Requires charging to function at all, limiting convenience
- Con:Sound signature leans analytical rather than musical or fun
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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