Over-Ear
APOS Caspian
72Good
$499
Full review dataAPOS Caspian 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
$769
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
APOS Caspian
Sound7.5
Value6.5
HiFiMAN Arya
Sound9.5
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | APOS Caspian | HiFiMAN Arya |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $499 | $769 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2021 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Planar |
| Driver size | 50 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-45kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 33 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 115 dB/mW | 90 dB/mW |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 378 g | 430 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
APOS Caspian
The APOS Caspian is a premium open-back over-ear headphone that prioritizes an engaging, bass-forward sound over strict neutrality. Its low-impedance, high-sensitivity design makes it easy to drive from most sources, while the robust build and replaceable cable add to its user-friendly appeal. The tuning delivers punchy lows and a non-fatiguing character, though it sacrifices some vocal presence and top-end airiness. Comfort and long-session listenability are clear strengths, making it a solid pick for those who value fun over flatness.
- Pro:Powerful, tight bass with good impact
- Pro:Very easy to drive from phones or laptops
- Pro:Solid build with a detachable mini-XLR cable
- Con:Vocals can sound recessed or distant
- Con:Treble extension is limited, reducing sparkle
- Con:Tuning leans colored rather than neutral
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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