Over-Ear
Audio-Technica Ad2000x
72Good
$563
Full review dataAudio-Technica Ad2000x 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.
Audio-Technica Ad2000x
Sound8.0
Noise cancelling0.0
Value6.0
HiFiMAN Arya
Sound9.5
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica Ad2000x | HiFiMAN Arya |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $563 | $769 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2012 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Planar |
| Driver size | 53 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-45kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 40 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB/mW | 90 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 265 g | 430 g |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
Audio-Technica Ad2000x
The Audio-Technica AD2000X is an open-back, over-ear headphone designed for high-fidelity listening, featuring a 53mm dynamic driver and a wide frequency response. It delivers a detailed, rich sound with tight bass, though its open-back design offers no isolation. While it is lightweight and generally comfortable, some users find it slightly less comfortable than its predecessor, and its overall value is considered moderate for its price point.
- Pro:Detailed and rich sound quality
- Pro:Tight bass response
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for many listeners
- Con:Open-back design provides no sound isolation
- Con:Slightly less comfortable than the older AD2000 model
- Con:Moderate value for money
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.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.