Audio-Technica Awkt 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

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled leads on 4 of 4 measures.

Audio-Technica Awkt
HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled

HearWiki score

Sound

8.2

9.4

Value

5.1

8.0

Price (USD)

$2,000

$1,200

Specifications

AwktArya Unveiled

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $2,000; $1,200
HearWiki score: 68; 84
Released: 2019; 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 - 45 kHz; 8 Hz - 65 kHz
Impedance: 48 Ω; 27 Ω
Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW; 94 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Weight: 405 g; 413 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: No; -
Connector: 6.35 mm; 6.35 mm
Balanced connection: Yes; Yes

Specification comparison of Audio-Technica Awkt vs HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled
Spec	Audio-Technica Awkt	HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$2,000	$1,200
HearWiki score	68 / 100 Good	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2019	2024
Audio
Driver	53 mm dynamic	planar magnetic
Driver type	dynamic	planar
Driver size	53 mm	-
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	5 Hz - 45 kHz	8 Hz - 65 kHz
Impedance	48 Ω	27 Ω
Sensitivity	102 dB/mW	94 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Design
Weight	405 g	413 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	No	-
Connector	6.35 mm	6.35 mm
Balanced connection	Yes	Yes

What reviewers said

Audio-Technica Awkt

The Audio-Technica AWKT is a premium closed-back over-ear headphone featuring 53 mm dynamic drivers housed in dense kokutan wood cups, delivering a refined and detailed sound signature. It is designed to be relatively easy to drive thanks to its 48-ohm impedance and 102 dB sensitivity, while the included balanced and unbalanced cables add flexibility. With a solid build and moderate passive isolation, it targets audiophiles seeking a high-end wired listening experience.

Pro:Detailed, refined sound with strong technical performance
Pro:Easy to drive despite high-end positioning
Pro:Premium build with dense kokutan wood cups

Con:Heavy at 405 g, which may cause fatigue over long sessions
Con:Closed-back design limits soundstage compared to open models
Con:High price point limits accessibility

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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