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Austrian Audio Hi-X60 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.

Austrian Audio Hi-X60
Sound8.0
Value7.0
HiFiMAN Arya
Sound9.5
Value8.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Austrian Audio Hi-X60 vs HiFiMAN Arya
SpecAustrian Audio Hi-X60HiFiMAN Arya
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$422$769
HearWiki score78 / 100 · Great88 / 100 · Outstanding
Released20222021
Audio
DriverdynamicPlanar
Driver size44 mm-
Drivers per side11
Frequency response5Hz-28kHz8Hz-65kHz
Sound signature-Bright neutral
Impedance25 Ω35 Ω
Sensitivity101 dB/mW90 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)110-
Wireless
Multipoint pairingNo-
Features
Active noise cancellingNo-
Design
Weight320 g430 g
Detachable cableYes-
USB-CNoNo
Balanced connection-Yes

What reviewers said

Austrian Audio Hi-X60

The Austrian Hi-X60 is a wired, closed-back studio headphone that prioritizes clarity, isolation, and low distortion, making it a strong choice for monitoring. While its measured performance is impressive, the frequency response isn't perfectly neutral and may benefit from EQ, and some users might find the fit a bit snug initially. It's a solid, technically capable tool for critical listening rather than a one-size-fits-all consumer headphone.

  • Pro:Very low distortion for clean playback
  • Pro:Effective passive isolation from outside noise
  • Pro:Comfortable padding and lightweight build
  • Con:Frequency response isn't perfectly neutral, may need EQ
  • Con:Some sound leakage at higher volumes
  • Con:Clamp pressure can feel tight during first uses

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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