Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 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 3 of 4 measures.

Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2
HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled

HearWiki score

Sound

7.9

9.4

Value

5.9

8.0

Price (USD)

$900

$1,200

Specifications

Aeon 2Arya Unveiled

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $900; $1,200
HearWiki score: 67; 84
Released: 2019; 2024
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 62 mm planar magnetic; planar magnetic
Driver type: planar; planar
Driver size: 62 mm; -
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; 8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature: harman; -
Impedance: 13 Ω; 27 Ω
Sensitivity: 90 dB/mW; 94 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Weight: 345 g; 413 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: No; -
Pad material: protein-leather; -
Connector: -; 6.35 mm
Balanced connection: Yes; Yes
Model code: AF2-N; -

Specification comparison of Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 vs HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled
Spec	Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2	HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$900	$1,200
HearWiki score	67 / 100 Good	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2019	2024
Audio
Driver	62 mm planar magnetic	planar magnetic
Driver type	planar	planar
Driver size	62 mm	-
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature	harman	-
Impedance	13 Ω	27 Ω
Sensitivity	90 dB/mW	94 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Design
Weight	345 g	413 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	No	-
Pad material	protein-leather	-
Connector	-	6.35 mm
Balanced connection	Yes	Yes
Model code	AF2-N	-

What reviewers said

Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2

The Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 is a lightweight, closed-back planar over-ear that pairs portability with a neutral, Harman-inspired tuning. It offers a natural, detailed sound with controlled bass and good dynamics, making it a versatile all-rounder for home or travel use. With a comfortable fit and balanced output option, it suits listeners seeking a refined, easy-going presentation.

Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
Pro:Neutral, well-balanced sound with good detail
Pro:Controlled and punchy low end

Con:Requires ample amplification due to low sensitivity
Con:Pricey at around $900
Con:Limited frequency range up to 20 kHz

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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