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Dan Clark Audio E3 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.

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 E3
  • HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled
HearWiki score
77
84
Sound
9.2
9.4
Value
8.1
8.0
Price (USD)
$2,300
$1,200

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled (2024) against Dan Clark Audio E3 (2023). These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

  • E32023
  • Arya Unveiled20241 yr newer

Specifications

E3Arya Unveiled
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$2,300
$1,200
HearWiki score
77
84
Released
2023
2024
Availability
Discontinued
Still sold new
Driver
76 mm planar magnetic
planar magnetic
Driver type
planar
planar
Driver size
76 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
8 Hz - 65 kHz
Impedance
27 Ω
27 Ω
Sensitivity
90 dB/mW
94 dB/mW
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Quick charge
none
-
Wireless charging
No
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
-
Transparency mode
No
-
Companion app
No
-
Custom EQ
No
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
none
-
Voice assistant
No
-
Weight
455 g
413 g
Water resistance
none
-
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
No
-
Connector
6.35 mm
6.35 mm
Balanced connection
Yes
Yes
Call noise reduction
No
-

What reviewers said

Dan Clark Audio E3

The Dan Clark Audio E3 is a high-end closed-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers a spacious, reference-grade sound signature with refined tuning and strong technical performance. Its 76mm driver and advanced acoustic design make it a top contender in its price class, though it benefits from a capable amplifier to reach its full potential. With a comfortable fit and premium build, it's aimed at discerning listeners seeking a closed-back alternative to open-back reference models.

  • Pro:Reference-level clarity and detail
  • Pro:Spacious soundstage for a closed-back design
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for long listening sessions
  • Con:Requires a good amplifier to sound its best
  • Con:Heavy at 455 grams
  • Con:No detachable cable or balanced option in stock form

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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New comparisonDan Clark Audio E3HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled