Erzetich Air 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.

Erzetich Air
HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled

HearWiki score

Sound

6.0

9.4

Value

3.0

8.0

Price (USD)

$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

The HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled is 4 years newer, but it is 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. For 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

Air2020
Arya Unveiled20244 yr newer

Specifications

AirArya Unveiled

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,200; $1,200
HearWiki score: 54; 84
Released: 2020; 2024
Availability: Discontinued; Still sold new
Driver: 50 mm dynamic; planar magnetic
Driver type: dynamic; planar
Driver size: 50 mm; -
Drivers per side: -; 1
Frequency response: -; 8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature: warm; -
Impedance: 80 Ω; 27 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 94 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Weight: 450 g; 413 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
Pad material: leatherette; -
Connector: -; 6.35 mm
Balanced connection: -; Yes
Model code: Charybdis; -

Specification comparison of Erzetich Air vs HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled
Spec	Erzetich Air	HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,200	$1,200
HearWiki score	54 / 100 Average	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2020	2024
Audio
Driver	50 mm dynamic	planar magnetic
Driver type	dynamic	planar
Driver size	50 mm	-
Drivers per side	-	1
Frequency response	-	8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature	warm	-
Impedance	80 Ω	27 Ω
Sensitivity	-	94 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Weight	450 g	413 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
Pad material	leatherette	-
Connector	-	6.35 mm
Balanced connection	-	Yes
Model code	Charybdis	-

What reviewers said

Erzetich Air

The Erzetich Air is a premium open-back wired headphone featuring 50mm dynamic drivers, delivering a warm sound signature with an 80-ohm impedance. Its lightweight 450g build and leatherette pads aim for comfort, while the detachable cable adds practical flexibility for audiophiles seeking a high-end listening experience.

Pro:Warm, engaging sound signature
Pro:Detachable cable for easy replacement or upgrade
Pro:Comfortable leatherette ear pads

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Requires a dedicated amplifier due to 80-ohm impedance
Con:Premium price point may not suit all budgets

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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