Focal Clear 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.

Focal Clear
HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled

HearWiki score

Sound

8.8

9.4

Value

8.0

Price (USD)

$1,500

$1,200

Specifications

ClearArya Unveiled

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,500; $1,200
HearWiki score: 75; 84
Released: 2017; 2024
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 40 mm dynamic; planar magnetic
Driver type: dynamic; planar
Driver size: 40 mm; -
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 28 kHz; 8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature: neutral-warm; -
Impedance: 55 Ω; 27 Ω
Sensitivity: 104 dB/mW; 94 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Weight: 450 g; 413 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
Connector: -; 6.35 mm
Balanced connection: Yes; Yes

Specification comparison of Focal Clear vs HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled
Spec	Focal Clear	HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,500	$1,200
HearWiki score	75 / 100 Great	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2017	2024
Audio
Driver	40 mm dynamic	planar magnetic
Driver type	dynamic	planar
Driver size	40 mm	-
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	5 Hz - 28 kHz	8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature	neutral-warm	-
Impedance	55 Ω	27 Ω
Sensitivity	104 dB/mW	94 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Design
Weight	450 g	413 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
Connector	-	6.35 mm
Balanced connection	Yes	Yes

What reviewers said

Focal Clear

The Focal Clear is a premium open-back, wired over-ear headphone that delivers a warm-neutral sound signature, balancing musicality with technical precision. Its 40mm dynamic drivers provide a detailed and engaging performance, while the detachable cable and balanced connectivity offer flexible use with high-end audio gear. Built with a robust 450g frame, it prioritizes sound quality and comfort for discerning listeners.

Pro:Warm-neutral tuning that is both musical and revealing
Pro:Excellent technical performance with detailed dynamics
Pro:Detachable cable and balanced support for versatile setups

Con:Heavy at 450g, which may cause fatigue over long sessions
Con:High impedance (55 ohm) requires a capable amplifier
Con:Premium 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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