Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V2
78Great
$399
Full review dataHiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V2 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.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Arya
88Outstanding
$769
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V2
Sound8.0
Value8.0
HiFiMAN Arya
Sound9.5
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V2 | HiFiMAN Arya |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $399 | $769 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2023 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | Planar |
| Drivers per side | - | 1 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-55kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 26 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 93 dB/mW | 90 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | none | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Battery | ||
| Quick charge | none | - |
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| ANC type | none | - |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | No | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 440 g | 430 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V2
The HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V2 is an open-back planar headphone that delivers a balanced, detailed sound signature with strong technical performance for its price. It's relatively easy to drive despite its planar design, though comfort and build details like the inner foam and fixed earcup angle may not suit everyone. The treble can be bright for some listeners, but overall it's a capable option for critical listening.
- Pro:Balanced, natural tonal character
- Pro:Easy to drive for a planar
- Pro:Good detail retrieval and soundstage
- Con:Inner foam and headband comfort could be better
- Con:Earcups lack swivel for optimal fit
- Con:Treble peaks may be harsh for sensitive ears
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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