Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V3
78Great
$399
Full review dataHiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V3 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 V3
Sound8.0
Value8.5
HiFiMAN Arya
Sound9.5
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V3 | 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 | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-55kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 93 dB/mW | 90 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 398 g | 430 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V3
The HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V3 is an open-back planar over-ear headphone that delivers a spacious, detailed sound signature with strong value for its price point. Its tuning features some frequency-response peaks that can shape the presentation, and while it's a notable step up for many listeners, comfort is slightly hampered by firm inner foam. Overall, it's a highly capable wired option with balanced output and detachable cables, though it lacks wireless features or noise cancellation.
- Pro:Excellent planar detail and openness for the cost
- Pro:Great value in HiFiMAN's lineup
- Pro:Detachable cable with balanced support
- Con:Inner foam padding is not very soft
- Con:Frequency-response peaks may color sound
- Con:No wireless or ANC features
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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