Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled
68Good
$549
Full review dataHiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled 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 Unveiled
Sound7.5
Value7.0
HiFiMAN Arya
Sound9.5
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled | HiFiMAN Arya |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $549 | $769 |
| HearWiki score | 68 / 100 · Good | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2025 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | Planar |
| Driver size | 80 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-55kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 22 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 93 dB/mW | 90 dB/mW |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 449 g | 430 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled
The HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled is an open-back planar headphone that delivers a highly detailed and spacious sound, with notable strengths in bass, midrange, and imaging, alongside improved comfort over earlier models. It offers solid value at its price point, though its presentation may not suit everyone, and it carries some compromises in build and accessories.
- Pro:Detailed and resolving planar sound
- Pro:Comfortable fit for extended listening
- Pro:Strong bass and midrange performance
- Con:Stock accessories and packaging feel basic
- Con:Headband build lacks premium feel
- Con:Bass impact and vocals may not suit all tastes
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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