HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2: 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

HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled

84Outstanding

$1,200

Full review data

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.

HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled
HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2

HearWiki score

Sound

9.4

8.7

Value

8.0

7.5

Price (USD)

$1,200

$1,400

Specifications

Arya UnveiledHE 1000 V2

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,200; $1,400
HearWiki score: 84; 71
Released: 2024; 2016
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: planar magnetic; 131.2 mm planar magnetic
Driver type: planar; planar
Driver size: -; 131.2 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 8 Hz - 65 kHz; 8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature: -; neutral
Impedance: 27 Ω; 35 Ω
Sensitivity: 94 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Weight: 413 g; 420 g
Detachable cable: Yes; -
Connector: 6.35 mm; -
Balanced connection: Yes; Yes

Specification comparison of HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled vs HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
Spec	HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled	HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,200	$1,400
HearWiki score	84 / 100 Outstanding	71 / 100 Good
Released	2024	2016
Audio
Driver	planar magnetic	131.2 mm planar magnetic
Driver type	planar	planar
Driver size	-	131.2 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	8 Hz - 65 kHz	8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature	-	neutral
Impedance	27 Ω	35 Ω
Sensitivity	94 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Weight	413 g	420 g
Detachable cable	Yes	-
Connector	6.35 mm	-
Balanced connection	Yes	Yes

What reviewers said

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

HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2

The HiFiMAN HE 1000 V2 is a high-end open-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers a neutral and highly resolving sound. With its large 131.2 mm driver and lightweight 420g build, it offers excellent technical performance for critical listening, though it requires a quality amplifier to shine. Its balanced connection option adds flexibility for audiophile setups.

Pro:Excellent neutral tuning with high clarity
Pro:Large planar driver for fast, detailed transients
Pro:Lightweight for a flagship planar design

Con:Requires a powerful amp to sound its best
Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
Con:High price point may not suit casual listeners

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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