
HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled vs HiFiMAN HE 1000se: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN HE 1000se comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled | HiFiMAN HE 1000se |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1199 | $1699 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2024 | 2018 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | planar |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 27 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB/mW | 96 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 413 g | 440 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled
The HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled is an open-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers exceptional detail and balanced, natural tonality across the spectrum. Its grill-less design reduces unwanted sound reflections, while its relatively low impedance and high sensitivity make it easier to drive than many peers, though the exposed driver requires careful handling. Overall, it offers strong technical performance and engaging vocals, making it a compelling choice for audiophiles seeking high-end sound.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and tonal accuracy
- Pro:Comfortable fit for extended listening sessions
- Pro:Easy to drive for a high-end planar
- Con:Exposed driver design is vulnerable to damage
- Con:Limited connectivity options out of the box
- Con:Ear-cup material may feel less premium
HiFiMAN HE 1000se
The HiFiMAN HE1000se is a high-end planar magnetic headphone that delivers exceptional detail retrieval and a spacious, airy soundstage. Its bright-neutral tuning offers strong bass and treble extension, though the prominent treble can become harsh with lower-quality recordings. While its 35-ohm impedance and 96 dB sensitivity make it moderately easy to drive, it still benefits from quality amplification to perform at its best.
- Pro:Outstanding resolution and micro-detail clarity
- Pro:Wide, airy soundstage with excellent instrument separation
- Pro:Strong extension at both frequency extremes
- Con:Bright, peaky treble can fatigue on poorly mastered tracks
- Con:Requires a decent amp despite moderate sensitivity
- Con:Midrange lacks warmth and body for some tastes
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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