HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled vs HiFiMAN HE 1000se: 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 1000se

HearWiki score

Sound

9.4

9.3

Value

8.0

7.2

Price (USD)

$1,200

$2,000

Specifications

Arya UnveiledHE 1000se

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,200; $2,000
HearWiki score: 84; 77
Released: 2024; 2018
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: planar magnetic; planar magnetic
Driver type: planar; planar
Drivers per side: 1; -
Frequency response: 8 Hz - 65 kHz; 8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature: -; neutral-bright
Impedance: 27 Ω; 35 Ω
Sensitivity: 94 dB/mW; 96 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Weight: 413 g; 440 g
Detachable cable: Yes; -
Connector: 6.35 mm; 3.5 mm
Balanced connection: Yes; Yes

Specification comparison of HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled vs HiFiMAN HE 1000se
Spec	HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled	HiFiMAN HE 1000se
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,200	$2,000
HearWiki score	84 / 100 Outstanding	77 / 100 Great
Released	2024	2018
Audio
Driver	planar magnetic	planar magnetic
Driver type	planar	planar
Drivers per side	1	-
Frequency response	8 Hz - 65 kHz	8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature	-	neutral-bright
Impedance	27 Ω	35 Ω
Sensitivity	94 dB/mW	96 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Weight	413 g	440 g
Detachable cable	Yes	-
Connector	6.35 mm	3.5 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 1000se

The HiFiMAN HE1000se is a high-end planar magnetic headphone that delivers exceptional clarity, detail, and a spacious soundstage with a neutral-bright signature. It offers strong bass and treble extension, but its elevated treble can be sharp or fatiguing on demanding recordings. While relatively sensitive, it still benefits from quality amplification to reach its full potential.

Pro:Outstanding detail retrieval and resolution
Pro:Wide, airy soundstage with excellent imaging
Pro:Strong bass and treble extension

Con:Bright treble can be harsh on poor recordings
Con:Midrange lacks warmth and body
Con:High price limits value

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

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