Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled
84Great
$1199
Full review dataHiFiMAN Arya Unveiled vs Sennheiser HD 800: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 800 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sennheiser HD 800 - Outstanding overall at around $1800.
Over-Ear
Sennheiser HD 800
88Outstanding
$1800
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled
Sound9.0
Value7.5
Sennheiser HD 800
Sound9.5
Noise cancelling0.0
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled | Sennheiser HD 800 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1199 | $1800 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2024 | 2009 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | dynamic |
| Driver size | - | 56 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 14Hz-44.1kHz |
| Impedance | 27 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB/mW | 102 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 102 |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 413 g | 330 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
| 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
Sennheiser HD 800
The Sennheiser HD 800 is a premium open-back headphone designed for audiophiles who prioritize an expansive, speaker-like soundstage and exceptional detail retrieval. Its large dynamic drivers and angled transducer placement deliver a wide, airy presentation with precise imaging, though it demands a powerful amplifier to perform at its best. While the price tag is steep, the combination of engineering precision, comfort, and clarity makes it a standout choice for serious listening at home.
- Pro:Exceptional soundstage width and spatial imaging
- Pro:Highly detailed and resolving treble with controlled bass
- Pro:Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- Con:Requires a high-power amplifier; not suitable for portable use
- Con:Fully open design offers no noise isolation
- Con:Expensive retail price
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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