Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled
84Great
$1199
Full review dataHiFiMAN Arya Unveiled vs Sennheiser HD 800s: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 800s 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 800s - Outstanding overall at around $1874.
Over-Ear
Sennheiser HD 800s
88Outstanding
$1874
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 800s
Sound9.5
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled | Sennheiser HD 800s |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1199 | $1874 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2024 | 2016 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | dynamic |
| Driver size | - | 56 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 4Hz-51kHz |
| Impedance | 27 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB/mW | 101.64 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 | - |
| 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 800s
The Sennheiser HD 800 S is a premium open-back headphone aimed at audiophiles, delivering a remarkably wide soundstage and a neutral, reference-style tuning that excels at detail retrieval. Its high impedance and sensitivity mean it truly shines with a quality dedicated amplifier, while the included balanced cable adds flexibility for high-end setups. However, its open design leaks sound significantly, and its pricing and lack of bass punch make it a niche choice for serious listeners rather than casual users.
- Pro:Exceptional soundstage width and imaging
- Pro:Detailed, neutral, and articulate sound signature
- Pro:Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- Con:Requires a powerful amplifier to perform at its best
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
- Con:Expensive for what it offers
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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