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HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled vs STAX SR-L700MK2: 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.

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
  • STAX SR-L700MK2
HearWiki score
84
69
Sound
9.4
9.0
Value
8.0
6.8
Price (USD)
$1,200
$1,650

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled is 8 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 8 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Arya Unveiled20248 yr newer
  • SR-L700MK22016

Specifications

Arya UnveiledSR-L700MK2
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$1,200
$1,650
HearWiki score
84
69
Released
2024
2016
Availability
Still sold new
Discontinued
Driver
planar magnetic
electrostatic
Driver type
planar
electrostatic
Drivers per side
1
-
Frequency response
8 Hz - 65 kHz
7 Hz - 41 kHz
Impedance
27 Ω
145000 Ω
Sensitivity
94 dB/mW
101 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
413 g
371 g
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
Pad material
-
leather
Connector
6.35 mm
-
Balanced connection
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

STAX SR-L700MK2

The SR-L700MK2 delivers a highly detailed and open electrostatic presentation that echoes STAX's flagship character at a more accessible price. It excels in treble clarity, transparency, and spaciousness when paired with a suitable amplifier, though it may lack bass weight and dynamic punch. Build quality is a noted compromise relative to its premium cost, but overall sound resolution remains class-leading.

  • Pro:Exceptional treble detail and transparency
  • Pro:Open, spacious soundstage with cohesive imaging
  • Pro:Strong value within the STAX electrostatic lineup
  • Con:Limited bass extension and impact
  • Con:Build quality feels below the price point
  • Con:Can lack dramatic dynamics or musical warmth

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

Compare something else

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New comparisonHiFiMAN Arya UnveiledSTAX SR-L700MK2