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HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled vs Ultrasone Edition 8 EX: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled vs Ultrasone Edition 8 EX, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

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
  • Ultrasone Edition 8 EX
HearWiki score
84
-
Sound
9.4
-
Value
8.0
-
Price (USD)
$1,200
$1,800

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 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Arya Unveiled20246 yr newer
  • Edition 8 EX2018

Specifications

Arya UnveiledEdition 8 EX
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$1,200
$1,800
HearWiki score
84
Not scored
Released
2024
2018
Availability
Still sold new
Discontinued
Driver
planar magnetic
40 mm driver
Driver type
planar
-
Driver size
-
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
8 Hz - 65 kHz
5 Hz - 46 kHz
Impedance
27 Ω
38 Ω
Sensitivity
94 dB/mW
96 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
413 g
330 g
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
-
No
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

Ultrasone Edition 8 EX

The Ultrasone Edition 8 EX is a premium closed-back over-ear headphone designed for audiophiles who prioritize detailed, immersive sound. It incorporates S-Logic EX technology for a spacious, surround-like soundstage and ULE shielding to minimize electromagnetic emissions, all wrapped in a durable, luxurious build with chrome plating and high-quality leather. As a wired model without ANC, it focuses purely on sonic performance and comfort for critical listening sessions.

  • Pro:Immersive S-Logic EX soundstage enhances spatial imaging
  • Pro:Build quality is excellent with chrome plating and solid aluminium
  • Pro:Comfortable Ethiopian sheep leather ear cushions
  • Con:No active noise cancellation for isolation in noisy environments
  • Con:Relatively low sensitivity may require a powerful amplifier
  • Con:Premium price point is a significant investment

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

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New comparisonHiFiMAN Arya UnveiledUltrasone Edition 8 EX