Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Arya
88Outstanding
$769
Full review dataHiFiMAN Arya vs HiFiMAN Edition X V2: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN Arya comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: HiFiMAN Arya - Outstanding overall at around $769.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
HiFiMAN Arya
Sound9.5
Value8.0
HiFiMAN Edition X V2
Sound8.5
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Arya | HiFiMAN Edition X V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $769 | $1299 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 82 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2021 | 2016 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Planar | planar |
| Driver size | - | 80 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 8Hz-50kHz |
| Sound signature | Bright neutral | Neutral |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | 25 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | 103 dB/mW |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 430 g | 399 g |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
HiFiMAN Arya
The HiFiMAN Arya is a premium planar magnetic headphone known for its exceptionally fast, detailed, and airy sound. Its bright-neutral tuning delivers a highly resolving, spacious presentation with excellent technical performance, making it a strong choice for critical listening, though it requires a good amplifier to shine. With a comfortable open-back design and a relatively affordable price for its class, it balances high-end performance with accessibility.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and transparency
- Pro:Wide, open soundstage with precise imaging
- Pro:Fast and articulate planar driver response
- Con:Bright treble can be fatiguing for sensitive ears
- Con:Needs a powerful amp to reach full potential
- Con:Open-back leaks sound and offers little isolation
HiFiMAN Edition X V2
These open-back planar headphones deliver a clean, balanced sound with excellent detail retrieval and a wide soundstage. Their lightweight build and comfortable fit make them suitable for long listening sessions, while the low impedance allows them to be driven easily by portable sources. The tuning is neutral-leaning, offering accurate reproduction across the frequency range without excessive coloration.
- Pro:Accurate, neutral tuning with clear treble
- Pro:Excellent detail and instrument separation
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
- Con:Expensive price point
- Con:Bass extension could be more impactful for some
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and lacks isolation
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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