Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Arya
88Outstanding
$769
Full review dataHiFiMAN Arya vs HiFiMAN HE 6: 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 HE 6
Sound8.5
Value6.0
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Arya | HiFiMAN HE 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $769 | $893 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2021 | 2010 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Planar | planar |
| Driver size | - | 60 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | - |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | Bright neutral | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | 50 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | 83.5 dB/mW |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 430 g | 502 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 HE 6
The HiFiMAN HE 6 is a demanding planar headphone that rewards owners with a bright, detailed, and highly resolving sound. It offers exceptional technical performance, especially in clarity and speed, but requires a powerful amplifier to reach its full potential. Its neutral-bright tuning and heavy build make it a niche choice for serious listeners who prioritize precision over warmth.
- Pro:Outstanding resolution and micro-detail retrieval
- Pro:Fast, precise transient response typical of top-tier planars
- Pro:Balanced connection option for improved channel separation
- Con:Very low sensitivity demands a powerful dedicated amp
- Con:Bright treble can be fatiguing on poorly mastered tracks
- Con:Heavy and bulky, lacking comfort for long sessions
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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