Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Arya
88Outstanding
$769
Full review dataHiFiMAN Arya vs Sennheiser HD 480 PRO: 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
Sennheiser HD 480 PRO
Sound8.0
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Arya | Sennheiser HD 480 PRO |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $769 | $407 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2021 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Planar | Dynamic |
| Driver size | - | 38 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 3Hz-28.7kHz |
| Sound signature | Bright neutral | - |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | 130 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | 98 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 430 g | 272 g |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | 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
Sennheiser HD 480 PRO
The Sennheiser HD 480 PRO is a wired, over-ear headphone built for professional studio work, offering a clear and detailed sound signature tuned for critical listening. Its lightweight design and comfortable fit make it suitable for long sessions, while the sturdy build ensures reliability in demanding environments. However, its premium price and minimal accessory package may give some buyers pause, and it lacks modern conveniences like wireless connectivity or noise cancellation.
- Pro:Accurate and detailed sound reproduction
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended use
- Pro:Solid, durable construction for studio settings
- Con:Premium price point for the included features
- Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless options
- Con:Limited accessories in the box
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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