Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Arya
88Outstanding
$769
Full review dataHiFiMAN Arya vs Sennheiser HD 660s2: 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.
Over-Ear
Sennheiser HD 660s2
78Great
$480
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
HiFiMAN Arya
Sound9.5
Value8.0
Sennheiser HD 660s2
Sound8.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Arya | Sennheiser HD 660s2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $769 | $480 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2021 | 2023 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Planar | dynamic |
| Driver size | - | 38 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 8Hz - 41.5kHz |
| Sound signature | Bright neutral | - |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | 100 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 104 |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 430 g | 260 g |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | No | 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
Sennheiser HD 660s2
The Sennheiser HD 660S2 is an open-back, dynamic driver headphone that refines the classic 600-series formula with a warmer, more extended low end and improved imaging. While it excels with high-impedance amplifiers and offers a comfortable, detailed listening experience, it demands a powerful source and may not satisfy bass-heavy listeners or those seeking a portable option. Its $599 price point positions it as a solid, but not class-leading, value for critical listening at home.
- Pro:Warm, extended bass response that adds body without overwhelming the mids
- Pro:Excellent imaging and soundstage for a dynamic open-back design
- Pro:Comfortable fit with plush earpads and a lightweight 260g build
- Con:Requires a strong amplifier to reach full potential due to 300-ohm impedance
- Con:Upper mids can sound recessed and may benefit from EQ
- Con:Initial clamp force is quite strong and needs time to loosen
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.