Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Arya
88Outstanding
$770
Full review dataHiFiMAN Arya vs Shanling Hw600: 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
Shanling Hw600
82Great
$1,100
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
Shanling Hw600
Sound8.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Arya | Shanling Hw600 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $770 | $1,100 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 82 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2021 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Planar | planar |
| Driver size | - | 110 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 12Hz-40kHz |
| Sound signature | Bright neutral | - |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | 30 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | 104 dB/mW |
| Features | ||
| Controls | - | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 430 g | 480 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
Shanling Hw600
The Shanling HW600 is a premium open-back planar headphone that delivers a detailed, energetic sound with a clear focus on vocal clarity. Its large 110mm driver and high sensitivity make it surprisingly easy to drive for a planar, though the soundstage feels a bit confined and the accessory kit is sparse. Overall, it's a strong first entry into the high-end headphone space for Shanling, appealing to those who prioritize resolution and midrange purity.
- Pro:Easy to drive for a planar
- Pro:Excellent vocal and midrange detail
- Pro:Open, energetic sound signature
- Con:Soundstage is somewhat limited
- Con:Minimal included accessories
- Con:Bass response can be uneven
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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