Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Arya
88Outstanding
$769
Full review dataHiFiMAN Arya vs STAX SR-L300: 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
STAX SR-L300
78Great
$660
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
STAX SR-L300
Sound8.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Arya | STAX SR-L300 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $769 | $660 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2021 | 2016 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Planar | electrostatic |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 7Hz-41kHz |
| Sound signature | Bright neutral | - |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | 101 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | none |
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| ANC type | - | none |
| Transparency mode | - | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | - | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 430 g | 323 g |
| Detachable cable | - | No |
| USB-C | No | 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
STAX SR-L300
The STAX SR-L300 is an entry-level electrostatic headphone that delivers exceptional clarity and vocal-focused tuning, making it a strong pick for audiophiles seeking a specialized listening experience. Its lightweight build and wide frequency response are highlights, but it requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier, which significantly increases the total investment. This is a niche, system-oriented purchase rather than a casual consumer headphone.
- Pro:Excellent vocal reproduction and clarity
- Pro:Very lightweight for an electrostatic model
- Pro:Wide frequency response with impressive detail
- Con:Requires a dedicated amplifier, raising total cost
- Con:Lacks bass emphasis, not for bass-heavy listeners
- Con:No built-in controls or wireless features
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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