Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Arya
88Outstanding
$769
Full review dataHiFiMAN Arya vs STAX SR-X21: 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-X21
74Good
$535
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-X21
Sound8.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Arya | STAX SR-X21 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $769 | $535 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 74 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2021 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Planar | round electrostatic driver |
| Drivers per side | 1 | - |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | - |
| Sound signature | Bright neutral | - |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 430 g | 234 g |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
| Model code | - | SR-X1 |
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-X21
The STAX SR-X21 is a lightweight electrostatic over-ear that offers a fast, detailed, and transparent sound with a neutral balance, making it an accessible entry into Stax's signature technology. It requires a dedicated electrostatic energizer, delivers limited bass impact compared to dynamic drivers, and its build feels less premium than its audio performance suggests. Best suited for stationary home listening, it provides strong technical performance for its price but comes with typical electrostatic trade-offs.
- Pro:Fast, detailed, and transparent sound
- Pro:Neutral tonal balance with good punch
- Pro:Very light and comfortable for long sessions
- Con:Requires a separate electrostatic energizer or amp
- Con:Limited bass impact and extension
- Con:Build quality feels less rugged than premium
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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