HiFiMAN Arya vs Ultrasone Signature Pulse: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the HiFiMAN Arya vs Ultrasone Signature Pulse, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Arya | Ultrasone Signature Pulse |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $769 | $550 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | Not scored |
| Released | 2021 | 2018 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Planar | 50mm Mylar |
| Driver size | - | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 5Hz-32kHz |
| Sound signature | Bright neutral | - |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | 33.6 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB/mW | 115 dB/mW |
| Features | ||
| Controls | - | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 430 g | 319 g |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| 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
Ultrasone Signature Pulse
The Ultrasone Signature Pulse is a closed-back over-ear headphone aimed at DJs, packing 50mm Mylar drivers and S-Logic 3 for a wide, three-dimensional soundstage. It delivers a balanced yet bass-forward signature with crisp highs and deep extension, but the snug fit from its headband and earpads can feel a bit tight during longer sessions. With a detachable cable and sensitive 115 dB output, it's built for portable, high-volume use without losing clarity.
- Pro:Powerful, punchy bass with deep sub-bass reach
- Pro:Open, spatial imaging thanks to S-Logic 3 tech
- Pro:Very high sensitivity for easy driving from most sources
- Con:Clamping force may cause discomfort over extended wear
- Con:Treble can come across as sharp or bright on some tracks
- Con:Build feels sturdy but not premium for the price point
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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