Is the HiFiMAN Ananda worth the upgrade from the HiFiMAN Arya?
Verdict
Downgrade
The HiFiMAN Ananda actually scores 10.0 points below the HiFiMAN Arya, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on sound (9.5 to 8.0) and value (8.0 to 7.0). On paper: weight 430 g to 399 g and drivers per side 1 to 2. It is at least $429 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound9.58.0
- Value8.07.0
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | Arya | Ananda | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 430 g | 399 g | |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 | |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-65kHz | 8Hz-55kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "Arya to Ananda". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across over-ear and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.