HiFiMAN Arya Full-size Over Ear Planar Magnetic Audiophile Adjustable Headphone

Product Information

Dynamics is definitely the one area where the Arya–like other headphones with this elongated cup design–seriously falters.

I tested the HiFiMAN Arya using a HiFiMAN R2R2000 as well as a Topping DX7 feeding a Drop THX AAA 789. Both were fed FLAC files, mostly from ripping CDs. HiFiMAN Arya The headband assembly sits comfortably on the head plus the clamping force is just right on the Arya Organic in my opinion. The jumbo pads make them even more comfortable. I like the headband except for one caveat I dug up. My audio chain: Alienware laptop USB out > Schiit Bifrost 2 > Topping A90 / Valhalla 2 (w/ NOS Siemens). Both headphones are run balanced from the A90, with a ¼” adapter for the Valhalla. The Arya Stealth has a relatively similar unboxing experience to the Deva and the Sundara. For original Arya owners, it is practically the same box but the internal organization is just slightly changed for the cable storage.The Arya’s presentation can be overwhelming until you adjust to the intensity, extreme detail, and clarity. Given enough power to drive them, they deliver sound akin to having an over-caffeinated neighbor showing up at your house to party on an early Sunday morning. Neither are particularly capable of relaxing. Company Overview It's the recording that dictates the amount of soundstage on the Arya V3, as opposed to an application presented by the limitations of the headphone like the V2. That may sound harsh, but I'm trying to objectively state what I'm hearing (which admittedly is a subjective process). I think this is ideal, as songs sound more like the way they were meant to be heard... If I want effects, personally, I'll go to a DSP. This can be the only headphone you need (provided you don't need sound isolation). They work with all genres, require some drive but nothing unmanageable, and are just extremely well balanced tonally to please a diversity of tastes. I give HiFiMan a lot of credit, the dynamics with some of these Stealth versions seem to really punch without overdoing it. The weight may look somewhat heavy on paper. On my head, the Arya are well-balanced and feel rather light. They are easy to wear for long periods of time without any irritation.

Now, let’s go to Copenhagen, Denmark. A great example of the above is Demon Dance by Julian Winding, from his brother Nicolas Winding Refn’s psychological horror film “ The Neon Demon.” Wearing the Arya are almost like wearing nothing over your ears. You will hear everything around you, and everyone will hear your sounds. The aesthetics are very basic, and a touch on the serious side, but they work well if you usually go for industrial looks as well, and if you’re one of those folks that’s into stylish and classy, Arya should fit right in.A breakthrough core technology developed by HiFiMAN, it’s the first of its kind in headphone applications. Working with this advanced material is extremely challenging, but the successful incorporation of this film as the Arya’s planar driver is the cornerstone of its remarkable sound. Advanced Asymmetrical Magnetic Circuit While the highs on the Arya Organic aren’t always the easiest to consume, it still features some incredible detail. You don’t have to worry about harshness at all, but the frequencies definitely have a more dramatic spike to them. I think the extension here is just as dignified as past versions, but the Organic feels less wispy and delicate and more glistening. It does this without adding any artificiality to the treble too. Everything appears very natural, with excellent height and pure detail to be easily enticed by. Summary Before its revision, the Arya was one of my favorites from HiFiMAN because of its immaculate soundstage. Everything on the Arya is crisp and airy, culminating in a spacious stereo field that’s highly immersive and wide. Now with the stealth magnets, a slightly different effect is presented. Most of what makes the Arya great isn’t lost in translation, but I could definitely spot the difference immediately. The sound elements appear a lot less floaty, instead of focusing on stricter positioning for more accurate imaging. It still keeps a wide and spacious presentation, but the layers feel a lot less exaggerated, filling in the space between sound elements with more tonal resonance. You still get a great sense of height to the sound, as the image comes in with a large display, but I felt there was a feeling of distance that was taken away. Sounds in the original Arya bloomed from an intended source, but here the response is a little more linear. Low End Our mission is to create great-sounding products that stand out and have the potential to change the game. We are not interested in repeating ourselves for the sake of increasing sales.” Dr. Fang Bian, President and CEO, HIFIMAN Electronics Technical Specifications