to be honest I like my all black Arya a bit more, that cheap slice of wood around ear cups do not make them look premium enough :) yet price is sky high like always with Hifiman
@soulfulfool Sure, some of their upper tier headphones are expensive, but they also have much more affordable models that IMO compete well to others in their respective category.
Stunningly good analysis. At a time when there's this huge divide between reviewers who are so technical they put you to sleep and the great entertainers who either put on a show or try to sell you snake oil, your review comes across as a breath of fresh air. You tell us what you like and why - and you do it in a reasonable way.
Suggestion, when you do a call out - this case the skedra cable - could you spend a few seconds really showing it to us? Perhaps a few comments on what you like about it. I know it is a tangent, but sometimes they can be fun as it gives us insight into who you are and what you like.
Will we be seeing an Arya Stealth Magnets Edition review from you at some point? I got to AB the two and preferred the non-stealth version despite the Stealth sounding closer to how you described the HE1000 V2. Interested to hear your take
I don't understand the arguement for Arya over HE1000 V2. You're saying the to save $1500 and get the Arya, but the Arya is only good enough to compete when running it off a $8,500 chain? lol
BTW,....I'm almost positive you THINK the ARYA is a "bit " more resolving is because of the difference in cables! You're using what appear to be 22awg red wire cables vs. the Hifiman surgical tubes! I've proven to myself numerous times with blind A/B-ing (independent person doing the A/B) with different headphones' brand cabling vs. Cable sthat I simply adore by Fog City Cables that appear just as "beefy" as those red babies of your's! Also, my wires are made of pure occ Mogami copper from Japan! Huge difference, all across the spectrum but especially in bass and treble retrieval.
@Jeroen van de Kamp @bigreed43 Yes, However, his particular option for the "Right amplification" or signal chain setup over and above his RME ADI-2 PRO FS Black Edition (good but not great with the Arya in his review) was the Holo Audio May KTE DAC combined with the Benchmark AHB2 amp, which is about ~$8,900 USD, LOL. What I'm saying is that this pairing just doesn't make sense in the real world, in that not too many people who will be buying the Arya (any version) as their top level HP will then be spending "End Game" money to pair them with the Holo/Benchmark, or anything else approaching that level.
I had Ananda before. It was very good, though I think I would prefer Focal Clear over it. As with Ananda it was too much laid back for me. The unpleasant feeling that it's not sharp enough. You want to turn it up to start hearing the treble better, but you end up with disappointment and tiredness, which used to piss me off. With HE100SE, though, it's just another world of details and clarity. Haven't heard HE1000V2, but SE just kicks ass. So much better than Ananda in any terms. The price justifies it, of course. And this is the headphone that started a DAC hunting for me. At the time being I use FLUX labs FCN-10 as an amp + NuPrime DAC-10 as a DAC. Sounds superb, but I'm already dreaming for Susvara + Holo May + "I haven't found an amp for Susvara to put in the list yet, suggestions are very welcome"
Just love your presentation style and your vivid, loquacious, descriptions! Kudos of the first order! You have a new subscriber en moi! BTW, I have had the Arya (V2...as are yours) for close to three years and you are very correct in terms of what power (and chain) they are fed! I recently acquired a Violectric V281 on the used market and am thunderstruck at the "veil" that has been removed from them on everything from Mozart and Paganini to Miles Davis, B.B. King and Pink Floyd! HiFiMan is just coming out with a special price on the HE1000V2's for just under $2000! Do you think (considering the clarity yet warmth of the V281{quite "tubey sounding for SS actually}) that there would be a discernable difference betwixt the two? If there is one area I have always thought was lacking in abundance on the Arya it is the midrange. However, many of your fellow reviewers (not all mind you) seem to feel that the HEK V2's have a somewhat "V" shaped signature. As you can see, my music interests are diverse but I mostly listen to electric blues of every color and stripe. I listen primarily to Redbook CD's (played on an OPPO BDP 105D equipped with a highly regarded set of onboard Sabre Dacs) and was wondering if you feel they would improve my listening experience? As you probably know, much modern electric blues can be very "busy and congested" in the midrange area with or without vocals. I would regard your opinion with much deference as you obviously are intimately involved with both sets of cans. Many thanks and kind regards! Marco B. (Brooklyn, NY)
I don’t know of a headphone that is excellent at everything as each have their own strengths and weaknesses. I have the HE1K v2 because I like what it does and I also have a ZMF because I like what that particular headphone does. It depends on my mood as to which one I go to.
My headband is starting to do the same thing. Just contacted Hifiman on a replacement & realized my warranty expired literally April of this year. Forkin $55 for a new leather head band.
Great review and comparison! There are quite a few headphone reviewers on TH-cam now but you certainly stand out. Well done. Are your Aryas the original version or "Rev 2"? Also, I'm wondering if you've heard both and if you would be able to advise how big the differences between them (if any) are. Thanks
@@GoldenSound I have rev2 Aryas, apparently their highs are a little tamer but they're missing the bass "growl" that the originals (allegedly) have, I was wondering how much truth there was to that. I run them using the Topping D90 + A90 combo - plenty of power, sometimes I wish there was a touch more bass present and more "body" to the sound, but that's just their lean-ish nature, isn't it? I switch between them and the Focal Clear depending on whether I want soundstage and transparency or intimacy and punch.
@@GoldenSound You should consider doing a comparison video of the 3 versions of the Aryas (OG, revision and stealth). There are a couple out there (Josh Valor, chuckolatte) but none involving all three. Lots of curiosity around this.
Aryas do not stage better, they have a forced “further away” stage and can’t do intimacy. It’s a matter of preference but saying Arya’s staging is better because it’s further away is not factual, it’s just that HEKs can stage far and intimate which Arya’s can’t (due to their FR etc).
IDK about that. IMO, Aryas can be intimate - but it depends on amplification, sources, and tracks ofc. Class A, A/B, or discrete with a li'l bit of neutral-warm character works best with my Aryas. Chip amps or bright amps don't sound as good. The Aryas also change with time and burn-in, IMO.
@@Ezees23 maybe, I’ve been evaluating them for 3 weeks and I’ve noticed the things you mentioned, namely burn in and amping changing the sound signature. However for a headphone to have a deep stage it needs to have extremely fast and well extended top end, which Arya is not really known for. The same goes for HD800 I think, where the stage is achieved through other means rather than sheer technical performance 🤷♂️ but I don’t disagree, I’d like to check a well amped and burned in Arya one day. But the point I made was more about HEK not having the same staging capability, which I don’t find to be the case. I think it’s more the case that HEK stages things a lot more accurately which in many cases is simply closer.
@@krisrudecki9477 These HPs at this level of resolution will tell the listener what kind of upstream components are in the chain. My Arya's characteristics have changed with time to settle and amp pairing. They were tite n brite when they were brand new, with the somewhat forced treble that you spoke of. They've changed to be much more relaxed, true to the track, and natural sounding. Of course when I was driving them with chip, thx, and NFC type amps they did not sound as natural as with discrete, class A, and A/B amps. All of that matters I've found. Give 'em time and a good amp with character and enough power, they may still surprise you. What is your chain like? DAC, amp, quality of music...?
@@Ezees23 at the time I was testing mostly on Tidal and 48 to 196 24bit pcm on Hugo 2 and ifi ican but chances are I didn’t give them enough time or maybe a different amp would give them a better presentation 🤔 anyway, good to know. For me the biggest issue was the recessed midrange but ultimately I sold them because I tried HEKse which blew my mind.
@@krisrudecki9477 I bet they did. I'm trying to stop at Arya right now bc I'm trying to not blow up my account, haha. Gotta get my car tip topped and maybe a house first, can't spend it all on cans. What's the 'main' differences btw Arya and SE, in your opinion?
I got the Arya Stealth ($1599) but I noticed that the HE1000v2 is now $2000 (instead of $3000). I'm tempted to try the Hifiman trading program to get the HE1000v2 better soundstage (mainly) but in the same time, I fear losing the "correctness" induced by the stealth magnets of the Arya... Do you think the trade would be a worthy move (soundwise)?
I definitely say yes too! I didn't like Arya Stealth, it sounds a bit clearer than an Arya V2, but the Arya V2 sounds audibly bigger, just like a 1000v2. Arya V2 is a little more energetic and noticeably more forward. Also it hits just a little harder than the 1000 V2 in comparison. On the other hand 1000v2 is a bit more balanced overall, a tad warmer, not so forward, so the sound is surrounding you more than with the Arya V2. I like both but considering price Arya V2 is the clear winner.
@@DiamondTrack No I kept the Arya SE finally (for pop, rock, etc.) but I bought a HD800S for classical, jazz or movies. I haven't found (or heard) the perfect endgame headphone to my taste yet though (which would combine big soundstage and good tonal balance and timbre). I'll have to try to hear the S-tiers of this world one day (like the Susvara, SR-X9000, Warwick Bravura or the new DCA Expanse). Oops, my wallet tries to hide from me now... :)
@@joggometer5393 Thanks for your advice but I kept the Arya SE finally (for pop, rock, etc.) and I bought a HD800S for classical, jazz or movies. I haven't found (or heard) the perfect endgame headphone to my taste yet though (which would combine big soundstage and good tonal balance and timbre). I'll have to try to hear the S-tiers of this world one day (like the Susvara, SR-X9000, Warwick Bravura or the new DCA Expanse). Oops, my wallet tries to hide from me now... :)
Incredible details. I'm afraid that I know very little about all this. I'm just using my phone or my pc with either jack or bluetooth. Looks like there is a lot of ascending to do.
I'm considering the Ayra Stealth, but I saw that the HE1000V2 is on sale now for 2000 dollars. So that might be the one to go for I suspect. I have a Chord Mojo 2 DAC. Would this be enough to enjoy the HE1000V2 (or the Stealth for that matter)? Excellent and detailed review. Cheers!
Great review thanks. I noticed you've got a Mojo amp sitting there. I've got the mojo amp which I use with my Shure SE846 in ear headphones and I'm looking at the Arya as an option for home listening (house, rap, acoustic, soft rock, motown). How does the Mojo pair with the Arya?
Great Vid. Thank you. What do you think using Chord Hugo 2 to drive he1000se or Arya? I’ve been using Hugo 2 to drive hd800s for convenience when traveling, which seems to work. I don’t know if it still does for planners.
I don't think hifiman made a mistake on the pricing at all - I think hifiman wants to be the next sennheiser, so they took a $3k driver, made it better, and said "now let's price this $4k headphone at $1600 to compete with sennheiser's best so the whole world notices what hifiman can do."
@musicx xa Try it for yourself. While this isn't a blind test, and it's also with loudspeakers, not headphones, listen to and watch this comparison between 3 different Class D Amplifiers that is performed by *TheAlphaAudio* in the Netherlands. Use your best headphones or IEMs while listening. Their reference system is fairly high end (Power Conditioner, Streamer, DAC, Preamp, Turntable, Loudspeakers, in an acoustically treated room), and the only thing they change in the signal chain are the amplifiers. As an example of the quality of the system, the Loudspeakers are $20k TAD Evolution 2 floorstanders. They also level match with an SPL Meter before playing each one, and they use 3 different tracks that are quite good at revealing the differences, and one of them is a vinyl LP. If you don't hear a difference, well, maybe go to an audiologist for a hearing test. ;) Listen and watch the comparison by going to *TH-cam* and entering the following text string into the Search Bar: NdZFAWe1Nxo *TheAlphaAudio* has done several other "Live Test" comparison tests with Integrated Amps, Studio Monitors, and different Media Playback Software, etc. I would urge you to check them out.
Can you list the best AMPs and DACs that are good and bad for the Arya? (couldn't hear what u said in the video too well.) Is the Topping Dx7 Pro good or bad for the Arya? Thanks.
@Tia Here are the DACs, DAC/Amps, and Amp in the video: Far Right: JDS Labs Atom HP amp Right Center: RME ADI-2 Pro FS Black Edition DAC/HP Amp Left Center Bottom (silver): Benchmark AHB2 amplifier Left Center Top: Goldpoint SA2X Switcher/Level Control Far Left: Holo Audio May KTE DAC When he said "Everything came to life" is After he plugged the Arya headphones from the RME ADI-2 FS Pro BE DAC/amp into the Benchmark AHB2 amp that was being fed by the Holo May KTE DAC (which is an "End Game" combination). I looks like he was mainly switching between the RME ADI-2 and the Holo May/Benchmark AHB2 combo during most of the video.
Straight up how’s this company in business with their quality issues. Bought a pair of he1000s and they were defective out of the box. Saw someone else had the same issue on the same day. 😧 How generous is Hifiman to reviewers that you never bring this up? Do they comp like crazy? Or just cut you off if you post a bad review. Total garbage.
@@GoldenSound yeah, curious to know if they modified the grill and put different pads on there. Makes a big difference. Stock I’d say it’s a bigger jump
(PIN THIS): IMPORTANT NOTE........If you want to enhance the bass, sweeten the midrange, and give more air to the sound then move the HE1000v2 as far forward on your head as it will go. Have the backs of your ears touching the back of the cups, as far forward on your head as it can. This creates no space behind your ear and increased space in front of your ear. Really enhances this headphone.
I've read your short review regarding he1000v2 and also the comparison between Arya, he1000v2 and susvara, however in the attached pictures, I couldn't find susvara among the others. You made a statement that he1000v2 delivering 95% sq of susvara. Did you A B them? Or just talking based on your memory? Did you ever possess susvara at all or just had a short brief demo listen at some audio shop?
My experience with Hifiman customer service was the very antithesis of excellent, it has been a nightmare. My V1 Arya's left driver failed after just 2 years and 3 months. They were so difficult. I'll never get a Hifiman again.
@David Knowles Good to know. Are you located in the U.S., U.K., or ? I usually try to purchase from a local dealer if I'm buying new, just for the potentially better support. Doesn't necessarily apply if you're purchasing second hand of course. IME, local dealers will also usually match other's sales prices or discounts as well. Cheers
Would love to hear your opinion of the Phonitor X amp with the Arya. I was listening to the Arya with 789 amp and it was just an ok pairing. Paired with the Phonitor X the Arya turns into a beast with the dip switches 1 and 2 in high gain.
I can definitely tell the difference, but its a LOT more subtle than with other headphones. With HD800 or Arya is blindingly obvious and I don't particularly enjoy either on the ADI-2 headphone amp. But with HEKv2 it seems to just handle most sources pretty well
I have Arya's V2 with Chord TT2. They sound good but treble, high mids can be grating at times. Too harsh. Any recommendations? How is the sound signature compared to the Susvara's?
Aryas love discrete, class A or AB amps with a little bit of neutral-warm character. Neutral-bright, ruthlessly revealing amps can tip the balance too much, IMO. I use a neutral-ish DAC (smsl su-9) with a neutral-warm amp (Gustard h20 w/ upgraded op amps), and Arya v2s. Seems to have good balance and symmetry. They 'may' need more power too, though IDK how powerful the TT2 is at Arya's impedance. If it's 2 watts or better you're in the ballpark, IME. P.S., Aryas need to be burned in/played in too, I've found that they've changed from when they were brand new, much smoother treble.
Try moving over to a tube amp (not OTL). I got the Arya SE and they sounded harsh, very harsh actually, from the get go. Coming from a pair of LCD-2 Bamboo, they seemed like the brain child of HD800S but with less sibilance and (tons) more bass/sub bass. What i did was give up on my DAC (had one with a dual ESS chip) and gave an old (and inexpensive) Aune T1se (3rd gen) a try. Now the chain is Source (PC) -> Aune T1se (DAC only) -> Woo Audio WA6 2nd gen (with a pair of warmer sounding NOS tubes; here you get to pick YOUR poison) and i can safely say that the highs are tamed. Permanently. I can listen to blistering high levels without the slightest hint of sibilance / shoutiness. It's true, though, that on the same combo, the LCD2 sound too muffled / dark but this one is for the Arya; the LCDs get their own chain. I see people recommending NOS dacs (R2R) but i would say they're a waste of money. While cheap and probably frowned upon, the T1se has a DSD1793 chip with a tube buffer stage which will help warming up the sound enough that the WA6's job is half done.
The Arya's treble is glaring and annoying. So, even if everything else is better, as compared to the Hek2, the Arya fails because it annoys with its upper FQ dryish glare. The Arya is everything that is wrong with the Hifiman sound, which is always the upper mid/treble harshness. And you can't Amp it out, all you can do is live with it, or hate it. Those are your choices. You don't have to make this choice with the HEK's.
I don't get that from my Arya v2 anymore. When it was brand new the treble was bright but after I burned it in with pink noise and music for about ~50 hrs that subsided greatly. Now a few months later it has settled in nicely and is very smooth yet revealing. I also switched to discrete class A and AB amps with a more natural SQ. The chip amps (a90, thx '887, Magnius) were kind of sterile, bright, and unnatural.
@@dopydude I bought a used Gustard H20 amp (class A, balanced) and switched out the stock op amps to Sparkos Labs ss-3602. I've not had first hand experience with the Asgard or Gilmore Lite mkii but I've read that both do Arya justice. Also look at Gustard H16 and Singxer Sa-1 for around $500-$600 US - they're both class A also.
Honestly, the Arya was my fav of the HEK line. The HE1000SE is trying too hard to be technical. Its the most detailed but too amp picky and wasn't as enjoyable. HEKV2 is great but if you have a good source chain the Arya was better overall
@@GoldenSound hey what budget amps would you recommend for Arya, something under 400 usd or so? I'm running mine with a topping a50s right now and wondering if I could get more out of it.
Get HE1000v2 just better. Way so much better. Unless you are a sound engineer or something, for personal use, HE1000v2 will be a good entry audiophile headphones.
Man, i just love how you talk and present everything. It's so accurate, so detailed, yet so soothing. You are extremely comfortable to listen to. :)
Thank you! :D
Good video European Zeos
chalk and cheese
lol
Theeeeesssse
Killed it. 😂
i always end up adding music to my collection after your content, another enjoyable content session, thanks.
I don't know the sound but HE1000V2 looks incredibly good and far better than Arya. It's a pleasure to look at. Beautiful.
to be honest I like my all black Arya a bit more, that cheap slice of wood around ear cups do not make them look premium enough :) yet price is sky high like always with Hifiman
@soulfulfool
Sure, some of their upper tier headphones are expensive, but they also have much more affordable models that IMO compete well to others in their respective category.
i really like being able to find new music through ur videos
Stunningly good analysis. At a time when there's this huge divide between reviewers who are so technical they put you to sleep and the great entertainers who either put on a show or try to sell you snake oil, your review comes across as a breath of fresh air. You tell us what you like and why - and you do it in a reasonable way.
Fantastic review! I'd die to see a review of yours that adds he1000se and Arya Stealth to the pot, and compare the 4 models.
I'd love a review of the Hifiman Ananda! I'm curious how similar/different it is. I own some myself, and would be curious where it shines/falls short.
Soundstage triangle
Oh man, that headband is giving me anxiety... I cant look at it!!!
Suggestion, when you do a call out - this case the skedra cable - could you spend a few seconds really showing it to us? Perhaps a few comments on what you like about it. I know it is a tangent, but sometimes they can be fun as it gives us insight into who you are and what you like.
his cables are 👌🏻
Will we be seeing an Arya Stealth Magnets Edition review from you at some point?
I got to AB the two and preferred the non-stealth version despite the Stealth sounding closer to how you described the HE1000 V2.
Interested to hear your take
I don't understand the arguement for Arya over HE1000 V2. You're saying the to save $1500 and get the Arya, but the Arya is only good enough to compete when running it off a $8,500 chain? lol
BTW,....I'm almost positive you THINK the ARYA is a "bit " more resolving is because of the difference in cables! You're using what appear to be 22awg red wire cables vs. the Hifiman surgical tubes! I've proven to myself numerous times with blind A/B-ing (independent person doing the A/B) with different headphones' brand cabling vs. Cable sthat I simply adore by Fog City Cables that appear just as "beefy" as those red babies of your's! Also, my wires are made of pure occ Mogami copper from Japan! Huge difference, all across the spectrum but especially in bass and treble retrieval.
After another year of listening to the V2's they are, simply put, medium bright! So Goldie, your conclusions are correct!
That’s the review I’ve been waiting for so long. Thx!!!
789 or 888?
@@pascaljean2333 😆
but how do they compare to the He1000se?
Thanks GoldenSound - I was thinking getting the HE1K v2 but after this I will keep my Arya SE.
Wonderful review, if you are able to, do consider conducting a review on the HE1000SE. Thanks!
Superb review due to actual music.... sounds speaks a thousand words
Enjoying your content a lot, keep it coming!
Finally a review that explains how Arya needs the right amplification.
Exactly!!!
@Jeroen van de Kamp
@bigreed43
Yes, However, his particular option for the "Right amplification" or signal chain setup over and above his RME ADI-2 PRO FS Black Edition (good but not great with the Arya in his review) was the Holo Audio May KTE DAC combined with the Benchmark AHB2 amp, which is about ~$8,900 USD, LOL.
What I'm saying is that this pairing just doesn't make sense in the real world, in that not too many people who will be buying the Arya (any version) as their top level HP will then be spending "End Game" money to pair them with the Holo/Benchmark, or anything else approaching that level.
I had Ananda before. It was very good, though I think I would prefer Focal Clear over it. As with Ananda it was too much laid back for me. The unpleasant feeling that it's not sharp enough. You want to turn it up to start hearing the treble better, but you end up with disappointment and tiredness, which used to piss me off.
With HE100SE, though, it's just another world of details and clarity. Haven't heard HE1000V2, but SE just kicks ass. So much better than Ananda in any terms. The price justifies it, of course. And this is the headphone that started a DAC hunting for me. At the time being I use FLUX labs FCN-10 as an amp + NuPrime DAC-10 as a DAC. Sounds superb, but I'm already dreaming for Susvara + Holo May + "I haven't found an amp for Susvara to put in the list yet, suggestions are very welcome"
Get the benchmark audio AHB2 for endgame speaker and susvara setup. If you want a headphone amp, topping A90 should work.
selection of music is impeccable. RME Adi 2 review when?
I'm revisiting after the Organic release, and I would almost expect you to like the Organic even more, but the HE is only $100 more :)
hello, i wanted arya organic, but i found he1k v2 for 70% price, so no brainer to choose, right?:)
Just love your presentation style and your vivid, loquacious, descriptions! Kudos of the first order! You have a new subscriber en moi! BTW, I have had the Arya (V2...as are yours) for close to three years and you are very correct in terms of what power (and chain) they are fed! I recently acquired a Violectric V281 on the used market and am thunderstruck at the "veil" that has been removed from them on everything from Mozart and Paganini to Miles Davis, B.B. King and Pink Floyd! HiFiMan is just coming out with a special price on the HE1000V2's for just under $2000! Do you think (considering the clarity yet warmth of the V281{quite "tubey sounding for SS actually}) that there would be a discernable difference betwixt the two? If there is one area I have always thought was lacking in abundance on the Arya it is the midrange. However, many of your fellow reviewers (not all mind you) seem to feel that the HEK V2's have a somewhat "V" shaped signature. As you can see, my music interests are diverse but I mostly listen to electric blues of every color and stripe. I listen primarily to Redbook CD's (played on an OPPO BDP 105D equipped with a highly regarded set of onboard Sabre Dacs) and was wondering if you feel they would improve my listening experience? As you probably know, much modern electric blues can be very "busy and congested" in the midrange area with or without vocals.
I would regard your opinion with much deference as you obviously are intimately involved with both sets of cans.
Many thanks and kind regards! Marco B. (Brooklyn, NY)
I don’t know of a headphone that is excellent at everything as each have their own strengths and weaknesses. I have the HE1K v2 because I like what it does and I also have a ZMF because I like what that particular headphone does. It depends on my mood as to which one I go to.
To me it looks cheap with the silver color
@@shadouxg7150 Arya is sexy yet plastic
The Vingt Syl intro is a nice touch. Great review. I know you're highly inspired by Zeos but I think you are honestly on his same level.
I think the gent exudes far more erudition AND sanity!
@@marcob.7801 Yeah a lot changes in 10 months. I really dislike Zeos now lmao
My headband is starting to do the same thing. Just contacted Hifiman on a replacement & realized my warranty expired literally April of this year. Forkin $55 for a new leather head band.
I got my he1000v2 for $1999 open box. Be here tomorrow! I did love Arya.
How?
Bump^
Great review and comparison! There are quite a few headphone reviewers on TH-cam now but you certainly stand out. Well done. Are your Aryas the original version or "Rev 2"? Also, I'm wondering if you've heard both and if you would be able to advise how big the differences between them (if any) are. Thanks
Mine are the originals. I've not had the chance to properly Compare v1 and v2 so can't say with certainty that they sound the same unfortunately
@@GoldenSound I have rev2 Aryas, apparently their highs are a little tamer but they're missing the bass "growl" that the originals (allegedly) have, I was wondering how much truth there was to that. I run them using the Topping D90 + A90 combo - plenty of power, sometimes I wish there was a touch more bass present and more "body" to the sound, but that's just their lean-ish nature, isn't it? I switch between them and the Focal Clear depending on whether I want soundstage and transparency or intimacy and punch.
@@GoldenSound You should consider doing a comparison video of the 3 versions of the Aryas (OG, revision and stealth). There are a couple out there (Josh Valor, chuckolatte) but none involving all three. Lots of curiosity around this.
Aryas do not stage better, they have a forced “further away” stage and can’t do intimacy. It’s a matter of preference but saying Arya’s staging is better because it’s further away is not factual, it’s just that HEKs can stage far and intimate which Arya’s can’t (due to their FR etc).
IDK about that. IMO, Aryas can be intimate - but it depends on amplification, sources, and tracks ofc. Class A, A/B, or discrete with a li'l bit of neutral-warm character works best with my Aryas. Chip amps or bright amps don't sound as good. The Aryas also change with time and burn-in, IMO.
@@Ezees23 maybe, I’ve been evaluating them for 3 weeks and I’ve noticed the things you mentioned, namely burn in and amping changing the sound signature. However for a headphone to have a deep stage it needs to have extremely fast and well extended top end, which Arya is not really known for. The same goes for HD800 I think, where the stage is achieved through other means rather than sheer technical performance 🤷♂️ but I don’t disagree, I’d like to check a well amped and burned in Arya one day. But the point I made was more about HEK not having the same staging capability, which I don’t find to be the case. I think it’s more the case that HEK stages things a lot more accurately which in many cases is simply closer.
@@krisrudecki9477 These HPs at this level of resolution will tell the listener what kind of upstream components are in the chain. My Arya's characteristics have changed with time to settle and amp pairing. They were tite n brite when they were brand new, with the somewhat forced treble that you spoke of. They've changed to be much more relaxed, true to the track, and natural sounding. Of course when I was driving them with chip, thx, and NFC type amps they did not sound as natural as with discrete, class A, and A/B amps. All of that matters I've found. Give 'em time and a good amp with character and enough power, they may still surprise you. What is your chain like? DAC, amp, quality of music...?
@@Ezees23 at the time I was testing mostly on Tidal and 48 to 196 24bit pcm on Hugo 2 and ifi ican but chances are I didn’t give them enough time or maybe a different amp would give them a better presentation 🤔 anyway, good to know. For me the biggest issue was the recessed midrange but ultimately I sold them because I tried HEKse which blew my mind.
@@krisrudecki9477 I bet they did. I'm trying to stop at Arya right now bc I'm trying to not blow up my account, haha. Gotta get my car tip topped and maybe a house first, can't spend it all on cans. What's the 'main' differences btw Arya and SE, in your opinion?
Talking about midrange timbre and accuracy while listening to deadmau5... Nice
nice reviews man.... please review hifiman sundara and he-560 V4 as well as usb dongle dacs
...
I got the Arya Stealth ($1599) but I noticed that the HE1000v2 is now $2000 (instead of $3000). I'm tempted to try the Hifiman trading program to get the HE1000v2 better soundstage (mainly) but in the same time, I fear losing the "correctness" induced by the stealth magnets of the Arya... Do you think the trade would be a worthy move (soundwise)?
Absolutely yes
Did you do it finnaly? If so, what were your impressions with 1000v2 and Arya Stealth?
I definitely say yes too! I didn't like Arya Stealth, it sounds a bit clearer than an Arya V2, but the Arya V2 sounds audibly bigger, just like a 1000v2. Arya V2 is a little more energetic and noticeably more forward. Also it hits just a little harder than the 1000 V2 in comparison. On the other hand 1000v2 is a bit more balanced overall, a tad warmer, not so forward, so the sound is surrounding you more than with the Arya V2.
I like both but considering price Arya V2 is the clear winner.
@@DiamondTrack No I kept the Arya SE finally (for pop, rock, etc.) but I bought a HD800S for classical, jazz or movies. I haven't found (or heard) the perfect endgame headphone to my taste yet though (which would combine big soundstage and good tonal balance and timbre). I'll have to try to hear the S-tiers of this world one day (like the Susvara, SR-X9000, Warwick Bravura or the new DCA Expanse). Oops, my wallet tries to hide from me now... :)
@@joggometer5393 Thanks for your advice but I kept the Arya SE finally (for pop, rock, etc.) and I bought a HD800S for classical, jazz or movies. I haven't found (or heard) the perfect endgame headphone to my taste yet though (which would combine big soundstage and good tonal balance and timbre). I'll have to try to hear the S-tiers of this world one day (like the Susvara, SR-X9000, Warwick Bravura or the new DCA Expanse). Oops, my wallet tries to hide from me now... :)
Looking at the floppy comfort strap drives me quite mad LoL
Haha, yeah, it was triggering my OCD as well. I would have replaced it by now. ;)
The H1000V2 is now US1150 , on Taobao. It’s a pretty good deal tbh.
hmm not sure I trust that website mr robert WANG
Can you review the new Arya Stealths please?
What is that spectrum analyzer called?
Incredible details. I'm afraid that I know very little about all this. I'm just using my phone or my pc with either jack or bluetooth. Looks like there is a lot of ascending to do.
I'm considering the Ayra Stealth, but I saw that the HE1000V2 is on sale now for 2000 dollars. So that might be the one to go for I suspect. I have a Chord Mojo 2 DAC. Would this be enough to enjoy the HE1000V2 (or the Stealth for that matter)? Excellent and detailed review. Cheers!
Mojo is a beast. He1000 will run off a phone... I am exaggerated a bit but you get the point
I heard that combination yesterday. Sounds excellent !
Thank you!!!!
What is the best headphone amp for the Arya's?
Can you review the HEDDPhone please? heard many good things about it but i’m not confident enough to buy it
Great review thanks. I noticed you've got a Mojo amp sitting there. I've got the mojo amp which I use with my Shure SE846 in ear headphones and I'm looking at the Arya as an option for home listening (house, rap, acoustic, soft rock, motown). How does the Mojo pair with the Arya?
I assume you have Arya V2? The newer Stealth Edition are much easier to drive and doesn't need ton of power like yours.
When is the Holo May review coming?
Great Vid. Thank you. What do you think using Chord Hugo 2 to drive he1000se or Arya? I’ve been using Hugo 2 to drive hd800s for convenience when traveling, which seems to work. I don’t know if it still does for planners.
Hey, can you do an in depth video of the apple airpod max and additionally apples hi-res service when it comes out. Love your videos.
Hello, dear friend. Any thoughts on the newly released v3 of the Arya Stealth?
@Ferenczy Attila Stefan
There is also the HE1000 V2 STEALTH to consider now, too. :P
Why did you include that special exotic japan release daft punk song i the listening test? I cant find it on qobus or even on spotify.
I have the Ananda Nano which is a planar similar to the Arya, would you say the Fiio K9 (non-pro) is a could fit?
If you bought these years ago, don't look at current prices; if you do you will lose your mind...
Are these Arya V3 or V2?
thx for the review! How do you think will behave Arya + new Mojo ver.2 ? Should be enough power to pump some juice into them, don't you think so?
Yes
Can someone tell me the name of the DAC/amps he recommended for the Aryas?
I don’t how they are written or called exactly.
I have Sundara and Arya Stealth. I'm trying to decide whether to go for the HE1000 V2 or try something else. Possibly ZMF?
I don't think hifiman made a mistake on the pricing at all - I think hifiman wants to be the next sennheiser, so they took a $3k driver, made it better, and said "now let's price this $4k headphone at $1600 to compete with sennheiser's best so the whole world notices what hifiman can do."
If that was their intention they've certainly succeeded.
At its pricepoint the Arya is pretty much a no-brainer in my opinion. Its fantastic
for orchestral, chamber music, which one do you prefer?
Need help, I have the Arya 2021 Stealth Magnet Edition, 32Ohms 94db. Is the gap to the HE1000V2 worth it? I only run through ibasso DX300. Thanks.
how would you recommend storing the headphones properly? (or storing the susvara properly)
Thanks!
Which amps did you say the Aryas are best ?
Anyone know what cable he's using coming out of the AHB2? Banana plug to female 4 pin XLR?
Can you really differentiate the source chain in a blind test ? 15:42
@musicx xa
Try it for yourself. While this isn't a blind test, and it's also with loudspeakers, not headphones, listen to and watch this comparison between 3 different Class D Amplifiers that is performed by *TheAlphaAudio* in the Netherlands. Use your best headphones or IEMs while listening.
Their reference system is fairly high end (Power Conditioner, Streamer, DAC, Preamp, Turntable, Loudspeakers, in an acoustically treated room), and the only thing they change in the signal chain are the amplifiers. As an example of the quality of the system, the Loudspeakers are $20k TAD Evolution 2 floorstanders.
They also level match with an SPL Meter before playing each one, and they use 3 different tracks that are quite good at revealing the differences, and one of them is a vinyl LP.
If you don't hear a difference, well, maybe go to an audiologist for a hearing test. ;)
Listen and watch the comparison by going to *TH-cam* and entering the following text string into the Search Bar:
NdZFAWe1Nxo
*TheAlphaAudio* has done several other "Live Test" comparison tests with Integrated Amps, Studio Monitors, and different Media Playback Software, etc. I would urge you to check them out.
In the comparison, is it Arya V2 or Arya V3 (stealth)? Thank you!
字幕呢？
Can you list the best AMPs and DACs that are good and bad for the Arya? (couldn't hear what u said in the video too well.) Is the Topping Dx7 Pro good or bad for the Arya? Thanks.
Topping dx7 is 👍
@Tia
Here are the DACs, DAC/Amps, and Amp in the video:
Far Right: JDS Labs Atom HP amp
Right Center: RME ADI-2 Pro FS Black Edition DAC/HP Amp
Left Center Bottom (silver): Benchmark AHB2 amplifier
Left Center Top: Goldpoint SA2X Switcher/Level Control
Far Left: Holo Audio May KTE DAC
When he said "Everything came to life" is After he plugged the Arya headphones from the RME ADI-2 FS Pro BE DAC/amp into the Benchmark AHB2 amp that was being fed by the Holo May KTE DAC (which is an "End Game" combination).
I looks like he was mainly switching between the RME ADI-2 and the Holo May/Benchmark AHB2 combo during most of the video.
Susvara review?
You've got to change the top strap, really, good review though, thanks
Wld this still be relevant if the H1000 v2 is priced at US1.15k today brand new
Straight up how’s this company in business with their quality issues. Bought a pair of he1000s and they were defective out of the box. Saw someone else had the same issue on the same day. 😧 How generous is Hifiman to reviewers that you never bring this up? Do they comp like crazy? Or just cut you off if you post a bad review. Total garbage.
Haha mine were defective too! I just sent them back though and they sent me a brand new one! Hoping for luck
You should review the HE-6se v2 next. Greatest deal ever in hifi audio at $649. 90% of the susvara
I'd definitely like to try it. But a couple people who's ears I trust say that it's quite far off the susvara
@@GoldenSound yeah, curious to know if they modified the grill and put different pads on there. Makes a big difference. Stock I’d say it’s a bigger jump
(PIN THIS): IMPORTANT NOTE........If you want to enhance the bass, sweeten the midrange, and give more air to the sound then move the HE1000v2 as far forward on your head as it will go. Have the backs of your ears touching the back of the cups, as far forward on your head as it can. This creates no space behind your ear and increased space in front of your ear. Really enhances this headphone.
Test Arya Organic and 1000SE please
You're a pretty good reviewer, but your reviews would be so much better if you put the headphones on one of those ears-on-a-stand microphone devices.
I've read your short review regarding he1000v2 and also the comparison between Arya, he1000v2 and susvara, however in the attached pictures, I couldn't find susvara among the others. You made a statement that he1000v2 delivering 95% sq of susvara. Did you A B them? Or just talking based on your memory? Did you ever possess susvara at all or just had a short brief demo listen at some audio shop?
Was it the Arya Stealth?
Why not use the same parts from each song to compare? Pretty useless to compare headphones while playing different parts of the same song.
My experience with Hifiman customer service was the very antithesis of excellent, it has been a nightmare.
My V1 Arya's left driver failed after just 2 years and 3 months. They were so difficult.
I'll never get a Hifiman again.
@David Knowles
Good to know. Are you located in the U.S., U.K., or ?
I usually try to purchase from a local dealer if I'm buying new, just for the potentially better support. Doesn't necessarily apply if you're purchasing second hand of course. IME, local dealers will also usually match other's sales prices or discounts as well.
Cheers
Headed here from Zeos, but thanks for this review, UK Zeos. LOLLLLL
I was planing to get a Edition XS. Do you think the HE1000V2 or the Arya are worth saving up for?
Yes
I have just purchased the new Arya and a Burson soloist x3. Sounds great straight out of the box. Can only get better.👍
Very good match!
I own the same combo, but the Burson is a GT: really audio heaven !
Would love to hear your opinion of the Phonitor X amp with the Arya. I was listening to the Arya with 789 amp and it was just an ok pairing. Paired with the Phonitor X the Arya turns into a beast with the dip switches 1 and 2 in high gain.
I truly can’t tell the difference between Asgard 3 and adi2 with the Arya.
I can definitely tell the difference, but its a LOT more subtle than with other headphones.
With HD800 or Arya is blindingly obvious and I don't particularly enjoy either on the ADI-2 headphone amp.
But with HEKv2 it seems to just handle most sources pretty well
Is the Arya and Asgard 3 a good match? Is the Asgard 3 able to drive them to their full potential? Thank you 😊
@@yasserouacha6299 The adi2 was able to drive them to their full potential. Yes, the asgard 3 could definitely.
@@dougquesnel5613 I ordered Arya now I'm sure my amp can drive them to their full potential. Thank you.
Is Arya good for tube amp?
Good review, though
lost me in the amp section.
Would Arya will sound good on topping DX7 PRO?
Yes!
I have Arya's V2 with Chord TT2. They sound good but treble, high mids can be grating at times. Too harsh. Any recommendations? How is the sound signature compared to the Susvara's?
Aryas love discrete, class A or AB amps with a little bit of neutral-warm character. Neutral-bright, ruthlessly revealing amps can tip the balance too much, IMO. I use a neutral-ish DAC (smsl su-9) with a neutral-warm amp (Gustard h20 w/ upgraded op amps), and Arya v2s. Seems to have good balance and symmetry. They 'may' need more power too, though IDK how powerful the TT2 is at Arya's impedance. If it's 2 watts or better you're in the ballpark, IME. P.S., Aryas need to be burned in/played in too, I've found that they've changed from when they were brand new, much smoother treble.
Try moving over to a tube amp (not OTL). I got the Arya SE and they sounded harsh, very harsh actually, from the get go. Coming from a pair of LCD-2 Bamboo, they seemed like the brain child of HD800S but with less sibilance and (tons) more bass/sub bass. What i did was give up on my DAC (had one with a dual ESS chip) and gave an old (and inexpensive) Aune T1se (3rd gen) a try. Now the chain is Source (PC) -> Aune T1se (DAC only) -> Woo Audio WA6 2nd gen (with a pair of warmer sounding NOS tubes; here you get to pick YOUR poison) and i can safely say that the highs are tamed. Permanently. I can listen to blistering high levels without the slightest hint of sibilance / shoutiness. It's true, though, that on the same combo, the LCD2 sound too muffled / dark but this one is for the Arya; the LCDs get their own chain. I see people recommending NOS dacs (R2R) but i would say they're a waste of money. While cheap and probably frowned upon, the T1se has a DSD1793 chip with a tube buffer stage which will help warming up the sound enough that the WA6's job is half done.
The Arya's treble is glaring and annoying. So, even if everything else is better, as compared to the Hek2, the Arya fails because it annoys with its upper FQ dryish glare. The Arya is everything that is wrong with the Hifiman sound, which is always the upper mid/treble harshness. And you can't Amp it out, all you can do is live with it, or hate it. Those are your choices. You don't have to make this choice with the HEK's.
Agreed.
I don't get that from my Arya v2 anymore. When it was brand new the treble was bright but after I burned it in with pink noise and music for about ~50 hrs that subsided greatly. Now a few months later it has settled in nicely and is very smooth yet revealing. I also switched to discrete class A and AB amps with a more natural SQ. The chip amps (a90, thx '887, Magnius) were kind of sterile, bright, and unnatural.
@@Ezees23 Which amp? asgard3 or smtg else? Wud Gilmore lite mk2 be better than asgard3
@@dopydude I bought a used Gustard H20 amp (class A, balanced) and switched out the stock op amps to Sparkos Labs ss-3602. I've not had first hand experience with the Asgard or Gilmore Lite mkii but I've read that both do Arya justice. Also look at Gustard H16 and Singxer Sa-1 for around $500-$600 US - they're both class A also.
Arya V3 with stealth magnets solved your complaints
Man where the ARYA review at😎😂
Here after Zeos ✌
Is the HIFIMAN EF400 a good fit for the Aryas?
He doesn't recommend the ef400. You need to spend atleast 1k or more for your music to sound its best
EF400 sounds great on both. It compliments my HE1000V2 beautifully.
So basically, I should have both. I'll be running with ibasso dx3000.
Is the Arya and Asgard 3 a good match? Thanks 😊
Sure, you could also go for Magnius or Jot2.
@@tcc5750 thank you, i think magnius is a little sterile like thx amps. I prefer Asgard 3 or jot2.
this or he1000se?
Honestly, the Arya was my fav of the HEK line. The HE1000SE is trying too hard to be technical. Its the most detailed but too amp picky and wasn't as enjoyable. HEKV2 is great but if you have a good source chain the Arya was better overall
@@GoldenSound hey what budget amps would you recommend for Arya, something under 400 usd or so? I'm running mine with a topping a50s right now and wondering if I could get more out of it.
@@Scoutscout1000 jot2 or Asgard 3
@@GoldenSound Any thoughts on the Arya V3 yet?
@@GoldenSound Yeah, can you review the Arya V3 please
Get HE1000v2 just better. Way so much better. Unless you are a sound engineer or something, for personal use, HE1000v2 will be a good entry audiophile headphones.
Entry?
@Dbean51 he said entry ahahah
Ya... hifiman has good service... no repairs, just replacement
Are u zeus?!
The praise for these is insane, do you also go to church and stand down and pray ?
I do
Headphones headphones headphones, why? (I'm not having a go)
This was a nice review, but I hate the "Z Reviews" style shaky headcam.