I have finally gotten the Arya, Ex 800s owner. The Arya, on slow orchestra tracks it is able to project those "Chimes" very slowly and subtly yet dynamically from the positioning on the front right of the headphone slowly,gradually to the back right (positioning of the chimes as the chimes play). Like footsteps walking, but every chime that is being hit, I am able to hear a slight inconsistency between them has they go from the front right to the back right. The consistency is the strength being hit on the chime. When using the 800s I can hear the positioning of every instruments, I can also hear the chimes going from the front right to the back right, but I have to try very hard to hear the inconsistencies of the strength hit on the chimes as they move from the front right to the back right. At that moment I knew why I have to buy the Arya, I though the 800s is the End Game for me, but there is more. I was very shocked when I first found out there is this extra detail I never heard before. I am not using an expensive setup, just the Fiio M11. But yes, the timbre of the 800s and Arya is different, I cannot argue and say which sounds more natural as both are extremely natural just a noticeable difference. It's just that the 800s's timbre sounds more familiar to most of us maybe because it's a dynamic driver timbre. Sennheisers's timbre is quite consistent, it can be found in the 500 and 600 series as well. Now I am interested to compare the Arya with the Verite and the Utopia if I ever get the chance! Thanks Josh for trying to explain the Arya experience!
Would you mind letting me know which version of the Arya did you get? Was that the old Arya or the new stealth edition? Between the Arya and the 800S you'd pick the Arya?
After spending countless months researching amps, dacs, headphones and all the lovely in between. Here is what I understand about this high fidelity audio game. There is an endless array of DAC's and Amps and DAC/AMP combo's, headphones/speakers and of course high end audio cables. Let's not forget aftermarket ear pads for those headphones if they are on ear or over ears. Oh yeah, ears, we all have different ears, which hear different things, cause of course we are all unique individuals, with individual cochleas. Add to that the genre of music you listen to, and what is the recording quality of the music and source as well. Sprinkled with a little placebo effect and industry marketing gimmicks. I'll take some DSD with a side of LSD please. When I think about all this, I have to take a deep breath and collect myself because you can start to get a little crazy with all of this. Little crazy?! No full on head spinning exorcist crazy. You do realize, this is an exorbitant amount of possibilities and to be able to find the perfect setup is like finding..well I think you get the point I am trying to make. It's an endless game for the "end game" and worse of all, a giant money/time pit, sinking thousands upon thousands of dollars and research hours trying to find what they call the "end game" setup, except for there really is no "end game". It just keeps going on and on in perpetuity as audio technology advances every year. Let's also not forget that most of the time you will be watching videos or reading forums about this stuff, you can't actually listen to it and try it on before you buy it like you do with other really expensive things. So either be very rich and have the ability to spend $50,000-$100,000++ to have multiple variations of all these audio components so you can mix and match and try them all out or be an audio reviewer where gear is lent to listen and test until you find the perfect setup or multiple setups because it's like wine, you don't just drink one kind, you should have a wine cellar for all those bottles. Well then, I guess that sums it up for me, anyone else want to chime in please do. I am not an audiophile, just a guy that likes better audio quality than average. So I would say I fit somewhere in the middle? My current listening pleasure for the past 3 years or so is a pair of Sennheiser HD600's, bone stock with no customizations, with a Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100, and a DarkVoice 336SE tube amp, using my Mac Pro and listening to mp3's ranging from 192 kbs to 320 kbs on iTunes, sometimes FLAC audio files through VOX, some Tidal/Spotify. The entire audio part of the setup cost me around $700 and believe me when I say that I am SO very satisfied with the sound quality, that I can't imagine spending hundreds or thousands more to get something else, but like I said, we are all different. This setup might be a joke for another audiophile. I see it as a tunnel without an ending. There is always something better, so if you seek it, it will find you..and your wallet. (Sorry for my long rant, but I had a lot to say!) Edit: I just realized I really AM an audiophile, I just don't want to spend the kind of money to BE an audiophile. I achieved a level of happiness with my current setup and I put a stop right there. Because I very quickly found myself looking up more headphones, and more amps/dacs. Becoming addicted to this is extraordinarily easy. You forget the whole reason you started was to just listen to your music in higher quality, but then it quickly becomes something else.
Thank you for that. Thats precisly what i was going thru and i ended up choosing a hifiman sundara and a dragonfly red just to realise that is HiFi at its best for 500 € for me without making myself crazy.
Spot on!! I started with 1 budget DAC/Headphone amp, HD58X, and then within a few weeks I was completely obsessed. I was trying to figure out what I was going to buy next. Watching every video of each model. Next thing I know I have four sets of headphones. I have now finally woke up and even knew I was getting out of control while doing it. Have since ordered another headphone. WTF!!! I packed up the three other headphones and sending them back. Going to keep my HD58X and have a lightweight Bluetooth set to walk around with. I so want these Arya's, but I feel even those won't make me stop. Also feel like rushing is never a good thing. Should maybe take your time and enjoy the journey. Either way this hobby is equal to being a drug addict and getting a legal fix with new gear. You are not alone man!!
Dude...usually i would not even bother trying to read paragraphs/essays thoroughly like i did with this one, but you were literally the only exception since you made alot of sense in your long, VERY long statement here that it was kinda entertaining to see what went through your head bro! Lol I actually hope you're content these some odd years later and didn't get pulled into the "trap" after all. 🤔
You have nailed it in this review. I have been addicted to the Arya for a few months now and you and I are hearing the exact same thing. I listen to tons of classical music; orchestral, choral, quartet, recitals, solo vocals with piano. Each one of these has such a vastly different sound environment and tonality and it is a major revelation every time I get to hear my recordings again. The separation of the sounds is simply incredible, transcendent of your own space for sure. My other headphones are the Focal Utopia and the LCD-XC and I still love them but there is a tendency for them to sound just a bit like "data being rammed into my skull" - not that bad - but so different from the Arya. I listen to my Aryas for an hour or more every single day - doing nothing else, just listening. I love my other headphones but have never listened while doing nothing else that much. Love it - thanks for the review, keep up the great work.
@@veetour I hope you have a similar experience, I am sure there are other headphones that could give me what the Arya's do - like another HifiMan but in my brain on my head these have been unsurpassed. Best Wishes!!!
Damn you must have bad headphones to listen to Arya of an hour a day. I am now in a rush to buy Focal Clear PRO, or at very least 660s, just so I have a new working toy and forget I burned any amount of money on Arya.
@@CaptHotah they’re best plugged into a warm amp, class A or AB. Preferably balanced. That’s the general consensus at least on getting the best out of them. I have the jotunheim 2 and couldn’t be happier. That’s what I’d recommend. 6 watts of clean power, that’s what the Arya seems to crave
I have both headphones. The only thing that the Clears are better at is dynamics due to its dynamic driver (it has more direct punch), everything else - Arya is out of this world. The bass, the highs, the sound stage, the layering... When I bought the Clears I realised that my end-game was near but there was still something missing, that "WOW!" factor. The Aryas have it all. EDIT: After weeks of listening, while the above is still true, I would add that the Clears are slightly ahead of the Aryas in terms of tonality (how realistic they sound, the Aryas are a bit brighter) and their heavenly mids are a little more direct and intimate than the Aryas. I would not sell either of these headphones, though, they complement each other perfectly. EDIT2: Both headphones only truly shine when used with a fully balanced system (mine is Topping D90+A90). I like the Clears so much more now (so much more punch, no harshness + 3D depth that I've never heard on them before) and the Aryas are no longer lean-sounding, they bring me onto the stage instead of letting me sit in one of the front rows. I was afraid that I might be wasting my money buying such an expensive (for me) set-up but it's taken my audio to the next level. Sublime.
@@MistaLova-Lova I have the clears and the sundara. I can relate to what you say about both headphones having their own signature and providing a different window to the music. I love both my Clears and Sundara. I am not fortunate and wealthy enough for the Arya but I can relate from my experience with the Sundara.
@@MistaLova-Lova thank you for your comment and your commitment to update it. Me personally I like the clear more, cause for me it's almost transparent, its so fast realistic and detailed. The arya has a unique presentation for the sound, my ears are on the small side, so I guess that plays a role on why I like the clear more. Then I gave the arya to my brother after I bought the avantone planar black, which has a very similar arya like presentation but with a more natural tonality. The avantone planar is outstanding price to performance is crazy good.
Awesome review bro. I'm no audiophile but I'd still love to try these at some point in my audio journey. On a side note, when I first found your channel I thought "Joshua must have over a million subs easily." The quality of your videos is legit dude. 🙌
I used to play drums and when I listened to a plain live drum recording without any other instruments, the Arya really got me goosebumps, it's the second headphone, after the HE1000V2 which I listened to way before I purchased the Arya that gave me the feeling that I was actually listening to real instruments and not sound from a pair of headphones. The cleaniness of the high hats, the cimbals, the punch and force of the kicks, you could literally feel the soundwave hitting ur ears and skull just like in real life. No other pair of headphones came even close to give me this sensation of realism in instruments than the Arya and the HE1000V2, probably the Susvara, but that's out of my league financially anyway.
@@nicktan4530 I honestly dont care how they look like, they are staying at home anyway and once they are on my head, all I care about is how they sound and not how I look like wearing them.
@@versaleyang they look horrible even when not wewring. High end headphone are ugly. What is the point of built when they are ugly. Is it comfortable ?
@@nicktan4530 It is extremely comfortable, when I put them on my head, they kind of just disappear and wearing them for hours does not give me any fatigue at all, no headband pressure, no earcup compression.
It’s been a whole year with my Aryas. They’re paired with the RME ADI-2 DAC FS. If this were endgame for me, I wouldn’t complain. These things sound amazing. After regular listening for a whole year, they sound even better than after my initial burn in. The bass seems to get deeper and punchier. I use to feel like I needed a second pair of headphones to meet my bass cannon needs, but not anymore. The bass extension has become a must-have for me. Other cans punch a little harder and louder but lack the bass extension. The EQ on my DAC is key to the sound I get out of my Aryas. I admit that I bump the bass quite a bit, but the Aryas handle it no problem. The rest of the frequency response, detail and sound stage are all awesome but I’m not as articulate at describing those aspects.
For me, the Aryas are truly END GAME. I own the Focal Clear, Elear, Elex, HD 660s, DT 1990 and they all sound good to me but when I heard the Arya I knew that I didn't need another headphone. I purchased the Chord Mojo over a year ago and was convinced that the purchase was a waste. That is until I matched them with the Arya. Iphone + Tidal lossless + Mojo + Arya = Unbelievable portable option. At home I have the SMSL SU8, Sabaj D5 and THX 789 and I am amazed every day with the Arya. The thing about them though is, they will have you searching for the very best recordings. There are songs that I used to like a lot that I don't listen to as much because you realize the recording is poor. On the other hand, there are songs I didn't care about before that I now love because the Arya reveal how great the recordings are. I couldn't be happier about the purchase of the Arya.
Hi Joshua, got the Arya and... I understand why these are your favourite headphones. And, yes, the textured detailed bass make this unique planar. Vocals, yes - separated. Highs - all is there but you decide what to pick or enjoy it like complete performance. Stage - yes, everything is big, wide, deep and music comes in big waves to me and envelop me. Thank you Josh for that review - it was part of my choice to go to these after having heard for only 2 hours the hd800s. I am fully happy and think these are gona be my EG cans for long.
Josh it would be great to see you review the Abyss AB-1266 PHI TC. It is an incredible headphone. It is hands down the number one headphone that I have ever heard.
The way you described the soundstage is perfectly accurate. And for this reason it makes it very hard to listen to a lot of older hard panned or intimately recorded tracks. These sounds come across so accurate to recording that you feel the soundstage is exactly as far away as the microphone was to the source. You can pick out every tiny movement in that distance, but the headphone never does "extend" the distance like the HD800 or DT990 do for example. And to me that is a huge flaw -- it forces these headphones to always sound "like earbuds" for many recordings. Accuracy is there yes, but as someone who absolutely hates the "intimate" feeling of headphones, the enjoyability for is completely removed from almost every track I listen to. It sounds like it removes the "magic" of every single old track I could feed it. And for that reason, despite having these for months and thinking the sound was bunk, then getting another pair to make absolutely sure, I kept going back to a DT990. And I even preferred the KSC75 to these in terms of enjoyability.
When I listen to older hard panned recordings, I turn on crossfeed in Roon on my PC, or crossfeed in my RME ADI DAC2, on my DAP I use Neutron and it has crossfeed too so personally I don't think that's an issue, unless you are a purist that hates using crossfeed or EQs of any sort.
I mean, they’re comparable to a he1000 v2 if that helps any. That’s what this headphone essentially is except with cheaper ergonomics. So I imagine it’s hard to fall out of love with these
These just came in today. I can say, with unwavering confidence, that I no longer need another pair of headphones. That's it for me! I came from DT1990 Pro's, and the Arya's clobber the Pro's in EVERY facet of audio enjoyment for me. I'm hearing shit I didn't know existed in my music.
Haha! Just about...I couldn't demo headphones locally, so I would buy them to hear for myself as I search for my personal endgame headphones, which are the Arya and Z1R, for the moment.
@@IsraelCruzJr Hi just wanted to ask, How do you EQ with Tidal which runs on Win 10 in direct / bit perfect mode without involving any Windows processing or resampling ie direct link to the DAC? This since you would be EQuing regularly with all these headphones...
@@barchetype6430 Sorry, I never realized you left a message for me. No, I have not had the opportunity to try the RAAL SR1-A. Definitely on my list to try at some point.
I just got a pair a few days ago and I absolutely love them. I have 13 other headphones including the Sundara and Ananda and the Arya is easily the best of them all. They are very detailed with some of the best imaging and separation I've ever heard from a headphone. Thanks for your review because it helped me make the decision to get the Arya as I was looking at a few headphones at the time like the HD800s, Fostex TH900 and 909, and the Sony Z1R.
oooooo the Z1R's! Those are next on my must buy list. My daily drivers are also the Arya's, and so far they remain undefeated (Demoed Clears and LCD-X's, and the Arya's murdered the other 2 in cold blood), but I've been craving a closed back (I only have DT177X's, which are great too). Did you ever get to demo the Sony's? Or HD800s?
I actually have the Z1R and I love them but they sound nothing like the Arya. They're a very warm headphone with great bass and a nice sparkle to the highs around 10K or so. The mids are a bit recessed but it's not bad and they have the best soundstage of any closed headphone I have or have had. The Arya is more detailed but if you like a warmer sound the Sony's do it as good as anyone and if you do get'em give them time because they sound much better after your brain adjusts to them.
Went back and watched your vids on the Arya v2. All of them from your self, and the headphone show guys. I ordered these based on your recommendation and theirs. Gotta say man. This headphone is a experience. Was searching for a opposite to the 560s. The 560s I use for fps gaming, and I wanted a headphone to use for single player games and music. Wanted one that was a emersion beast vs clinical and laser focused. This was it. Lush, weighty and the scale of the sound is huge. You're not wearing a headphone, you're experiencing the sound and the environment it puts you in. HD800s didn't cut it, Ananda didn't cut it, Sundara and the 600 series didn't cut it. This was it. Running everything off a magni modi 3 stack ( not the best, if you can recommend a DAC amp stack or combo feel free, but this seems to be great for my entry into this black hole of a hobby) Keep up the good work man. The cocktail of this headphone is exactly what I was looking for. Expensive, but worth every penny. Thanks dude. 👌
I returned Focal Clears and got open box Arya for $1300, not a single scratch on it, sounds AMAZING, much better than Focal Clears for me. I am a planar guy from this day on. Thanks Josh.
been watching youtube reviews for months, I think this is the best headphone sound explanation and description i have seen in a long time; no bullshit mystical descriptive words, but more like how the sound is reproduced, very good josh, you are the man for this.
Thanks for the detailed reviews Joshua, really appreciate it, I agree with all your points. Thought I share my recent experience to help you or anyone out there. I purchased a lcd2c a year ago, and got the upgrade itch recently, so I purchased several headphones on amazon to do a comparison. (would not recommend this, they sent me an email after all the returns, ultimately, I made my purchase at headphones.com great website awesome 365 day return policy, friendly staff) My plan was either to replace or complement. I ordered the ether 2, focal clear, Arya, and HD800s. Did not like the clear, as much as I wanted to because I got the professional edition in red and it looks sexy as hell and matches my red turntable. It sounded claustrophobic and closed in and had this what I can only describe as a metallic signature, heard the same thing but to even a greater extent with focal Utopia I tried a year ago. With the Arya, immediately the build quality threw me off. I get where you’re coming from that if it feels comfortable and sounds great then build quality does not really dilute the listening experience (assuming it does not break), but for me , this might sound a little weird, but the tactile experience of picking up the headphone and putting it on my head also adds to the experience. I enjoy the gear as much as the music, and sometimes I just handle my Audeze for a moment before putting them back on my stand and just smile and admire. Handling the Aryas, brings no enjoyment, and all I think is “cheap”. I recommend you try the Ether 2s , because to me they sounded close to the Aryas, but with way better build quality and a more comfortable fit. They did sound even more laid back and warmer than the Aryas, and it seems like you enjoy that. But for me, I really missed the slam, punch , and in your face forwardness of the Audezes. I loved the HD800s, and thought they were a perfect complement to LCD2cs. With the Arya and the Ether 2, I both missed the slam of the Audeze, and missed the grand soundstage and airiness of the HD800s, both of which you mentioned in your review. I don’t get all the hate the HD800s gets for being “analytical”, but that might be because my tube headphone amp (Linear tube audio Mz2-s) , and my sources (planar 3 ania , ps audio direct stream jr) , have a slight warm signature themselves (according to reviews) that it is taking the edge off and adding musicality, not sure. But I don’t do any “analyzing” with my hd800s, and they sound great even listening to music with a lot of bass like Travis Scott’s Astroworld or music that hits hard like GNR’s Appetite Destruction. I would not say I divide my listening between the audeze and Hd800 between genres, but between moods.. Both provide an emotional and musical experience.
At the beginning of this year I decided to finally make my dream come true and search for my personal audio nirvana (at the time I was using Audio-Technica ATH-M50 and Sennheiser Momentum 2). I went through different headphones, most of which I ended up sending back: AudioQuest Nighthawk (still have these as they're too unique for me to be able to part with), Beyerdynamics: DT1770 Pro, Amiron Home, T1 2nd gen; Sennheiser HD660s; Focal Clear (still have them, as they're the most dynamic headphones I've heard, especially on a balanced connection) and now Hifiman Arya. When I bought the Clears I thought "my end-game is near", they were the first pair of headphones that I could not fault - technically great, everything sounded so realistic, so balanced. My brain was happy. But my heart wanted something more - that "WOW!" factor which I envisaged as a "wall of sound": a great sound stage, great instrument separation and great extension on both ends without sounding artificial. I had almost given up on looking for what my heart craved because I thought that it could perhaps only be achieved if I was willing to spend thousands of pounds/dollars, and I am not that obsessed, hehe ;) Then I found out about the Aryas and I decided to take the plunge. Wow... The sound is out of this world. It initially felt a little too bright at times, but I felt that this headphone had potential which my system was unable to tap into, so I ended up investing in a Topping D90/A90 combo as I'd heard that it's the perfect match for the Aryas. I was quite sceptical but now that I've got everything hooked up... It's my audio nirvana! It's everything I dreamed of when I started my journey 11 months ago (in fact, I started it as a child fascinated by a friend's 2.1 PC speaker set-up which at the time seemed like an unbelievably good source of sound, hehe). Single-ended connection sounds wonderful - deep, clear bass, beautiful mids, crips and airy highs without ever sounding harsh or too brigh. Tall and deep soundstage with individual sounds layered in a way I didn't even suspect was possible, with plenty of "air" around each note. Using a balanced cable tightens things up a little bit and gives the headphones some extra punch (bass gets almost physical) but in my opinion they are engaging enough as they are and the more laid-back approach on a single-ended connection gives the ultimate clarity. I might keep my Clears for their sheer punch (especially on a balanced connection) but the Aryas are simply a piece of art, they make music an almost physical experience, I feel like I'm inside a hurricane of sound - songs like Paranoid Android by Radiohead or Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin leave me with my mouth wide open. My friends probably think I'm crazy to have spent so much on a pair of headphones, a DAC and an amp but what I get in return is simply priceless. I highly recommend this headphone (and the combo) to any music lover.
So I am thinking about coming from an Audeze LCD X to Aryas. I have a Modi 3 and Magni Heresy stack from Schiit. DO you think those are enough to get some of the potential out of the Aryas before I eventually upgrade? Also I may be using them primarily for gaming. How is multi hour comfort?
My first love is jazz fusion but Metallica's "Holier Than Thou" sounds awesome on these headphones. Heck, the entire album is awesome on these headphones. Near perfect balance and placement of instruments across the soundstage without any fatiguing peaks in the upper bands. Topping D30 Pro, Topping A30 Pro, Apos balanced cables, Black Dragon USB, Roon (FLAC files).
I don't think its hard to talk about quality, when a 3000$ headphone uses fake leather, has defective connectors and start to fall apart at the seams from normal use. Sound and comfort are great though.
To me, Hifiman is always about their QC. I had a He400. I loved the sounds and was totally satisfied until the metallic pieces connecting the headband and the cans snapped in half. What the....? I then upgraded to He400i. Again loved the sound, but the cable connector literally fell apart within half a year. I ended up getting a Corpse cable as a replacement (then realized how cheap the stock cable was). With these QC issues in mind, naturally, I hesitated when it came to the next upgrade. I got a LCD-X instead of Arya. The LCD-X was an exceptional headphone and I am having tons of fun with it, but I also realized it offered very different sound from the Hifiman. Now seeing all the praises JV is giving Ayra, I am contemplating of adding Ayra to my collections. Haha.
I have been waiting for you to review the Arya! I was struggling between Ananda, Edition XX and Arya. I read lots of reviews and threads and it seems the Arya is using the same driver as HE1000. I bought it weeks ago hoping it would sound as good as HE1000 and I don't regret it. Sounds really great, a worthy upgrade from my DT1990. I don't have the HE1000 for comparison but I don't think it would be much better than Arya if at all. Glad to know you rank the Arya as the best!
These headphones are epic. I've heard a good number of the Audeze and Focal headphones along with the Meze. Arya is the most enjoyable. I listened to them in same audition room as Stax SR009 and while the Stax has a little extra "it" factor I found the Arya more fun. Bought a pair for myself. Powered by Topping DAC and Schitt amp these are awesome!!! Great review!
Well.... I did it. Just ordered these, took my time comparing the hd800s and these but for my taste of classical music the Arya came out on top. Thanks for introducing me to them!
@@lolwutjoe there's a distinct difference in the two, I found the soundstage on the 800s to be larger but the overall resolution and pleasure of listening better on the Arya. After quite some hours on both of them the Arya just never tired me - I could keep listening, whereas with the 800 I felt "done" after 4-5 hours or so. The build of the headphones also made that the case.
I would've bought these over the HD 800 S if it weren't for the absurd looking headrest. Wish they'd used a similar headrest like what the Ananda has going on.
While I agree with most of the review Josh, I struggle with your decision to put these in the very top tier, considering all of its faults. A $1600 pair of cans should stand head and shoulders above the competition. I know that at some point the overall recommendation is partly subjective, but when I drop that kind of coin I expect build quality and transient response to be exemplary. The subwoofer effect you describe would drive me nuts.
I dropped the cash on this because of Josh review and other Arya related video and the comparison with HD800s and I am in love with Arya. I also own HD800s as well.
I am super excited to see you review these. I hope you review the Ananda because other reviews I have heard it sounds perfect for myself. Great job on your videos and as always thanks.
I've heard both the Ananda and the Arya and I own the Arya, the Ananda is slightly less resolving, has worse bass extension, slightly brighter highs and more forward mids. The soundstage is less wide and coherent, and the imaging is slightly less accurate. By no means is it a bad headphones, it's just that the Arya does everything just slightly better or clearly better than the Ananda, it's one headphone that is definitely worth saving a bit more money for instead of going for the cheaper Ananda.
I tried these at CanJam last weekend. The Hifiman booth used these Dell laptops as music sources which had the worst touch screens I have ever used. Trying to scroll through the music constantly registered clicks that selected tracks I didn't want and brought up menus. I honestly can't remember anymore what I thought of the headphones because I was so distracted.
He said he liked the Arya better than the LCD X, the second on his top list. Personally I would rank the LCD X way behind the Arya, and behind other headphones like the Clear. It's a basshead headphone with nonexistant, veiled highs. But the bass is great.
I don't care if it sounds good. Everything about the headband structure is a deal-breaker for me: cheap-looking, plastic, and bulky. For $1600, a headphone should have no real weakness.
according to what I could dig up: arya has far better soundstaging but the focal clear is much more intimate, it's got a more analytical precision which for some would be preferable TLDR: arya for soundstage and music that benefits from soundstaging. focal clear for everything else important caveat: the focal clear comes with all the plug ends: XLR, 4.4mm , and 3.5mm for about 1~200 dollars less, but it's not hard to find a decent replacement cable for the arya if you have a sundara that has replaced cables (newfantasia 3.5mm dual to XLR work on he-400i 2020 ver., sundara, ananda, and arya) just an interesting caveat
I had the chance to test the Arya vs the LCD-2 Classic in the quiet comfort of my study. The Arya is over-rated. The mids are rather lean and left you wanting. While the spacious sound stage is nice, it could not make up for the lack of the midrange fullness. The LCD-2 Classic beats it any day, sounding sweeter, fully and more enjoyable!
@@NotCharAznable Who in their right mind would pay premium prices for that build quality and their infamous QC. I had to get the Clears instead despite the better sound of the Aryas
You really need to give a listen to the Questyle CMA-400i if you can. I purchase the THX-788 to test against mine just to see (have the THX 789 on order). The THX is slightly clearer and a touch more neutral to be sure. But it's at the expense of being a bit cold and lifeless. Timbre is spot on on the Questyle. It will be overwhelmingly hard for me to ever "upgrade" to anything else because this amp is so tonally accurate and it is very resolving while still being cohesive. Great upload as always.
how do you fit the Arya earcups? they are so big it could affect the sound. should your ear be dead center, touching the back, touching the top, or touching the bottom of the earpad?
i get that planar tickle on my sundara...love it. i dig having details jammed into my mind, although it can force me to take a break occasionally. cant wait till the ananda becomes like $750 haha also nobody covers this but you can rotate the cups to face out and even the magni 3 turns the sundara into a mini speaker
The Monolith Planar Magnetic in-ear speakers (M300) are dead-on with this review. Down to the tapitic feedback in the mid-range through your entire skull!! highly recommended for $130 on Amazon. Would be a great contrast comparison for the price!
Did you ever try/review the Sabaj D4 Dac/Amp. Its only 150$ and its a pretty good headphone amp/dac. I use it with the DT1770 Pro headphones, and I love it. Whould recommend it.
How do you compare this (Hifiman Arya) to Stax Sr-L700? "Z-reviews" mentioned that Sr-L700 headphone is his "End game headphone" so far.....I want to buy one of these two......can you help me to take a purchase decision?
I find the Arya to be sibilant. I like presentation and some of the other qualities, but there is some sibilance for sure. I am 50, so if think it is sibilant, most younger folk will probably find it more so.
Hey Josh, I am new to your channel. I really like watching your reviews for all the product. You got me to believe and am interesting for this headphone. For this headphone, what amp should be pair with. I am currently own 5k, 27" 2019 iMac. Just recently bought Topping E30 to bridge between iMac and my 20 years old Denon MINI system. Really attempting to try out his Arya headphone, but not sure what kind of amp to pair with. Any suggestion will be really appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Hey Josh,....love your reviews! Have been an acolyte for about a year or so now. I believe just about everything your describing regarding the Arya is EXACTLY what I am and do to this day, experience (hear and yes, feel on and in my skull) with my Edition X V2, which I've had approximately 2 years! Though I have NOT compared directly to the Arya, I have compared to the HE1000 as well as other high priced powerhouses and do indeed feel as you do as if that tier of HiFiMan HP's seem to all evoke that incredible combination of soundstage, albeit tall, nuanced detail, when the music calls for it and of course that delicious midrange and just perfect bass w/o that "sssssssibilance" that you were alluding to in the Arya. I do hope you get a chance to try them out. Unfortunately, as I'm sure you are aware, HIFIman is no longer making them and I wonder why??? Hmmmm??Keep up the superlatively informative and very classy presentations! I do believe that after having viewed so many of your reviews this last one on the Arya has made you mio "favorito" HP person!Ciao brother!
I've got edition xx for evaluating before step up to arya and I really enjoy game, youtube and musics with edition xx. so, I'll waiting your other reviews for final decision :D thanks for the reveiw.
I hope you will get your hands on the Empyrean soon. To me they are the best I have heard so far. I even prefer it to the LCD4 . Very good description how the higher-end HiFiMan models sound. Very spacious, but not very focused. I have the impression sometimes of an open-air concert when I try to describe their sound. I think they are very good for listening to live music recordings. Less good for EDM where you need a bit more bass focus and impact. Depends what one prefers. To me the Empyrean just beats everything with any kind of music it is that good. Of course it is not cheap but can be a dream headphone for someone for many years to come.
I have had the Empyrian for a few weeks. Undoubtedly a great great headphone. Ultimately, I did not buy it because IMO it is a bit veiled and dark. It lacks a bit of sparkle.
@@gcb2101 Definitely a little bit smooth and little bit warm, but just a tiny bit. And it has got all the technicalities that makes a flagship while also staying musical. Source is important though with headphones at this level. They didn't sound veiled at all out of a Chord Hugo TT2 or even a Chord Qutest+Taurus MKII combo.
Would be interesting to compare this and the BLON B20. Both graph very similarly, except for a minor deviation in the 3k-8k range. I have the B20 and it’s such a solid all a rounder.
I almost bought these at canjam la... they have some weirdness in the treble and ambient parts of music, but otherwise these things are close to perfect. But for the price it should be perfect.
I think the weirdness in the treble is 1. Burn in (Arya needs a lot) 2. Recording quality - don't forget most recordings are only seriously checked on monitor loudspeakers. My test album is Reading, Writing and Arithmetic by The Sundays - I've listened to this probably the wrong side of 4000 times on many, many configurations. I've never heard this sound as good as it does on Aryas.
@@tweedpenguin712 Not necessarily with Planars. The driver materials need some time to settle. Both the Quad ERA-1 and the Aryas need at least 10 hours of normal use. But yeah, burning in cables is bullshit.
I could see myself buying it too if I thought hifiman could build a headphone that doesn’t break , I’ve had 2 where the wires detached from the driver and 2 that the the cable broke inside ,not to mention the ear pads coming apart at the stitches
I'm pretty sure you regret so much selling your first pair of HD800s. Quite sure you miss them mate, you compare those even with speakers. On the other hand, is funny to see how many people are almost avoiding comparing the Arya with the HE1000. somebody jump and tell us how far is each other.
Are the Arya a headphone that lasts for several years? I mean for the build quality and driver quality! Has anyone any expierience with longevity of these headphones?
Hi can you compare Sennheiser HD800 (old) with Hifiman Arya ,which has better transients, seed, detail soundstage imaging and neturality ? i mean you talked about soundstage but what hp more holographich lifelike 3d soundstage like speakers? And how they cpmpare vs KEF LS50W in sound?
In my opinion it's not worth it...to buy one expensive headphones. Different cheaper headphones different flavours. Thank God a free hifi show is organised in my town every year . In September I go to a different hifi show. I will be bringing my Rupert Neve with me.
I wish the product designer got some more time to finish off the design of the headband and what it's called the thing holding the cups... The cups looks great though.
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I have finally gotten the Arya, Ex 800s owner. The Arya, on slow orchestra tracks it is able to project those "Chimes" very slowly and subtly yet dynamically from the positioning on the front right of the headphone slowly,gradually to the back right (positioning of the chimes as the chimes play). Like footsteps walking, but every chime that is being hit, I am able to hear a slight inconsistency between them has they go from the front right to the back right. The consistency is the strength being hit on the chime. When using the 800s I can hear the positioning of every instruments, I can also hear the chimes going from the front right to the back right, but I have to try very hard to hear the inconsistencies of the strength hit on the chimes as they move from the front right to the back right. At that moment I knew why I have to buy the Arya, I though the 800s is the End Game for me, but there is more. I was very shocked when I first found out there is this extra detail I never heard before. I am not using an expensive setup, just the Fiio M11. But yes, the timbre of the 800s and Arya is different, I cannot argue and say which sounds more natural as both are extremely natural just a noticeable difference. It's just that the 800s's timbre sounds more familiar to most of us maybe because it's a dynamic driver timbre. Sennheisers's timbre is quite consistent, it can be found in the 500 and 600 series as well. Now I am interested to compare the Arya with the Verite and the Utopia if I ever get the chance! Thanks Josh for trying to explain the Arya experience!
Would you mind letting me know which version of the Arya did you get? Was that the old Arya or the new stealth edition? Between the Arya and the 800S you'd pick the Arya?
After spending countless months researching amps, dacs, headphones and all the lovely in between. Here is what I understand about this high fidelity audio game. There is an endless array of DAC's and Amps and DAC/AMP combo's, headphones/speakers and of course high end audio cables. Let's not forget aftermarket ear pads for those headphones if they are on ear or over ears. Oh yeah, ears, we all have different ears, which hear different things, cause of course we are all unique individuals, with individual cochleas. Add to that the genre of music you listen to, and what is the recording quality of the music and source as well. Sprinkled with a little placebo effect and industry marketing gimmicks. I'll take some DSD with a side of LSD please. When I think about all this, I have to take a deep breath and collect myself because you can start to get a little crazy with all of this. Little crazy?! No full on head spinning exorcist crazy. You do realize, this is an exorbitant amount of possibilities and to be able to find the perfect setup is like finding..well I think you get the point I am trying to make. It's an endless game for the "end game" and worse of all, a giant money/time pit, sinking thousands upon thousands of dollars and research hours trying to find what they call the "end game" setup, except for there really is no "end game". It just keeps going on and on in perpetuity as audio technology advances every year. Let's also not forget that most of the time you will be watching videos or reading forums about this stuff, you can't actually listen to it and try it on before you buy it like you do with other really expensive things. So either be very rich and have the ability to spend $50,000-$100,000++ to have multiple variations of all these audio components so you can mix and match and try them all out or be an audio reviewer where gear is lent to listen and test until you find the perfect setup or multiple setups because it's like wine, you don't just drink one kind, you should have a wine cellar for all those bottles. Well then, I guess that sums it up for me, anyone else want to chime in please do. I am not an audiophile, just a guy that likes better audio quality than average. So I would say I fit somewhere in the middle? My current listening pleasure for the past 3 years or so is a pair of Sennheiser HD600's, bone stock with no customizations, with a Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100, and a DarkVoice 336SE tube amp, using my Mac Pro and listening to mp3's ranging from 192 kbs to 320 kbs on iTunes, sometimes FLAC audio files through VOX, some Tidal/Spotify. The entire audio part of the setup cost me around $700 and believe me when I say that I am SO very satisfied with the sound quality, that I can't imagine spending hundreds or thousands more to get something else, but like I said, we are all different. This setup might be a joke for another audiophile. I see it as a tunnel without an ending. There is always something better, so if you seek it, it will find you..and your wallet.
(Sorry for my long rant, but I had a lot to say!)
Edit: I just realized I really AM an audiophile, I just don't want to spend the kind of money to BE an audiophile. I achieved a level of happiness with my current setup and I put a stop right there. Because I very quickly found myself looking up more headphones, and more amps/dacs. Becoming addicted to this is extraordinarily easy. You forget the whole reason you started was to just listen to your music in higher quality, but then it quickly becomes something else.
Thank you for that. Thats precisly what i was going thru and i ended up choosing a hifiman sundara and a dragonfly red just to realise that is HiFi at its best for 500 € for me without making myself crazy.
Spot on!! I started with 1 budget DAC/Headphone amp, HD58X, and then within a few weeks I was completely obsessed. I was trying to figure out what I was going to buy next. Watching every video of each model. Next thing I know I have four sets of headphones. I have now finally woke up and even knew I was getting out of control while doing it. Have since ordered another headphone. WTF!!! I packed up the three other headphones and sending them back. Going to keep my HD58X and have a lightweight Bluetooth set to walk around with. I so want these Arya's, but I feel even those won't make me stop. Also feel like rushing is never a good thing. Should maybe take your time and enjoy the journey. Either way this hobby is equal to being a drug addict and getting a legal fix with new gear. You are not alone man!!
Dude...usually i would not even bother trying to read paragraphs/essays thoroughly like i did with this one, but you were literally the only exception since you made alot of sense in your long, VERY long statement here that it was kinda entertaining to see what went through your head bro! Lol
I actually hope you're content these some odd years later and didn't get pulled into the "trap" after all. 🤔
Thanks for the wisdom boyz
Hey thanks for the perspect
You have nailed it in this review. I have been addicted to the Arya for a few months now and you and I are hearing the exact same thing. I listen to tons of classical music; orchestral, choral, quartet, recitals, solo vocals with piano. Each one of these has such a vastly different sound environment and tonality and it is a major revelation every time I get to hear my recordings again. The separation of the sounds is simply incredible, transcendent of your own space for sure. My other headphones are the Focal Utopia and the LCD-XC and I still love them but there is a tendency for them to sound just a bit like "data being rammed into my skull" - not that bad - but so different from the Arya.
I listen to my Aryas for an hour or more every single day - doing nothing else, just listening. I love my other headphones but have never listened while doing nothing else that much. Love it - thanks for the review, keep up the great work.
Well your glowing review sealed it for me. I listen to classical and never been quite engaged with other headphones.
@@veetour I hope you have a similar experience, I am sure there are other headphones that could give me what the Arya's do - like another HifiMan but in my brain on my head these have been unsurpassed. Best Wishes!!!
Hi. What do you plug them into?
Damn you must have bad headphones to listen to Arya of an hour a day. I am now in a rush to buy Focal Clear PRO, or at very least 660s, just so I have a new working toy and forget I burned any amount of money on Arya.
@@CaptHotah they’re best plugged into a warm amp, class A or AB. Preferably balanced. That’s the general consensus at least on getting the best out of them. I have the jotunheim 2 and couldn’t be happier. That’s what I’d recommend. 6 watts of clean power, that’s what the Arya seems to crave
I sure would like to see a direct comparison of the Hifiman Arya and the Focal Clear.
I have both headphones. The only thing that the Clears are better at is dynamics due to its dynamic driver (it has more direct punch), everything else - Arya is out of this world. The bass, the highs, the sound stage, the layering... When I bought the Clears I realised that my end-game was near but there was still something missing, that "WOW!" factor. The Aryas have it all.
EDIT: After weeks of listening, while the above is still true, I would add that the Clears are slightly ahead of the Aryas in terms of tonality (how realistic they sound, the Aryas are a bit brighter) and their heavenly mids are a little more direct and intimate than the Aryas. I would not sell either of these headphones, though, they complement each other perfectly.
EDIT2: Both headphones only truly shine when used with a fully balanced system (mine is Topping D90+A90). I like the Clears so much more now (so much more punch, no harshness + 3D depth that I've never heard on them before) and the Aryas are no longer lean-sounding, they bring me onto the stage instead of letting me sit in one of the front rows. I was afraid that I might be wasting my money buying such an expensive (for me) set-up but it's taken my audio to the next level. Sublime.
Eat raw food so you dont get sick
@@MistaLova-Lova I have the clears and the sundara. I can relate to what you say about both headphones having their own signature and providing a different window to the music. I love both my Clears and Sundara. I am not fortunate and wealthy enough for the Arya but I can relate from my experience with the Sundara.
@@MistaLova-Lova thank you for your comment and your commitment to update it.
Me personally I like the clear more, cause for me it's almost transparent, its so fast realistic and detailed.
The arya has a unique presentation for the sound, my ears are on the small side, so I guess that plays a role on why I like the clear more.
Then I gave the arya to my brother after I bought the avantone planar black, which has a very similar arya like presentation but with a more natural tonality.
The avantone planar is outstanding price to performance is crazy good.
I mean he rated the Clear higher so clearly it's better.
Awesome review bro. I'm no audiophile but I'd still love to try these at some point in my audio journey. On a side note, when I first found your channel I thought "Joshua must have over a million subs easily." The quality of your videos is legit dude. 🙌
I used to play drums and when I listened to a plain live drum recording without any other instruments, the Arya really got me goosebumps, it's the second headphone, after the HE1000V2 which I listened to way before I purchased the Arya that gave me the feeling that I was actually listening to real instruments and not sound from a pair of headphones. The cleaniness of the high hats, the cimbals, the punch and force of the kicks, you could literally feel the soundwave hitting ur ears and skull just like in real life. No other pair of headphones came even close to give me this sensation of realism in instruments than the Arya and the HE1000V2, probably the Susvara, but that's out of my league financially anyway.
They look ugly
@@nicktan4530 I honestly dont care how they look like, they are staying at home anyway and once they are on my head, all I care about is how they sound and not how I look like wearing them.
@@versaleyang they look horrible even when not wewring. High end headphone are ugly. What is the point of built when they are ugly. Is it comfortable ?
@@nicktan4530 It is extremely comfortable, when I put them on my head, they kind of just disappear and wearing them for hours does not give me any fatigue at all, no headband pressure, no earcup compression.
how do you compare arya and he1000 v2? Is he1000 v2 still worth the price?
It’s been a whole year with my Aryas. They’re paired with the RME ADI-2 DAC FS. If this were endgame for me, I wouldn’t complain. These things sound amazing. After regular listening for a whole year, they sound even better than after my initial burn in. The bass seems to get deeper and punchier. I use to feel like I needed a second pair of headphones to meet my bass cannon needs, but not anymore. The bass extension has become a must-have for me. Other cans punch a little harder and louder but lack the bass extension. The EQ on my DAC is key to the sound I get out of my Aryas. I admit that I bump the bass quite a bit, but the Aryas handle it no problem. The rest of the frequency response, detail and sound stage are all awesome but I’m not as articulate at describing those aspects.
Joshua, how does the ARYA compare to the Audeze LCD-X in terms of sound quality?
Yes please tell joshua
The arya is a little bit more detailed
Your videos are ASMR for audiophiles 😂
For me, the Aryas are truly END GAME. I own the Focal Clear, Elear, Elex, HD 660s, DT 1990 and they all sound good to me but when I heard the Arya I knew that I didn't need another headphone. I purchased the Chord Mojo over a year ago and was convinced that the purchase was a waste. That is until I matched them with the Arya. Iphone + Tidal lossless + Mojo + Arya = Unbelievable portable option. At home I have the SMSL SU8, Sabaj D5 and THX 789 and I am amazed every day with the Arya. The thing about them though is, they will have you searching for the very best recordings. There are songs that I used to like a lot that I don't listen to as much because you realize the recording is poor. On the other hand, there are songs I didn't care about before that I now love because the Arya reveal how great the recordings are. I couldn't be happier about the purchase of the Arya.
Would you prefer the V2 over the V3? I have a chord mojo 2 and hifiman ef400 and these sound really intriguing now
@@colingordon0986 … I am currently contemplating getting the Arya v3 but from what I have been reading, the v3 is not really a upgrade over the v2.
@@bigreed43I have the Audeze MM 500 headphones but i imagine the Arya’s would match a lot better with the ef400
Hi Joshua, got the Arya and... I understand why these are your favourite headphones. And, yes, the textured detailed bass make this unique planar. Vocals, yes - separated. Highs - all is there but you decide what to pick or enjoy it like complete performance. Stage - yes, everything is big, wide, deep and music comes in big waves to me and envelop me. Thank you Josh for that review - it was part of my choice to go to these after having heard for only 2 hours the hd800s. I am fully happy and think these are gona be my EG cans for long.
It’s funny how every review of the amazing new headphones makes comparison with the good old HD800,ha
It's my favorite. Always be.
I’ll add a hearty second...my Dupont modded 800s are still my go to phones.
Like or not HD800 and HD800S is benchmark for audiophile headphones...
Josh it would be great to see you review the Abyss AB-1266 PHI TC. It is an incredible headphone. It is hands down the number one headphone that I have ever heard.
Even better than susvara?
The way you described the soundstage is perfectly accurate. And for this reason it makes it very hard to listen to a lot of older hard panned or intimately recorded tracks. These sounds come across so accurate to recording that you feel the soundstage is exactly as far away as the microphone was to the source. You can pick out every tiny movement in that distance, but the headphone never does "extend" the distance like the HD800 or DT990 do for example. And to me that is a huge flaw -- it forces these headphones to always sound "like earbuds" for many recordings.
Accuracy is there yes, but as someone who absolutely hates the "intimate" feeling of headphones, the enjoyability for is completely removed from almost every track I listen to. It sounds like it removes the "magic" of every single old track I could feed it. And for that reason, despite having these for months and thinking the sound was bunk, then getting another pair to make absolutely sure, I kept going back to a DT990. And I even preferred the KSC75 to these in terms of enjoyability.
When I listen to older hard panned recordings, I turn on crossfeed in Roon on my PC, or crossfeed in my RME ADI DAC2, on my DAP I use Neutron and it has crossfeed too so personally I don't think that's an issue, unless you are a purist that hates using crossfeed or EQs of any sort.
Josh, are they still your favorites, a year later? Has the love grown deeper, or do you find yourself drifting apart?
I mean, they’re comparable to a he1000 v2 if that helps any. That’s what this headphone essentially is except with cheaper ergonomics. So I imagine it’s hard to fall out of love with these
These just came in today. I can say, with unwavering confidence, that I no longer need another pair of headphones. That's it for me!
I came from DT1990 Pro's, and the Arya's clobber the Pro's in EVERY facet of audio enjoyment for me. I'm hearing shit I didn't know existed in my music.
sorry this is 3 months late (hopefully not) but how good is the sound quality like rock, rap, jazz, etc i'm thinking of getting these soon
@@louisvilletech7765 They do well with all genres.
To Israel: DO YOU JUST OWN EVERY HEADPHONE?
Haha! Just about...I couldn't demo headphones locally, so I would buy them to hear for myself as I search for my personal endgame headphones, which are the Arya and Z1R, for the moment.
@@IsraelCruzJr Quite surprised to get a reply and closure to my question haha, all the best on your journey sir.
@@IsraelCruzJr Ever tried the RAAL SR1-A with a Tube Pre-amp?
@@IsraelCruzJr Hi just wanted to ask, How do you EQ with Tidal which runs on Win 10 in direct / bit perfect mode without involving any Windows processing or resampling ie direct link to the DAC? This since you would be EQuing regularly with all these headphones...
@@barchetype6430 Sorry, I never realized you left a message for me. No, I have not had the opportunity to try the RAAL SR1-A. Definitely on my list to try at some point.
I just got a pair a few days ago and I absolutely love them. I have 13 other headphones including the Sundara and Ananda and the Arya is easily the best of them all. They are very detailed with some of the best imaging and separation I've ever heard from a headphone. Thanks for your review because it helped me make the decision to get the Arya as I was looking at a few headphones at the time like the HD800s, Fostex TH900 and 909, and the Sony Z1R.
oooooo the Z1R's! Those are next on my must buy list. My daily drivers are also the Arya's, and so far they remain undefeated (Demoed Clears and LCD-X's, and the Arya's murdered the other 2 in cold blood), but I've been craving a closed back (I only have DT177X's, which are great too). Did you ever get to demo the Sony's? Or HD800s?
I actually have the Z1R and I love them but they sound nothing like the Arya. They're a very warm headphone with great bass and a nice sparkle to the highs around 10K or so. The mids are a bit recessed but it's not bad and they have the best soundstage of any closed headphone I have or have had. The Arya is more detailed but if you like a warmer sound the Sony's do it as good as anyone and if you do get'em give them time because they sound much better after your brain adjusts to them.
The sound may be very impressive, but why the hell do $ 1600 headphones have plastic?
Dr. Fang Bian: "Because it sounds good"
Weight
It gets even stranger when Hifiman's $350 Sundara has more metal than the Arya.
Might sound absurd, but this is gonna be my first set of premium headphones. Never owned anything beyond 100$. Going straight for the endgame.
Let us know how it goes for you. :)
How is it???
Buy once, cry once. Efficient spending
Went back and watched your vids on the Arya v2. All of them from your self, and the headphone show guys. I ordered these based on your recommendation and theirs.
Gotta say man. This headphone is a experience. Was searching for a opposite to the 560s. The 560s I use for fps gaming, and I wanted a headphone to use for single player games and music. Wanted one that was a emersion beast vs clinical and laser focused. This was it. Lush, weighty and the scale of the sound is huge. You're not wearing a headphone, you're experiencing the sound and the environment it puts you in. HD800s didn't cut it, Ananda didn't cut it, Sundara and the 600 series didn't cut it. This was it. Running everything off a magni modi 3 stack ( not the best, if you can recommend a DAC amp stack or combo feel free, but this seems to be great for my entry into this black hole of a hobby)
Keep up the good work man. The cocktail of this headphone is exactly what I was looking for. Expensive, but worth every penny. Thanks dude. 👌
I'm glad you enjoy the Arya V2. However, this is a review of the Arya V1. Notice the lack of the thin fabric covering the outside of the driver.
I returned Focal Clears and got open box Arya for $1300, not a single scratch on it, sounds AMAZING, much better than Focal Clears for me. I am a planar guy from this day on. Thanks Josh.
What I've been waiting for! Didn't disappoint. Thanks man =D
been watching youtube reviews for months, I think this is the best headphone sound explanation and description i have seen in a long time; no bullshit mystical descriptive words, but more like how the sound is reproduced, very good josh, you are the man for this.
Thanks for the detailed reviews Joshua, really appreciate it, I agree with all your points. Thought I share my recent experience to help you or anyone out there. I purchased a lcd2c a year ago, and got the upgrade itch recently, so I purchased several headphones on amazon to do a comparison. (would not recommend this, they sent me an email after all the returns, ultimately, I made my purchase at headphones.com great website awesome 365 day return policy, friendly staff) My plan was either to replace or complement. I ordered the ether 2, focal clear, Arya, and HD800s. Did not like the clear, as much as I wanted to because I got the professional edition in red and it looks sexy as hell and matches my red turntable. It sounded claustrophobic and closed in and had this what I can only describe as a metallic signature, heard the same thing but to even a greater extent with focal Utopia I tried a year ago. With the Arya, immediately the build quality threw me off. I get where you’re coming from that if it feels comfortable and sounds great then build quality does not really dilute the listening experience (assuming it does not break), but for me , this might sound a little weird, but the tactile experience of picking up the headphone and putting it on my head also adds to the experience. I enjoy the gear as much as the music, and sometimes I just handle my Audeze for a moment before putting them back on my stand and just smile and admire. Handling the Aryas, brings no enjoyment, and all I think is “cheap”. I recommend you try the Ether 2s , because to me they sounded close to the Aryas, but with way better build quality and a more comfortable fit. They did sound even more laid back and warmer than the Aryas, and it seems like you enjoy that. But for me, I really missed the slam, punch , and in your face forwardness of the Audezes. I loved the HD800s, and thought they were a perfect complement to LCD2cs. With the Arya and the Ether 2, I both missed the slam of the Audeze, and missed the grand soundstage and airiness of the HD800s, both of which you mentioned in your review. I don’t get all the hate the HD800s gets for being “analytical”, but that might be because my tube headphone amp (Linear tube audio Mz2-s) , and my sources (planar 3 ania , ps audio direct stream jr) , have a slight warm signature themselves (according to reviews) that it is taking the edge off and adding musicality, not sure. But I don’t do any “analyzing” with my hd800s, and they sound great even listening to music with a lot of bass like Travis Scott’s Astroworld or music that hits hard like GNR’s Appetite Destruction. I would not say I divide my listening between the audeze and Hd800 between genres, but between moods.. Both provide an emotional and musical experience.
I'm glad to read that. I own HD800, Audeze LCD 2C and Mr Speakers Ether C (the original v1.1). Can't living without them.
At the beginning of this year I decided to finally make my dream come true and search for my personal audio nirvana (at the time I was using Audio-Technica ATH-M50 and Sennheiser Momentum 2). I went through different headphones, most of which I ended up sending back: AudioQuest Nighthawk (still have these as they're too unique for me to be able to part with), Beyerdynamics: DT1770 Pro, Amiron Home, T1 2nd gen; Sennheiser HD660s; Focal Clear (still have them, as they're the most dynamic headphones I've heard, especially on a balanced connection) and now Hifiman Arya. When I bought the Clears I thought "my end-game is near", they were the first pair of headphones that I could not fault - technically great, everything sounded so realistic, so balanced. My brain was happy. But my heart wanted something more - that "WOW!" factor which I envisaged as a "wall of sound": a great sound stage, great instrument separation and great extension on both ends without sounding artificial. I had almost given up on looking for what my heart craved because I thought that it could perhaps only be achieved if I was willing to spend thousands of pounds/dollars, and I am not that obsessed, hehe ;) Then I found out about the Aryas and I decided to take the plunge. Wow... The sound is out of this world. It initially felt a little too bright at times, but I felt that this headphone had potential which my system was unable to tap into, so I ended up investing in a Topping D90/A90 combo as I'd heard that it's the perfect match for the Aryas. I was quite sceptical but now that I've got everything hooked up... It's my audio nirvana! It's everything I dreamed of when I started my journey 11 months ago (in fact, I started it as a child fascinated by a friend's 2.1 PC speaker set-up which at the time seemed like an unbelievably good source of sound, hehe). Single-ended connection sounds wonderful - deep, clear bass, beautiful mids, crips and airy highs without ever sounding harsh or too brigh. Tall and deep soundstage with individual sounds layered in a way I didn't even suspect was possible, with plenty of "air" around each note. Using a balanced cable tightens things up a little bit and gives the headphones some extra punch (bass gets almost physical) but in my opinion they are engaging enough as they are and the more laid-back approach on a single-ended connection gives the ultimate clarity. I might keep my Clears for their sheer punch (especially on a balanced connection) but the Aryas are simply a piece of art, they make music an almost physical experience, I feel like I'm inside a hurricane of sound - songs like Paranoid Android by Radiohead or Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin leave me with my mouth wide open. My friends probably think I'm crazy to have spent so much on a pair of headphones, a DAC and an amp but what I get in return is simply priceless. I highly recommend this headphone (and the combo) to any music lover.
So I am thinking about coming from an Audeze LCD X to Aryas. I have a Modi 3 and Magni Heresy stack from Schiit. DO you think those are enough to get some of the potential out of the Aryas before I eventually upgrade? Also I may be using them primarily for gaming. How is multi hour comfort?
My first love is jazz fusion but Metallica's "Holier Than Thou" sounds awesome on these headphones. Heck, the entire album is awesome on these headphones. Near perfect balance and placement of instruments across the soundstage without any fatiguing peaks in the upper bands. Topping D30 Pro, Topping A30 Pro, Apos balanced cables, Black Dragon USB, Roon (FLAC files).
I don't think its hard to talk about quality, when a 3000$ headphone uses fake leather, has defective connectors and start to fall apart at the seams from normal use. Sound and comfort are great though.
Which headphones are you talking about? HE1000?
Lord Victor. Do you have headphone reviews coming soon ?
you should really try to get your hands on audio technica ath-adx5000, would love to hear your take on them.
To me, Hifiman is always about their QC. I had a He400. I loved the sounds and was totally satisfied until the metallic pieces connecting the headband and the cans snapped in half. What the....? I then upgraded to He400i. Again loved the sound, but the cable connector literally fell apart within half a year. I ended up getting a Corpse cable as a replacement (then realized how cheap the stock cable was). With these QC issues in mind, naturally, I hesitated when it came to the next upgrade. I got a LCD-X instead of Arya. The LCD-X was an exceptional headphone and I am having tons of fun with it, but I also realized it offered very different sound from the Hifiman. Now seeing all the praises JV is giving Ayra, I am contemplating of adding Ayra to my collections. Haha.
Best B-roll in the game! Your videos are just such a joy to watch. Love your videos man!
How about the Hifiman Arya vs. The ZMF Auteur??
I have been waiting for you to review the Arya! I was struggling between Ananda, Edition XX and Arya. I read lots of reviews and threads and it seems the Arya is using the same driver as HE1000. I bought it weeks ago hoping it would sound as good as HE1000 and I don't regret it. Sounds really great, a worthy upgrade from my DT1990. I don't have the HE1000 for comparison but I don't think it would be much better than Arya if at all. Glad to know you rank the Arya as the best!
These headphones are epic. I've heard a good number of the Audeze and Focal headphones along with the Meze. Arya is the most enjoyable. I listened to them in same audition room as Stax SR009 and while the Stax has a little extra "it" factor I found the Arya more fun. Bought a pair for myself. Powered by Topping DAC and Schitt amp these are awesome!!! Great review!
Well.... I did it. Just ordered these, took my time comparing the hd800s and these but for my taste of classical music the Arya came out on top. Thanks for introducing me to them!
are both similar? or complimenting each other?
@@lolwutjoe there's a distinct difference in the two, I found the soundstage on the 800s to be larger but the overall resolution and pleasure of listening better on the Arya. After quite some hours on both of them the Arya just never tired me - I could keep listening, whereas with the 800 I felt "done" after 4-5 hours or so. The build of the headphones also made that the case.
@@DarklordofBarovia Thanks!
I would've bought these over the HD 800 S if it weren't for the absurd looking headrest. Wish they'd used a similar headrest like what the Ananda has going on.
Dumb you won’t buy them cause of looks lol idiot
While I agree with most of the review Josh, I struggle with your decision to put these in the very top tier, considering all of its faults. A $1600 pair of cans should stand head and shoulders above the competition. I know that at some point the overall recommendation is partly subjective, but when I drop that kind of coin I expect build quality and transient response to be exemplary. The subwoofer effect you describe would drive me nuts.
I dropped the cash on this because of Josh review and other Arya related video and the comparison with HD800s and I am in love with Arya. I also own HD800s as well.
I am super excited to see you review these. I hope you review the Ananda because other reviews I have heard it sounds perfect for myself. Great job on your videos and as always thanks.
Thanks for the support dude!
I've heard both the Ananda and the Arya and I own the Arya, the Ananda is slightly less resolving, has worse bass extension, slightly brighter highs and more forward mids. The soundstage is less wide and coherent, and the imaging is slightly less accurate.
By no means is it a bad headphones, it's just that the Arya does everything just slightly better or clearly better than the Ananda, it's one headphone that is definitely worth saving a bit more money for instead of going for the cheaper Ananda.
I tried these at CanJam last weekend. The Hifiman booth used these Dell laptops as music sources which had the worst touch screens I have ever used. Trying to scroll through the music constantly registered clicks that selected tracks I didn't want and brought up menus. I honestly can't remember anymore what I thought of the headphones because I was so distracted.
He said he liked the Arya better than the LCD X, the second on his top list. Personally I would rank the LCD X way behind the Arya, and behind other headphones like the Clear. It's a basshead headphone with nonexistant, veiled highs. But the bass is great.
Exactly like Ananda, shear detail and unique soundstage. The only headphone that i can clearly make a difference between mp3 and flack.
I don't care if it sounds good. Everything about the headband structure is a deal-breaker for me: cheap-looking, plastic, and bulky. For $1600, a headphone should have no real weakness.
I mean with this title... who wouldn't click? :P
Awesome job! Could you compare Arya with Focal Clear, please?
Yes pls
according to what I could dig up: arya has far better soundstaging but the focal clear is much more intimate, it's got a more analytical precision which for some would be preferable
TLDR: arya for soundstage and music that benefits from soundstaging. focal clear for everything else
important caveat: the focal clear comes with all the plug ends: XLR, 4.4mm , and 3.5mm for about 1~200 dollars less, but it's not hard to find a decent replacement cable for the arya if you have a sundara that has replaced cables (newfantasia 3.5mm dual to XLR work on he-400i 2020 ver., sundara, ananda, and arya)
just an interesting caveat
I had the chance to test the Arya vs the LCD-2 Classic in the quiet comfort of my study. The Arya is over-rated. The mids are rather lean and left you wanting. While the spacious sound stage is nice, it could not make up for the lack of the midrange fullness. The LCD-2 Classic beats it any day, sounding sweeter, fully and more enjoyable!
Sounds like someone who can’t afford Aryas.
@@NotCharAznable Who in their right mind would pay premium prices for that build quality and their infamous QC. I had to get the Clears instead despite the better sound of the Aryas
Definitely would love to see a comparison with Ananda & Edition X if you get hold of them down the line. Another great review, Josh!
check out resolve reviews on YT
You really need to give a listen to the Questyle CMA-400i if you can. I purchase the THX-788 to test against mine just to see (have the THX 789 on order). The THX is slightly clearer and a touch more neutral to be sure. But it's at the expense of being a bit cold and lifeless. Timbre is spot on on the Questyle. It will be overwhelmingly hard for me to ever "upgrade" to anything else because this amp is so tonally accurate and it is very resolving while still being cohesive. Great upload as always.
how do you fit the Arya earcups? they are so big it could affect the sound. should your ear be dead center, touching the back, touching the top, or touching the bottom of the earpad?
@joshua What do you think about the revision V2 Arya in comparison with V1 Arya? any significant changes to your ears?
I have an HD800S. Does Aria would compliment the HD800S or both are similar?
i get that planar tickle on my sundara...love it. i dig having details jammed into my mind, although it can force me to take a break occasionally. cant wait till the ananda becomes like $750 haha also nobody covers this but you can rotate the cups to face out and even the magni 3 turns the sundara into a mini speaker
and a year later it is in fact 700 on amazon. i want it but its hard to justify spending so much.
I could listen to Joshua describe a headphones sound signature all day long.
"It's not exactly what I would call Low Profile"
You don't say. I could never tell you were wearing anything on your head.
Which arya model is this on the video?
Great review as always Joshua, I hope you can get your hands on the Ananda to compare these two.
Thanks for great and detailed review. One of the best review I ever saw on Arya!
The Monolith Planar Magnetic in-ear speakers (M300) are dead-on with this review. Down to the tapitic feedback in the mid-range through your entire skull!! highly recommended for $130 on Amazon. Would be a great contrast comparison for the price!
Did you ever try/review the Sabaj D4 Dac/Amp. Its only 150$ and its a pretty good headphone amp/dac. I use it with the DT1770 Pro headphones, and I love it. Whould recommend it.
How do you compare this (Hifiman Arya) to Stax Sr-L700? "Z-reviews" mentioned that Sr-L700 headphone is his "End game headphone" so far.....I want to buy one of these two......can you help me to take a purchase decision?
Is it great for pop music
Like ariana grande songs or sofia kalberg??
I find the Arya to be sibilant. I like presentation and some of the other qualities, but there is some sibilance for sure. I am 50, so if think it is sibilant, most younger folk will probably find it more so.
So Arya vs HE100v2 ? Opinion ?
Hey Josh, I am new to your channel. I really like watching your reviews for all the product. You got me to believe and am interesting for this headphone. For this headphone, what amp should be pair with. I am currently own 5k, 27" 2019 iMac. Just recently bought Topping E30 to bridge between iMac and my 20 years old Denon MINI system. Really attempting to try out his Arya headphone, but not sure what kind of amp to pair with. Any suggestion will be really appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Does the Arya require a particular amp?
Not very powerful. Schitt Magni, JDS Atom or Liquid Spark will do the trick...
@@Krishnakumar-wl7ih The iFi iDSD Diablo is great too, but you need to set it in Turbo mode with Arya
Hey Josh,....love your reviews! Have been an acolyte for about a year or so now. I believe just about everything your describing regarding the Arya is EXACTLY what I am and do to this day, experience (hear and yes, feel on and in my skull) with my Edition X V2, which I've had approximately 2 years! Though I have NOT compared directly to the Arya, I have compared to the HE1000 as well as other high priced powerhouses and do indeed feel as you do as if that tier of HiFiMan HP's seem to all evoke that incredible combination of soundstage, albeit tall, nuanced detail, when the music calls for it and of course that delicious midrange and just perfect bass w/o that "sssssssibilance" that you were alluding to in the Arya. I do hope you get a chance to try them out. Unfortunately, as I'm sure you are aware, HIFIman is no longer making them and I wonder why??? Hmmmm??Keep up the superlatively informative and very classy presentations! I do believe that after having viewed so many of your reviews this last one on the Arya has made you mio "favorito" HP person!Ciao brother!
I've got edition xx for evaluating before step up to arya and I really enjoy game, youtube and musics with edition xx.
so, I'll waiting your other reviews for final decision :D thanks for the reveiw.
I hope you will get your hands on the Empyrean soon. To me they are the best I have heard so far. I even prefer it to the LCD4 .
Very good description how the higher-end HiFiMan models sound. Very spacious, but not very focused. I have the impression sometimes of an open-air concert when I try to describe their sound. I think they are very good for listening to live music recordings. Less good for EDM where you need a bit more bass focus and impact. Depends what one prefers.
To me the Empyrean just beats everything with any kind of music it is that good. Of course it is not cheap but can be a dream headphone for someone for many years to come.
I have had the Empyrian for a few weeks. Undoubtedly a great great headphone. Ultimately, I did not buy it because IMO it is a bit veiled and dark. It lacks a bit of sparkle.
@@gcb2101 Definitely a little bit smooth and little bit warm, but just a tiny bit. And it has got all the technicalities that makes a flagship while also staying musical.
Source is important though with headphones at this level. They didn't sound veiled at all out of a Chord Hugo TT2 or even a Chord Qutest+Taurus MKII combo.
Huh, that describes it perfectly and why I seem to lean towards live recordings when I listen to my HE5se.
What does it do better than the lcd-4?
Great review but that bit of ‘white’ to the top right above your head is killing my OCD!!! 😂
Would be interesting to compare this and the BLON B20. Both graph very similarly, except for a minor deviation in the 3k-8k range. I have the B20 and it’s such a solid all a rounder.
I almost bought these at canjam la... they have some weirdness in the treble and ambient parts of music, but otherwise these things are close to perfect. But for the price it should be perfect.
I think the weirdness in the treble is 1. Burn in (Arya needs a lot) 2. Recording quality - don't forget most recordings are only seriously checked on monitor loudspeakers. My test album is Reading, Writing and Arithmetic by The Sundays - I've listened to this probably the wrong side of 4000 times on many, many configurations. I've never heard this sound as good as it does on Aryas.
@@circattle burn in beyond a few hours is a proven myth 😂
@@tweedpenguin712 Not necessarily with Planars. The driver materials need some time to settle. Both the Quad ERA-1 and the Aryas need at least 10 hours of normal use. But yeah, burning in cables is bullshit.
Please review a Audio Technica ADX5000, it's greatly reveiewd on head-fi. What's your opinion about it let me know 😊
I could see myself buying it too if I thought hifiman could build a headphone that doesn’t break , I’ve had 2 where the wires detached from the driver and 2 that the the cable broke inside ,not to mention the ear pads coming apart at the stitches
is this an upgrade from hifiman ed X v2? since my ed X v2 has a driver failure :(
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this vs the Ananda
The quality of your videos are Amazing..
Still enjoying sundaras here, one of the better purchases for sure
I'm pretty sure you regret so much selling your first pair of HD800s. Quite sure you miss them mate, you compare those even with speakers. On the other hand, is funny to see how many people are almost avoiding comparing the Arya with the HE1000. somebody jump and tell us how far is each other.
Are the Arya a headphone that lasts for several years? I mean for the build quality and driver quality!
Has anyone any expierience with longevity of these headphones?
for about the same price (1600 vs 1800$) would you say HE1000v2 would be the better choice soundwise?
love the reviews dude, super quality! i hope you can do the lcd 4z soon;D
your voice is actually better because of the huskiness. lol. new subscriber here.
Just got the arya . It has imbalance channel issue , when listen to bass heavy music , the left channel vibrates my ear more than right channel .
Nice vid, appreciate the lighting and overall quality of the review
Great review, I have the Edition X if you want to try it for a few day. It is amazing.
Best Amp for the Arya? I'm currently on the Atom and a little worried it'll underpower the Arya.
What's your take on the Arya 2nd revision (2020)?
Popsicle toes was originally released by Michael Franks, just so you know :D
is the Naim Atom HE a good pairing?
Hi Joshua are you able to get hand on a pair of he1000 se and compare them with the Arya? Really curious.
Why does your hall of fame go from a $1k+ over ear headphone to a $15 on ear headphone?
Basically the best options (imo) at multiple price ranges.
Hi can you compare Sennheiser HD800 (old) with Hifiman Arya ,which has better transients, seed, detail soundstage imaging and neturality ? i mean you talked about soundstage but what hp more holographich lifelike 3d soundstage like speakers? And how they cpmpare vs KEF LS50W in sound?
Please start making Mobile and Pc reviews.
I have leant a lot from your reviews.And Man!!You are very much underrated 😓
You can get used he1000 for same price as a new arya, alot of used headphones out there now anyway
In my opinion it's not worth it...to buy one expensive headphones. Different cheaper headphones different flavours.
Thank God a free hifi show is organised in my town every year . In September I go to a different hifi show. I will be bringing my Rupert Neve with me.
I wish the product designer got some more time to finish off the design of the headband and what it's called the thing holding the cups... The cups looks great though.
Awesome review, and appreciate the bloopers at the end!
I think the reason you think you are being force fed details from the sundara is because it has less soundstage or imaging for you to focus on
Mine are on the way thanks for the review!
I love your detailed review and you deserved my subs 👍
I would like see a comparision between arya and The HD800s 🙏
Could you do a review on the AKG 712. If it’s not beneath your budget.