I auditioned the Arya Stealth just last weekend and I was blown away by the performance. It is very well balanced across the board. Details, stage, imaging, timbre, comfort etc. I can't think of any headphone at its price point that performs this well on so many aspects. It's a must to audition if you're shopping for headphones at this price.
The Arya Stealth looks interesting. Nice to hear that it is more in the line of HEXv2 and HEKv2 sound signature wise. I happen to like that warmer Hifiman big planar sound.
Agree with you 99%. I burn Arya Stealth 70hr. (like other said) , it's impressive for me . I think it improve from Arya V2 . (and surprise why some youtuber said it's suck) . Detail , Smooth , Warm , V -shape , punch and slam than Arya V2 . Vocal grainy texture ( vocal with Focal Clear smoother than Arya Stealth) . Stock cable is suck , not focus and blur . Change the cable so really enjoy with Arya Steath . Sorry about my language .
Yeah, lol. Got a new camera that my phone is supposed to control. Does so slowly haha. Did you notice the video was better? Still waiting for a compatible external mic to arrive for this camera.
Great review! I'm really tempted to make the jump from Sundara (which I deeply love, but we always look for more, right?) to this, but I'm considering also the LCD-X. Is the macrodynamics as similar between the two that it does not make much of a difference? That's what makes me look into the Audeze direction, since everything else is better on the Arya (FR preferences aside).
Granted, haven't tried the LCD X, but I was left speechless with the bass on the Arya SM. If LCD-X is actually that much better, I don't know, my head can't even comprehend that. The bass on the Arya SM is insane already
I own a pair of V2 and just pulled the trigger for an Audeze Lcd5. I love so much Arya that I'm worried non to feel a real upgrade with the Lcd5. Do you think the Audeze are enough of an upgrade to the Hifiman? Thanks, i really like your reviews, keep up the good work!
Arya SE is going to be slightly more resolving, have a little bit more bass and treble presence, and an overall warmer presentation. It's also going to throw a bigger soundstage. LCD-X 2021 will be more neutrally-tuned, still be large in stage but not as large as Arya, and may still punch just slightly harder in the bass. The X will be a little bit more aggressive and detail-forward, too. The Arya takes a more relaxed approach with its excellent detail retrieval not being as emphasized as the X.
Another strong review, well done! Just wondering if you use aftermarket cables for your own personal listening? I use Nordost Blue Heaven cables with my HFM’s and they sound magical compared to stock, although I realize cables can be a bit of a touchy issue with some listeners!!
I like all models of HIFIMAN headphobes.Tell me please:whish model has more bass and punch for listening to heavy rock music ? Or better Focal Clean MG ?. Thank You
I own the Arya Stealth Edition, I'm currently running them with a Mojo2 but want more impact. I'm thinking about moving up to a Hugo 2 or getting a Violectric V222. What would you recommend?
They will likely sound good yes. I still recommend upgrading your amp soon after and then your DAC. The Jot 2 or Lyr+ would be excellent choices and the BF2 would be a big upgrade for DAC, if you wanted to stay with Schiit.
in my country the Arya Stealth is only around 1200 USD Brand new, while headphones from competing brands from US/EU brands are close to SRP. I'm not sure why Hifiman headphones are cheaper here than in EU/US. Lol. I live in SEA
The review sounds like I would love these! The build quality is always something that has kept me away from Hifiman. Do they feel like they will last 4-5 years with normal wear and tear?
Probably. The HE1000 series launched in 2015 and I've heard very few stories of them failing even now in early 2022. I think HiFiMan's build woes have mostly been focused in their budget line(s).
I have to say that I really enjoyed your review and this video was recommended to me after watching reviews because I just bought the Arya Stealth Magnets edition and I am very happy to see an experienced reviewer like you praising them and NOT complaining about their soundstage. You definitely earned a new subscriber!
TBH it would depend on which use case I needed to prioritize. If I were listening in an environment that was quiet and sound leak didn't matter, Arya. If I need isolation or OTG use, Radiance.
should i get the Arya SE brand new for 1000 or the HEKV2 for 1250 used? My main caveat with my current phones the Edition XS is that the mids aren't as intimate as I'd like. I'm driving them with a Topping DX3 Pro+
Hmmm. The reality here is the DX3Pro+ is gonna be an anchor for all 3 of those cans. The HekV2 will likely be an ear splitting mess on there. The HekV2 is the better buy here by some distance, but I doubt you'd know it on that amp. If you can swing it and grab an EF400, I'd say you can go either way.
@@wavetheorysound Should I just get the Arya SE and save myself the need of having to buy another amp? Or would the DX3P+ suffice for the time being until I get a better amp in the future? thank you so much for your reply, appreciate it
@@nusarawj4541 I still don't know how well Arya will do, TBH. Your desire to have more intimate vocals may mean not Hifiman. I love Hifiman's open backs and I think they have great tonality and detail in the mids, but I wouldn't call them intimate. The XS, Arya, and HekV2 are similarly tuned, but very in resolution, staging, and other technicalities so you may not get much more intimate mids going that way. The Senn HD6?? are the quintessential intimate mids cans. Might be something to consider.
@@wavetheorysound so I've decided to go with the HeKV2 as the deal was just too good to pass on. In terms of amplification, I was wondering if the Topping A30 Pro will be enough to unleash the cans or will be A90D be the bare minimum for that
I'm confused. So many other reviewers reported that they found the soundstage of the Arya Stealth shockingly shrunk compared to the original Arya (V2). Can their ears and hearing be so very different?
I saw the same, but I have to say the Arya Stealth easily have the biggest soundstage of my collection (LCD-GX, LCD-5, Meze Empyrean, and Dan Clark Closed X}. I had a pair of 800S at one point which did have an even bigger sound stage, but I found them so harsh, I couldn't listen for more than 5 minutes.
I c them for sale at $899 . I thought I might try them with my new Topping DX9 . Do you think that would pair good ? _ I’d love to have the ZMF ATRIUM my friend has on a tube amp but when I win the lottery 😂. I’ve never done Patreon before but am going to look how to get on and sign up with you as I’m enjoying your content . Thank you. I just saw the 1000 HIFI an for 1200 dollars I may look into that
![SAFEPLANET - ดาวเคราะห์ [ THE PLANET ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4X1XL3I_k3c/mqdefault.jpg)
Best headphone south of 2K.
Kudos to HiFiMAN for continuing the improvements with this iteration
Been using the HE400se for a few years now, and finally looking to upgrade. Glad I found your video, had my eye on these for a while.
I auditioned the Arya Stealth just last weekend and I was blown away by the performance. It is very well balanced across the board. Details, stage, imaging, timbre, comfort etc. I can't think of any headphone at its price point that performs this well on so many aspects. It's a must to audition if you're shopping for headphones at this price.
good for the rock?:)
The Arya Stealth looks interesting. Nice to hear that it is more in the line of HEXv2 and HEKv2 sound signature wise. I happen to like that warmer Hifiman big planar sound.
Arya v3 for $900 with artic cable used. I think I got a good buy
Yeah you did. Good score.
Agree with you 99%. I burn Arya Stealth 70hr. (like other said) , it's impressive for me . I think it improve from Arya V2 . (and surprise why some youtuber said it's suck) . Detail , Smooth , Warm , V -shape , punch and slam than Arya V2 . Vocal grainy texture ( vocal with Focal Clear smoother than Arya Stealth) . Stock cable is suck , not focus and blur . Change the cable so really enjoy with Arya Steath . Sorry about my language .
They will still improve even up to ~100+ hours, IMO. Mine sound virtually just like my v2's - except better bass and timbre.
@@Ezees23 Of course better bass and timbre so very smooth for me ^_^
Nice review! Thanks for your honest take on it.
If you could time travel and tell him the Araya new cost now days 650$ 😁
Got mine new for 600 😊
New $600. Best value in headphone right now, IMO. I like them better than my focal utopias.
Insane how they droped 50$ more xD
And the HE1000SE now being the same price this used to be lol.
Just bought a 2nd hand today for 399.- Swiss Francs (450 USD) 🙂
I...guess that cables a step in the right direction? It certainly looks better than the catheter tube cable.
If these were great at 1.500€, right now at 849€ (with a better cable included) I really don't know how to keep myself from buying them.
Loved the outro
Yeah, lol. Got a new camera that my phone is supposed to control. Does so slowly haha. Did you notice the video was better? Still waiting for a compatible external mic to arrive for this camera.
Try and get your hands on the edition xs, would love to have your take on it!
Thank you for review! I have a quick question. What is your suggestion for Hifiman Arya Stealth between Topping DX3 Pro+ and Fiio K7? Thank you!
Great review! I'm really tempted to make the jump from Sundara (which I deeply love, but we always look for more, right?) to this, but I'm considering also the LCD-X.
Is the macrodynamics as similar between the two that it does not make much of a difference? That's what makes me look into the Audeze direction, since everything else is better on the Arya (FR preferences aside).
Granted, haven't tried the LCD X, but I was left speechless with the bass on the Arya SM. If LCD-X is actually that much better, I don't know, my head can't even comprehend that. The bass on the Arya SM is insane already
I own a pair of V2 and just pulled the trigger for an Audeze Lcd5. I love so much Arya that I'm worried non to feel a real upgrade with the Lcd5. Do you think the Audeze are enough of an upgrade to the Hifiman? Thanks, i really like your reviews, keep up the good work!
arya sm vs hek v2 which one have bigger soundstage and stronger bass punch?
Enjoying your reviews. Wondering if you could contrast the Arya SE with the LCD-X 2021. Thanks.
Arya SE is going to be slightly more resolving, have a little bit more bass and treble presence, and an overall warmer presentation. It's also going to throw a bigger soundstage. LCD-X 2021 will be more neutrally-tuned, still be large in stage but not as large as Arya, and may still punch just slightly harder in the bass. The X will be a little bit more aggressive and detail-forward, too. The Arya takes a more relaxed approach with its excellent detail retrieval not being as emphasized as the X.
@@wavetheorysound sounds like two headphones that compliment each other well.
Another strong review, well done! Just wondering if you use aftermarket cables for your own personal listening? I use Nordost Blue Heaven cables with my HFM’s and they sound magical compared to stock, although I realize cables can be a bit of a touchy issue with some listeners!!
I like all models of HIFIMAN headphobes.Tell me please:whish model has more bass and punch for listening to heavy rock music ? Or better Focal Clean MG ?. Thank You
I own the Arya Stealth Edition, I'm currently running them with a Mojo2 but want more impact. I'm thinking about moving up to a Hugo 2 or getting a Violectric V222. What would you recommend?
You'd be better off getting your improved bass from one of the HE1000s
Just got a pair for $999 and super excited. Do you think the schiit Magnius/Modius would pair well with it?
They will likely sound good yes. I still recommend upgrading your amp soon after and then your DAC. The Jot 2 or Lyr+ would be excellent choices and the BF2 would be a big upgrade for DAC, if you wanted to stay with Schiit.
Arya stealth with big sound stage?!?!
in my country the Arya Stealth is only around 1200 USD Brand new, while headphones from competing brands from US/EU brands are close to SRP. I'm not sure why Hifiman headphones are cheaper here than in EU/US. Lol. I live in SEA
Audio memory is very short in time, isn' it?
The review sounds like I would love these! The build quality is always something that has kept me away from Hifiman. Do they feel like they will last 4-5 years with normal wear and tear?
Probably. The HE1000 series launched in 2015 and I've heard very few stories of them failing even now in early 2022. I think HiFiMan's build woes have mostly been focused in their budget line(s).
Have you had a chance to compare your HEK V2 to the HEKse?
I have to say that I really enjoyed your review and this video was recommended to me after watching reviews because I just bought the Arya Stealth Magnets edition and I am very happy to see an experienced reviewer like you praising them and NOT complaining about their soundstage. You definitely earned a new subscriber!
Would you go with the Arya stealth or the focal radiance if you had to choose just one?
TBH it would depend on which use case I needed to prioritize. If I were listening in an environment that was quiet and sound leak didn't matter, Arya. If I need isolation or OTG use, Radiance.
if a person can get a good upgrade price for Arya stealth to go to hek v2 would you say its worth it?
returning to this review after months, with the 300usd discount can we say these are exceptional buy?
At 1300USD, yes, I think the value proposition goes up considerably, particularly if you live in a region that does not have a robust used market.
should i get the Arya SE brand new for 1000 or the HEKV2 for 1250 used? My main caveat with my current phones the Edition XS is that the mids aren't as intimate as I'd like. I'm driving them with a Topping DX3 Pro+
Hmmm. The reality here is the DX3Pro+ is gonna be an anchor for all 3 of those cans. The HekV2 will likely be an ear splitting mess on there. The HekV2 is the better buy here by some distance, but I doubt you'd know it on that amp. If you can swing it and grab an EF400, I'd say you can go either way.
@@wavetheorysound Should I just get the Arya SE and save myself the need of having to buy another amp? Or would the DX3P+ suffice for the time being until I get a better amp in the future? thank you so much for your reply, appreciate it
@@nusarawj4541 I still don't know how well Arya will do, TBH. Your desire to have more intimate vocals may mean not Hifiman. I love Hifiman's open backs and I think they have great tonality and detail in the mids, but I wouldn't call them intimate. The XS, Arya, and HekV2 are similarly tuned, but very in resolution, staging, and other technicalities so you may not get much more intimate mids going that way. The Senn HD6?? are the quintessential intimate mids cans. Might be something to consider.
@@wavetheorysound so I've decided to go with the HeKV2 as the deal was just too good to pass on. In terms of amplification, I was wondering if the Topping A30 Pro will be enough to unleash the cans or will be A90D be the bare minimum for that
@@nusarawj4541 You need to get away from Topping's NFCA and other IC based amps. Aryas loooove discrete Class A amps.....
What if one could get a brand new hekv2 for 2000? Still the way to go?
Any recommendations for a pentaconn balanced cable for the Arya Stealth?
I am using a hart audio cable and it sounds great.
I'm confused. So many other reviewers reported that they found the soundstage of the Arya Stealth shockingly shrunk compared to the original Arya (V2). Can their ears and hearing be so very different?
I saw the same, but I have to say the Arya Stealth easily have the biggest soundstage of my collection (LCD-GX, LCD-5, Meze Empyrean, and Dan Clark Closed X}. I had a pair of 800S at one point which did have an even bigger sound stage, but I found them so harsh, I couldn't listen for more than 5 minutes.
If it's "excellent at $1600", then, at c$1300, ...
I c them for sale at $899 . I thought I might try them with my new Topping DX9 . Do you think that would pair good ? _ I’d love to have the ZMF ATRIUM my friend has on a tube amp but when I win the lottery 😂. I’ve never done Patreon before but am going to look how to get on and sign up with you as I’m enjoying your content . Thank you. I just saw the 1000 HIFI an for 1200 dollars I may look into that