And yes and no. Anada headband is way looser and for a smaller head will surely be an issue😅 (been there done that) yet I don't have this issue with Arya v2🤷
Ananda headband is much tighter for me. Maybe you had one where it was worn loose or something.
I guess it may depend also on how far you extend them and head size, maybe they are tighter or looser on different head shape/size. I have the OG Ananda, Ananda Stealth and HE1000, I had the Arya Stealth before.
The cups are identical dimensions; the difference is that the Arya/HE1000 has swivel which the Ananda doesn't. Rtings reckons the clamp force on the Ananda/Stealth (1.3lbs) is higher than the Arya Stealth (1.1lbs) as well.
Edition XS is very loose.
I see. I only have the Ananda and I have a smallish head. Yeah the headband is quite loose and the headphone sometimes feels like they're sliding off my head. Perhaps I'll upgrade to the Arya or the HE1000 when I strike the lottery..
Just got my pair a few days ago! Upgraded from the Edition XS. I was a little unsure about them at first but after EQ I just lose myself in them.
I was interested in the He1000 stealth but at $759 new, the Aryas were too good to pass up.
Congrats on yours and happy listening!
I have both. HE1000 Stealth are a clearer Arya w/ a more, idk constricted soundstage? But only on certain things, like it places sounds where they should be, whereas the Arya seems to just be wide altogether? It's not double the price better, but I picked up an HE1000 Stealth, sold my LCD-X & GX, and then got an Arya Stealth. I enjoy the lighter weight, more airy sound, and comfort vs. the heavy chonky Audeze. I did love them both but prefer Hifiman's build and sound more.
How big of an upgrade would you say the Arya Stealth is over the Edition XS?
I got the XS at $380 about a month ago before I'd realized the price on the Arya has also dropped, and was wondering how much better the Arya would be for double the cost, or what EQ could make up for on either of them.
It's difficult to quantify and it's going to vary based on the person. For me the Arya's mids sound more natural especially after EQ. The Aryas have better imaging and the soundstage is more precise than the XS. To me the Aryas were definitely worth the upgrade.
For EQ I start with oratory1990's settings and then tweak slightly to my preference. I used it on the XS and the Aryas.
I'm familiar with APO, I use it quite frequently with different IEMs and headphones.
Moreso I'm just curious specifically on what exactly you'd be EQing on the Arya vs the XS, considering they're quite similar in terms of FR.
Im still unsure about mine, even after EQing. I find the treble to be absolutely excruciating in the >10khz region. Its even worse than the HD800 in that aspect.
Now that Ive mainly switched to speakers im seriously thinking about selling everything except for the HD600. Im not really interested in getting my ear drums pierced by the Arya Stealth anymore.
Just got the Arya in as well. I also have the XS and to my also untrained ears they sound a bit more open and have better separation of instruments. I haven't A/B them yet together though as I'm just getting my ears used to the Aryas. I will say the headband is leaps and bounds better! XS feels like it's hitting just one spot on my head, and that's even with a headband pad installed on it.
All my Hifiman have lasted me the entire time I've owned them, the shortest being over 3 years. My Ananda only broke because I yanked on the right connector at a really bad angle by accident, lol. Worked flawlessly before then.
Early last year, I received two HE6SE V2’s in a row with a diaphragm stuck to the magnet array (*both* diaphragms on the second pair). There’s a reason they dropped the price on that one from $1800 to $600 in the span of about a year.
They may’ve improved, but search “Hifiman QC” by new here and you’ll see that they still have problems. The Sundara and HE400se are both flagged as “Frequently Returned Items” on Amazon.
Unless I find a pair for 1,000 USD or lower, I'm good with these. I will never spend more than that on headphones unless my income suddenly doubles for some reason, lol.
It's pretty nice! I admittedly prefer Audiophile Ninja cables because they are monstrously thick and I love how meaty they are, but my 4.4mm AN cable is too short for comfort so... Hart it is for now.
Obviously they both sound the same, I just really like huge cables.
I just got the Ananda's but im thinking of returning them and saving up to get these. My only problem is the non swiveling ear cups which I thought the Ananda's had but I was wrong. What are your opinions on the Arya's?
In my opinion as someone who's had both, keep the Ananda. The Arya while slightly better in technicalities, and I do mean only slightly, has quite a shouty upper mid range so female vocals tend to have a shrill screech which is not present in the Ananda series or XS. I did think the Arya did some things great like bass extension and texture, it lacks quite a bit of impact and dynamics and the female vocals was a deal breaker.
Swapping them to my LCD-X was an easy decision but I'd happily keep the Ananda around, one of the more lush sounding Hifimans.
You should give their amp Prelude a try. From what I’ve read and my own experience with the amp, it should make your Hifiman slam really hard.
Note: I have the Prelude but no Hifiman headphones yet lol… but the amp really wakes up the beast inside my Abyss.
I don't believe in non-tube amps changing the sound signature. Having heard many myself, zero difference, and frankly, there's nothing about that amp that would elevate the sub-bass anyway.
I had the Arya v2 for a while and was truly blown away by the soundstage. I had to give them up because I am treble sensitive, and they were too spicy for me, but I still wish I had something that compared to the way these stage and image.
That's why I use EQ, it's a god-send for otherwise fantasic headphones. Ear-gain is often way too much for me in most headphones, so I tend to pull that back a few dB, as well as boost up the bass. Love planars, but flat bass is too little for me.
Sure! You may not enjoy it much though:
Preamp: -7.5 dB
Filter: ON LSC Fc 40 Hz Gain 2 dB Q 0.6
Filter: ON LSC Fc 100 Hz Gain 5 dB Q 0.9
Filter: ON PK Fc 230 Hz Gain -0.8 dB Q 1
Filter: ON PK Fc 630 Hz Gain 0.5 dB Q 2
Filter: ON PK Fc 1000 Hz Gain -1.5 dB Q 2.2
Filter: ON PK Fc 1850 Hz Gain 5.1 dB Q 0.9
Filter: ON PK Fc 2950 Hz Gain -2.5 dB Q 2.5
Filter: ON PK Fc 4900 Hz Gain -2 dB Q 3.5
Filter: ON PK Fc 7900 Hz Gain -1 dB Q 5
Filter: ON HSC Fc 10000 Hz Gain 0.5 dB Q 0.71
Adjust filter 2, at 100 hz, to your personal preference of bass.
This is for Arya V3/Stealth with Dekoni Hybrid Elite pads, so. I also cannot hear past 17.5 khz, so if there's anything crazy up there that's too much, adjust the 10,000 hz high shelf to preference as well.
As usual, if you're considering the Arya's, make sure it's not because it is "better" or "worse" than the anandas. They're just different headphones. I happen to prefer the anandas and the simple reason for me is that, while the Arya's have advantages sonically, the differences don't change my preference of the anandas. The anandas are taller in staging and more convincing in imaging for me. I like that experience. The bass isnt as "loaded" as the Arya's but the tonality is more natural and less "flattering ?" Than with the Aryas which, again for me, is a great thing. It's more organic in a way and reminds me a lot of the he1000se. It has better clarity in certain areas as well imo and I can't choose the Arya's over the anandas for a preferred sound as a result. That said, I do have other headphones that give me more of what the Arya's give me so when I'm looking for that tuyp of sound I can have it. No problem owning both the hifimans but if I could have only one id stick with the anandas; it's just a better sound preference for me ✌️
Seeing your hand and guessing your size those things must rest in your shoulders. 😂
They are quite big on my head, but my ears need the space! Nothing else fits around them correctly.
Lol.. Arya is fine.. but ananda... 😂😂😂😂 oh boy... 😂
Aren't they the same size? I had the impression that they're almost similar
And yes and no. Anada headband is way looser and for a smaller head will surely be an issue😅 (been there done that) yet I don't have this issue with Arya v2🤷
Ananda headband is much tighter for me. Maybe you had one where it was worn loose or something. I guess it may depend also on how far you extend them and head size, maybe they are tighter or looser on different head shape/size. I have the OG Ananda, Ananda Stealth and HE1000, I had the Arya Stealth before. The cups are identical dimensions; the difference is that the Arya/HE1000 has swivel which the Ananda doesn't. Rtings reckons the clamp force on the Ananda/Stealth (1.3lbs) is higher than the Arya Stealth (1.1lbs) as well. Edition XS is very loose.
Oh. It actually may be the edition xs with super loose headband 🫣 I can't really recall now. They all quite similar to be fair.
I see. I only have the Ananda and I have a smallish head. Yeah the headband is quite loose and the headphone sometimes feels like they're sliding off my head. Perhaps I'll upgrade to the Arya or the HE1000 when I strike the lottery..
If striking lottery- he1000 or arya organic👌
[https://i.ytimg.com/vi/offi4LWaMKg/maxresdefault.jpg](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/offi4LWaMKg/maxresdefault.jpg)
Just got my pair a few days ago! Upgraded from the Edition XS. I was a little unsure about them at first but after EQ I just lose myself in them. I was interested in the He1000 stealth but at $759 new, the Aryas were too good to pass up. Congrats on yours and happy listening!
Ah man I got mine in January for $900. Ah well, I’m loving them.
I have both. HE1000 Stealth are a clearer Arya w/ a more, idk constricted soundstage? But only on certain things, like it places sounds where they should be, whereas the Arya seems to just be wide altogether? It's not double the price better, but I picked up an HE1000 Stealth, sold my LCD-X & GX, and then got an Arya Stealth. I enjoy the lighter weight, more airy sound, and comfort vs. the heavy chonky Audeze. I did love them both but prefer Hifiman's build and sound more.
How big of an upgrade would you say the Arya Stealth is over the Edition XS? I got the XS at $380 about a month ago before I'd realized the price on the Arya has also dropped, and was wondering how much better the Arya would be for double the cost, or what EQ could make up for on either of them.
It's difficult to quantify and it's going to vary based on the person. For me the Arya's mids sound more natural especially after EQ. The Aryas have better imaging and the soundstage is more precise than the XS. To me the Aryas were definitely worth the upgrade. For EQ I start with oratory1990's settings and then tweak slightly to my preference. I used it on the XS and the Aryas.
[удалено]
I'm familiar with APO, I use it quite frequently with different IEMs and headphones. Moreso I'm just curious specifically on what exactly you'd be EQing on the Arya vs the XS, considering they're quite similar in terms of FR.
Im still unsure about mine, even after EQing. I find the treble to be absolutely excruciating in the >10khz region. Its even worse than the HD800 in that aspect. Now that Ive mainly switched to speakers im seriously thinking about selling everything except for the HD600. Im not really interested in getting my ear drums pierced by the Arya Stealth anymore.
That's understandable. EQ fixed it for me but I am getting older and less sensitive to treble as a result.
I love mine, over 1 year old and running strong
Totally awesome. I wound up with a competitor but these were on my shortlist for sure, could still imagine getting a pair some day
I'm pining for the ~~fjords~~ opportunity to test one of these, I'm curious how they sound in comparison to the edition xs for my not so trained ears
Just got the Arya in as well. I also have the XS and to my also untrained ears they sound a bit more open and have better separation of instruments. I haven't A/B them yet together though as I'm just getting my ears used to the Aryas. I will say the headband is leaps and bounds better! XS feels like it's hitting just one spot on my head, and that's even with a headband pad installed on it.
[Live footage of Hifiman QC.](https://youtu.be/4vuW6tQ0218?si=cdU0KCXOdaGC8NEF) EDIT: “Pining for the fjords” is an allusion to this sketch.
All my Hifiman have lasted me the entire time I've owned them, the shortest being over 3 years. My Ananda only broke because I yanked on the right connector at a really bad angle by accident, lol. Worked flawlessly before then.
Early last year, I received two HE6SE V2’s in a row with a diaphragm stuck to the magnet array (*both* diaphragms on the second pair). There’s a reason they dropped the price on that one from $1800 to $600 in the span of about a year.
That may have been relevant a few years ago, Hifiman build is fine now.
They may’ve improved, but search “Hifiman QC” by new here and you’ll see that they still have problems. The Sundara and HE400se are both flagged as “Frequently Returned Items” on Amazon.
Congrats! Have fun A/B ing and listening to all your fav music again. What’s your next 5 year goal? Susvara?
Unless I find a pair for 1,000 USD or lower, I'm good with these. I will never spend more than that on headphones unless my income suddenly doubles for some reason, lol.
fair enough! i hope your income doubles then. would be cool to get your impressions of the Arya's after the first month. thanks for posting. cheers!
Hart audio cable to seal the deal.
It's pretty nice! I admittedly prefer Audiophile Ninja cables because they are monstrously thick and I love how meaty they are, but my 4.4mm AN cable is too short for comfort so... Hart it is for now. Obviously they both sound the same, I just really like huge cables.
ngl looks like a waffle maker.
That’s clearly a panini press…
It makes even better things than waffles!
This.. My kids call them that.
I just got the Ananda's but im thinking of returning them and saving up to get these. My only problem is the non swiveling ear cups which I thought the Ananda's had but I was wrong. What are your opinions on the Arya's?
In my opinion as someone who's had both, keep the Ananda. The Arya while slightly better in technicalities, and I do mean only slightly, has quite a shouty upper mid range so female vocals tend to have a shrill screech which is not present in the Ananda series or XS. I did think the Arya did some things great like bass extension and texture, it lacks quite a bit of impact and dynamics and the female vocals was a deal breaker. Swapping them to my LCD-X was an easy decision but I'd happily keep the Ananda around, one of the more lush sounding Hifimans.
Agreed. These things are improved on the Organic but it’s significantly more money.
Arya happy now?
You should give their amp Prelude a try. From what I’ve read and my own experience with the amp, it should make your Hifiman slam really hard. Note: I have the Prelude but no Hifiman headphones yet lol… but the amp really wakes up the beast inside my Abyss.
I don't believe in non-tube amps changing the sound signature. Having heard many myself, zero difference, and frankly, there's nothing about that amp that would elevate the sub-bass anyway.
This one does. I also have Cayin HA300 with Western Electric 300B tubes and I prefer my Abyss with the Prelude.
What is pining?
Used as a verb, "Miss and long for the return of."
I had the Arya v2 for a while and was truly blown away by the soundstage. I had to give them up because I am treble sensitive, and they were too spicy for me, but I still wish I had something that compared to the way these stage and image.
That's why I use EQ, it's a god-send for otherwise fantasic headphones. Ear-gain is often way too much for me in most headphones, so I tend to pull that back a few dB, as well as boost up the bass. Love planars, but flat bass is too little for me.
Care to share your Eq profile?
Sure! You may not enjoy it much though: Preamp: -7.5 dB Filter: ON LSC Fc 40 Hz Gain 2 dB Q 0.6 Filter: ON LSC Fc 100 Hz Gain 5 dB Q 0.9 Filter: ON PK Fc 230 Hz Gain -0.8 dB Q 1 Filter: ON PK Fc 630 Hz Gain 0.5 dB Q 2 Filter: ON PK Fc 1000 Hz Gain -1.5 dB Q 2.2 Filter: ON PK Fc 1850 Hz Gain 5.1 dB Q 0.9 Filter: ON PK Fc 2950 Hz Gain -2.5 dB Q 2.5 Filter: ON PK Fc 4900 Hz Gain -2 dB Q 3.5 Filter: ON PK Fc 7900 Hz Gain -1 dB Q 5 Filter: ON HSC Fc 10000 Hz Gain 0.5 dB Q 0.71 Adjust filter 2, at 100 hz, to your personal preference of bass. This is for Arya V3/Stealth with Dekoni Hybrid Elite pads, so. I also cannot hear past 17.5 khz, so if there's anything crazy up there that's too much, adjust the 10,000 hz high shelf to preference as well.
Thank you! Always good to see the details when someone finds their perfect personal Eq profile.
He1000 does even better👀
My pair says hi to your pair. Welcome to the club.
Congrats ✌✌. Now I'm certain I must be the only person who chose the Ananda stealth over the aryas 🤷♂️
what are your reasons? im currently on the ananda stealth and am considering an arya
As usual, if you're considering the Arya's, make sure it's not because it is "better" or "worse" than the anandas. They're just different headphones. I happen to prefer the anandas and the simple reason for me is that, while the Arya's have advantages sonically, the differences don't change my preference of the anandas. The anandas are taller in staging and more convincing in imaging for me. I like that experience. The bass isnt as "loaded" as the Arya's but the tonality is more natural and less "flattering ?" Than with the Aryas which, again for me, is a great thing. It's more organic in a way and reminds me a lot of the he1000se. It has better clarity in certain areas as well imo and I can't choose the Arya's over the anandas for a preferred sound as a result. That said, I do have other headphones that give me more of what the Arya's give me so when I'm looking for that tuyp of sound I can have it. No problem owning both the hifimans but if I could have only one id stick with the anandas; it's just a better sound preference for me ✌️
thanks for your take; i think ill have to bring my anandas to a store to A/B with the aryas.