2022 Hifiman Arya Stealth — RH Audio Reviews

2022 Hifiman Arya Stealth Edition Review

Impedance: 32Ω

Sensitivity: 94dB

Frequency Response: 8Hz-65kHz

Weight: 404g (14.30z)

How do they sound

I wanted to use something on par with the Arya Stealth for our listening portion of the review. With this said, I used the new Topping 30 Pro Stack. The Topping 30 Pro stack provides plenty of resolution, power, and a jet-black background for the listening experience.

Now, for our first track, “The Look of Love,” from Diana Krall’s Live in Paris album. The track starts with Diana’s piano and acoustic guitar, but I must stop here. Although I have heard this album many times, this is quite different. As you can listen to, the hammers on each string as she plays a note, the guitar becomes transparent than it had ever been to me. Diana’s voice travels about the concert hall giving me chills as if I were in the audience and not wearing headphones. Moving on….

“East of the Son (West of the Moon)” provides an excellent example of natural bass as Doubble-bass continues. The Arya does not extend deep in the sub-bass region, yet, in the bass region nicely.

For our next artist, I have selected Tracy Chapman with “New Beginning.” This track has a steady grove of a hard-hitting bass guitar and a well-recorded acoustic guitar. The drum kit is the main instrument that I want to point out in this track. I am thoroughly on how life-like each piece sounds, from the tops, high-hat, and most of all, the bass drum. Each piece is incredibly life-like and puts you in the room.

“My Demons” from Tears for Fears is an excellent example of how the Aryas can present a wide sound soundstage and Phantom center. But unfortunately, depth is limited with these Hifiman headphones. This is a shame, as the resolution is so high.

To show off the vocals, I decided to use, Tedeschi Trucks Band’s “I Am the Moon.” Not only does this show off vocals, but this is a busy track that never sounds muddy.

“Chocolate Chip Trip” from Tool has been a staple for me in imaging and detail, but this time something is different. I can not put my finger on it, for say, but with the Aryas, it is as if there more detail in the drum kit and other new elements.

Mark Knopfler has never sounded more life-like to me with his baritone in “The Trawlerman’s Song” on the Arya, almost giving me chills; this is quite impressive as the vocal detail is remarkable.

While the Arya does not extend very far into the sub-bass region, the areas they cover are remarkable and detailed. So if you are expecting bass monsters, these are not them.

Suggestions…

At $1,299, I have a few suggestions that would improve the listening experience.

A higher quality stock cable, such as a braided cable, and the option to include a balanced cable in the box would be excellent.

I want to address the headphone pads. At $1,299, Arya should include leather or Velour stock. Unfortunately, the pads included are a bit of a letdown, as you can attain an adequate seal around your ears.

Next, I know you can not cut yourself on the “fins” of the headphones, but if they could be rounded over, I am sure this would be appreciated.

Additionally, if the “fins” and the “Window Shade” could be aligned, this would “cure” some people’s fixation on the two.

My final comment is break-in time. Some may believe this is unnecessary, but it is with the HiFiMan Arya headphones. After running a series of White Noise, Pink Noise, and Music, I have concluded that break-in took around 50 hours. So please, please do not skip this before making your final judgment.

Final thoughts

The HiFiMan Arya is an excellent headphone in its own right, but can I recommend it? The Arya is not perfect. The Arya is not perfect, but if you feed it with a clean source and material, it will return excellent music.

Is the Arya for everyone? No, as the Arya is incredibly detailed, the Arya does not produce a significant amount of sub-bass.

All in all, it is up to you to decide if the Arya is right for you. But if you are looking for a pair of Open-back headphones that are not bass monsters, these are for you!

Music Played

Diana Krall - The Look Of Love (Live)

https://open.qobuz.com/track/641939

Diana Krall - East Of The Sun (West Of The Moon) (Live)

https://open.qobuz.com/track/641940

Tracy Chapman - New Beginning (LP Version)

https://open.qobuz.com/track/2997167

Tears for Fears - My Demons

https://open.qobuz.com/track/132108544

Tedeschi Trucks Band - I Am The Moon

https://open.qobuz.com/track/154133089

TOOL - Chocolate Chip Trip