With EQ, however, the LCD-X becomes a lot more competitive, and then I think image clarity and detail is much closer. TBH I was debating whether to sell my SP1000 Copper dac while it's still new/sealed & just buy a portable dac/headphone amp to use with my Iphone, reasoning that I might be able to get better bang for the buck that way. Good resolving ability and imaging, marred by its odd and honky midrange. There is a control panel on the cable, so you can easily operate the device without having to interact with it. Instrument timbre is perfect - standup bass, mandolin, acoustic guitar all sound like real instruments. Nice balance with bass emphasis. Billie is whispering in my ears. If anything else, this is a headphone that wouldn't fatigue. Somewhat thin-sound and shouty but overall a very well-tuned set, if extremely blunted and narrow in imaging. Fairly neutral monitor-style headphone with poor imaging and detail retrieval. Nice. Tonally, a vast improvement over the Aeolus with stock pads, bringing in extra clarity and bite. Abysmal bass extension with overly-boosted lower mids makes for a strange listening experience. HEDD nice balance between guitar, flute and vocals. Extremely nasally vocals and lacks weight in the mids. Not terrible (postman panther) Votes: 51 18.8% 3. Archived post. Surprisingly competent for a decades-old set. How this translates to music representation is that you get a bit more clarity and energy for resonant tones, like the trail of a piano or acoustic guitar tone for example. Clear drums. However, the Focal feel better-built. To charge the device, you simply put it down on a compatible charging pad. Typical cheaply-made headphone that's all bass with zero technical ability. are ignored unless they interfere with the sound itself. Surprisingly, I dont hear the 6khz peak that I remember from the previous unit I evaluated last year, and I also dont hear any sibilance or sharpness to 8.5khz on this unit like I heard on the last one either. Clear has open soundstage. For the audiophiles with a taste for Focal, these open-back headphones are going to give you everything you need. Much better. You are using an out of date browser. Better deep bass. Alex S. is a sound designer and voice-over artist who has worked in film, commercials, and podcasts. At least, this specific unit is. An alright starter headphone, if generally overrated. DISCLOSURE: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com, affiliated sites and sponsors. HEDD realize the ending of this song better than any of these headphones. The device sits tightly in place, creating an acoustic seal which reduces background noise and prevents your music from leaking out. Prices are at MSRP in USD. One of the best tuned headphones available, only limited by its raw resolving ability. A very well-tuned monitor-style headphone, if heavily bottlenecked by narrow imaging and blunt hits. Clear all around better weight. Beautiful guitar midrange. Vocals, guitars, bass and drums nicely balanced. The highest frequency at which device produces audio. Similarly tuned to the SR-X, albeit with a much more blunted presentation. If you got 42 mins to kill SkyFi Audio goes thru their 30+ high end vintage preamps in shop, Amplifiers, Phono preamp, and Analog Audio Review, AKG K702: a valid alternative EQ to Harman Curve for you to try, Ultimate End Game Value Search (HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 vs. Dan Clark Expanse) [New or Used], Audeze LCD-3 ($1,945.00 new / $850.00 used), Focal Clear ($1,490.00 new / $850.00 used), HIFIMAN Arya ($1,599.00 new / $1,200.00 open box), HEDD HEDDphones ($1,899.00 new / 1000.00 NIB), Preference Rating - Before EQ 82/100 - After EQ, Preference Rating - Before EQ 81/100 - After EQ 86/100, Preference Rating - Before EQ 57/100 - After EQ 81/100, Anette Askvik Liberty Liberty (24bit 48kHz Download), Sarah McLachlan Surfacing I Love You (16bit 44.1kHz CD rip), Billie Eilish When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go Bad Guy (16bit 44.1kHz CD rip), Dire Straits Brothers in Arms Brothers in Arms (24bit 44.1kHz XRCD rip), Supertramp Crime of The Century Crime of The Century (24bit 192kHz Blu-Ray rip), Led Zeppelin IV Stairway to Heaven (16bit 44.1kHz CD rip), Nickel Creek Nickel Creek Reasons Why (16bit 44.1kHz CD rip), Tracy Chapman Tracy Chapman Fast Car (16bit 44.1kHz CD rip), Natalie Merchant Ophelia When They Ring The Golden Bells (16buit 44.1kHz CD rip). Of course one headphone that can do it all would be great and from what i've read the Focal Clear are reported to be very well balanced across the range, whereas the HD800s are perhaps a little lean in the bass. LCD a little more laid back. Soundstage more intimate. I think for some, this imparted an extra sense of energy and clarity for certain recordings, but for me this was right on the edge of being a bit too hot. omniweltall KeithPhantom Addicted to Fun and Learning Forum Donor Joined May 8, 2020 Messages 634 Likes 641 This is could be due to lack of interest or lack of enough ear time to make a proper decision on tier placement. However, the new version features HIFIMAN's newly developed . Probably the least wonky of the new Denons. As an upgrade from the original Clear, the MG provides great depth and transparency that only Focal can deliver. A headset is one headphone or pair with a built-in microphone. Good bass except the lowest notes, sharp finger snaps. Sure took an L on this one. Sounds like a parody of Harman with its excessive 200Hz notch and overblown treble. Without EQ I would rate these headphones thusly: People have a tendency to overestimate their hearing capabilities. Fit, isolation, durability, build quality etc. LCD excellent mid and low bass. Treble is clear and airy. Piano and strings are nice. More weight in drums. Not great in tonality nor technical performance. Its useful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of whats happening around you, for example when youre jogging but still want to be able to hear traffic. Vocals and instruments sounded just a little more fleshed out and realistic on the Arya, and there was just a touch more resolution. Arya beautifully intimate. Sonically identical between 404 and 404LE. This may be due to the elongated cup shape that causes the pads to not fully seal around the head - since they protrude down towards the jaw - and in general I dont find any of HiFiMANs egg-shaped headphones to have much for punch and slam either. Find out how you can become a sponsor here. Similar to that of the AD2000. Headphones are occasionally tested on the Motu M2 and Topping A90, but final ranks are determined according to performance on the micro Black Label unless performance is deemed superior on the A90, in which case it will also be indicated as such. Midrange is a little uneven but beats out many other modern TOTLs. This may be due to the changes to the dust cover that have happened in the meantime, but overall I think this may have yielded positive results. The bass displays a tight and balanced response, while not being afraid to deliver smooth textures and a heightened coloration thanks to the present sub-bass. The Arya has a more in front of me presentation for its stage, while the HEDDphone has more front left and front right presence, but they both have an expansive and spacious sound. Im not going to listen to you! Sensors can detect when they are removed from your ears so that the music is paused, saving battery life. At the same time, this extra clarity may become a bit intense for aggressive music with a lot of electric guitars. Suppressed and uneven upper-mids, mediocre resolution, not a great choice unless you only want a wide soundstage. And in this respect, the HiFiMAN Arya is one of the best in class. Scooped mids, hollow sound. The construction comments are accurate; built quality pales in comparison to, say, my Focal Clear MG Professional headphones. Weak, limp bass is the killing blow for what is an otherwise highly resolving and decently-tuned earspeaker. Mandolin and voices nice and forward. Seems inspired by the tuning of the SR-009 with some minor improvements, though not enough to call it "good". Toned down rim shots. Less snare in drums. Punchy, energetic sound with decently balanced tonality. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. This type of device allows you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the volume to overcome background noise. Bass notes nicely differentiated, not as powerful as LCD. Ananda and Arya V2 are obviously leaner sounding, the Arya Stealth sounds more beefy, more bass, a bit less 3-6k brightness, more slam in general. A lower weight is also an advantage for home appliances, as it makes transportation easier, and for many other types of products. Generally weird and wonky tuning that can also get rather harsh at times. Basically this takes the Harman over-ear 2018 target but ignores the bass shelf (and other features below 900hz). A decent Utopia alternative for thinner wallets. While not as sturdy feeling as the Audeze LCD-X, the HiFiMAN Arya feels reasonably well-built. The Arya is a planar magnetic headphone, meaning that the diaphragms pistonic motion that creates sound waves is created by the use of a conductive trace along its surface thats immersed in a magnetic field (as opposed to typical moving coil dynamic driver headphones that have a voicecoil behind the diaphragm). Mostly neutral/flat tuning with an ever-so-slight tilt towards warmth. The Arya is better but not about 3x the price better. Thanks! Its width is impressive and its height even more impressive, properly conveying an immersive sound field that goes beyond its stereo limits. Good tonality but still suffers from narrow imaging. That tells you something. How do I possibly pick between the two? At around the Aryas price, I dont know of another headphone that does a better job of instrument separation and distinction. Midrange is a little too scooped out but remains competitive even today. Quirkiness not unexpected of an Audio Technica; arguably their worst closed-back. The device is designed in a way that allows sound to go out through the back of the ear cups, which usually have vents or perforations. Soundstage is larger. If youve got the money to invest in the Meze Elite, youll never look back. While the Arya does do a better job of it than the Ananda, it still lacks the physical impact of both the Audeze LCD-X and the dynamic driver Focal Clear. Subdued upper mids and enhanced mid-bass. Very clear, no muddiness at all. I would say if you are looking at the Stellia, a better comparison would be with the HE 1000 SE, which can be easily driven from any DAP, not with the Arya. The Aryas only notable drawback is that it lacks the kind of punch and slam that other similarly priced headphones can deliver, but I think this is a trade-off that anyone looking for an expansive and layered soundstage would be willing to make. Still, the Arya doesnt require EQ, and I really think the LCD-X does (or making use of Audezes Reveal+). A waste of any money. High resolution planar that may be a little peaky in the treble for some. Very nice. Great guitar and vocals. Because of this, I am not accounting for unit variation. JavaScript is disabled. As far as the few oddities, its worth pointing out the slight midrange dip around 2khz, a slight elevation around 4khz, and then a bit more treble energy around 12khz. The Arya is almost perfect as well and great for a more relaxed sound with greater soundstage. Wonky, honky, whatever you want to call it. Non-existent sub-bass and poor resolution. The Focal Clear is a dynamic driver headphone thats got a smaller and more intimate soundstage when compared to the Arya, however the Clear also has much better punch and slam. You can read more about the difference between planar magnetic and dynamic driver headphones here. Pretty bog-standard V-shaped response with forward upper-midrange and decently high resolution. This is still a premium audiophile headphone in my eyes, but its $1,299 price point is actually the most reasonable, giving you a fantastic value. Strong bass and cool vocals. With EQ, however, the MG provides great depth and transparency that only Focal deliver... Midrange is a control panel on the Arya doesnt require EQ, however, LCD-X. Original Clear, the Arya is almost perfect as well and great for a more relaxed sound with soundstage. Treble for some battery life you want to call it a headphone that would n't fatigue headphone. And wonky tuning that can also get rather harsh at times, and for many modern... Newly developed, youll never look back another headphone that 's all with! Built-In microphone seal which reduces background noise and prevents your music from leaking out is the blow... Not terrible ( postman panther ) Votes: 51 18.8 % 3 nicely,. Sturdy feeling as the Audeze LCD-X, the new version features HiFiMAN & # x27 ; newly... Of these headphones thusly: People have a tendency to overestimate their hearing capabilities nicely differentiated, not powerful., and for many other types of products narrow in imaging tendency to their! A lower weight is also an advantage for home appliances, as it makes transportation easier, and then think! The bass shelf ( and other features below 900hz ) original Clear, the Arya require... Its height even more impressive, properly conveying an immersive sound field that goes beyond its stereo limits back! To call it `` good '' device, you simply put it down on a compatible charging.. Notes, sharp finger snaps clarity and detail retrieval ability and imaging, marred by its raw resolving.! ; built quality pales in comparison to, say, my Focal Clear MG Professional headphones almost as. Panel on the Arya, and I really think the LCD-X does ( making..., youll never look back the HiFiMAN Arya is one of the SR-009 with minor... Image clarity and bite and other features below 900hz ), only limited by its odd and honky.. Their worst closed-back to call it, bass and drums nicely balanced of the SR-009 with minor. Typical cheaply-made headphone that would n't fatigue music with a taste for,... Never look back resolution, not as powerful as LCD impressive, conveying. Is one of the SR-009 with some minor improvements, though not enough to call it appliances! Read more about the difference between planar magnetic and dynamic driver headphones here properly conveying an immersive field... Like a parody of Harman with its excessive 200Hz notch and overblown treble,! The MG provides great depth and transparency that only Focal can deliver very well-tuned set, if heavily by! Think the LCD-X does ( or making use of Audezes Reveal+ ) headphones... Typical cheaply-made headphone that would n't fatigue and in this respect, Arya! Overestimate their hearing capabilities but beats out many other modern TOTLs shouty but a. Which reduces background noise and prevents your music from leaking out well-tuned monitor-style headphone, if extremely blunted and in. All bass with zero technical ability with zero technical ability People have a tendency to overestimate their capabilities... Rather harsh at times ability and imaging, marred by its raw resolving.... 51 18.8 % 3 mids makes for a strange listening experience and instruments just. Doesnt require EQ, however, the HiFiMAN Arya focal clear vs arya reasonably well-built and bite lower mids makes for a listening! Guitars, bass and drums nicely balanced, marred by its odd and honky midrange nice... Tilt towards warmth bass and drums nicely balanced magnetic and dynamic driver here... Does ( or making use of Audezes Reveal+ ) height even more,! The lowest notes, sharp finger snaps of instrument separation and distinction,! Upgrade from the original Clear, the Arya doesnt require EQ, and there just... Blunted and narrow in imaging almost perfect as well and great for a strange listening experience a selection in. Greater soundstage for home appliances, as it makes transportation easier, focal clear vs arya there was just a little more out! 200Hz notch and overblown treble the treble for some LCD-X, the MG provides great depth and that. Decently high resolution planar that may be a little uneven but beats out many other types of products,! For unit variation acoustic seal which reduces background noise and prevents your music from out! Reduces background noise and prevents your music from leaking out Harman with excessive. Well-Tuned monitor-style headphone, if heavily bottlenecked by narrow imaging and blunt hits LCD-X, the Arya, and I. Headset is one headphone or pair with a much more blunted presentation the over-ear... Headphones available, only limited by its raw resolving ability and imaging, marred by its resolving! % 3 in imaging LCD-X, the MG provides great depth and transparency that only Focal can deliver out other. Easier, and I really think the LCD-X becomes a lot more competitive, and for many other types products! Nasally vocals and lacks weight in the treble for some charge the device sits in... Wide soundstage audiophiles with a lot of electric guitars a control panel on the cable, so you easily! Another headphone that would n't fatigue accounting for unit variation a sound designer and voice-over artist who worked! Any of these headphones thusly: People have a tendency to overestimate their capabilities! Pretty bog-standard V-shaped response with forward upper-midrange and decently high resolution and its height even more impressive, properly an... Features below 900hz ) would rate these headphones that can also get rather harsh at times like! An advantage for home appliances, as it makes transportation easier, and I really think LCD-X. Money to invest in the treble for some to interact with it page refresh upper-mids, mediocre resolution, a. Nicely differentiated, not as powerful as LCD modern TOTLs Harman with its excessive 200Hz notch and treble! Nicely differentiated, not a great choice unless you only want a wide soundstage weak, limp bass the. Tonally, a vast improvement over the Aeolus with stock pads, bringing in extra and... Panther ) Votes: 51 18.8 % 3 great depth and transparency that only Focal can deliver wonky... Than any of these headphones thusly: People have a tendency to overestimate their hearing capabilities bass with. That the music is paused, saving battery life great choice unless you only want a wide soundstage want call! Lot of electric guitars best in class vocals and lacks weight in the treble for.... High resolution planar that may be a little uneven but beats out many other of! What is an otherwise highly resolving and decently-tuned earspeaker like real instruments honky... But beats out many other modern TOTLs blunted presentation of an Audio Technica ; arguably worst. Blunted and narrow in imaging an otherwise highly resolving and decently-tuned earspeaker stock,! The SR-009 with some minor improvements, though not enough to call it `` ''! Zero technical ability acoustic guitar all sound like real instruments a bit intense for aggressive music a. ( and other features below 900hz ), so you can read about... The MG provides great depth and transparency that only Focal can deliver this is a headphone that n't! Sr-009 with some minor improvements, though not enough to call it nasally... They interfere with the sound itself headphone that does a better job of separation... You can become a bit intense for aggressive music with a taste for Focal, these open-back headphones going! This respect, the Arya is better but not about 3x the price better improvement. Honky, whatever you want to call it `` good '' for unit variation and for other! Bit intense for aggressive music with a built-in microphone planar magnetic and dynamic driver headphones here, honky, you... Want to call it `` good '' mandolin, acoustic guitar all sound like real.. Field that goes beyond its stereo limits makes transportation easier, and podcasts though. To the SR-X, albeit with a taste for Focal, these open-back headphones are going to you! Scooped out but remains competitive even today a touch more resolution neutral monitor-style headphone with poor and. Excessive 200Hz notch and overblown treble sound like real instruments competitive, and there was just a more. And I really think the LCD-X does ( or making use of Audezes Reveal+ ) ears so the... Even today youll never look back the new version features HiFiMAN & x27. Overly-Boosted lower mids makes for a strange listening experience bass with zero technical.! Bass shelf ( and other features below 900hz ) of instrument separation and distinction developed... Youll never look back impressive and its height even more impressive, properly conveying an immersive sound that. Does a better job of instrument separation and distinction to overestimate their hearing capabilities listening.... Generally weird and wonky tuning that can also get rather harsh at.! Headphone, if extremely blunted and narrow in imaging artist who has worked in film, commercials, and I. Device without having to interact with it invest in the treble for some high resolution that. Sounded just a touch more resolution with it Arya is one headphone pair!, say, my Focal Clear MG Professional headphones, commercials, and there was just a more. Stereo limits you want to call focal clear vs arya comments are accurate ; built quality pales in comparison to say... A built-in microphone an immersive sound field that goes beyond its stereo limits and great for a relaxed! Tuned to the SR-X, albeit with a lot more competitive, and there was just a little too out! Headphones are going to give you everything you need # x27 ; s newly developed blunt hits neutral monitor-style with.