High-end headphones vary tremendously in sound and presentation more than speakers.
Because of this, some headphone addicts like to use different cans for different types of music.
They might sport one headphone for classical, another for bass-heavy genres, yet another for vocals.
Perhaps theres just one headphone that sounds perfect with the tuba.
But I suspect most of us spend our cash looking for that holy grail, do-it-all headphone.
I thinkHifimans Aryais good enough to be that endgame for a lot of people.
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If youve never put down serious money into headphones, that price might seem utterly ridiculous.
But given its performance among the current state of hi-fi, its almost a good deal.
Its a humongous headphone, with earcups nearly as tall as my head.
Considering the open back design and 1/4-inch jack, its obviously only meant to be used at home.
The two-tone metal-and-wood look on the HE1000 family is much more appealing.
At least its comfortable.
The earpads are plush and angle the headphones slightly towards your ears.
Still, I could wear it for an entire days shift without discomfort.
Another sign the Arya is designed for home use: it requires a powerful amp.
Dont be fooled by the low, 41 Ohm impedance rating.
You might also encounter an anemic or distorted sound.
Paired with a decent source, the Aryas sound invokes an amalgam of adulatory audio jargon.
It sounds big and spacious almost speaker-like.
Its highs are detailed and sparkly, yet somehow velvety smooth too.
Theres the slightest hint of warmth without ever sounding dark.
The sound is remarkably transparent, with only a tiny bit of coloration.
The Aryas tuning is versatile enough to handle any genre, and hard to imagine anyone outright disliking.
Its something Hifiman excels at, asI found with the companys RE2000.
I listen before measuring; the measurements are used for comparison and emphasis.
The first thing to note about the above is how flat the bass is.
Its the star of the show.
Take the similarly pricedFocal Clear, for example.
Its one of the best headphones on the market and my current reference.
Most high-end headphones feature an open-back design for a sense of space and clarity.
They excel at anything you throw at them, unless its music where you expect tofeelthe bass.
Thats what often leads bassheads to closed-back headphones.
Despite this, theres no hint of muddiness.
Theres nothing to indicate the bass is so powerful until the music calls for it.
Its a fairly rare feat to strike that balance, even at this price point.
Not too forward, not too recessed.
Smooth, detailed, and present without being harsh.
The timbre and dynamics of instruments are nearly spot on, although still a hair behind the Clear.
The treble is more of the same.
I find it easier to pick out details and nuances with it than the Focal Clear orSennheiser HD800s.
That brings me to my biggest caveat to the sound: The Arya shines with the volume turned up.
Its the rare headphone that just seems to do everything right.
Id pick these over the Utopia, HD800S.
Credit: Hifiman
Theres another caveat to keep in mind: Hifiman releasesalotof headphones.
It feels like theres always something equally good or better right around the corner.
Thats because products like the Arya deserve their time to shine.
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