[George Hincapie]

That’s just my opinion though. I think they’re still awesome headphones and my favorite Hifiman I’ve owned so far.
I think it’s a testament to how good the Arya SE are and still the best bargain around if you buy them used.
I bought my Arya new from Audio46 a month or two after their release and was impressed ever since.

The HE1000 SE are still an upgrade to the Arya SE and may wow you. Their staging is incredible.

Just to clarify; you’re talking about the latest magnet upgrade to the HE1000v2 and not the $3500 HEKSE right? If you mean the HEKSE ($3500) then I’ve heard they’re incredible and I haven’t tried them yet.

These ones: https://www.theaudiobarn.co.uk/product/hifiman-he1000se/

 

[Ficcion2]

These ones: https://www.theaudiobarn.co.uk/product/hifiman-he1000se/

Lol. Man Hifiman messed up with the nomenclature.

Sorry, I was speaking about the HE1000V2 Stealth aka the HE1000 SE not to be confused with the HE1000SE or something like that.
I bought the HE1000v2 Stealth or HEKv3? Idk anymore.

Anyways you’re talking about the one that’s considered a step below the Susvara.
I heard those are excellent. Maybe try buying used.

My comment is irrelevant to your concern. Sorry

 

[PlanarBunny]

Both drive it well and very musically, high gain will give you a bit more slam.

Yeah I've been experimenting with low and high gain for my Arya v2. I sorta feel more comfortable with them on high gain but low gain is perfectly drivable too. I just feel a bit odd about turning up the knob more than I'm used to. Right now it's on/around the 2 o clock area.

 

[yassdaboss]

For other arya owners with the Asgard amp, do you prefer low or high gain?

High gain for more bass & punch.

 

[MindBreak]

For other arya owners with the Asgard amp, do you prefer low or high gain?

I normally use low gain on my Asgard 3, but that is not my main amp so I have limited hours clocked on that with my Arya Stealth. I would say it is a matter of preference and/or the recording you are listening to. Some older rock albums need high gain on some amps.

 

[AleksanderWWA89]

Hi

I like my FiiO k9 pro ess very much. Excellent pair with dan clark noire 2 closed back.

FiiO k9 pro ess has enough power to drive almost any headphones. Especially while they are connected through a 4.4 mm balanced output.

In case of my dan clarks, low gain is all I need (60%)
Should not have any issue with HIFIMAN Arya.

 

[Metalingus]

Here is my Arya V3 Stealth. I've owned LCD-X, HD 800S, Clear MG in the price range and several mid-fi headphones including DCA Aeon RT, Senn 600 series and Campfire IEMS.

Build quality wise Arya is equal to junk, unboxing experience was felt like i brought something i find at the trash at home but at least sound quality proves otherwise.

I find sound quality to be neutral-bright. Some sizzle and harshness in the top end. I run them bass heavy songs with Topping G5 overnight, so if you are believer off burn-in, it's done before i test.

They slam equally good and no change in soundstage width depth imaging etc. with Lightning Dongle vs. G5. Anyone who says linear amp makes difference with lightning dongle needs to get their ears checked. These are very easy to run due to new stealth magnets.

I like Arya's, they do everything fine but bass doesn't slam like LCD-X, soundstage is not wide as HD 800 S, in fact not even close. Mids are sounding planar like just like LCD's so coming from Clear MG on for vocals, makes you desire for more. So overall, we got a all rounder but not a specialist.

Play's well with live music, sounds good with everything except bass heavy modern genres like hip-hop and metal/rock especially older recordings may sound a bit thin and sharp. Treble is sharper but equally detailed as HD 800 S.

Overall, i can understand the appeal for Arya but if i'm sacrificing downsides of build, design, packing and planar characteristics at least give me something special, therefore i'd prefer LCD-X > Clear MG = HD 800 S > Arya.

TLDR: Great all around sound characteristics with terrible build quality, nothing special. If you are seeking for lush, pillow like, warm signatures Arya isn't your thing.

 

[yassdaboss]

Here is my Arya V3 Stealth. I've owned LCD-X, HD 800S, Clear MG in the price range and several mid-fi headphones including DCA Aeon RT, Senn 600 series and Campfire IEMS.

Build quality wise Arya is equal to junk, unboxing experience was felt like i brought something i find at the trash at home but at least sound quality proves otherwise.

I find sound quality to be neutral-bright. Some sizzle and harshness in the top end. I run them bass heavy songs with Topping G5 overnight, so if you are believer off burn-in, it's done before i test.

They slam equally good and no change in soundstage width depth imaging etc. with Lightning Dongle vs. G5. Anyone who says linear amp makes difference with lightning dongle needs to get their ears checked. These are very easy to run due to new stealth magnets.

I like Arya's, they do everything fine but bass doesn't slam like LCD-X, soundstage is not wide as HD 800 S, in fact not even close. Mids are sounding planar like just like LCD's so coming from Clear MG on for vocals, makes you desire for more. So overall, we got a all rounder but not a specialist.

Play's well with live music, sounds good with everything except bass heavy modern genres like hip-hop and metal/rock especially older recordings may sound a bit thin and sharp. Treble is sharper but equally detailed as HD 800 S.

Overall, i can understand the appeal for Arya but if i'm sacrificing downsides of build, design, packing and planar characteristics at least give me something special, therefore i'd prefer LCD-X > Clear MG = HD 800 S > Arya.

TLDR: Great all around sound characteristics with terrible build quality, nothing special. If you are seeking for lush, pillow like, warm signatures Arya isn't your thing.

Give them some play time before making a judgement. You may be surprised.

 

[Metalingus]

Give them some play time before making a judgement. You may be surprised.

No.

 

[AleksanderWWA89]

no

What do you think about focal clear MG? I have dan clark noire 2 as a closed back, and I am looking for open-back

I thought about Meze 109 pro, ultrasone edition 11, focal clear mg and… Arya Stealth.

I need some encouragement for spending more

 

[Metalingus]

What do you think about focal clear MG? I have dan clark noire 2 as a closed back, and I am looking for open-back

I thought about Meze 109 pro, ultrasone edition 11, and focal clear mg.

I need some encouragement to spend more

I highly recommend you to try before spending that kind of money on Headphones because Aeon 2 is a tough challenger to beat. And it's a myth that spending more gets you better headphone.





I have friends who heard 109 and put them on sale day after. It's too colored. How to know if a record is worth listening if you don't know how it sounds like because it's too colored...

If you are willing to EQ both Clear MG and LCD-X are good choices. Arya isn't.

 

[AleksanderWWA89]

Thank you

 

[jjazzy]

Here is my Arya V3 Stealth. I've owned LCD-X, HD 800S, Clear MG in the price range and several mid-fi headphones including DCA Aeon RT, Senn 600 series and Campfire IEMS.

Build quality wise Arya is equal to junk, unboxing experience was felt like i brought something i find at the trash at home but at least sound quality proves otherwise.

I find sound quality to be neutral-bright. Some sizzle and harshness in the top end. I run them bass heavy songs with Topping G5 overnight, so if you are believer off burn-in, it's done before i test.

They slam equally good and no change in soundstage width depth imaging etc. with Lightning Dongle vs. G5. Anyone who says linear amp makes difference with lightning dongle needs to get their ears checked. These are very easy to run due to new stealth magnets.

I like Arya's, they do everything fine but bass doesn't slam like LCD-X, soundstage is not wide as HD 800 S, in fact not even close. Mids are sounding planar like just like LCD's so coming from Clear MG on for vocals, makes you desire for more. So overall, we got a all rounder but not a specialist.

Play's well with live music, sounds good with everything except bass heavy modern genres like hip-hop and metal/rock especially older recordings may sound a bit thin and sharp. Treble is sharper but equally detailed as HD 800 S.

Overall, i can understand the appeal for Arya but if i'm sacrificing downsides of build, design, packing and planar characteristics at least give me something special, therefore i'd prefer LCD-X > Clear MG = HD 800 S > Arya.

TLDR: Great all around sound characteristics with terrible build quality, nothing special. If you are seeking for lush, pillow like, warm signatures Arya isn't your thing.

I think arya is perfect for some genres, I love jazz, blues, classical, live. Than with right equipment, heaven.
Me personally love the decent but tamed bass, which arya provide.

I hate bass heavy music, hate pop, rock, electronic etc… with that kind of music I would advice different headphones. Than for example an Arya.

I love my electrostatic speakers martin logan esl, extremely expensive, shines with jazz, blues etc… but don’t play rock on them, they suck

I did not like the the lcd-x too dark and focus on bass for me, comfort wise really good though, and they look design wise what they cost. I would say not better or worse, different sound signature.

 

[ahmonge]

I love my electrostatic speakers martin logan

Great for classical, close to perfection.

 

[Tada]

I have friends who heard 109 and put them on sale day after. It's too colored. How to know if a record is worth listening if you don't know how it sounds like because it's too colored...

If you are willing to EQ both Clear MG and LCD-X are good choices. Arya isn't.

Funny how you label the 109 Pro as colored and in the same breath bring up two wonky tuned headphones that require heavy EQ to sound decent. The 109 Pro is a fine mid-fi headphone. It isn't neutral but has a fun and musical tuning with great vocals. It sure sounds much better out of the box than the dark LCD-X or shouty Clear MG.

Also, I have owned all headphones you mention and I felt the LCD-X and LCD-XC (both 2021 version) were the worst designed and constructed. It has nice pads but heavy as hell. The headband adjustment is stiff and finicky. The screws all come loose. I much prefer the egg-shaped Hifiman's from both a comfort and functionality perspective.