HIFIMAN Arya Organic

A bit more than 2 years ago the Arya Stealth appeared, paving the way for the Arya’s future as a departure from the old sound that in its second revision culminated into the Arya V2.


A big, bold, dynamically relaxed sound underwent a haircut and a different strength training into a tighter, closer, dynamically more explosive and frontal sound. Naturally, the Arya V2 always had its fans and kept them, no matter the revision. The bigger, deeper stage, the overall lushness in contrast, the bold bass that growled from a bottomless pit. A unique package. Of course Hifiman reads forums and impressions and they must have had an idea to fuse some of the old traits with those of the Stealth and throw that potion of magic onto a pile of Arya skeletons and from that cloud of smoke, glitter and dust thus emerged: The Arya Organic.


Now is it just a best of both worlds? Not really. It’s not a direct blend, it’s not splitting the booty as in being an Arya v2 with stealth qualities. Instead, it’s a fresh and unique take on the Arya sound mixing stealth qualities like explosiveness, dynamics, better resolve, finer wave guiding, sharper imaging with an even denser force per square inch and opening up a bigger, deeper stage, almost in the fashion of the grandfather.


Now that I spoiled the review, you are very welcome to read further on the details as the Arya Organic doesn’t just take what’s there but expands on a few key areas and ascends above previous iterations:

General sound impressions​

The Arya Organic falls a bit into the “slightly v shaped but otherwise” rather neutral side of headphones, as in a pronounced bass shelf and a more prominent treble than in any Arya ever before, albeit also here in a more even progression or shelf not in a sore thumb way of a peak. The mids aren’t buried or take a sad, forgotten backseat. They are clear as a winter’s day and night and have reference grade transparency imbued into them.


The tuning is deliberate, to make for an exciting listen, a headphone to feel the presence of the music in pure euphony.


Extension is absolutely superb with a bottomless pit that grabs you where you know where and can set a footprint with heft, tactility, slam and a satisfying amount of punch.


Extension up top is very well handled, allowing for a lot of air to set the stage and let objects breathe. Trails and reverbs are fading out spectacularly on this model. There’s no blunting happening or a strong boundary barrier preventing you from almost touching the stars.


Driver control, start/stop as usual from the modern Hifiman is exceptional but not zip-tight, strung up and overtly dry. There’s more fading out happening here than on the stealth, this headphone is denser and richer at the same time.


The Bass is presented in an elevated manner, more of a shelf than a bump in the midrange or down below, giving the sound a powerful, bold, slammy and dynamic character. Also contributing to the organic character that gives this headphones its name. There’s zero bleeding into the lower mids or any masking going on that could make the sound muddy or veiled. This hasn’t been a problem for Hifiman’s planar offerings in general, though. Still good to be reminded that they don’t play around. Bass quality, resolving and separating bass lines is an effortless job for the Organic. The already dynamic and forceful character of the Arya Stealth gets a change of character:


It’s no longer waiting for a call to slam and dunk. It always does it now, leading to an even more energetic presentation, just bigger and bolder.


Genres like electronic music and its thousand subgenres strongly profit from this tuning and so do Hip-hop and Metal.


The midrange and vocal range are as we are used from the previous iterations, very open, transparent, revealing in the usual Hifiman fashion. Acoustic instruments don’t blend over or appear in a grey ground on a normalized sound level. They are alive, dynamic, palpable, there to reach out for and almost touch. If there’s anywhere where the Arya line never disappoints, it’s the midrange, the most important range of the music where all the good stuff happens.


Acoustic instruments are easily separated in the mix, not blended or homogenized at all if two of the same play.


The treble is coming at us with a shelf more than any soring peaks. The Organic definitely is a lit up headphone that manages to reveal all dark corners of the venue reaching very well extended into the grand stage. A good amount of air and illumination with a notable incisiveness makes define its lively character. A good pairing is still advised, so make sure your source is clean, well defined and has no treble quirks.


An amp with a slight romantic touch and an iron grip of control makes for a good pairing with these for sure.

Comparison with the Arya Stealth. Or: Here we go again.​

The Organic has a few surprises and doesn’t just come with a new look and fresh frequency response and calls it a day. Like the Ananda Nano it sports a new driver/magnet constellation that improves the density of force applied per square inch and you can feel it both in pressure and the tactility of transients as well in tightening of the overall sound. It adds more physicality and weight and especially more volume in the bass region, yet still very well controlled and not overpowering.


Again. The Organic is a headphone that adds a good form of presence to its general live character. We can only speculate from here on, but it seems Hifiman is more and more infusing its high resolve, delicacy, highly transparent windows into the music with more and more physicality. Certainly very welcome for the friends of the old times.


The Organic has the tendency to move you with its euphonic traits, yet at the same time never let you relax - I can only be very positive about it. The Stealth is less moved here and more frontal in a way that it doesn’t have the Organic’s versatility. It’s more antithetic to the Arya V2 being generally tighter, more aggressive and in your face. The Organic strikes with romanticism and makes your toes tap right from the start.


Staging and imaging of the Organic go hugely towards the V2 with delivering a big, grand and deep soundstage and within that being more physical, tactile and alive. This is one of those special surprises that will definitely catch everyone with a smile.


Composure: As in my Nano review my definition of composure in the control and tightness of the overall sound when the music takes you into more complex, busier passages.


The ideal goal is effortlessness. Being able to flex the tension of the driver and yet render finer nuances and delicacies without breaking a sweat. When it gets wooly, it’s disappointing and hindering the flow of the music. Where the Stealth was already very good, the Organic goes even further and lets you hear a bee’s nest while drummers, guitarists and pianos try to “out-impress” each other. It’s that good.

In conclusion:​

The Organic is the most complete of all Aryas, bringing back some of the good traits of the Arya V2 and fuse them with the Stealth qualities and then outdo itself with specialties like its staging and imaging, the bass response and those hints of euphony that move and touch you.

The Arya is one of the most famous HIFIMAN headphones and the first step towards the company's higher-end models. The Arya was first introduced back in 2018 and since then underwent two revisions, the V2 around 2020 and recently was equipped with the stealth magnets to become the Arya Stealth.

The Arya Organic uses the stealth magnets system but its diaphragm is thinner than the one found in the Arya Stealth.

Non Audio stuff

The Arya Organic is identical looking to the Stealth version except for the outside perimeter of the ear-cups that has a wood looking finish instead of plain black. A color pattern that is definitely more “organic” looking than the total black of the Stealth version.

The headphone is crafted using a combination of steel and high-quality plastic, striking a perfect balance between durability and lightweight design.

The suspension system, grills, and yokes are constructed from sturdy metal, while the ear cups are made from durable plastic. Both the metallic and plastic components surpass the Ananda in terms of quality. The metal is thinner and boasts a superior finish, contributing to an overall better construction.

During use, there are no annoying cracking noises to disrupt your audio experience. The height adjustment feature is effortless, and the suspended headband is made from synthetic leather with additional cushioning on the inner side for enhanced comfort. This part of the headband looks a little fragile and prone to tear and wear.

The Arya's build quality is exceptional, however there is still plenty of room for improvement in order to match competitive headphones in terms of craftsmanship and materials.

The Arya Stealth offers exceptional comfort with its spacious and adjustable ear cups, providing ample room for larger ears. The hybrid cushioned ear pads are not only soft to the touch but also allow for excellent breathability, ensuring a comfortable experience even after extended use.

Additionally, the headband effectively distributes the weight evenly across the head, eliminating any pressure points. The clamping force of the headphones is perfectly balanced, ensuring stability and a snug fit without causing any discomfort.

It's worth noting that the ear cups are quite large, and individuals with smaller heads may find the Arya to be too big, even at the lowest height setting.

Unfortunately no updates over the Arya Stealth regarding the quality of the included cable. It is a 1.5m long, entry level detachable cable with a dual 3.5mm interface and a 6.35mm plug, made from single crystalline copper with a cotton outer sheathing. At this price point a higher quality cable with a balanced plug and an adapter should definitely have been included.

There are no accessories included except a foam headphone stand. Strange enough considering that the much more inexpensive HIFIMAN Ananda Nano comes with a nice carrying case.



Audio stuff

Rated at 16Ω/94dB, the HIFIMAN Arya Organic is pretty easy to drive, even from portable sources as long as they can provide ample current at 16Ω loads without clipping.

Some portable USB DACs might run out of juice but the heavyweight champions, like the Cayin RU-7 and the iFi Go bar can do very well. The HIFIMAN Arya Organic is also DAP friendly, the FiiO M15S is an excellent match for them while they scale incredibly well with desktop gear like the HIFIMAN EF400 or the Goldenwave Serenade.

Have you ever wished for an Arya with more bass and a slightly warmer sound signature? If yes, you are lucky because it seems that HIFIMAN has been listening to user feedback and decided to make their dreams come true by making the Arya Organic.

The HIFIMAN Arya Organic is essentially the Arya Stealth with a more “organic” sound signature by adding a bit more bass and attenuating the presence region. Don't think about anything huge though, the tuning differences between the two headphones are really subtle but still enough to make the Arya Organic sound a bit warmer and more musical.

The Arya Organic has marginally better sub-bass extension than the Arya Stealth and just a touch more emphasized bass but the tuning is very linear and neutral without a single trace of mid-bass boosting or unwanted coloration. So the Arya Organic has a low-end that is more present and intense, however it still retains the same high quality characteristics and great tonal accuracy of the Stealth version.

The bass of the Arya Organic is fast, crystal clear, tight and controlled with excellent definition and layering while it sounds more dynamic and impactful than in the Arya Stealth. Furthermore it is less dry and lean with a weightier, fuller and more “organic” texture. A very successful tuning that makes the Arya Organic the perfect headphone for critical listening and at the same time considerably more enjoyable and fun during casual moments.

The mid-range is linear, neutral and essentially the same tuning with the Arya Stealth but comparatively, it has more fluidity and a sweeter, more musical tone. This is a very refined and transparent headphone with plenty of harmonic resolution, excellent definition of the finest micro details and a very realistic timbre. The upper mid-range has the typical HIFIMAN boost which favors higher pitched vocals and certain instrumental overtones. Nothing edgy though, the Organic version is slightly less rough, more refined and pleasant sounding than the Stealth and safer with lesser quality material.

The lower treble is smoother and more forgiving than the Stealth but still this is a bright headphone with an upper treble peak, exceptional luminosity and plenty of energy, however it is slightly less sharp and aggressive sounding than Stealth. The timbre is more realistic although not devoid of some artificiality in the highest notes. This is something that gets quite noticeable while listening to high pitched stringed and vented instruments or the upper top register of the harpsichord and the piano with a sound that is slightly dry, thin and metallic.

The overall timbre is improved over the Stealth, the notes feel weightier, the sound is more homogeneous and coherent, the overall feeling is that of a more natural sounding headphone that is more refined and resolving. Thus said, the Arya Stealth is a bit more transparent and technically competent with a crystalline, monitor-like character.

The Arya Stealth is famous for its soundstaging capabilities and one of the few headphones that can rival, or even better the Sennheiser HD800S. The Organic continues on the same path with a grand and holographic presentation, deep layering and excellent imaging with plenty of space around every individual performer. One notable difference between the Organic and the Stealth is that the presentation is now a bit less wide and more intimate as the listener is positioned a couple of rows closer to the stage but without compromising in focus and ambience information.

Conclusion

The Arya Organic is quite an achievement for HIFIMAN since they have managed to make an improved version of their most popular headphone which costs less than the launch price of its predecessor.

And I dare say that this is an improved version over the Stealth because it has a more balanced tuning with added bass, it is slightly warmer and musical, it resolves better, has extra refinement and presents the music in a more realistic and sophisticated manner.

In the end, this is one of the best value “high-end” headphones in the market, a cost effective way to taste great sound, especially if you favor transparency, definition and clarity with a slightly bright sound signature that doesn't forget about bass.

The review sample was kindly provided free of charge.

A More comprehensive review is available in my website.

MatAudiophiles​

HIFIMAN ARIA ORGANIC​

HIFIMAN ARIA ORGANIC
INSTAGRAM: LINK

Prelude:
Is an additional insert in the name in the form of the word „organic” and a slight change in style the only changes from the legendary Aria model that the latest version of these headphones brings? These are definitely not the only changes introduced by the latest version of the legendary Aria model from hifiman. Priced at USD 1,299, the new Aria has something to be proud of. After reviewing the Deva pro, edition xs, sundara and other hifiman models, I am happy to check out the next models. Hifiman is an innovative manufacturer that consistently strives to become a leader in the audio market.



Unboxing:
Standard packaging for hifiman is the same as for any other model, classic ecological cardboard. Inside you will find the headphones themselves and a one and a half meter long braided cable with a large jack. The filling inside can be used as a foam stand, which is a very good idea on the manufacturer’s part. It may not be much, but it is enough. I ran out of cases to store our headphones.

Sound:
Bass:The low tones are musical and elastic, and their slightly warmed tone perfectly complements the overall sound. With the EF600, the dynamics of the low tones revealed the enormous technical possibilities offered by the latest aria. Compared to the edition XS, the bass is more natural, linear and much more developed. The low tones have a lot of air and look great with contemporary music, which further enhances the excellent musical experience. The bass is elastic and really fast, showing all the benefits of planar headphones and their full potential. However, these are open headphones, but they have no problems with either the quality or the quantity of low tones, presenting a very high and good level.

Diameter:Mid tones are clear and natural, the amount of information is large and the overall character definitely makes for an entertaining and colorful presentation. The amount of midrange is just right and the vocals are extremely clear. The resolution is excellent and the whole thing is impressive with the amount of detail and information these headphones convey. The midtones are also very extended and have a lot of space and separation, which is especially noticeable on more demanding songs. It can enchant you with its musical and sweet vocals, but also pamper you with beautiful details in the background and excellent resolution. The midrange is very good, full of life and information. The instruments are perfectly positioned and placed in the space, which makes a very good impression; despite the intimate presentation, I didn’t miss anything.

Treble:The biggest change between the classic aria and the organic version can be noticed and even heard in the high tones, where it is much softer. This is an aria that does not attack with high tones, but they are very neutral and extend well to the sides, making the whole thing very resolving. The amount of information is huge and the headphones themselves impress with their natural and very realistic presentation. I like the fact that the musicality of the aria did not harm its tuning and the organic aria is not tiring when listening for a long time, which is very important. The high tones are not subdued or excessively muted, they are a natural image of high frequencies, allowing you to listen to music for many hours without feeling any discomfort.

Comparisons:

HIFIMAN Aria organic (1299USD) VS HIFIMAN EDITION XS (449USD)
Aria is a more expensive headphone and costs almost three times as much, which is true in many respects, although the xs edition is a great headphone, it does not match the resolution and detail of the latest version of Aria. Edition



HIFIMAN Aria organic (1299USD) VS HIFIMAN sundara (299USD)

Sundara is almost a legend when it comes to value for money, these are warmer, slightly bassier headphones. While the Aria Organic is a more mature headphone with more panache and much more holography. It all depends on the budget, because although it is undoubtedly worth it, you still need to add USD 1000 to Aria organic.
Is the Aria Organic a demanding headphone?
Although it may seem otherwise, the new aria is a demanding pair of earmuffs. Both in terms of current and DAC. They really gain a lot from better sources, and although they sounded very good with the xduoo xd05plus, with the EF600 they surprised me with an even more amazing musical, but still linear and even presentation.



Summary:
The new aria is not exactly a revolution, but rather a very well-thought-out revolution that improves all the shortcomings of its predecessor. Too aggressive treble has been fixed and the entire headphone is now made of metal. The comfort and scene they offer are excellent. It is an intimate, but very three-dimensional presentation with a resolving and detailed message. Personally, I think that aria organic likes current very much and scales great with better sources such as xduoo xd05 plus or hifiman ef600 on the R2r system. Aria is a great headphone, but the latest Aria Organic is more musical and smoother, which ensures calmer and more forgiving listening.