Hear are my initial impressions of the Arya and its comparison against the Focal Clear.
Build quality and feel
From what I've read about the Arya and other Hifiman products, I wasn't expecting much regarding build quality. However, it seems I am in the minority. While it's not at the same level as the Clear, it still was better than I anticipated. I expected it to be lighter and more "flimsy". I'm impressed.
Comfort
For me, the Arya is amazingly comfortable. Easily the most comfortable headphone I've had. Previous cans were Audeze 2 and 2 Fazor, (I know this isn't saying much. IMO, Audeze are ridiculously uncomfortable). Also had Hifiman 400i, Senn HD 800 and now Clear. Before the Arya, the HD 800 were the most comfortable for long listening sessions. The Arya beats them easily.
During my time with the Clear, I never thought they were uncomfortable. That said, every time I removed the Arya and put on the Clear, I said, "Oh.....that's not comfortable". When placing the Arya back on I said, "Ah....now THAT'S comfortable". The Arya made me rethink my idea of how I thought a headphone should feel and will be my benchmark for comfort going forward.
Sound
The Clear's strength is its punch. This is what initially turned me on to the Clear. It's definitely hard hitting, which I like (or thought I liked). It impresses in the quick demo but after a while and on certain sounds, the punch can be annoying. Think of keeping your ear right next to a snare drum. That's what it's like sometimes with the Clear......it hurts. Not so with the Arya. The Clear reminds me of when I sat in the dinner table right next to the stage at a jazz club in Philly. It was so "in my face" and aggressive, it wasn't enjoyable. That's what it feels like wearing the Clear. What I like about the Arya is it's less aggressive, like you're sitting in the center or a bit further back. The presentation is just less painful.
Between the two, yes the Arya is more laid back and the Clear is more aggressive. In the end, I just don't want that aggressiveness DIRECTLY NEXT TO MY EARDRUM. I don't know if the Arya is particularly a laid back headphone, but when compared to the Clear, it is, and I like that presentation A LOT better. To me, everything is more organic and lush with the planar magnetic Arya. It's MUCH easier to have long listening sessions.
Another strength of the Clear is its tonal balance but its achilles heel IMO is it's also kind of flat.....too flat. At times it's just boring and I'm wishing it was more fun. The Arya is a very fun headphone, IMO. I found myself enjoying music a lot more with the Arya.
I didn't want this post to be a technical description of the differences between the two headphones regarding bass, mids, treble etc. I will however, give the obligatory opinions on a few things:
I listen to a lot of classical and jazz. I also need my electronic stuff so for that I listen to Drum and Bass, Jungle and Dark Dub.
Bass on the Arya is deeper and has more "weight". I'm actually thrilled with the bass. The bass on the Clear sounds anemic in comparison.
Mids are SEDUCTIVE on the Arya. Very organic and natural sounding. There is more body to the music on the Arya as well. Mids on the Clear are less intriguing (putting it nicely).
Highs on the Arya are detailed but SLIGHTLY recessed at times. Highs on the Clear are the complete opposite.....complete 180.
Soundstage is much wider on the Arya. Not HD800 wide but who cares. It's sufficiently wide and believable. Soundstage on the Clear is very small.
Overall, the Clear is very analytical and at times can be boring. I never thought I'd say that about them but it is what it is. I just don't want that after I've invested all this time and money into this madness. There is nothing I regret about my Arya purchase. I'm thrilled.
Some albums to check out on Tidal, YouTube or whatever you do for music for some electronic bass to test your headphone:
Enei "Machines"
Kryptic Minds "Can't Sleep"