Ok...some preliminary impressions of the HEKV2 compared to the Arya:
This thing sounds like an Arya on a very good set of tubes. More bass bloom, wider (and slightly more "in-front") soundstage, more filled in upper midrange dip, better timbre, softer attack, and much more precise imaging (if that was even possible). The presentation reminds me of a way more technically capable Edition X V2 actually. It's very natural and neutral, yet highly resolving.
It took my brain a while to adjust from the Arya, which sounds more immediate, aggressive, and detail-forward in comparison (though not necessarily more detailed), and with punchier bass. I go back and forth as to which one I prefer, since the Arya's punch and aggression, from my FA-10 anyway, is really exciting and enjoyable with the right track. But now I just can't take the HEKV2 off my head. It's so eerily inviting.
I'll post more impressions as I keep listening!
The punch really isn't the same between the two ?