He stated in the review that Arya is technically better than Tungsten. It’s not about preference or taste. Just technical performance.
Have you heard both of them side by side?
I’m not gonna argue more on that. I’m sure other people can comment on that too.
Easier to drive Tungsten would be an excellent headphone. But not a benchmark anymore. There would be no more reasons to put it on more advanced gear. No more chasing the best chain game.
I have heard both the Organic and the DS Tungsten, but not side by side, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt if you like. Despite I am not a fan of the egg-shaped HiFiMan sound, I have to admit that they represent good value on the market after HiFiMan's big price cut. Objectively they sound good, just my subjective preference is different. I also think that the Organic is the best tuned Arya by far.
That said, I also disagree that the Arya is more technical than the Tungsten, even after those brief auditions. The Organic is great and detailed for the money, but a lot of that comes from a brighter and almost 'harsher' treble. It is not harsh in general, but in comparison it is. The Tungsten to me was not missing out on details/speed and other technicalities, just sounded more natural, had more naturally smooth edges.
On your other point I slightly disagree. Why could an easier to drive headphone not be a benchmark anymore? Easier to drive flagship headphones scale as well, just maybe not to the extent of Susvara or Tungsten. Plus, easier to drive headphones would be available for more people as those sound fine from lesser gear too. I don't think, drivability determines a benchmark headphone. More like sound quality and value for money.
his reviews are subjective and that is his opinion, which he is entitled to have as a reviewer just as you are as a consumer. agree or disagree with it but don't cast aspersions on him for having one. the guy seems sincere and well intentioned to me.
i've not heard either headphone and what if i had? what does my subjective opinion of these headphones have to do with his or yours? it's (ultimately) irrelevant.
yes, an easier to drive tungsten would still be an excellent headphone and most likely a more popular one. something that Ryan could do without at the minute no doubt. according to your logic, a benchmark headphone is defined by the ancillary gear that's connected to it. that's a belief that i don't hold but if this hobby is all about 'chasing the best chain game' to you, then by all means, go knock yourself out.
He indeed seems like a diligent and honest reviewer; he definitely puts the work in his reviews and uses a lot of gear, then shares his honest thoughts. My issue with many of these YouTube reviewers is that thousands of less experienced people listen to them like they were oracles and think they represent some objective and ultimate knowledge, but in fact their personal taste affects a big percentage of what they say. I think, this could and should be communicated way more often from most YouTube reviewer's side.