which planar: arya stealth or he1000v3(stealth)?

[Anouk]

Hi everyone,
Going for my first planar magnetic headphone. Want to use it with ifi audio micro idsd signature. Like soundstage (ala hd800) but also a bit of bass.
I read about the arya stealth and that ticked a lot of boxes but then also read about the confusing he1000v3 or stealth? I guess v2 with stealth upgrades?
Has anyone heard them both and could anyone give me a comparison or point me to one? The arya is quite a lot cheaper but just dont know which way to go...
Thanks in advance
Greetings, Anouk,

 

[Livestock110]

I haven't heard both, unfortunately. But I read many impressions before I decided myself.

I've owned HE1000SE (aka v3) for months. And it's an incredible headphone. It's a huge, concert sized stage, with TOTL technicalities. You'd never be unhappy with a HEKSE.

But Arya and HE1000 V2... Both are "downgrades", but it depends what your needs are. I heard HE1000 V2 is more forgiving and lush than SE. But V2 has a more "plastic" timbre. For me, the SE is very spacious and smooth, timbre is absolutely perfect (with a good amp). I have no complaints. Plastic timbre would annoy me.
I've heard planars, and HE1000SE is the least "Planar" sounding ever. All the benefits of planar technology, but no timbre issues. It does need some EQ to reduce the treble peaks, though.

Arya is probably more of that. Timbre takes a backseat in lower-end Hifiman headphones. Dynamics, bass slam, resolution, they all downgrade. Arya will sound more ethereal and light. Relaxing and spacious, but less technical or punchy.

If money isn't a concern, I'd recommend HE1000SE. It's an incredible headphone. Rivalling the Focal Utopia and Audeze LCD-4. But the LCD-5 (which I own) might edge it out, it's preference though.

 

[bagwell359]

I haven't heard both, unfortunately. But I read many impressions before I decided myself.

I've owned HE1000SE (aka v3) for months. And it's an incredible headphone. It's a huge, concert sized stage, with TOTL technicalities. You'd never be unhappy with a HEKSE.

Too bright for me, w/o Parametric EQ.

mmm
But Arya and HE1000 V2... Both are "downgrades", but it depends what your needs are. I heard HE1000 V2 is more forgiving and lush than SE. But V2 has a more "plastic" timbre. For me, the SE is very spacious and smooth, timbre is absolutely perfect (with a good amp). I have no complaints. Plastic timbre would annoy me.

Maybe you ought to hear it for yourself? I haven't heard a plastic timbre. Audio46 has an open box for $1699. I'd rather have that than an SE, or that and a used OG 200 ohm LCD-4 than a new SE.

I've heard planars, and HE1000SE is the least "Planar" sounding ever. All the benefits of planar technology, but no timbre issues. It does need some EQ to reduce the treble peaks, though.

How many have you heard? You say you bought the SE after reading about it, and not heard the Arya Stealth. I don't get the tone of authority w/o experience.

Arya is probably more of that. Timbre takes a backseat in lower-end Hifiman headphones. Dynamics, bass slam, resolution, they all downgrade. Arya will sound more ethereal and light. Relaxing and spacious, but less technical or punchy.

Probably......... Bass slam does not take a back seat to the HE-6 SE v2 recently for sale for as little as $399. It's got more slam than the HEK SE.

If money isn't a concern, I'd recommend HE1000SE. It's an incredible headphone. Rivalling the Focal Utopia and Audeze LCD-4. But the LCD-5 (which I own) might edge it out, it's preference though.

Ahhh... you have heard some. An OG LCD-4? A 200 ohm OG LCD-4? Trounces the current model IMO. D8000? Susvara? Phi? Rognir? Rosson?

 

[IXOYE]

Try Ananda SE first, I liked them better than Arya SE.