The HIFIMAN Arya Organic review sample was kindly provided free of charge. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the Arya Organic is $1.299 and you can get it from the HIFIMAN official store.
HIFIMAN Arya Organic Review
The Arya stands as a renowned HIFIMAN headphone, serving as an initial gateway to the brand’s premium lineup. Initially launched in 2018, the Arya has undergone two revisions, with the V2 released around 2020. Recently, the Arya was enhanced with stealth magnets, transforming into the Arya Stealth.
The Arya Organic incorporates the same stealth magnets technology, however, its diaphragm is thinner compared to the Arya Stealth. Furthermore, the Organic edition surpasses the Stealth in terms of efficiency as it is rated at 16Ω/94dB instead of 32Ω/94dB.
Technical highlights
The unique design of stealth magnets sets them apart from conventional magnets as they allow sound waves to pass through without causing any interference. HIFIMAN’s cutting-edge magnet design ensures that the waves are acoustically transparent, minimizing turbulence and preserving the integrity of the sound.
This reduction in distortion results in a pure and accurate sonic output that covers the entire range of frequencies. HiFiMan has been diligently incorporating the Stealth magnet system into their existing models, such as the HE400SE, Ananda, Arya, HE1000 in order to enhance their performance.
Additionally, the Arya Organic incorporates the patented “Window Shade” System, which addresses the requirement for driver protection, and an optimized open-back design. The asymmetrical ear cups, designed to mimic the natural shape of the human ear, further enhance the overall listening experience.
Nanometer thickness diaphragm
The HiFiMan Arya Organic showcases the revolutionary nanometer thickness diaphragm, a pioneering technology exclusively developed by HIFIMAN for headphone usage. Implementing this cutting-edge material as the planar driver in the Arya Organic was a formidable task, but its successful integration serves as the foundation for its exceptional sound quality.
Appearance
The Arya Organic shares a striking resemblance with the Stealth version, with the only noticeable distinction being the wood-like finish on the outer perimeter of the ear-cups instead of a plain black design. This color pattern adds an “organic” touch, deviating from the all-black appearance of the Stealth version.
Furthermore, the Organic variant weighs an additional 10g, which could be attributed to the presence of extra damping material within the driver housing.
Build quality
The headphone is meticulously crafted using a blend of steel and premium plastic, achieving a flawless equilibrium between durability and a lightweight design.
The suspension system, grills, and yokes are skillfully constructed from robust metal, while the ear cups are fashioned from resilient plastic. Both the metallic and plastic elements surpass the Ananda in terms of superior quality. The metal is thinner and showcases an impeccable finish, contributing to an overall superior construction.
Throughout usage, there are no bothersome cracking noises that would disrupt your audio experience. The height adjustment feature is effortless, and the suspended headband is crafted from synthetic leather with added cushioning on the inner side for enhanced comfort. This particular section of the headband appears slightly delicate and susceptible to wear and tear.
The Arya’s build quality is truly exceptional, although there is still ample room for enhancement in order to rival other competitive headphones in terms of craftsmanship and materials.
Wearing comfort
The Arya Stealth offers an unparalleled level of comfort with its generously sized and adjustable ear cups, providing ample space for those with larger ears. The hybrid cushioned ear pads not only feel soft to the touch but also promote excellent airflow, guaranteeing a comfortable experience even during prolonged use.
Furthermore, the headband effectively distributes the weight evenly across the head, eliminating any potential pressure points. The headphones’ clamping force is perfectly balanced, ensuring stability and a snug fit without causing any discomfort.
However, it is important to note that the ear cups are quite large, and individuals with smaller heads may find the Arya to be too big, even when adjusted to the lowest height setting.
Cable
Regrettably, there have been no recent developments regarding the Arya Stealth’s cable quality. The cable provided is a detachable entry-level cable measuring 1.5m in length. It features a dual 3.5mm interface and a 6.35mm plug, constructed from single crystalline copper and covered with a cotton outer sheathing. Considering the price, it is expected that a cable of superior quality, equipped with a balanced plug and an adapter, would have been included.
Accessories
It is peculiar to note that the only accessory provided is a foam headphone stand, especially when comparing it to the HIFIMAN Ananda Nano, which is significantly cheaper and comes with a delightful carrying case.
Efficiency and associated gear
The HIFIMAN Arya Organic, with its rating of 16Ω/94dB, is easily drivable, even when connected to portable sources, as long as they can deliver sufficient current at 16Ω loads without distortion. While some portable USB DACs may struggle to power it, there are heavyweight contenders like the Cayin RU7 and the iFi Go bar that perform admirably. Additionally, the HIFIMAN Arya Organic pairs well with DAPs, such as the FiiO M15S, and truly shines when paired with desktop gear like the HIFIMAN EF400 or the Goldenwave Serenade.
As per usual practice the headphone was left playing music for about 100 hours before listening evaluation. The stock cable was substituted with a Lavricables, pure silver cable.
Listening impressions
This section includes a side by side comparison with the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth.
If you’ve ever desired an Arya with enhanced bass and a slightly warmer sound profile, then you’re in luck. It appears that HIFIMAN has been attentive to user feedback and has taken steps to fulfill those wishes with the creation of the Arya Organic.
The HIFIMAN Arya Organic is essentially the Arya Stealth, but with a more “organic” sound signature. This is achieved by incorporating a touch more bass and toning down the presence region. However, it’s important to note that these tuning variances are quite subtle. Nevertheless, they are sufficient to impart a warmer and more melodious quality to the Arya Organic.
Let’s talk bass
The Arya Organic distinguishes itself from the Arya Stealth with its slightly improved sub-bass extension and a subtle boost in bass emphasis. However, its tuning remains remarkably linear and neutral, devoid of any mid-bass boosting or unwanted coloration. As a result, the Arya Organic delivers a more pronounced and intense low-end, while still maintaining the exceptional quality and accurate tonality found in the Stealth version.
The bass response of the Arya Organic is characterized by its speed, crystal-clear clarity, tightness, and control, showcasing excellent definition and layering. In comparison to the Arya Stealth, it exhibits a more dynamic and impactful presentation. Additionally, the bass in the Arya Organic possesses a richer, fuller, and more “organic” texture, avoiding any dryness or leanness. This successful tuning makes the Arya Organic an ideal choice for critical listening, while also providing a considerably more enjoyable and fun experience during casual moments.
Rising higher
The mid-range of the Arya Stealth is characterized by its linear and neutral tuning, which is essentially the same as the regular Arya. However, in comparison, the mid-range of the Stealth offers more fluidity and a sweeter, more musical tone. This headphone is highly refined and transparent, providing excellent definition of even the finest micro details and a very realistic timbre. The upper mid-range has a typical HIFIMAN boost, which enhances higher pitched vocals and certain instrumental overtones. It is worth noting that this boost does not result in any harshness, and the Organic version of the headphone is slightly smoother and more refined than the Stealth, making it more pleasant to listen to and safer with lower quality material.
Moving on to the lower treble, it is smoother and more forgiving than the Stealth. However, the headphone still maintains a bright sound signature with an upper treble peak, exceptional luminosity, and plenty of energy. That being said, the lower treble of the Arya is slightly less sharp and aggressive compared to the Stealth. The timbre of the headphone is more realistic, although there may be some artificiality in the highest notes. This becomes more noticeable when listening to high pitched stringed and vented instruments, as well as the upper top register of the harpsichord and piano. In these cases, the sound may be slightly dry, thin, and metallic.
Overall, the timbre of the Arya is an improvement over the Stealth. The notes feel weightier, the sound is more homogeneous and coherent, and the overall experience is that of a more natural sounding headphone that is highly refined and resolving. However, it is important to note that the Arya Stealth offers a bit more transparency and technical competence, with a crystalline and monitor-like character.
Soundstage
The Arya Stealth is renowned for its exceptional soundstaging abilities and is considered one of the few headphones that can compete with, or even surpass, the Sennheiser HD800S. The Organic model follows a similar trajectory, offering a magnificent and immersive presentation with a profound sense of depth and remarkable imaging, allowing each performer to occupy their own distinct space.
However, a noteworthy distinction between the Organic and the Stealth is that the Organic provides a slightly narrower and more intimate soundstage, placing the listener a few rows closer to the stage. Despite this adjustment, the Organic maintains its focus and preserves the intricate details of the performance, ensuring an immersive and ambient listening experience.
Vs HIFIMAN Ananda (Nano and Stealth)
The Ananda, a highly popular HIFIMAN headphone model, comes in two versions: the Stealth and the Nano. While the headband design is simpler compared to the Arya Organic, and the ear-cups lack swivel functionality, the Ananda still offers exceptional comfort with its large, oval-shaped ear-cups.
The tuning variances among these HIFIMAN headphones are quite subtle. However, it is important to note that the Arya Organic delivers a warmer and more bass-heavy sound, whereas the Nano provides a crystalline and transparent audio experience, boasting technicalities that can rival even the more expensive Arya Organic.
Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that apart from these minor tuning differences, the Arya Organic outshines in terms of resolution, refinement, and presenting music in a natural and realistic manner. While the Ananda Nano offers great value for its price and is considered one of the best options in the market, the Arya Organic justifies its higher price tag with a more mature and sophisticated sound signature.
In the end
The Arya Organic represents a significant accomplishment for HIFIMAN as they have successfully created an enhanced iteration of their highly popular headphone, all while maintaining a lower price compared to its predecessor at launch.
I must assert that this version surpasses the Stealth in terms of improvement, as it offers a more balanced tuning with an added emphasis on bass. Additionally, it possesses a slightly warmer and more musical sound, along with improved resolution, refined details, and a more realistic and sophisticated presentation of music.
Ultimately, this headphone stands out as one of the finest “high-end” options available in the market, providing exceptional value for those seeking outstanding sound quality. It serves as a cost-effective means to experience superb audio, particularly for individuals who appreciate transparency, definition, and clarity, accompanied by a subtly bright sound signature that still delivers on bass.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Balanced tuning + Musical and sophisticated + Improved clarity + Energetic and captivating + Flawless sound reproduction + Exceptionally transparent + Immersive soundstage + Effortless to power + Comfortable + Well made + Value - A bit artificial treble - Touch bright - Not that visceral and weighty - No accessories - Passable cable - Not that premium materials
Leave a comment