HiFiMAN has introduced the ARYA Unveiled ($1,400), a follow-up to one of its most popular open-back planar magnetic headphones. Its “unveiled” technology adds a removable back panel that first debuted in HiFiMAN’s flagship headphone, Susvara Unveiled ($8,000).
The ARYA Unveiled is the third model in the series which includes the aforementioned Susvara and the recently announced HE1000 Unveiled which retails for $2,699 USD.
Also included is HIFIMAN’s Stealth Magnet technology that is notable for an asymmetrical, double-sided magnetic circuit that gradually adjusts the magnet’s gap and cross-sectional shape, both inside and outside of the diaphragm.
The soundstage is wide and deep, with a neutral response that made the original Arya and its follow-ups, Arya Stealth Magnet and Arya Organic, three of the company’s most successful models.
“Arya headphones are some of our most popular products to date,” says Dr. Fang Bian, President, and CEO, HIFIMAN Electronics. “By incorporating our new UNVEILED design, the Arya series’ performance takes a dramatic leap forward while enhancing the qualities that make it a HIFIMAN favorite.”
HIFIMAN’s Magnetic Veil
HIFIMAN’s top-tier models are specially designed to maximize the exposure rate of the grills because the nanometer-thick diaphragm is so lightweight that reflections from the grill disturb the movement pattern of the diaphragm.
As one of HIFIMAN’s new UNVEILED models, the ARYA UNVEILED incorporates a removable back panel, called Magnetic Veils, that fit over the ear cups, helping to avoid damage caused by the absorption of magnetic objects when the headphone is not in use.
Typical of many of the company’s recent high-end models, the ARYA UNVEILED features HIFIMAN’s Stealth Magnet technology, which is acoustically transparent, dramatically reduces wave diffraction turbulence that degrades the integrity of the sound waves, thereby maximizing the accuracy of the sonic output.
Also on board is the company’s Nanometer Thickness Diaphragm. Based on the company’s SUSVARA open-back headphone, the diaphragm results in ultra-low distortion, lightning fast transient response, and a demonstrable improvement in dynamics and overall details when compared to the original, highly acclaimed model.
Inputs are 3.5mm for enhanced connectivity and compatibility with a wide range of aftermarket cables.
“The new ARYA UNVEILED retains the DNA of the original model, but with the patented UNVEILED design that significantly enhances high-frequency transparency and overall resolution for a more expansive soundstage with maximum detail, especially noticeable when listening to high-resolution audio,” says Dr. Bian.
Specifications
| HE1000 V4 | Arya Unveiled | HE1000 Unveiled | |
| MSRP | $1,399 | $1,400 | $2,699 |
| Sensitivity | 93 dB | 94 dB | 95 dB |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz-65KHz | 8Hz-65kHz | 8Hz-65KHz |
| Driver Type | Planar Magnetic | Planar Magnetic | Planar Magnetic |
| Impedance | 32Ω | 27Ω | 28Ω |
| Weight | 458 grams | 413 grams (excluding magnetic veils and cable | 450 grams (excluding magnetic veils and cable |
The Bottom Line
Planar magnetic headphones have come a long way over the past decade and it’s exciting to those of us who love headphone listening to see how companies such as HiFiMAN, Audeze, Dan Clark Audio, and Meze Audio are always trying to raise the bar with each new product cycle.
The Arya Unveiled are not inexpensive at $1,400 USD and they enter the market against some strong competition from the aforementioned brands. HiFiMAN has introduced some excellent sounding headphones over the past few years and each new model has been easier to drive — which is one of the knocks against full-sized planar magnetic headphones.
A quick look at the specifications reveals that the Arya Unveiled are lighter than their more expensive siblings and an easier headphone to drive — although we would caution that the sensitivity rating and impedance are rather similar to the HE1000 Unveiled making them DAP and Dongle DAC friendly.
The Susvara Unveiled are a more demanding load and really require one of the more powerful DAPs from Astell&Kern or a desktop amplifier to be driven properly. Driving this with the headphone section of your AVR or integrated amplifier is really not going to make them sing properly.
The Arya Unveiled come with a 3.5mm connector and cable which makes it easier to connect them to the wide range of Dongle DACs currently available.
Related Reading:
- New HiFiMAN ANANDA-BT Wireless Headphones Debut at CanJam SoCal 2024
- HiFiMAN’s Mini Shangri-La Electrostatic Headphone System is Only $2,300?
- HiFiMAN’s Flagship Open-Back SUSVARA UNVEILED Headphone Arrive at $8,000
