Short answer: the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth. It ranks #50 of 216 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $599. The Fosi Audio i5 ranks #75, rated 4.0/5, at $589.99, $9.01 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The case for the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth: The Arya Stealth scores 84.2 for preference in the median of five hobbyist measurements on squig.link, with bass from 60 to 200 Hz within about half a decibel of target and the upper mids nearly flat. The tradeoff: Treble is clearly elevated, with presence about 2.7 dB high, air 6.6 dB high and a 10.8 dB peak near 11.9 kHz that can make cymbals and sibilants sound hot and fatiguing.
The case for the Fosi Audio i5: A large 97mm planar magnetic driver scores 80.7 for preference in the median of four squig.link measurements, with the low mids about 1 dB over target for a full, warm tone. Watch for: Sub-bass drops roughly 5.8 dB below target and is already 6 dB down by 42 Hz, so deep synth bass and kick drum rumble lack impact.
Buy the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $9.01 saving on the Fosi Audio i5 is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| HIFIMAN Arya Stealth | Fosi Audio i5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.00 | $589.99 |
| Ranked | #50 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #75 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 83 (median of 5 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 81 (median of 5 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.92 dB standard deviation | 2.17 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.36 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.28 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-4.8 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 40 Hz (-6.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x planar magnetic | 1 x 97mm planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 32 ohms | 28 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB/mW | 98 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (405 g) | 1.2 lbs (550 g) |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 10Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
Related Headphone Comparisons
How HIFIMAN Arya Stealth compares with other leading options:
- HIFIMAN Arya Stealth vs HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version
- Grado Hemp vs HIFIMAN Arya Stealth
- HIFIMAN Arya Stealth vs Stax SR-X1
- HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version vs Fosi Audio i5
- Fosi Audio i5 vs Stax SR-X1
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
HIFIMAN Arya Stealth: $599.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: The Arya Stealth scores 84.2 for preference in the median of five hobbyist measurements on squig.link, with bass from 60 to 200 Hz within about half a decibel of target and the upper mids nearly flat. That gives its planar magnetic driver a clean, uncolored midrange. The 32 ohm impedance keeps it easy to pair with a range of amplifiers, and it suits listeners who like a neutral or slightly V shaped sound.
Cons: Treble is clearly elevated, with presence about 2.7 dB high, air 6.6 dB high and a 10.8 dB peak near 11.9 kHz that can make cymbals and sibilants sound hot and fatiguing. Sub-bass falls about 3 dB short below 60 Hz, so deep bass lacks weight. The open back leaks sound and blocks no outside noise.
Full HIFIMAN Arya Stealth review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Open |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.92 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x planar magnetic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 83 (median of 5 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-4.8 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.36 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (405 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Fosi Audio i5: $589.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A large 97mm planar magnetic driver scores 80.7 for preference in the median of four squig.link measurements, with the low mids about 1 dB over target for a full, warm tone. Air above 10 kHz runs about 4.4 dB hot, which adds openness and detail to strings and cymbals. At 28 ohms and 98 dB/mW it is easier to drive than many planars and works from a modest desktop DAC or a capable dongle.
Cons: Sub-bass drops roughly 5.8 dB below target and is already 6 dB down by 42 Hz, so deep synth bass and kick drum rumble lack impact. A 5.8 dB dip near 2.2 kHz and a presence region about 3.2 dB low push vocals back, while the 5.1 dB peak at 10.9 kHz can sound splashy. It weighs 550 g, and the open back leaks sound and blocks no outside noise.
Full Fosi Audio i5 review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Open |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.17 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 97mm planar magnetic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 81 (median of 5 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 28 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 40 Hz (-6.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.28 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (550 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons