Short answer: a tie on sound quality. Both are rated 4.1/5 (#50 and #41 of 216 over-ear headphones) at nearly the same price ($599 vs $599), so choose on features and fit.
Why pick 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 HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version: A preference score of 85 in oratory1990’s measurement and a near flat tilt of 0.02 give it a balanced overall tonality. The tradeoff: An 8 dB dip near 9.3 kHz followed by a 7 dB peak near 11.9 kHz makes the treble uneven, so cymbals can sound recessed one moment and sharp the next.
Buy the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth or the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version on features: they are rated the same for sound quality at close to the same price.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| HIFIMAN Arya Stealth | HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.00 | $599.00 |
| Ranked | #50 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #41 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) | 85 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.92 dB standard deviation | 2.29 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.36 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.02 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-4.8 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.0 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x planar magnetic | - |
| Impedance | 32 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB/mW | 94 dB |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (405 g) | 0.9 lbs (404 g) |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
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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
HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version: $599.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: A preference score of 85 in oratory1990’s measurement and a near flat tilt of 0.02 give it a balanced overall tonality. Bass from 60 to 200 Hz sits within 1 dB of target and the upper mids are only about 1 dB low, so vocals and instruments sound natural. At 32 ohms and 94 dB sensitivity it is easier to drive than most planar headphones, and 404 g is moderate for the type.
Cons: An 8 dB dip near 9.3 kHz followed by a 7 dB peak near 11.9 kHz makes the treble uneven, so cymbals can sound recessed one moment and sharp the next. Presence is about 3 dB hot and the air band about 3 dB elevated, which adds edge to bright recordings. Sub-bass runs about 3 dB under target, and the open back leaks sound and offers no isolation.
Full HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version review and specifications →
| Back | Open |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.29 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz - 65kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 85 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-5.0 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.02 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (404 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.1 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +5.9 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 1,825 Hz | +5.1 dB | 1.78 |
| Peak | 99 Hz | -2.5 dB | 0.31 |
| Peak | 4,828 Hz | -3.9 dB | 4.18 |
| Peak | 3,009 Hz | -2.8 dB | 3.29 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -3.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 969 Hz | -1.3 dB | 3.17 |
| Peak | 1,373 Hz | +0.9 dB | 4.21 |
| Peak | 652 Hz | +0.8 dB | 4.18 |
| Peak | 150 Hz | +0.2 dB | 1.75 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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