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The Arya Stealth blew them away, with amazing soundstage and imaging and a fast, powerful sub-bass; recommends a used pair despite Hifiman's quality-control problems.
“You can get a used pair of Arya Stealth within that budget, and those definitely blew me away. Amazing soundstage and imaging, and absolutely stunning low end with a fast and powerful sub bass.”
Has owned two pairs of Arya Stealth without problems, but adjusts the headband carefully because it scratches easily if handled roughly.
“I have owned two pairs of Arya Stealth, no issues but I am careful with the adjustment on the headband since it absolutely can scratch if you are rough with it.”
The right earcup of their first Arya Stealth died within a few days of light use. They returned it, bought another pair and have had no issues since, but don't think Hifiman has the best quality control.
“when I first bought the Arya stealth, the right earcup completely went out after only a few days and I had only briefly used them like twice in that time.”
Bought an Arya Stealth new and the right driver briefly cut out whenever they turned their head quickly, so they returned it and bought another brand. Sees Hifiman as good value but with poor quality control.
“Yes, I bought an Arya Stealth new off of Amazon and noticed that the right driver would abruptly cut out, only for 1-2 seconds, if I abruptly turned my head to the side.”
The first Arya Stealth got deep scratches on the headband bridge within five minutes and took over a month to replace. The replacement sounded incredible, with great clarity, separation and soundstage, but its right driver rattles in deep bass (20–80 Hz), with a loose plastic piece and cracked pad rings.
“The second pair finally arrived, and surprisingly, they sounded MUCH better than the first. The clarity, separation, soundstage and overall balance were incredible. I was genuinely blown away.”
Bought an Arya Stealth whose leather was peeling and stitching coming undone; Hifiman said that was within their quality control, so they refunded it immediately.
“I bought an Arya Stealth once. The leather was peeling and the stitching was coming undone. I reached out to them (through Amazon), and they told me that's acceptable within their QC. I never refunded anything so fast.”
Bought the Arya Stealth and kept it long term after the Edition XV, alongside the HE1000 Stealth and Unveiled. Praises the huge stage, precise imaging, separation, detail and linear bass that takes EQ well, and calls it the best-value open-back for gaming; stock treble can be sharp, which Dekoni Elite Velour pads fixed for them. Scores it 9.5/10.
“Arya Stealth has excellent extension and air. That helps with detail, space and positional accuracy. The issue is sharpness. For my ears, the 8K area can get spicy and long sessions can become fatiguing stock.”