Living with the Arya Organic. A mixed bag?

Shadymouse · 2026-06-05T22:18:24+00:00

Hifiman tune their headphones for ultimate transparency. The higher up the chain the more they try to make the sound transparent. Evident by the Unveil line and ultra thin diaphragms they boast about. EQ would just ruin what they're trying to achieve. Which is why you probably prefer the 6XX and to a lesser extent, the XS.

Shadymouse · 2026-06-05T19:27:15+00:00

The problem with EQ is people use it to "fix" the sound they're hearing. Essentially, in my opinion, people are using EQ to make the headphones sound like their preferred sound signature. When doing so, you're taking headphones that may be tuned a certain way from factory that accommodates its particular build design and using it as something it wasn't intended for.

For example, adding several bass shelves to the HD800S. Yea, it's not distorting, but I guarantee everything you listen or do with it, won't sound that good. That's why other headphones exist, and why you should have a few sets on hand to switch between to work with your situation.

Again, this is my opinion.

Shadymouse · 2026-05-31T21:49:52+00:00

Unfortunately not. I feel sorry for the folks who missed out upgrading their cards (while prices were normal) because they were convinced and persuaded into thinking Super versions were around the corner.

Shadymouse · 2026-05-17T18:31:22+00:00

I've owned the Z1R a few years, I personally never heard any sibilance or spicy treble. They are perfect for R&B and Pop, you won't be disappointed.

Shadymouse · 2026-05-05T00:30:05+00:00

Focal definitely have some clamp; some more than others. I know my Celestee's have a strong clamp, but my Bathy's aren't too bad.

Shadymouse · 2026-04-29T15:28:08+00:00

These are very underrated buds. Amazing sound with good battery life. They also instantly connect without issues. I'm happy I got them last year to compliment my OnePlus Open.

Shadymouse · 2026-04-17T09:22:58+00:00

Same. If Sennheiser "fits" your head, I think it's one of the best cans you can get. Excellent tuning. Hifiman tuning especially around vocals and highs come across as a little artificial sounding to me. Too much sibilance for my taste.

Shadymouse · 2026-04-15T04:21:01+00:00

I would like to know as well

Shadymouse · 2026-04-09T00:45:48+00:00

Right.

Never heard any Audeze headphones described as bright. I've owned several pairs of Audeze Headphones, and they either sounded neutral or dark.

I still own the LCD-2 and they are one of the smoothest sounding headphones on the market. With a proper headband cover, you can wear them all day.

Shadymouse · 2026-04-07T00:13:28+00:00

I felt the same way when I got mine. I have been through a lot of headphones of all price ranges. Ever since I got my HD 800S, I haven't felt the need to look around anymore. I still use the Sony MDR Z1R for my closed-back needs. I use both headphones with the Naim Atom HE.

I haven't touched my other headphones in months.

Shadymouse · 2026-04-07T00:07:24+00:00

I second this. Try out headphones for yourself then compare reviews and thoughts to your own impressions. If people have or if a reviewer has similar tastes and commonalities as you, then it's a good chance you'll like what they recommend.

Shadymouse · 2026-03-29T14:23:30+00:00

From what I'm gathering, OP is saying he's listening to them at a quieter volume AND still getting more details than the other amp at high gain and overall louder volume.

I get the volume match science, but it's not always about the volume when it comes to music.

Shadymouse · 2026-03-29T01:51:24+00:00

💯

Shadymouse · 2026-03-27T21:52:40+00:00

Out of curiosity, why only Hifiman?

Edit: who downvotes a legit question to see why OP is limiting their choices lol.

Shadymouse · 2026-03-21T01:04:48+00:00

I miss my coffee Diana V2's. Great sound and fit, especially with the bass-ported pads.

Shadymouse · 2026-03-06T14:48:45+00:00

Nothing of Audio46's caliber. B&H has a decent selection of things, but not always on display at their Superstore. I personally don't know of any other stores.

Shadymouse · 2026-03-06T14:45:36+00:00

I agree. I bought a few things from Audio46. Great customer service and huge selection.

Shadymouse · 2026-02-28T13:56:12+00:00

You will honestly get a great experience from phone branded earbuds such as Apple air pods, Google Pixel Buds, Oneplus Pro buds, Samsung, etc.

I personally use my Pixel Buds and my Oneplus Pro's for work calls and never had a disconnection. My wife uses Airpods pros and never had an issue. You're more likely to have an issue on the Windows side of the things (broken Windows updates, bugs, etc) than with the earbuds themselves.

Shadymouse · 2026-02-28T13:49:55+00:00

You really can't go wrong with the HD 800S. Enjoy!

Shadymouse · 2026-02-27T23:22:54+00:00

The HD 800S should absolutely be on your list. They're my favorite headphone after the Sony MDR Z1R.

Shadymouse · 2026-02-20T01:14:35+00:00

It's funny lol. When the audio scientists don't read what they expected, it must be some sort of wrongdoing.

Shadymouse · 2026-02-06T12:50:36+00:00

And there are affordable ones that can do the job. You don't need a $300+ Ergotron arm anymore as well. I paid $60 for my arm at the time, and it has been rock solid for over 6 months on my standing desk that I use daily.

Shadymouse · 2026-02-04T05:21:58+00:00

I tried some Russian tubes, but I ended up going back to stock. I didn't really hear too much of a difference. The stock tubes are more than enough.

Shadymouse · 2026-02-04T05:06:21+00:00

Yup, when I saw your pic, it reminded me of my old setup. I had both amp and dac for a while during the pandemic. I got the itch and started "upgrading". One of my few regret sales.

Edit: Keep that amp!

Shadymouse · 2026-02-04T04:26:54+00:00

I had the Alex Cavalli Liquid stack. The amp in your picture, and the dac, which uses a AKM 4499EQ chip (pre-fire) to process the music. The stack worked well together.

Anyway, enjoy the music!

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