I have a chance to compare two decent models of open back over hear headphones HiFiMan Arya vs Audeze LCD X of wired design. If you are looking for a quality sound for casual listening, let’s go further.
Features
With the impedance of 35 Ohm vs 20 Ohm HiFiMan Arya concedes a bit vs Audeze LCD X in the quality of sound with mobile and MP3 players. But the frequency response of Arya is a bit wider vs LCD X with 8Hz-65KHz vs 10Hz-50KHz. When it comes to sensitivity here Arya is again weaker vs LCD X with 90 vs 130 dB.
Sound
I really enjoy the broad soundstage of HiFiMan Arya with an engaging sound, bright and just right at each range. The imaging is clear with an airy effect created by placing the vocals and instruments along the stage to emphasize each one brightly and harmoniously at the same time.
Very tight and thick bass is the bright feature of Audeze LCD X. The mids and highs are also crisp, but the nailed bass and low end is something. Still they are not overwhelming, but very deep and clean. The soundstage is very spacious and at the same time you feel like the sound is in your head.
Comfort and design
HiFiMan Arya is much lighter vs Audeze LCD X with 404 vs 635 g. Still they are very comfortable for long wearing for their large well padded cups with some airflow that prevents warming up your ears. They are unfoldable, bulky, but that is not a surprise for open back over ear headphones that are to be used in a recording studio or at home. The headbands are adjustable. It is thicker padded for Audeze, but both feel nice on the head.
HIFIMAN Arya pros and cons
Pros
- Interesting, bright sound reproduction with a broad soundstage and detailed imaging
- Safe connections with a detachable cable plus an audio cable in a set
- Comfortable fit with large and well padded cups and lightly padded headband
Cons
- Look and feel plasticky and unstable
Audeze LCD-X pros and cons
Pros
- Engaging sound with pumping bass without overwhelming other ranges
- Not fatiguing for long wear in spite of its heavy weight and bulky design
- Quality materials and robust design
- Balanced connection of cables gives more safety and comfort in use
Cons
- Cumbersome design
- Leaky sound and no noise isolation for the open back cups