3 GREAT Headphones - HD800S VS Arya VS Clear 

Honestly? The new stealth magnet Ananda, IS A GAME CHANGER!

@@bradhuskers Game changer. Nonsense. Getting paid to post this or what? Have seen the same kind of post in other videos too.

The hd800s is too bright and its lack of bass extension makes it even worse. Its unlistenable on any other genre then classical or jazz as you say. With EQ its great but for my pinna the soundstage wasn't all that impressive to me. The Arya AND Audeze LCD X have far greater 3d positioning and throw sounds just as far to the right or left to me.

breaks twice as fast@@bradhuskers

I agree.

I own all 3, and hd800s on tubes isn’t even comparable to the sharp compression of the arya or the metallic timbre of the clear og, hd800s is really the clear winner between the 3 imo

100% agree. After getting the Susvara I still kept the Arya stealth despite selling the clear, for good reason.

Worth to mention which version of Arya you are referring to? There are already 3 generations! :)

@@frozzle i found the Arya more budget friendly as the latest version are pretty easy to drive.

What OTL amp do you pair with the HD800S? I'm considering an OTL Woo Audio WA2.

OTL and planar = NOGO - they can't provide enough current for good planar bass. Discrete Class A amps will absolutely pair like they were made for each other though.....

what genre do you listen to though?

It has heavy base distortion. If you elevate it you can not longer play them loud without hearing it.

Clear Ear Pads are currently $79 for a replacement (instead of the $199 original MSRP). Great time to pick some up for future proofing!

I should wait and buy Clear pro with 2 sets of pads and better looks, instead I got OG because I'm not patient enough

HD 800S more resolving than the HE1KSE?! Never read that before

@@sjqideez6626 yeah I've also only read it from crinacle regarding to his ranking list. I couldn't believe it and had to try my own and compared both side to side on a highly analytical source chain both with the same cable and the result is clear as day. 👌

@@floriangopel3909 Honestly? The new stealth magnet Ananda is a GAME CHANGER!

@@bradhuskers I truly believe you but I don't think it beats out on the resolution of the arya stealth which I also own and really like. had not the chance to try new ananda stealth

@@floriangopel3909 True. But keep in mind, the Arya is $500 more.

have you seen tyll from inner fidelity's review on it? i thought the clear was it. i still have that opinion since his opinion is the one i value the most.

@@sultanabran1 I like Tyll, but it was time for him to retire. Form your own opinion and use others as a guide.

they switched factories a while ago, doesn't really matter though since the QC and materials are practically the same

My ancient HD600 (1999 model) is mode in Ireland. They've been made there since day 1.

@@theunsbotha5188 Honestly? The new stealth magnet Ananda, is a GAME CHANGER!

should have bought the 600s which are the better headphone

Take the long term view. Headphones don't last forever. Pads don't last forever. If you're using one headphone you're not using the others. If you were using a Clear sometimes your a HD 800 would probably last longer.

I have both and I plan to sell my Clear. It sounds fucking amazing but all it has over the 800 is the bass and perhaps overall speed. After EQ'ing my 800 the bass disparity is much smaller. The 800 sounds superior to my ears due to the natural timbre and the immersive soundstage. When I go back to the Clear it honestly sounds antiquated in sound presentation.

Do you like the artifially widened stage of your 800s so much? It sounds impressive until you understand how headphones work. The 600 is the better headphone. Sorry for your loss.

@@francisnorthwood7862 I have tried the 600s and I like them. But the HD800 scratches that itch for the genres of music I listen to the most often that being orchestral, scores, ambience and live recordings. I’m not sure why you’re being condescending about it. Both headphones are incredible for certain characteristics. If I wanted vocal isolation, I would use the 600s, but it’s not the type of music I listen to day in and day out. I listen to music in which the 600s falter heavily in as opposed to the HD800 which they excel at like scores and live music hence why I bought them.

@@francisnorthwood7862 “it sounds impressive…BUT”. it’s weird how many audiophiles put down things that sound pleasing to the ear just because it doesn’t meet their analytical graphs and benchmark standards. It’s like how the HD820 gets so much hate even though a lot of people like myself love its sound. It’s an entertainment device, not a science project. I could care less how the artist or sound engineers “intended” things to be either. Alot of great albums were recorded on 1960s-80s components that would sound like tin cans compared to modern tech anyway so it’s all irrelevant. Someone listening to Rumors on a $1000 Arya are probably hearing more details than the actual engineers who recorded it never even heard back then on $200k equipment.

How are they? I'm currently hesitant should I buy edition xs or Arya stealth

@@eton_1428 keep in mind that these are my first headphones within this price bracket, but these things are insane. I didn't realize that music could sound this lifelike. They are well within the range of being able to tell when a track is really highly produced and when it's not. I haven't touched my sundaras since I got the Aryas. I no longer feel the need to upgrade. hopefully that feeling lasts.

@@eton_1428 I'd say go for the Edition XS. I tried it at the most recent CanJam SoCal, and it still impressed the heck out of me - even as an owner of the Ananda stealth and Sundara 2020. Plus, starting "small" will give you an upgrade path.

i currently just bought the arya stealths also after doing a lot of research and seeing that insane deal. I am pairing it with the element 3 mk2 (yes i'm aware i could do alot better on the AMP/DAC for them but i think it'll be fine)

@@noisylightning The fact that you felt the need to add the bit in parentheses is a testament to how toxic this hobby can be. I've been running a Zen DAC V1 for years and don't feel the need for anything else

My dt1990 make my ears bleed beat that😎

​@@jcap8391 You should probably see someone about that.

@@CakeSublime You're addicted to headphones. Just admit it

HE6seV2 eats all for breakfast

@@guilhermeprado7851 True, but the soundstage is rather small.

Honestly? The new stealth magnet Ananda, is a GAME CHANGER!

​@@bradhuskers see, early reviews said if there was one compromise to the arya stealth, it was that it lost a bit of the sound staging of its predecessor. and the only gap i felt i had on my shelf after getting the clears, was for a sound staging planar. sadly, no one local to me carries hifiman stuff for sale, let alone to demo. "you can't miss what you haven't had" and what not, but i'm pretty much done shopping with the setup i got.

@@Cal94 True. I just feel like for $699, nothing can touch the new stealth magnet Ananda. The Arya is $500 more.

@@Cal94 the arya stealth does actually have a somewhat tighter soundstage than the v2, but it's so much better in every other aspect its still 1000% worth it over the v2 (used to own v2, now own the stealth). Most notably, textural detail/dynamics, imaging, and detail retrieval. The headphone having actual dynamic force combined with the lucid and elastic bass of the v2 is probably my favorite part about the stealth. And aside from all that, the stealth still retains the phenomenal layering characteristics of the v2 in its soundstage. The stealth competes with the very best, coming from someone who also owns a Susvara.

@@nortonfamily6711 sadly, i got a post-pandemic car payment eating into my fun budget, so the matter is moot for now. but i may look for a stealth on the use market some day...

This is correct. The 600s are btter then the 800s because they do not have this widened soundstage. They added it so people who know nothing about how headphones work like this reviewer spend the extra money on the 800s.

Large sound stage you say, but why even if it wasnt intended to be that way? Those are 3 headphones each with own character but non of them are accurate to the recording. I personally understand why people collect headphones and use them in rotation, but there must be 1 pair of balanced headphones or you will never know how your music was intended to sound 😅😅

Clear OG. The MG costs more and sounds worse IMO.

Classical = Arya Stealth or HD800s, anything fun = Clear OG

I think OG clear will be fine but i remember Arya loves power and HD800s is high independece as well so yeaaa

LCD-X does great bass, but like planars in general need EQ for it.

@@wyx5854 Arya Stealth does not care for power, it plays great off just about anything, including dongle DACs.

keep the 600s. 800s are worse and the rest is onnly a small upgrade

@@francisnorthwood7862 that's what I'm afraid of lol. Only way to find out is to do some testing for my self

Are you ok with the highs of the 1990?

I have 1990 Pro with analytical pads for gaming, and I can't think of any better headphone for that purpose, but for music I will get Araya.

You are talking about the orginal ayra. The stealth fixes that and is practically better than the clear in every conceivable way.

@@enjoshi-godrez8775 Honestly? The new stealth magnet Ananda is a GAME CHANGER!

@@enjoshi-godrez8775 that's your opinion. I'm talking about the Arya Stealth. even if it's more dynamic than the original Arya, it's still not as dynamic as the Clear. i also prefer the Clears tonal balance, that bit of warmth evens things out. The Arya Stealth is more forward while also being upper midrange focused and brighter. Besides, give me the Clear's build over the Arya's for less money any day of the week. At that price point I want to start seeing things like better craftsmanship and accessories because diminishing returns are hitting fast

@@briancaulfield7251 the clear has excursion problems. Like their dynamics are forced at high volumes, unlike the utopia, which never seems to become uncontrolled whatever the volume. I am a planar fanboy, so you can discard what I say if that improves your wellbeing.

@@briancaulfield7251 you know diminishing returns are also 100% subjective, right? Or is that somehow the exception to you?

There allready is; The 660s vd DT 1990 pro vs Sundara.

and the driver clipping issue... shame because the Clear sounds the best out of these headphones

@@ROCKSTAR3291 I have the Clear Mg and had no driver issues at all. The only part that worked great.

Honestly? The new stealth magnet Ananda, is a GAME CHANGER!

I haven’t heard it. I do have the new Sundara as well though. I think the midrange on both the Arya and the Sundara is slightly deemphasized. I have studio monitors and calibrated headphones for mixing and the treble comes down immediately. I prefer midrange. I’m saving for the LCD-5 right now because of all the reviews.

The clear mg has a peak in the upper treble that makes it unlistenable if you're young enough.

get some 600s and buy your mother a gift from the money you save. they are better then the 800s

​@@francisnorthwood7862 The 600s is not targeting the same audience as the 800s

Try Ananda Nano.

🤣

Imo the Elex is better than the clear, so I'd go with the Arya and get a different sound signature. I just paired the Arya with the Topping A90D and the sub-bass is scary good, you might like a warmer amp though.

Interested to hear in what ways is the Elex better than the Clears

@@einwithshades1677 The clears are too closed-in for my taste, the Elex sounds more spacious and has better timbre to my ear.

Both Arya and HD800s are leather free. Also audeze (and probably some other manufacturers too) give you option to purchase pleather pads and headbands Although the sound properties may change slightly. DMS has reviewed so many headphones that are vegan friendly.

No, the hd 800 has to much harmonic distortion in bass. When you try to correct it, it just distorts.

This is exactly what is happening to my clear headphones!!!

Depends a lot on your source too. I've had them for 2 years and I've only had them clip 2 times during normal usage, and this is even cranking up the bass with eq. Using a soloist 3xp/A90.

And if you get to 120 db you go deaf...

Maybe because it's not actually a problem for the vast majority of people that use it appropriately...

Means it is hitting V-max really soon. Good to know. Thanks all. My Elegia are just fine. Not looking for a sonic boom here but still nice to know the limitations.

What is your experience with EQ'ing the 800/s'? How bad does it get?

@@maxwellwallace8553 It doesn't get bad, it just gets generic. Turns the HD800S into an HD600.

@@UrielJanoach interesting, so is there a certain EQ profile that can kind of make it keep the good things the HD600’s but with more soundstage (even if it’s not comparable to stock)?

@@maxwellwallace8553 I'd have to do some ABing. But you can always adjust the frequency response of the HD800S to match that of the HD600. It won't sound the same, but it'll sound somewhat similar. I wouldn't recommend it, though. Just keep the 600 and ride into the sunset.

@@maxwellwallace8553 It really depends on which curve you are Eqing to. I've tried every single one in the AutoEQ database and by far the one that works best for MY UNIT is the rtings curve. I have compared this to my studio monitors which are very flat and the HD800s still sounds very wide, sharp in the imaging and crisp. So despite EQ, it doesn't lose much of it's character and just gives a more accurate representation of the bass and is less sibilant. However, on the other curves it sounds kind of terrible which is either to do with my unit or the rtings curve is closer to how my monitors sound.

If in the US , may I pls know, where did you demo them ?

Honestly? The new stealth magnet Ananda, is a GAME CHANGER!

Sennheiser 800

Year-old comment, but in case you're still curious, the Clear clamp force is perfect. It's like a soft hug. I'd say it's about halfway between SHP9500 and HD 6xx clamp

a used thx789 for 100~, Arya for 1K, and topping D10b seems reasonable too

"I don't like boomy headphones....you have plenty of details in the bass and texture, and....you have plenty of details in the bass and texture...." All of these statements exactly match the Arya and Arya Stealth too - and they also apply to the Arya's delectable subbass. While nearly matching the Senn's staging, this is what the Aryas have that the HD800's don't - deep, subterrainian subbass that's always deep and punchy (when called for it), always detailed, and always textured - in a tactile, "ASMR" type of way. Bass that never bleeds into the lower midrange like the "boomy" headphones do. I wouldn't trade the deep, detailed, and textured Arya bass for a bit of slightly more soundstage width - that is sometimes unnaturally large and makes some instruments sound too far away or "mini". The Aryas have a sense of "grandness" that other dynamic HPs don't. Bass is also too valuable and gives music this "grounded grandness" when listening to other genres besides bass-light music and is the foundation for many forms of classical music and soundtracks as well as many other genres (ie: electronica, Latin, reggae, R&B, gospel, and movie soundtracks). No substitute for planar bass, IMO, and when it's missing - so is part of the music.......

​@@Ezees23 Brother. U forgot one thing. High end headphones preferences are 99% subjective. What you like might not be what others do. Just like you said, you are not willing to sacrifice bass for soundstage. Some people are and guess what, no one is wrong here.

Some people feel planars are ear piercing and metallic, some people don't. At this price range there is no bad headphones, it's all subjective.

Air pods Max is a joke compared to these beasts. The airpods is for build quality and comfort . But not specifically for a sound critic

Arya if you like BIG smooth sound.

Where do you get that information? Tks

Why is that sad? Have you heard both variants side by side & measured them?

@@hotam138 the new HD 800S are now made in Ireland, just like their entire HD 600 series

I'm guessing cuz he owns the clear og

Clear OG is better than Clear MG ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Maybe not the best "in the world" but better than the Arya and Clear.

I find that very hard to believe. The HD800 I remember had harsh 6K and 11K peaks and a very hollow to nonexistent center image.

@@DEALUX in this video I talked about the HD800S not the HD800. The resonator changes the sound and behavior of the driver.

The differences aren't huge though. I had the 800 with SDR which is comparable.