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v2

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After 9 months with the HD6XX, I decided to shoot for endgame. I read and watched a ton of reviews (which I found entertaining & oddly soothing). I learned how to EQ (using eqMac). I tested a bunch of headphones and learned (a bit) about the excitement surrounding them. I'm no expert, and I'm probably using my descriptor words wrong. I'm just a dude who likes music. That said, here's my headphone journey, organized by current price:

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Sennheiser HD6XX - $239 (I own these)

I always enjoyed these. The clamp is tight — and it never quite loosed for me. I occasionally get a hot spot on my head, but I still consider these comfortable. I now understand (and appreciate) "the Sennheiser mids" everyone gushes about. These are wonderful for vocals and acoustics. Given the intimacy, I was always curious about wider sound staging. As much as I love these, I knew from Day 1 I'd upgrade eventually. (I now use these in the kitchen working on puzzles with the Apple dongle).

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beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro - $469

Gorgeous looking. Great build quality. I love holding and looking at these. Strong clamp. Swapping pads was a must. These are so reminiscent to the HD6XX sound — but better in many ways. I find the treble/sibilance to be a bit harsh (I'm treble-sensitive). Toning it down in EQ, these remind me of a more clarified, dynamic, and stronger bass'd HD6XX. For fans of that sound signature wanting more detail, a wider soundstage, and thumping dynamics, these are a logical upgrade. What an excellent pair of headphones — and yes, a good deal at $469. To me, EQ'ing (to tone down the treble/highs) was necessary.

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Hifiman XS - $499

On first (and third and fourth) impression, these were my keepers. What a fantastic pair of headphones. They're more comfortable than the 1990s. (FYI to people with small-to-normal-sized-heads: I have a big ass head, and I didn't need to extend the bands on these at all). The imaging, soundstage, bass, and dynamics are all superior to the 1990s (apparently I prefer planar magnetic > dynamic). All the Hifiman headphones I tested (XS, Arya V2, & Stealth) had a slight harshness in the highs that I toned down with minor EQ'ing (a few dBs lower in the 8-9-10 bands). The XS has the most harshness of the three. The XS is also a touch warm. These are wonderful for soundtracks, classical, hip-hop, house, etc. For weaknesses, vocals and acoustics just sound a little harsh and digitized. I contort my face a little when listening to vocals (male and female), acoustic guitars, and highs — even with EQ. There's something a little unrefined about these. That said, for $499, I strongly considered keeping these instead of the others. They're a damn steal. For people who love orchestral music, soundtracks, house, hip-hop, etc — jump at these. To me, they just aren't all-rounders. The B-stocks are on sale at Hifiman website for $399. If that's in anyone's budget, go for it. You won't be disappointed.

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Hifiman Arya V2 - $1099 (Open box)

Wonderfully comfortable and light. More comfortable than the XS (especially for longer durations). Night and day compared to the HD6XX. These headphones ruined my perception of what headphones could be. Detailed, gorgeous, wide soundstage, rich, with a slight tinge of warmth/darkness (but welcomed). Coming from the HD6XX, I laughed and cried with joy listening to my favorite songs on these. Difficult to power. The build doesn't feel as good as the 1990s, LCD-X, or Sennheisers. My band has a slight creak when I twist the ear cups, and I'm annoyed I have to use WD-40 on $1000 headphones. Still, when I listen to these, they make me stop what I'm doing. It's hard to quantify that. These are the best headphones I've ever listened to.

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LCD-X - $1099

Gorgeous to hold and behold. Heavy. Wonderful to listen to. Slightly warm and bassy out of the box. The detail retrieval, dynamics, and bass (THUMP) are all "whoa." I have a lot of fun finding new songs to throw at these. The soundstage is good, though not as wide as the Arya(s) - or even XS - but wide enough. I have to EQ these — and I feel overwhelmed by all the options; "What are the perfect EQ settings for me?" Still, while I enjoy listening to these, they're heavy. I feel it in my neck. If I was someone who primarily listened to music while laying down, these would've been in contention as a finalist. But I know they're too heavy for me, and I don't feel the desire to "get used to them." If you're someone who likes dynamics, bass, imaging, details, and THUMP, these are an excellent set of cans. Made in 'merica, too. Glad I gave them a chance; I'd always be curious.

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Hifiman Arya Stealth (V3) - $1299

Before trying, these were the ones I wanted to like the most. They're an excellent pair of headphones. I loved the XS, but these are clearly better. They're grand and effortless. They're like the V2s (obviously), but more dynamic, detailed, and slightly more intimate. The "wider than average" soundstage is there, but the detail separation brings the focus closer (compared to the V2s). These feel more refined than the V2s. They're easier to drive; I wouldn't need to upgrade my amp. The V2s feel like the music comes from a slightly more distant, dark, and ethereal veil. The V3s feel a little clearer, but there's something mysterious and seductive about the (comparatively) veiled messiness of the V2s. The V2s invite me to pay attention; the V3s almost force me to pay attention. I find the latter a bit fatiguing. Comparing the V3s to the V2s is such a bizarre, nearly impossible experience. They're so close. The V3s are grand as hell, but the contrarian in me is disappointed that I agree with other reviewers — that there's something slightly more musically enjoyable about the V2s, even if they lack the technical clarity (and extra thump) of the V3 Stealth.

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Sennheiser HD800s - $1599

Besides the LCD-X and 1990 Pros, these are the most physically impressive headphones. Seeing images of these online, I never got a sense of their build quality. But feeling them in my hands, they're sturdy and very good looking. The pads don't seem flimsy; there's thoughtfulness here. These are the most comfortable headphones I tested — more comfortable than the Aryas (and more breathable). I've always been interested in what the best sound staging headphones sound like — and holy hell these are wide. In so many ways, they remind me of the HD6XX, but elevated in every sense — better imaging, more detail, more grandness, and more sparkle, without being fatiguing in the highs. As a treble-sensitive person, I wouldn't need to EQ these at all. Shit, they're beautiful — especially with soundtracks. I feel like they're unfairly criticized for their bass performance. Yes, every headphone above is better bass-wise (except the HD6XX and maybe the 1990s), but these are still good. Compared to the Aryas, the bass on the HD800s feel less grand. The bass on the XS/Aryas feels more imposing — in a good, welcomed, and impressive way. The bass on the HD800s feels like a supportive character — a little less fun. These are the most expensive headphones I tested. Listening to soundtracks on these is *very* impressive. But listening to soundtracks on the XS (at $1100 cheaper) is also impressive. Personally, I can't justify the cost difference. People who can, I envy you.

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In the End

After testing all these, I took a break and went back to the HD6XX. My brain got used to them, and I grew to appreciate them again. I forgot how amazing the Arya V2s were, and I wondered if the Arya's exuberant price was justified. Ultimately, when listening to them again, I decided to keep the Arya. (For those who decide not to upgrade, I get it; I was torn). To me, they're just too buttery, clear, and gorgeous. They heighten music in ways I never knew was possible. I could always sell them in the future if I want. Ultimately, I would've been happy with any of the headphones above, but the Arya V2s sang to me in ways I liked most.

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[I tested all these on the JDS Labs Atom+ Amp & DAC on low gain. I EQ'd with eqMac - just a few dBs down on the highs and a couple dBs up on the 2 and 6 bands. I tried the oratory1990 EQ settings, but decided I preferred the airiness of the house sound a little more. I see people online encouraging an amp upgrade for the Arya V2, but I'm in no rush; the Atom+ gives me enough power now (even on low gain — tho just barely)].

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TLDR: After starting this expensive hobby with the HD6XX, I tested a butt ton of headphones and decided I liked the Hifiman Arya V2 the best.