hurtyewh OP t1_iuhg76q wrote on October 31, 2022 at 11:11 AM

Reply to comment by Wellhellob in Edition XS review (vs LCD-X, HE6se V2, Bathys + EQ) by hurtyewh

Well I'll go check when I get the chance. Headphones.com review compares the Stealth to V2 saying:

"Now, if the Arya Stealth pulls the short end of the stick here for any reason, it would be for its perception of ‘slam’ and ‘texture’ characteristics. Bass transients on the Arya Stealth are articulated somewhat...softly even with the aid of DSP from the iFi Micro Black Label’s XBass switch. Take for example the typically heavy, impactful drum machines of Apink's "My oh My" which are best described as sounding somewhat puffy and aloof on the Arya Stealth."

So I'm guessing my hunch is correct for my preferences at least.

Wellhellob t1_iuhhclv wrote on October 31, 2022 at 11:24 AM

I'm talking about egg shape headphones. Arya Stealth have noticeably better dynamics than XS and especially Ananda.

Compared to other cans like HE6 yeah Arya SE falls short. They have this atmospheric bass. You don't get direct pressurized hit from earcups, you get a soft hit from somewhere in the soundstage. But SE have this fast transient-y punchy bass unlike XS and Ananda. Ananda is completely flat in my book. It's dynamics so bad that it almost breaks the headphone. XS is fine but it doesn't have the immediacy of Arya SE. XS bass sound kinda bigger and looser, leaves more linger in the stage.