3 GREAT Headphones - HD800S VS Arya VS Clear

In this video 3 great headphones are compared head to head. The Sennheiser HD800S, the Hifiman Arya Stealth, and the Focal Clear. Which is best?
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[@humanbass]

I've heard all 3, Arya is by far the best imo. Edit post laziness: the 800 sacrifices bass too much and the Clear has some weird metallic high mids. The Arya can sound a tad hot in the high mids for those who are sensitive, but that's easy to fix with little EQing and every other aspect is top-notch

[@erikleonardi6642]

I agree.

[@frozzle]

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

[@nortonfamily6711]

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

[@tomasz5274]

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

[@megadoodoo5088]

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

[@wyx5854]

Love that OG clear still being talk about it is one of my end game headphone!

[@sultanabran1]

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.

[@jmilesfox]

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

[@Tunnelsnakes]

It needs to be said that a lot of people nowadays use the HD800S with EQ. I think with that in consideration, the HD800S would win in my book since it’s much harder to try and replicate the detail, timbre, and soundstaging of these headphones.

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

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

[@VitiateTheImmortal]

Ordered an HD800S today! Really wanted to since a while

[@JohnDoe-bb4wd]

Thoughts?

[@talbotsolenberger4434]

hifiman is running a wild sale right now, and I just ordered a pair of Arya Steaths for $760. Definitely a headphone at a price point that I never thought I'd be buying, but I'm super excited to see how they compare to my Sundaras.

[@eton_1428]

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

[@talbotsolenberger4434]

@@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.

[@DingleberrryDan]

@@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.

[@noisylightning]

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)

[@DingleberrryDan]

@@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

[@dennisvdmeer6780]

i also have these three headphones, i love them. But if I really had to choose, I would go for the HD 800s. unprecedented good sound, especially with jazz music, HD 800's is phenomenal🎶❤️🎶

[@bradhuskers]

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

[@nikhilsrl]

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

[@Jordonater]

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.

[@0megalul309]

breaks twice as fast@@bradhuskers

[@18yearsoldnot]

@@Jordonater planars have no macro dynamics though so everything you say is worthless

[@Mark-fs7ok]

You completley nailed it. I’ve had all three, but the only ones I still have are the HD800S. The Arya V2 I had was wonderful but I sold it when I got my OTL tube amp - planars just don’t go well with OTL amps. On the other hand, an OTL tube amp powers the HD800S beautifully. Love the soundstage of both the Arya and the HD800S. The Clear was good, but the soundstage waws too narrow and I just don’t care for the timbre and hyper-dynamics of any of the Focals (although the Clears are better than the Elears, Elex or Elegia.

[@brendanliddell240]

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

[@Ezees23]

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.....

[@kurt-o0o]

what genre do you listen to though?

[@sephondranzer]

I feel like the 800s and Arya are similar enough to compare. Like they’re both best at classical music desiring a wide soundstage and is good at depicting a lot of instruments at once, and they kind of go blow for blow with each other, whereas anything the Clear is good it it completely dominates the other two at (and vice versa - cause it’s the vocals headphones).

[@soulfulfool]

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 😅😅

[@floriangopel3909]

The hd800s for me is a double edged sword. It has such spectacular detail retrieval, even beating the hifiman he1000se, but it shows you so much flaws in recordings so it makes only the sense for me to use it with very well made tracks and that's such an immersive listening experience..

[@sjqideez6626]

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

[@floriangopel3909]

@@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. 👌

[@bradhuskers]

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

[@floriangopel3909]

@@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

[@bradhuskers]

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

[@techmed-rainer]

Danke!

[@Cal94]

I got clear first. And thought they were my endgame. Then, after noticing the Arya V2s got delisted, I impulse bought an open box pair. And I've found that in general, my tastes lean more towards the Arya's. But some of my music tastes, do NOT play well with the Arya's. Which is fine, both use dual 3.5mm, so they make a good compliment to each other.

[@bradhuskers]

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

[@Cal94]

​@@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.

[@bradhuskers]

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

[@nortonfamily6711]

@@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.

[@Cal94]

@@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...

[@benjamincraig7198]

Great video DMS! I still need to try the Arya.

[@soulfulfool]

3 great yet so different headphones 😅. I sadly own only 2 of those Clear and Arya, while Clear got punch and more body to the midrange Arya sound is bigger and have better sub bass. Both of them are fantastic yet differences are crystal clear, blindfolded I could easily tell which one is played (even if its impossible because I would instatly recognize large Arya pads lol)

[@Auruchius]

I do own the the OG HD800 and man what a spectacular headphone it is. Though I was absolutely torn between it and the focal clear OG, sometimes I wish I had the cash to afford both haha.

[@kyron42]

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.

[@voop00p]

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.

[@francisnorthwood7862]

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.

[@Auruchius]

@@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.

[@mikeg2491]

@@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.

[@CaveyMoth]

It is funny how expensive Focal's pads are. When my Elear's pads wore down, I was torn between buying new pads or just switching to a different headphone. At least it's better than the Philips X2 situation, where replacement pads are nonexistent.

[@CakeSublime]

I own Clear and 800s. I couldn't decide between them. I would've liked to see the LCD-x in this roundup.

[@jcap8391]

My dt1990 make my ears bleed beat that😎

[@CakeSublime]

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

[@jcap8391]

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

[@guilhermeprado7851]

HE6seV2 eats all for breakfast

[@hartyewh1]

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

[@briancaulfield7251]

Clear ftw imo. I just love the body and impact the sound has. They just sound right to me. The Arya sounds a little too thin and brighter in the treble in comparison, the HD800S is even brighter. Once you get accustomed to the better soundstage of them, the other issues become more noticeable. The Clear might not have as great of a soundstage but they image really well and it’s so easy to just enjoy music on them forever. I think it just ages better. All 3 are indeed great though.

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

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

[@bradhuskers]

@@En_Joshi-Godrez Honestly? The new stealth magnet Ananda is a GAME CHANGER!

[@briancaulfield7251]

@@En_Joshi-Godrez 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

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

@@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.

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

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

[@tnarch]

Nice review, i 've heard all of them and i agree with your thoughts.

[@BuckyCannons]

Literally the first thing I did with my Clear was to swap out the ear pads for the "cheaper" generic $55 ear pads because I know how rough I am on them and $300 for ear pad replacements is just disgusting! Otherwise the Clears have absolutely pulled me away from my love for Sennheiser (still rock my 650 from time to time, but I sold my 800).

[@TheHEADPHONEShow]

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

[@soulfulfool]

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

[@G-O-A-M]

I´ve got the Arya Stealth, its an fantastic headphone. When i tested the 800s I found it not to my liking because of the kinda boring bass-response and also brightness. It somehow also sounded a little bit veiled in comparison to the Hifiman Ananda or Arya.

[@bubblefish8670]

I have all three of them. Focal Clear is my fav of the bunch, Arya closely second. Some days I actually prefer Arya over Clear, depending the music. I think Arya is a bit more resolving while Clear is more punchy. HD800S is not as exciting as the other two but is the most comfortable one that I wear for a long time like listening to classic or gaming.

[@z90012]

Love your Chanel and imput.keep it coming mate😊

[@bobsykes]

Great job squeezing so much information in this concise video.

[@kona328WH]

Arya stealths on amazon uk are £510. Great price, got them 2 weeks back.

[@shadowprice8100]

I bought my HD800s on sale a couple of months ago, direct from Sennheiser Australia and the HD800s i got were clearly labeled "Made In Ireland" so HD800s aren't german made anymore

[@lain2236ad]

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

[@theunsbotha5188]

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

[@bradhuskers]

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

[@francisnorthwood7862]

should have bought the 600s which are the better headphone

[@newbieranus5185]

Do you guys plan to measure some third-party aliexpress HD800s pads as compared to its stock pads? Heard from a lot of owners that are claiming the third-party pads did not change the sound much

[@aceofspades6667]

I've owned all 3 + LCDX and sold the Arya as it just was inferior for my preferences. HD800s is great on my tube amp where the OG Clear is amazing on my Burson/SS. I do enjoy the HD800s for it's stage and resolution where the Clear is a bit more versatile in tuning and bass impact. My LCDx goes unused most of the time but it's a specialist at certain genres.

[@kyron42]

DMS it would have been nice to explain what types of music you enjoy best on which headphones. Maybe give a few track examples.

[@JTB--]

I was using the HD 800s for gaming & Movies mainly. Good all rounder actually. Sold them after getting the HE100se

[@bradhuskers]

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

[@Ninafan68]

I bought the 800s last week and I am in love with them. I don't understand the comments about the bass. For me, it's perfect. I don't like boomy headphones. The 800s are just perfect. It's there when it's in the recording. But the quality is so good : you have plenty of details in the bass and texture. I have never heard bass lines so clear and defined. I was also looking at the Grado PS2000 but I am glad I went with the 800s. On top of being perfect, they're so comfortable.

[@Ezees23]

"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.......

[@Rami-bi9xj]

​@@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.

[@ROCKSTAR3291]

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.

[@richardmayhew6643]

Do you rank the ÆON 2 Noire a step down from these 3?

[@Jefafa73]

Arya Stealth currently at $600. Don't know if it's a black friday/cyber monday at time of writing, or if permanent Hifiman price cut.

[@io_metre]

Have Clear and Arya together with few others. Love both of them 😍

[@djclass005]

I could listen to the clear MG, the 800s and the Arya ( new one) in a shop, and I thought the Arya had the best detail/ highs, the 800s wasn’t my taste, very wide soundstage that didn’t feel ‘real’. The focal was the winner, more cohesive sound, not the best in one specific aspect, but best overal sound, most enjoyable for most types of music aswell.

[@francisnorthwood7862]

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.

[@stevenlamontagne526]

I love my hd800s but they may be due for a tire change, I have had the original pads for over a year! btw they are great for handpan/hung drums...

[@francisnorthwood7862]

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

[@Rami-bi9xj]

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

[@dantr4n]

HD800s + tubes = chef's kiss👌

[@BaldyBaeby]

what about the LCDX 2021

[@aidencoder]

I have the OG Clear ... and boy do those pads wear. They just don't last, and WHO KNOWS why Focal decided to use a light colour for the pads/band. Even the pro's red colour will tarnish/soil over time by touching human skin.

[@draconidmike]

i think they are 3 great genre of headphone, all good and very different, it is one of best way to learn about listening and enjoying headphones we might add LCD-X although it might need EQ for full potential HD800S is best for classical, or some live instrumental, the sound stage incomparable, but weaker in other music, vocal particularly Arya is exactly what a planer should provide, super precise, quick response, good sound stage, but always lack in lower bass (

[@MrRosscoz]

I recently demo’s these three plus the LCD x and the utopia as well. For my ears the Arya Stealth was the HP I would choose if I could only have one.

[@dilip_1997]

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

[@onlywiseman]

Since I do not have luxury of having all of them, I only have one choice. Which one would be better compatible with Schiit Lyr+ (hybrid tube amp?). I typically listen to classicals and 80, 90s pops and classic rocks.

[@ROCKSTAR3291]

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

[@MadelnMachines]

I like the way you describe the focal in terms of bass extension punch and impact but don’t want to spend that much. What is there below 1000 and below 500? I want them for producing and mixing house and techno

[@shadeshotTV]

looking to upgrade from my ath-ad1000x, from what i have gathered if i want a direct upgrade the arya is the choice, if i want a different sounding headphone with crazy resolution then the clear is what i would want but i demo'd my dad's focal elear for a week and they are the most uncomfortable and fatiguing thing i have put on my head with and without EQ how is the resolution and separation comparing the arya and clear? really loved that aspect of the elear compared to my ad1000x

[@luckyjinxer]

Ah, as is often the case with hifi, the answer is get all three, and spend $5k

[@gigahertz_1911]

Still a hard choice coming from a pair of HD600s... I like the way these sound but I'm looking for a bit more in the low end..... Only problem I have is that I run my HD600s off my Digitakt drummachine which produces 55ohms... would that be good enough for any of these headphone or would I have to use something else to power them?

[@wyx5854]

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

[@hartyewh1]

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

[@Rod95ok]

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

[@francisnorthwood7862]

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

[@gigahertz_1911]

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

[@tiffanyflanagan1892]

The Battle of the bright. I haven’t heard the Sennheiser, But I have the other two and prefer the Focal. But I find them both a little fatiguing. I prefer the Clear MG and the Audeze LCD-X 2021 in this price range.

[@bradhuskers]

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

[@tiffanyflanagan1892]

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.

[@kyron42]

Which works best with Bluetooth Dongles such as the 5K.

[@moltenbullet]

Are these opinions specific to the Clear OG, or do they also hold true for the newer Clear MG?

[@robm321]

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

[@cyberletho]

What would be a good Head amp match for the Arya Stealth magnet edition. Burson conductor reference or TOPPING A90 Discrete?

[@olegneftianikov6267]

I like all models of HIFIMAN headphobes.Tell me please:whish model has more bass and punch for listening to heavy rock music ? Or better Focal Clean MG ?. Thank You

[@BillyKueekSG]

I have the Clear MG and the Arya Stealth and am wondering if I want to add the HD800 (Drop 80xx is out) or shall I just go ahead with the ZMF Atrium, Meze. Empyrean or Elite? If you own these headphones, please give me your advises and share your experiences? I am putting the Clear MG up for sale in the meantime

[@jimrobbe390]

At the moment I have a DT1990 pro. 1. Wich of the 3 is the best upgrade for FPS-Gaming? 2. Is it worth the extra money? 3. Or is there another better upgrade, like a headphone of Audeze?

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

Are you ok with the highs of the 1990?

[@ixoye56]

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.

[@victorsperber9927]

Thank you for this presentation ! Could please give me your opinion on the new version of the Focal Clear : the Clear MG ? Can you also what do you think in comparison with the Hifiman Arya ? Which one is the best (same price for me in France) ? Thank you :)

[@djb0646]

Would be good to know if ear getting hot over time. It is a bit hard to find such information regarding Arya and clear.

[@Jamesomnipotent]

Hi The HEADPHONE show, could u please advise me. I have been using my HD598se for gaming for many years, and lately I have been curious about the HD556s, HD6XX, HD800s. I am looking for the one that has better sound staging and imaging than my HD598se. Out of those 3 mentioned, which would you recommend?

[@tanachip]

Love the Clear.

[@MohamedSamir-gn3hg]

No one mentions focal headphones clipping issue. This should be a deal breaker for lots of people. If you’re going to listen above 95db you’ll hear the bass distorts and if you reach 110db the driver will crackle. Such a shame for the price.

[@nodoubt1616]

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

[@Tidwillshare]

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.

[@chefsteve8381]

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

[@djhmax09]

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

[@xray111xxx]

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.

[@erickgomez6926]

off topic but I have a stax s3 and I'm planning to buy a periodic audio rhodium but im not sure if it will have enough power to drive them properly

[@vote4ulvio]

I have the Focal Elex. Looking to upgrade I don't know which one to go with I would rule out the HD800s.

[@SubjectE57]

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.

[@einwithshades1677]

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

[@SubjectE57]

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

[@robertkirkpatrick1826]

excellent review.

[@camoturtle18]

R.I.P. to the Audeze LCD-X which wasn’t included in this comparison

[@kevin-zd4po]

I heard the clear og drivers pop when playing a heavy bass music. is that true

[@impedance483]

who can tell me if the Arya is as comfortable as the 800S? Doesn't the arya make the ears too hot?

[@ixoye56]

I have a hard time understanding that anyone would want better headphones than the 800s, especially after using them with proper equipment, for me they are the end of the game.

[@rx7dude2006]

No brainer especially with the price break on the Clear's.

[@CharlesBumcrot]

Hi... love your channel and vids. I've got a Rupert Neve RNHP headphone amp and would like your thoughts on pairing it with a 800S, which is on my shopping list sometime very soon. Thanks! Mostly classical/orchestral music and using for recording/eng in my own studio. I'm a pro trumpet player and use a couple nice MXL ribbons and a Neumann M102. I record remotely a lot and send files to studios and want to improve my ability to critically listen to the files.

[@Audiodote]

Could you please suggest a good DAC/Amp for Arya stealth...

[@sarundayo]

Don't own a HD800S but... have the older HD800 with the SDR mod. Yay or Nay?

[@Hadstar1000]

What do these headphones compare to the Nueman NDH30, looking for a new pair and am torn between which one to get

[@NushiSama]

Is the Elex just a cheaper and or maybe better OG Clear?

[@johnosam4681]

Im tired, so what am I gonna buy between these 3?

[@markuffner7704]

How do they compare with EQ? Can the 800s compete in sub bass with the planar? No one ever mentions how a headphone does with EQ which seems silly

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

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

[@x32i77]

I am waiting for the Warwick acoustics bravura headphone system review 🙂

[@fuatdomanic]

Thanks for the videos. You still have that “rumble” when you put your hands on the table while talking which I hear with my “daily driver” Ipod Max (blasphemy! ; ) Since I also have an Arya with a Lake People and “a lot of” Sonarworks, I hope to be considered as a pardonable heretic😁🙏🖖

[@UrielJanoach]

The HD800s' timbre is nothing short of magical. If only I could listen to it for longer without experiencing fatigue... I'm just so darn treble-sensitive. DAC & Amp. recommendation: Qutest into Violectric V280. Without the Violectric to help out, I can hardly listen to the 800s for longer than a minute or two. But when this headphone truly shines (some ambient & classical tracks), it outshines even 15k LS setups, seriously. Too bad that any kind of EQ kills the magic I've described. Sennheiser's "special" version of diffuse-field is both enchanting and taxing on the ears, I guess.

[@maxwellwallace8553]

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

[@UrielJanoach]

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

[@maxwellwallace8553]

@@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)?

[@UrielJanoach]

@@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.

[@wertj3977]

@@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.

[@vitamusic1180]

how HE1000se v3 is in comparison with these three ?

[@mregygamer9587]

Is hd800s great in single player open world games It is between hd800s and Arya

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

Really like these types of videos with 3 headphones in the same price range, but with different flavors. I'd already really liked the one that had the tygr 300r, the hd 560s and the hd 6xx. By the way, I own all those 3. 😀 For these 3...well, I'll have to save some money for a while... Maybe do a video with 3 in the in between price bracket? Like around 600$?

[@chrisasmith75]

Clear OGs with ZMF Lambskin perforated pads made me sell all my other headphones.

[@Mr.Manson]

Be aware that while Clear sounds absolutely lovely and is overall a great headphone, the headband design is terrible and will eventually break, even when handling with care. Been there, done that.

[@ROCKSTAR3291]

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

[@Mr.Manson]

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

[@DarkExplorer]

Is there a difference between the clear and the clear mg?

[@SubjectE57]

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

[@GadZookz]

Great video, DMS. Thanks. How is the Clear compare for clamp force?

[@EastPlanet]

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

[@miyamotoyamazaki1760]

Which one would you choose if gaming is also a factor?

[@miyamotoyamazaki1760]

Sennheiser 800

[@ikoyDaPnoy]

Can you make a 3 great headphones $300-$500 video?

[@jimrobbe390]

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

how does it compare to the AirPods max?

[@Rami-bi9xj]

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

[@wiesolos]

So which one is better between Arya and clear?

[@ixoye56]

Arya if you like BIG smooth sound.

[@brandonfinley7598]

Why did you choose to review the Clear and not the Clear MG?

[@sb9377]

I'm guessing cuz he owns the clear og

[@DMS3TV]

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

[@LennyJankins]

Lovely!

[@lesthegreat]

This has helped

[@garygriffiths7353]

I’d go hd800s with a tube amp

[@ethr95awd]

nothing is like the hd800s - it is mandatory for any high end headphone collection - and tube the hell out of it

[@alias5152]

If you not happy.. DIY is the solution.. left ear HD800S, right ear Focal Clear and you are good to go 😁

[@Jaye2k]

🤣

[@dgib1694]

So for you 900$ is like 1600$?

[@anatol1204]

MM 500 is missing..

[@asan1050]

DMS Thanks Much !

[@nurmbms90]

My end game for now would be Arya SE and FiiO K9 Pro ESS.

[@lain2236ad]

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

[@sultanabran1]

one day, i'll get the focal clears

[@tecno4u31]

Try Ananda Nano.

[@brendanliddell240]

In terms of amplification for the HD800S, I'm thinking OTL Woo Audio WA2, paired with a Denafrips Pontus II DAC. However, I will compare to a Transformer Coupled Woo Audio WA6-SE before purchasing, just to be sure. If that pairing is any good, I'd also be interested to test the new Cayin HA-3A :-) Any thoughts?

[@hartyewh1]

Skipped all three for an LCD-X though. Didn't like the staging/imaging of the HD800s and the un-EQable bass, Arya had some timbre issues in the highs and the bass doesn't EQ well and the Clear (MG) was my second choice, but the bass has distortion issues when EQ'd. These are often called the big four so strange that it wasn't a 4-way comparison.

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

Was it the stealth ayra?

[@hartyewh1]

@@En_Joshi-Godrez Yeah, both the OG and Stealth. Stealth is better, but like with the HD800s a bigger bass shelf makes it feel congested or lose some technicality.

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

@@hartyewh1 if I may ask, what did you run it on?

[@hartyewh1]

@@En_Joshi-Godrez Pathos InPol Ear, Mytek Brooklyn, 789 and perhaps a Naim or McIntosh one in one shop, but can't remember. Each time with and without EQ (Harman) and difference between that and the Audeze was still huge.

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

@@hartyewh1 thats pretty comprehensive, but do you really need bass eq with the ayra? When people say it has less dynamics of the others, they usally are not running them off something that benefits from the resistance draw when driven well. That pathos would absolutely be enough. No, it not going to ever have quite the transience of the lcd, but when driven with a good amount of resistance, ayra is absolutely no slouch. Its very present, clear, articulate, and slams pretty hard at least from my standards.

[@Beanlipe]

I'm curious to how well those stand against each other if we take in account the ability to EQ them if I could only pick one.

[@bradhuskers]

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