HiFiMan HE1000 and Arya WiFi headphones announced with built-in DAC

HiFiMan has launched two open-back headphones, the HE1000 and Arya. They weigh 452g each, which is approximately 30g more than the wired Arya variant. Still, they feature an improved, more comfortable headband design that distributes the load more evenly across the head. They also connect via your home internet to deliver higher-quality wireless audio over WiFi. This provides up to 5,064 Mbps bandwidth, which is far more than standard Bluetooth codec connections. It’s a burgeoning industry with much promise, but the technology remains expensive.

The headphones sport built-in R2R DACs, a bespoke Hymalaya HiFiMan chip, and amplifiers in the ear cups to reduce the signal path. Battery life lasts between 6.5 and 7.5 hours with WiFi, and HiFiMan claims the cans offer up to 23 hours via Bluetooth 5.1. This supports the SBC, AAC, LDAC, and aptX codecs.

Those wanting true lossless audio can connect via USB-C. Unfortunately, there’s no 3.5mm jack input on either pair of headphones. Still, you receive up to 32-bit listening with DSD512 and a PCM 44.1kHz-768kHz response. What differs between the headphones is that the HE1000 house a more advanced Nano Diaphragm. This is designed to deliver fast response speeds and is paired with the brand’s Stealth Magnet tech for superior sound. HiFiMan says this combination allows for “the sonic output being clear and non-fatiguing”. By comparison, the Arya uses a Neo Super Nano Diaphragm, which is more durable but not as thin as the HE1000’s diaphragm.

Both headphones are expected to start shipping next month via authorised HiFiMan dealers and the company’s online store. The HiFiMan HE1000 have an initial retail list price of $2,699, while the Arya cost $1,449. Be mindful that dealer prices may vary.