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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is closed-back, providing better noise isolation and is suited for noisy environments, however, it has a less expansive soundstage compared to open-back headphones like the HifiMan Arya Stealth, which offer a more immersive listening experience but are less isolating and therefore not ideal in loud settings. The M40X is more portable and durable with its foldable design and robust build, making it a practical choice for on-the-go use. If you prioritize sound quality and spaciousness in your listening experience, the Arya Stealth excels, especially in music, but these headphones are bulkier and likely less convenient for travel. Consider the M40X for a more affordable and versatile option for everyday use, including casual listening and monitoring, while the Arya Stealth is a high-end choice for audiophiles who prefer top-notch sound for music at home. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M40X
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the HifiMan Arya Stealth
- Best in class for music
- Excellent for TV and video
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.1
10.0
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is best in class for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good.
Phone Calls
3.3
5.1
The HifiMan Arya Stealth and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both poor for phone calls, though the HifiMan Arya Stealth is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.1
8.1
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
TV and Video
8.7
9.4
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is excellent for TV and video, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good.
Noise Reduction
5.3
2.5
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and HifiMan Arya Stealth are both poor for noise reduction, though the Audio Technica ATH M40X is somewhat better.
Cost
$99
$649
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has a price of $99 and the HifiMan Arya Stealth costs $649.
Build Quality
8.2
9.0
The HifiMan Arya Stealth has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
7.0
7.1
The HifiMan Arya Stealth and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both good for gaming.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M40X and the HifiMan Arya Stealth compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M40X | HifiMan Arya Stealth |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $649 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | HifiMan | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | November 1, 2018 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 10/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.1/10 | 7.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.8/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.5/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.2/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 245 Grams | 408.2 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M40X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Lily Katz | August 2023
"If you were to pick one headset to fill all of your needs, the ATH-M40x is a great buy with its sub-$100 price tag, pleasant sound quality, and accessories. Whether you need to use it for live monitoring, a midnight editing session, or to underscore a campus walk, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a great companion."
HifiMan Arya Stealth
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | October 2022
"The Arya can easily be end-game headphones for 99% of consumers, satisfying most audio desires. Priced well above USD$1000, the Arya are obviously and gloriously not for the mass market consumer; they are designed and built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts – especially those who view their expenses on this level of gear as investments."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M40X or the HifiMan Arya Stealth
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
About HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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