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Every audio gear head-to-head, in one place.

31 side-by-side comparisons across 5 categories. Because every pair ran that way, a score gap here is a real difference between two pieces, not calibration drift between reviewers on different days.

Pairs are auto-selected: same category, score within 0.5, shared tags, and each review in the other's top-3 most-similar list.

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31 comparisons

Headphones 21 comparisons

Open-back, closed-back, planar magnetic, dynamic, and IEMs.

  1. The HIFIMAN Arya Organic on a stand, showing its wood-veneer earcups and suspension-strap headband HIFIMAN Arya Organic 9.2 The HIFIMAN HE1000se in side profile on a stand: a large egg-shaped open-back planar cup with a silver aluminium frame, a wood-veneer rim and the Window Shade grille, hanging below the black leather suspension headband HIFIMAN HE1000se 9.3 Near-tie

    Essentially level, 9.3 to 9.2, with the HE1000se just ahead. That lead costs $601 more than the Arya Organic. The reviews favour the Arya Organic on bass and the HE1000se on mids.

  2. The grill-less Arya Unveiled with its planar driver and Stealth Magnets fully exposed - no protective grille HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled 9.1 The HIFIMAN HE1000se in side profile on a stand: a large egg-shaped open-back planar cup with a silver aluminium frame, a wood-veneer rim and the Window Shade grille, hanging below the black leather suspension headband HIFIMAN HE1000se 9.3 0.2 pt gap

    9.3 against 9.1: the HE1000se is 0.2 ahead on the rubric. The Arya Unveiled saves you $401, so the question is whether the gap is worth it. The reviews favour the HE1000se on build and amp matching.

  3. The HIFIMAN Arya Organic on a stand, showing its wood-veneer earcups and suspension-strap headband HIFIMAN Arya Organic 9.2 The grill-less Arya Unveiled with its planar driver and Stealth Magnets fully exposed - no protective grille HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled 9.1 Near-tie

    Essentially level, 9.2 to 9.1, with the Arya Organic just ahead. The Arya Organic costs $200 less too, so score and price point the same way. The reviews favour the Arya Organic on amp matching and the Arya Unveiled on treble.

  4. The Ananda Stealth's large egg-shaped earcup with its silver grille and three-material hybrid pad HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth 8.8 The HIFIMAN Sundara's open-back ear cup, showing the metal grille, matte cast frame, and headband bar HIFIMAN Sundara 9.0 0.2 pt gap

    The Sundara takes the score, 9.0 to 8.8. The Sundara costs $60 less too, so score and price point the same way. The reviews favour the Ananda Stealth on driver technology and the Sundara on soundstage.

  5. The grill-less Arya Unveiled with its planar driver and Stealth Magnets fully exposed - no protective grille HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled 9.1 The HIFIMAN Edition XS on a stand, showing its oval slatted Window Shade grille and leather headband HIFIMAN Edition XS 8.7 0.4 pt gap

    The rubric puts the Arya Unveiled first, 9.1 to 8.7. The Edition XS is $1,030 cheaper, which is the real trade. The reviews favour the Arya Unveiled on treble and the Edition XS on bass.

  6. The HIFIMAN Edition XS on a stand, showing its oval slatted Window Shade grille and leather headband HIFIMAN Edition XS 8.7 The HIFIMAN Sundara's open-back ear cup, showing the metal grille, matte cast frame, and headband bar HIFIMAN Sundara 9.0 0.3 pt gap

    The rubric puts the Sundara first, 9.0 to 8.7. Only the Edition XS's review singles out its amp matching and value.

  7. The HIFIMAN Sundara's open-back ear cup, showing the metal grille, matte cast frame, and headband bar HIFIMAN Sundara 9.0 The Meze 105 Silva's hand-polished walnut earcup with its intricate radial grille and velour pad Meze 105 Silva 8.7 0.3 pt gap

    The rubric puts the Sundara first, 9.0 to 8.7. And the Sundara undercuts the 105 Silva by $200. The reviews favour the 105 Silva on driver technology and comfort.

  8. The Ananda Nano held up, showing its very large earcups and three-material hybrid ear pads HIFIMAN Ananda Nano 8.6 The HIFIMAN Sundara's open-back ear cup, showing the metal grille, matte cast frame, and headband bar HIFIMAN Sundara 9.0 0.4 pt gap

    9.0 against 8.6: the Sundara is 0.4 ahead on the rubric. The Sundara is $200 cheaper as well. The reviews favour the Ananda Nano on driver technology.

  9. The HIFIMAN Edition XS on a stand, showing its oval slatted Window Shade grille and leather headband HIFIMAN Edition XS 8.7 The OLLO Audio X1's machined real-wood earcup and stylized X cutout faceplate OLLO Audio X1 8.9 0.2 pt gap

    The rubric puts the X1 first, 8.9 to 8.7. The Edition XS is $280 cheaper, which is the real trade. The reviews favour the Edition XS on soundstage and the X1 on comfort.

  10. The Ananda Stealth's large egg-shaped earcup with its silver grille and three-material hybrid pad HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth 8.8 The Arya Stealth on a stand, showing its blacked-out suspension-strap headband and Window Shade grille HIFIMAN Arya Stealth 8.7 Near-tie

    A single step separates them: 8.8 to 8.7 for the Ananda Stealth. The Ananda Stealth is $400 cheaper as well. The reviews favour the Ananda Stealth on tonal balance and the Arya Stealth on soundstage.

  11. The Ananda Nano held up, showing its very large earcups and three-material hybrid ear pads HIFIMAN Ananda Nano 8.6 The Ananda Stealth's large egg-shaped earcup with its silver grille and three-material hybrid pad HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth 8.8 0.2 pt gap

    On score the Ananda Stealth leads the Ananda Nano by 0.2. Winning on both counts is rare here: the Ananda Stealth is $140 less AND scores higher. The reviews favour the Ananda Nano on soundstage and the Ananda Stealth on amp matching.

  12. The HIFIMAN Edition XS on a stand, showing its oval slatted Window Shade grille and leather headband HIFIMAN Edition XS 8.7 The Meze 105 Silva's hand-polished walnut earcup with its intricate radial grille and velour pad Meze 105 Silva 8.7 Tight call

    Neither one wins the rubric - both score 8.7. The Edition XS saves you $230, and on score there is nothing to weigh against it. The reviews favour the 105 Silva on comfort.

  13. The Ananda Stealth's large egg-shaped earcup with its silver grille and three-material hybrid pad HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth 8.8 The HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth on a stand, seen from the front: two large egg-shaped cups with black pads, wood-accent rims and silver frames, below the black-and-tan suspension headband HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth 8.5 0.3 pt gap

    The Ananda Stealth takes the score, 8.8 to 8.5. The Ananda Stealth costs $760 less too, so score and price point the same way. The reviews favour the Ananda Stealth on amp matching and the HE1000 Stealth on soundstage.

  14. The Ananda Nano held up, showing its very large earcups and three-material hybrid ear pads HIFIMAN Ananda Nano 8.6 The Arya Stealth on a stand, showing its blacked-out suspension-strap headband and Window Shade grille HIFIMAN Arya Stealth 8.7 Near-tie

    Too close to call on score - the Arya Stealth edges the Ananda Nano by 0.1. One is better, one is $260 cheaper. The reviews favour the Ananda Nano on detail and the Arya Stealth on comfort.

  15. The Arya Stealth on a stand, showing its blacked-out suspension-strap headband and Window Shade grille HIFIMAN Arya Stealth 8.7 The HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth on a stand, seen from the front: two large egg-shaped cups with black pads, wood-accent rims and silver frames, below the black-and-tan suspension headband HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth 8.5 0.2 pt gap

    8.7 against 8.5: the Arya Stealth is 0.2 ahead on the rubric. The Arya Stealth is $360 cheaper as well. The reviews favour the Arya Stealth on comfort and the HE1000 Stealth on build.

  16. The HIFIMAN Edition XS on a stand, showing its oval slatted Window Shade grille and leather headband HIFIMAN Edition XS 8.7 The HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth on a stand, seen from the front: two large egg-shaped cups with black pads, wood-accent rims and silver frames, below the black-and-tan suspension headband HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth 8.5 0.2 pt gap

    The rubric puts the Edition XS first, 8.7 to 8.5. And the Edition XS undercuts the HE1000 Stealth by $850. The reviews favour the Edition XS on amp matching and the HE1000 Stealth on comfort.

  17. The Ananda Nano held up, showing its very large earcups and three-material hybrid ear pads HIFIMAN Ananda Nano 8.6 The HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth on a stand, seen from the front: two large egg-shaped cups with black pads, wood-accent rims and silver frames, below the black-and-tan suspension headband HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth 8.5 Near-tie

    8.6 against 8.5. That is one step, so treat them as peers. And the Ananda Nano undercuts the HE1000 Stealth by $620. The reviews favour the Ananda Nano on detail and the HE1000 Stealth on build.

  18. The Sivga Anser's solid-wood earcups, aluminium mesh grilles, and gold-trimmed 3.5mm connectors Sivga Anser 8.0 The Sivga Luan's real-wood earcup, blacked-out metal mesh grille, and silver aluminium ring Sivga Luan 8.1 Near-tie

    Too close to call on score - the Luan edges the Anser by 0.1. One is better, one is $100 cheaper. The reviews favour the Anser on bass.

  19. The Sivga Luan's real-wood earcup, blacked-out metal mesh grille, and silver aluminium ring Sivga Luan 8.1 The Verum 1's wood-finish comma-shaped earcup, metal cut-out grill, and suspension headband Verum Audio Verum 1 8.0 Near-tie

    A single step separates them: 8.1 to 8.0 for the Luan. The Luan is $50 cheaper as well. The reviews favour the Verum 1 on bass and soundstage.

  20. The HIFIMAN RE800 Silver's small aluminium earbud-style shell, fixed cable, and metal 3.5mm plug HIFIMAN RE800 Silver 8.0 The Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite's semi-transparent blue shells exposing the balanced-armature drivers inside Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite 8.0 Tight call

    A dead heat: both land on 8.0. The RE800 Silver is $150 cheaper, which is the real trade. The reviews favour the RE800 Silver on comfort and the Orchestra Lite on mids.

  21. The Sivga Anser's solid-wood earcups, aluminium mesh grilles, and gold-trimmed 3.5mm connectors Sivga Anser 8.0 The Verum 1's wood-finish comma-shaped earcup, metal cut-out grill, and suspension headband Verum Audio Verum 1 8.0 Tight call

    A dead heat: both land on 8.0. The Anser is $150 cheaper, which is the real trade. The reviews favour the Anser on amp matching and the Verum 1 on soundstage.

Speakers 3 comparisons

Bookshelf, floorstanding, active and passive, studio monitors.

  1. The Diora Acoustics Chors 5's gloss-white cabinet wearing its black magnetic fabric grille with the Diora Acoustics logo Diora Acoustics Chors 5 8.5 Close-up of the gold horn-loaded TZ2550 tweeter set in its mirror-like chrome waveguide on the chestnut front baffle Triangle Australe EZ 8.1 0.4 pt gap

    The Chors 5 takes the score, 8.5 to 8.1. The Chors 5 costs $2,500 less too, so score and price point the same way. The reviews favour the Chors 5 on treble and the Australe EZ on connections.

  2. The Diora Acoustics Chors 5's gloss-white cabinet wearing its black magnetic fabric grille with the Diora Acoustics logo Diora Acoustics Chors 5 8.5 The BR09's 25mm silk dome tweeter with its vertical Efficient Flow System phase plug, recessed into the partial horn Triangle Borea BR09 8.0 0.5 pt gap

    The Chors 5 takes the score, 8.5 to 8.0. That lead costs $1,400 more than the Borea BR09. The reviews favour the Chors 5 on treble and the Borea BR09 on mids.

  3. Close-up of the gold horn-loaded TZ2550 tweeter set in its mirror-like chrome waveguide on the chestnut front baffle Triangle Australe EZ 8.1 The BR09's 25mm silk dome tweeter with its vertical Efficient Flow System phase plug, recessed into the partial horn Triangle Borea BR09 8.0 Near-tie

    8.1 against 8.0. That is one step, so treat them as peers. The Borea BR09 is $3,900 cheaper, which is the real trade. The reviews favour the Australe EZ on connections and the Borea BR09 on amplifier needs.

DACs 5 comparisons

Desktop, portable, R-2R ladder, and delta-sigma DACs.

  1. The Henry Audio DA 256 seen from the front and side: a low brushed aluminum box with the engraved Henry Audio logo, a solid wood base underneath, and one tiny LED beside a USB-C port on the front plate Henry Audio DA 256 8.2 The SMSL DO100 PRO's front display showing the 44.1kHz sample rate, beside its stepped control knob SMSL DO100 PRO 8.0 0.2 pt gap

    On score the DA 256 leads the DO100 PRO by 0.2. One is better, one is $1,511 cheaper. The reviews favour the DA 256 on tonal balance and the DO100 PRO on connectivity.

  2. The Henry Audio DA 256 seen from the front and side: a low brushed aluminum box with the engraved Henry Audio logo, a solid wood base underneath, and one tiny LED beside a USB-C port on the front plate Henry Audio DA 256 8.2 The SMSL RAW-MDA1's front: tempered-glass LCD, stepped knob, and 1/4-inch plus 4.4mm headphone outputs SMSL RAW-MDA1 8.0 0.2 pt gap

    On score the DA 256 leads the RAW-MDA1 by 0.2. One is better, one is $1,491 cheaper. The reviews favour the DA 256 on bass and the RAW-MDA1 on connectivity.

  3. The SMSL DL100's front panel: display, volume knob, and 1/4-inch plus 4.4mm headphone outputs SMSL DL100 8.2 The SMSL DO100 PRO's front display showing the 44.1kHz sample rate, beside its stepped control knob SMSL DO100 PRO 8.0 0.2 pt gap

    The rubric puts the DL100 first, 8.2 to 8.0. Only the DL100's review singles out its measured noise and value.

  4. The SMSL DL100's front panel: display, volume knob, and 1/4-inch plus 4.4mm headphone outputs SMSL DL100 8.2 The SMSL RAW-MDA1's front: tempered-glass LCD, stepped knob, and 1/4-inch plus 4.4mm headphone outputs SMSL RAW-MDA1 8.0 0.2 pt gap

    The DL100 takes the score, 8.2 to 8.0. The DL100 costs $60 less too, so score and price point the same way. The reviews favour the DL100 on connectivity.

  5. The SMSL DO100 PRO's front display showing the 44.1kHz sample rate, beside its stepped control knob SMSL DO100 PRO 8.0 The SMSL RAW-MDA1's front: tempered-glass LCD, stepped knob, and 1/4-inch plus 4.4mm headphone outputs SMSL RAW-MDA1 8.0 Tight call

    Level on score at 8.0. The reviews favour the DO100 PRO on connectivity and the RAW-MDA1 on tonal balance.

Headphone Amps 1 comparison

Desktop headphone amps and DAC/amp combos, tube and solid-state.

  1. The HIFIMAN EF499's glossy black front with gold HIFIMAN branding, golden knobs, and the High/Low Gain NOS/OS selector legend HIFIMAN EF499 8.1 The matte-silver HIFIMAN EF500 standing vertically beside its box, with its gain/oversampling selector, volume knob, and headphone outputs HIFIMAN EF500 8.2 Near-tie

    Essentially level, 8.2 to 8.1, with the EF500 just ahead. That lead costs $250 more than the EF499. The reviews favour the EF499 on features and the EF500 on measured noise.

Speaker Amps & Preamps 1 comparison

Power amps, integrated amps, and line preamps for loudspeakers.

  1. The AD-1PA+'s brushed-aluminium front panel with its red-lit standby button ringed by an LED status indicator Tonewinner AD-1PA+ 9.0 The Tonewinner AD-2PRO+ from the side: its silver-and-black chassis flanked by the large black heatsink fins that run the full depth of the unit Tonewinner AD-2PRO+ 8.8 0.2 pt gap

    9.0 against 8.8: the AD-1PA+ is 0.2 ahead on the rubric. The AD-2PRO+ saves you $476, so the question is whether the gap is worth it. The reviews favour the AD-1PA+ on build and the AD-2PRO+ on features.

Buying guides: skip the guesswork, start with the shortlist.

Curated "best of" lists where every pick is one of our scored reviews - ranked by what actually sounds best on the chain, never by who paid. No "top 10" filler.

All 13 guides

How these comparisons work.

How a pick is decided, what a score gap is worth, and why a matchup you expected might be missing.

  1. How do you decide which one to pick?

    One rule, applied identically to every comparison, so it is a policy rather than an opinion per page. Two or more steps apart on the score, the higher-scored piece wins outright. Exactly one step apart and the cheaper piece saves a material amount, the cheaper piece wins for most buyers. Level on score, the cheaper piece. No usable prices, the rubric alone decides. "Material" means at least 15% of the cheaper piece and at least $50, so a percentage cannot make $8 significant on a cable and a flat figure cannot make $60 significant on an amplifier.

  2. How much does a 0.1 score difference actually matter?

    It is the smallest difference the scale can express, so treat two pieces one step apart as peers and let price, fit and character decide. That is why a one-step pair is labelled "Near-tie" here rather than shown with a winner and a gap. It still means one placed above the other on the rubric, tested on the same chain by the same listener - it is a real ordering, just the narrowest one we can report.

  3. Why is the comparison I wanted not on this list?

    Usually one of four reasons. The two pieces are more than 0.5 apart, which puts them in different brackets rather than in a cross-shop. One of them scores below the floor we generate pages at. They are not actually the same kind of thing - a preamp is never paired against an integrated amp, an in-ear never against an over-ear. Or one of them is a round-up review covering several products at once, which cannot be one side of a head-to-head because there is no single price or single product to compare. When a pairing is missing, both reviews still carry their own score ladder, which shows exactly what sits directly above and below each one.

  4. Do these comparisons change?

    Yes, and pages can disappear. Pairs are regenerated on every build from the live catalogue, so a new review can displace an existing pairing from a shortlist and retire its page. When that happens the URL redirects to the more useful of the two reviews rather than 404ing. The scores themselves also move when a new piece resets what a number means in its category, which is the point of anchoring them to a published reference list rather than to the date they were written.