Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
All
Borealis v3
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Driver Size: 50mm
- Impedance: 32ohm
- Cable: 6' mini-XLR to TRS (1/4")
- Weight: 487g (without cable)
- Pads: Perforated protein leather with velour top
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
Select products
Australis v3
- Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and simple setup.
- Description: Uses a straightforward circuit design for clear sound in small rooms and basic home systems. In contrast to models with ABS enhancements, it offers fewer noise reduction features and connectivity options, making it best for users with modest budgets and minimal functionality needs compared to the higher-tier Borealis or Quasar series.
Australis v3 ABS Version
- Positioning: An entry-level model with improved noise suppression through a refined chassis design.
- Description: Adds an ABS enclosure aimed at reducing interference and improving signal clarity. Compared to its non-ABS counterpart, it offers a modest upgrade in terms of noise control and overall stability while still remaining more cost-effective than the mid-range Borealis or Quasar models.
Borealis v3
- Positioning: A mid-range model aimed at delivering room-filling sound with versatile connectivity.
- Description: Features a robust circuit design and increased power handling that supports larger spaces. When compared to the Australis series, it offers enhanced connectivity and dynamic range, though it lacks some of the advanced noise reduction found in the ABS version and the extensive features of the flagship Quasar.
Borealis v3 ABS Version
- Positioning: A mid-range model with enhanced build quality and noise reduction for cleaner sound performance.
- Description: Incorporates an ABS chassis that further minimizes interference for a cleaner audio signal. It builds on the standard Borealis model by offering improved signal clarity and refined performance.
Quasar
- Positioning: A high-end flagship model designed for audiophiles seeking advanced sound performance and extensive connectivity.
- Description: Implements exclusive design elements and specialized circuitry that deliver a superior dynamic range and precise sound reproduction. It stands apart from both the Australis and Borealis lines by offering broader connectivity options and enhanced technical features, making it ideal for larger rooms and complex system setups.
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Used
Aurorus Audio
What if you spend more?
Product Strengths
- Excellent resolution and detail retrieval, making it a clear step up from mid-fi headphones
- Wide and open soundstage with nuanced imaging, as well as excellent instrument separation
- Comfortable design, with well-distributed weight, large earcups, and comfortable earpads
- The Arya Organic is easier to drive than previous Arya versions and sounds better with various equipment, responding well to a decent system
- Balanced and neutral sound signature, though some find the treble slightly bright
Product Considerations
- Noted to lack dynamic weight and bass slam, which might disappoint bass enthusiasts
- Treble response can be fatiguing depending on the music and is somewhat peaky
- The 5kHz hump stretches vocals and make them timbrally thin at times
- Some reviewers express concern about the delicacy of the headphones and caution against dropping them
- The open-back design makes them unsuitable for noisy environments or situations where sound leakage is a concern
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Arya is sharper, clearer, and better resolved than the HiFiMan Ananda, with a more open soundstage, but the Ananda has more bass grunt
- Both have large soundstages and effortless resolution, but the Arya has a more excited tuning while the Sennheiser HD800S is smoother
- The Arya has a larger soundstage, but the Focal Clear has better punch and slam
Takeaway: The HiFiMan Arya is a technically impressive headphone that provides excellent sound clarity, a wide soundstage, and a comfortable listening experience. If you appreciate a neutral sound with great detail and aren't looking for heavy bass, the Arya could be a good choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Stunning aesthetics and high-quality craftsmanship with various wood options and grill designs available
- Creates a wonderful sense of space with a great spherical soundstage and natural depth
- Has an amazing ability to be both smooth and detailed at the same time
- Provides a deep reaching and encompassing bass sound with a punchy and impactful profile
- Natural and lifelike tonal quality with vibrant midrange and textured vocals
Product Considerations
- Not ideal for those seeking maximum detail retrieval or a reference-level sound
- May not be the best choice for music that relies heavily on aggressive, distorted electric guitars due to potential mid-range harshness
- Bass extension may not reach as deep as some planar headphones
- The stock cable has shape memory, and some may prefer aftermarket options
- It's a heavier headphone, so comfort may be a concern for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs ZMF Verite: The Atrium sits alongside it, and is a significant step above the Auteur, in the sense that it is competing absolutely with the Verite, whereas the Auteur doesn't quite reach the heights of the Verite
- Vs Sennheiser HD650: The Atrium overall tuning is very reminiscent of the Sennheiser HD 650, where it is still fairly neutral, but it tends towards a little bit of warmth
- Vs HIFIMAN HE1000 V2: The HE1000 V2 has a bigger soundstage, but the imaging and the separation handle spatial reproduction much better than the Atrium does
Takeaway: The ZMF Atrium offers a beautiful design and a unique sound signature that combines smoothness and detail, making it a very enjoyable listening experience across many genres. Its ability to create a lifelike and engaging soundstage makes it a worthwhile option for those looking for something special.
Video review
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- The Peacock uses long-lasting, high-quality materials in its construction, with minimal plastic, and has a handmade feel
- Comfortable to wear for long listening sessions due to its soft leather headband, memory foam earpads, and suspension strap system
- Good left-to-right soundstage and spatial qualities, with precise imaging
- Natural sound, focusing on the bass and midrange regions
- Easy to drive and has high sensitivity (103 dB per milliwatt), meaning it sounds good even with ordinary headphone jacks
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers describe the treble as metallic and unnatural, with an unwanted ringing or resonance that can be fatiguing
- Soundstage depth and imaging are not as impressive as its width, creating a 'tunnel-like vision' or 'b-dimensional' sound
- Detail retrieval and transparency are lacking compared to other headphones in its price range
- Heavy (578-580g), which may be a challenge for some listeners
- Aesthetics may not appeal to everyone due to mismatched design elements, resulting in a lack of cohesion in its appearance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audeze LCD-X: Has a wider soundstage, but the LCD-X is more resolving, detailed, and technically proficient
- Vs HIFIMAN Arya Stealth: Has more impactful bass and a fuller midrange, while the Arya has clearer treble and greater detail retrieval
- Vs Audeze LCD-2: Vocals are more emphasized and engaging, but the LCD-2 is clearer and more detailed
- Vs Focal Clear MG: The Clear MG's are warmer with more bass impact, more even and forward mids, and darker, less peaky treble
- Vs Sendy Audio Aiva: Offers better looks, build quality, comfort, clarity, transparency and more details compared to the Aiva
Takeaway: The Peacock is a stylish and comfortable headphone that offers a warm, smooth, and enjoyable listening experience, especially for those who prioritize musicality over technical precision. Its easy-to-drive nature and wide soundstage make it a good option for relaxed listening sessions.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to plush, soft earpads and a generously padded headband, although some found the clamping force substantial
- Delivers a natural, transparent, and detailed sound, a hallmark of electrostatic headphones
- Good bass response, with impact that is noticeably improved compared to the Sonoma M1
- Excellent instrument separation is highlighted, creating a sense of sounds floating around the listener's head
- The mids are a standout feature, with vocals presented right up front
Product Considerations
- The complete system (headphones and amplifier) is required because of the unique voltage requirements, it's not possible to mix-and-match components with other systems
- Some reviewers found the cable to be stiff and microphonic, although its unique character and design are a result of the system's electrostatic nature
- The volume control on the Sonoma M1 energizer/amp offers only stepped adjustments, making fine-tuning volume levels difficult for some users
- The power switch is located on the back of the Sonoma M1 amplifier, which is considered less convenient than a front placement
- The headphone still retains some excess clamping force
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sonoma M1: The Bravura offers enhanced SPL, more robust bass, and increased resolution compared to its predecessor, the Sonoma M1
- Vs Dan Clark Audio VOCE: The Bravura offers more impactful bass
- Vs HiFiMan Shangri-La Jr.: The Bravura offers a smoother sound
Takeaway: The Bravura headphone system is a great option for those who value detailed and natural sound, especially for genres like classical, jazz, and vocals. It offers a complete listening experience.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Uses premium materials like carbon fiber, metal, sheep lambskin earpads, and zebra wood faceplates for a luxurious feel, with excellent build quality
- Has a mostly neutral sound signature, with lambskin pads bass response is very good with a tasteful emphasis placed on the sub-bass region, and a decent midrange
- Provides good detail retrieval, resolution, and transparency of sound, the drivers can show plenty of information and micro detail
- A pad swapping system allows changes to sound characteristics, with lambskin pads and breathable fabric pads included
- Comes with a quarter-inch adapter and a 4-pin XLR adapter for use with portable or desktop devices
Product Considerations
- The stock cable is 3 meters long, which is too long for desktop use
- Headband adjustment can be a little stiff to move
- With leather pads, the highs can get slightly sharp
- There is a slight sharpness in the upper treble that might pose a problem for some listeners, using fabric pads can mitigate this
- Weight distribution could be better, there's not enough padding on the headband, and the clamp force is low, this distributes all the weight across the top of the head, which can be bothersome after 40-50 minutes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan Susvara: Has a similar driver structure
- Vs HiFiMan HE1000 Unveiled: Is close in terms of technical performance like resolution, transient response, soundstage, depth, and openness
- Vs HiFiMan Arya Stealth: Has a better build quality and bass response
Takeaway: The FiiO FT7 is a well-built, comfortable headphone that offers a neutral-leaning-warm sound that can be tailored with different earpads. The FT7 competes with other headphones that cost significantly more, making it a great pick at its price point.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent stereo separation for mixing and monitoring
- Built with aluminum, it has a durable feel
- Designed for reference listening
- Clean, linear, and very detailed mids
Product Considerations
- Sound can be considered somewhat restrained, lacking upper midrange and low to HF 'hype'
- Cloth ear pads may not feel as soft or luxurious as velour pads on some other headphones
- Lacks impact and bite
- Headband padding is uncomfortable
- Single-entry cable is on the right side, which is an unusual placement
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sennheiser HD650: Differences come down to something similar to a full-range studio monitor versus a full-range hifi speaker of equal build quality and similar design, Sennheisers are geared more towards enjoying the brain-pleasing sounds of music, while you probably want to mix with the Neumanns
- Vs Sennheiser HD600/650: The HD600 and HD650 are more comfortable, with a better industrial design than the NDH-30
Takeaway: The Neumann NDH 30 is a tool that can be very helpful for mixing sessions, especially for identifying details in the mid-range of a mix. Its design and build quality also make it a lasting product.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Wraith features an all-metal alloy body that feels sturdy and durable
- The earcups feature a rotating mechanism, making it convenient to rest the headphones around the neck
- The design is considered stylish, industrial, and unique
- The suspension headband design distributes weight evenly, making it comfortable to wear for long listening sessions
Product Considerations
- The Wraith's headband adjustment system is not very practical and requires a screwdriver to adjust
- Stock pads may not create the best seal, impacting sound isolation
- The soundstage is intimate, and the resolution is average
- The 2.5mm connectors on the earcups might limit replacement cable options
- Sub-bass can roll off with stock pads
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan Edition XS: The Edition XS has better resolution, clarity, and sub-bass response out of the box, but the Wraith has superior build quality, materials, robustness, and comfort
- Vs Sendy Audio Aiva: The Wraith and Aiva share a similar bass roll-off
- Vs Moondrop Venus: The Moondrop Venus costs slightly more and provides a wider soundstage and more refined sound
Takeaway: The ThieAudio Wraith has excellent build quality and a unique design, making them durable and comfortable for many users. The sound is warm and laid-back, making them suitable for casual listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Specially shaped magnets allow sound waves to pass through without interference, minimizing diffraction and distortion for a cleaner, more accurate soundstage.
A precisely engineered grille reduces reflections and refractions, enhancing openness, imaging precision, and overall acoustic purity.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very comfortable, even for extended listening sessions, due to a suspension strap design and large earcups.
- Soundstage is large and open, creating a concert-like experience with sounds coming from a distance and feeling like a three-dimensional experience.
- Deliver detailed and transparent sound, making it possible to hear all the nuances in music.
- Easy to drive with high sensitivity, though still benefit from a dedicated amplifier.
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers find the bass lacking in punch, preferring a more pronounced bass response.
- Treble might sound a touch bright and fatiguing, depending on the music and amplification.
- Build quality isn't mind-blowing for the price; made of plastic and metal, not always appropriate for long-term durability.
- Stock cable isn't the most wonderful, a little bit stiff.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audeze LCD-X 2020: Arya Stealth has better resolution and soundstage, but the LCD-X has a more visceral bass and organic sound.
- Vs HiFiMan Ananda: Arya Stealth is better, with more bass, crisper resolution, and a bigger soundstage; everything is sharper, clearer, better resolved, and more refined.
- Vs Sennheiser HD800S: Arya has a slightly V-shaped profile, while the HD800S is smoother with a more neutral tuning; both trade blows equally regarding soundstage, imaging, and resolution.
- Vs HiFiMan Sundara: Arya Stealth has deeper bass response and cleaner sound, while Sundara is warmer and more mid-centric, with darker treble.
- Vs Sendy Audio Peacock: Arya has clearer, more transparent, and more detailed treble, but Peacock's bass is heavier and more impactful, its midrange is fuller and smoother.
- Vs HiFiMan Edition XS: Arya Stealth is more comfortable and feels better built, but both have a similar sound, with the Edition XS having a slightly punchier bass.
Takeaway: The Arya Stealth Magnets are great for listeners looking for exceptional imaging, transparency, and clarity in their music, offering a high-end sound experience with a spacious soundstage. These headphones are a good option for audiophiles who want a detailed and engaging listening experience.
Video review
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