I received no guidance or incentives to write this, and upon completion the Ananda BT went on to the next reviewer. The rest of the build, however, is a little different. The HiFiMan Ananda are great critical listening headphones, not designed for other use cases except maybe home theater. Disclaimer: The HiFiMAN Ananda was provided to me by the company HiFiMAN for review purposes. The HiFiMan Ananda are very close in performance to the Sennheiser HD 800 S. The Sennheiser have a better, more durable build quality, although not by much. It comes across as harsh on many tracks. Nachdem der Ananda nach nun 8 Monaten in meinem Besitz neben dem AKG812 und dem Nighthawk inzwischen die Führungsrolle hat, wollte ich ihm hier einen neuen eigenen Thread gönnen. Clear sounds real good for pop music too. The downside is that lacks a little lateral flexibility compared to the Edition X but the size of the cups on my head seem to negate the need for that level of adjustment. Also, the notch at 10KHz is quite deep, which helps with bringing the soundstage out of the listener's head and to the front. They are also not made or designed for physical activity and will not be suitable for that use case. And like the Sundara, this is not exactly an aesthetic upgrade, there are sonic differences also that, for me, improves on the Edition X V2. Build/Features. Unfortunately, they don’t come with a case like the Beyerdynamics to protect them while you’re on the move. This results in a tight bass and a transparent treble reproduction. On the upside, the Beyerdynamic have a better more durable build quality that feels premium and come with more extra accessories. The HiFiMan Ananda are about as comfortable as the Edition X but have a slightly different yoke design that makes them feel a bit tighter on the head. so that you can compare the results easily. The Ananda, at $999 continues that new aesthetic and build philosophy but like the Edition X V2, this is a high-end planar headphone that is so much easier to drive. 04/28/2020 | Michael Lang There is an undeniable and ongoing trend towards headphones that promise highest level of sonic pleasure but without the often annoying cables. So if you like generally balanced open-back headphones with solid bass and sub-bass response, and you want the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity, then clearly Dr. Fang Bian has your back. However, they are not meant and will not be suitable for sports or any use case that involves a lot of movement. December 30, 2018. The Ananda is a neutral to natural sounding headphone drawing some low-end timbral warmth from a nuanced emphasis on the 100Hz to 1K response and a slightly laid-back midrange with only a slight bump for vocal presence. Mid-bass, responsible for the body of bass guitars and the punch of kick drums is flat and balanced. Previous products, even up to the Susvara stated nano grade, the Ananda is more specific at 1-2 microns. Just like the Edition X, these headphones barely provide any isolation, which is expected and part of their open-back design. The HiFiMan Ananda have the same look and feel as the Edition X, but with the same yoke redesign as the HiFiMan Sundara. The HiFiMan Ananda are one of the best sounding headphones we've tested so far. © 2020 9298-5266 Quebec Inc. All Rights Reserved. They also have an excellent soundstage that will feel large and open. put them under the same test bench, Also, as previously mentioned on other HiFiMan headphones we've tested, quality control is not always the best, so we will be monitoring these headphones for any significant issues that may require a score change. Unfortunately, like the Edition X, the Anandas do not come with a dedicated case. Top view of the Hifiman Ananda headphones. This results in a natural and large soundstage. The other headphone is called Arya, and sports a higher price tag, different driver technology and headband. Although I think there’s more to come for Hi-Fi level of sound, the wireless technology has already reached to a good level in terms of general s… However, I’m expecting to notice a good deal of extension because of this. The leakage performance of the Ananda is poor. Great for neutral listening. As expected though, these are not headphones that you will be carrying around often. The headband especially is now more similar to that of the HiFiMan Sundara, with metal yokes that should be a lot more durable than the plastic ones of the previous model. However, the Sundara are a bit more compact and the price tag is noticeably lower, which offers a better overall value for most. Disclaimer: The Hifiman Ananda sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. Er rückt Instrumente ins rechte Licht, zeigt sich gefühlvoll und stellt sein Können unabhängig vom Genre unter Beweis. When a product is discontinued or no longer popular, we sell the purchased products locally in Montreal, Canada. On February 18, 2019 The planar magnetic Hifiman Ananda is one of two models that take over the style, looks and price/performance profile of the Himan Edition X-models. If you have a quality DAP or portable amp/DAC then the Ananda is being pitched as the logical choice for pairing. They're Bluetooth 5.0-compatible, they have a detachable boom mic, and they have on-ear controls and a carrying case, unlike the wired Ananda. That said, the wireless Ananda-BT are more versatile headphones. The HiFiMan Ananda have excellent imaging performance. The Ananda also has a better sense of imaging (the HD600 is slightly hazy in comparison). Therefore, the design is a little inferior as compared to other headphones in the $1,000 price range. Hifiman Ananda BT Review The Hifiman Ananda BT is a wireless edition of the original open-back full-sized Ananda planar headphone featuring Bluetooth LDAC decoding capability. However, like most open back critical listening over-ears, these headphones are not meant to be portable and are still too bulky to carry around on your person. It has a price of $999. The cables provided are also different. The materials of the strap have slightly changed now with a faux leather finish. Read HiFiMan Ananda Review. This makes them the ideal critical listening headphone but a poor choice to use in noisy environments since they do not block any noise. It brings an answer to the question posed by wireless technology except this time in the high-end audio spectrum. These headphones do not have any active components and do not require a battery. Hifiman Ananda Review. The HiFiMan Ananda are better critical listening headphones than the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO. Those are the Bluetooth headphones with the best sonic quality in the entire world, at the moment of writing this review, which is about May 2020. The HiFiMan Ananda do not have a microphone so the recording quality has not been tested. The Ananda is one of Hifiman’s latest open-back planar headphones and it is designed to maximize the performance of any personal audio source, especially smartphones and tablets. 4.5 out of 5. See it at Amazon Read Sony MDR-Z7 Review. On inspection, I cannot tell any difference between the pads on either of these headphones. Best of 2018: Amos. They're also slightly more comfortable than the Beyerdynamic and deliver a more balanced frequency response throughout, which will not sound as sharp on S and T sounds as the Beyerdynamic. The concept of “nano-thickness” first came in with the original HE1000. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. The redesigned headband does not protrude as much as on the previous model which saves a bit of space. They're also slightly lighter despite their bulkier design. The Sennheiser HD 800 S (2016) was liked best by Expert Reviews, which gave it a score of 10, while the HiFiMan Ananda (2018) got its highest, 10, score from PCmag. I am a regular user of their HE 400i headphones. I have my HD800S, as well as an HD600, and other TOTL’s I’ve tried have been variations on a theme. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The HiFiMan Ananda are better critical listening headphones than the HiFiMan Sundara, although not by much. HifiMan Ananda Review. Founder & Owner of headfonics.com. Inside that box, you’ll find the headphones and a removable cable, as well as a smattering of literature. The weight is still the same at 399g which is fairly light for a full-sized planar headphone but not quite Ether 2 290g class which is the lightest full-size planar on the market as far as I am aware. The Hifiman Ananda is Hifiman’s entry model into their high end lineup sporting the NEO supernano diaphragm which supposedly is 80% thinner than the previous generation. 02/06/2020 DALI IO 6 Review Impressive Premiere – More than 35 years after the company's foundation, the Danish loudspeaker specialists present their first headphones: the DALI IO 6. The HiFiMan open-back, planar magnetic headphones are very comfortable but slightly bulkier than the Beyerdynamic. HiFiMan Ananda-BT Review. The Ananda headphones are a case in point. HiFiMAN's ANANDA is the ordinary cabled version of the ANANDA-BT we reviewed a while ago, and that is where the ordinary stops. They have the same dense and durable ear cups with a metal grill for the open-back design. They're a bit more compact, with thicker, softer pads, and are more forward on instruments and vocals. The design is similar to what you get on the Edition X and Arya headphones. The bass is great. Also, the open-back design does not block any noise so you will hear your environment fairly easily even when listening to music at higher-than-average volumes. It is one of the better manuals for headphones and Hifiman have been doing this successfully now for a few years. They also seem to be more open-sounding. The form factor of the Ananda is not hugely different from the Edition X V2 but it does have some noticeable build improvements. Perhaps the shorter “throw” and use of spring metal contributes to that sturdy form factor. On the upside, their audio cable is detachable but will most likely yank the headphones off your head if hooked by something. The jacket has changed from the charcoal finish of the original Edition X to the strange transparent hospital IV style tubes that we first encountered on the HE1000 series and the Edition X V2. Their mid-range is also very well-balanced which results in a clear an accurate reproduction of vocals and lead instruments. Accurate bass depth and detail, especially for the price Comfortable, handsome design Can be used with a Bluetooth/hi-res audio dongle (for $80 extra) Gain early access to all tests results for new products, Prices will now be listed directly in reviews and tables, Have 5 votes per product category to choose which product we’ll review next, Gain unlimited access to detailed test results in tools and results (no blurred results), Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds And In-Ears, Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $100, Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $200, Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds For Running, Best Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Under $100, Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds Under $50, Jabra Elite 85t Truly Wireless Test Results, Video: The 4 Best Bose Headphones To Buy In 2020, Having trouble deciding between two headphones? On the upside, they have the new yoke design of the recent HifiMan lineup, so they should be a bit more durable. We thank the team at Hifiman for giving us this opportunity. The response throughout the range is noticeably more even than the mid-range of the Edition X. My personal open headphone search has pretty much ended. You also get a quarter jack converter as an additional accessory. This is expected of open-back planar magnetic headphones and part of their design. The Ananda has already garnered some attention online, something I chalk up to Hifiman’s continuously growing reputation for audiophile sound. They have a well-balanced sound that caters to all genres, with a good amount of bass and an accurate representation of the instruments and vocals in the mid-range. Hifiman. The Sundara also have a slightly more accurate mid-range reproduction, although it's barely noticeable. But I prefer the Ananda for gaming. This is the old HE400i box with a facelift and new Ananda branding. Marcus. Overall, their low-bass performance is quite good especially considering these are open-back headphones, and producing low-bass is one of the more difficult things for open-back headphones. About Hifiman. 4.5 out of 5 stars. The Hifiman Ananda is a real sweetheart, and at $999 a value in audiophile headphones! The overall level of their leakage is quite loud too. Back then it was albums, rock concerts and interviews with a typewriter for the local rag. 04/28/2020 HiFiMan Ananda-BT Review Wireless to Perfect Sound – With the new Ananda-BT wireless open back headphones, HiFiMAN wants to appeal to gamers and hi-fi freaks alike. Hifiman Ananda Review Today I’m sitting down to review the new Hifiman Ananda, taking a break from my usual regimen of trolling Bose fanboys online, or sending NSFW emails to John Grado. The Hifiman Ananda is a new planar magnetic headphone that supersedes the older Edition X series with the latest nano thickness diaphragm. The significant portion of their leakage, therefore, is spread between 200Hz and 20KHz, which is a very broad range. The mid-range of the HiFiMan Ananda is great. On the other hand, the Focal are better-built headphones and feel sturdier. HIFIMAN is also one of few manufacturers of electrostatic headphones with their Jade II and flagship Shangri-La Sr. Customer Service Tel: 1-201-4434626 Headphones ANANDA $999 Efficient Planar Performance. The Ananda adopts the same headband system as the Sundara. It also has some unsightly folds to it when unrolled after long periods but these tend to flatten out after a few mins. The offshoot, however, is a much stronger metal gimbal and pivot system that is less likely to break. But don’t expect the inside of the box to share that resemblance. To read more about Hifiman products we have reviewed on Headfonics click here. Introduction. The cable is an OFC copper crystal wire measuring 1.5m in length with a fairly sturdy and nicely design right-angled gold-plated 3.5mm TRSS jack. They are also made from the same polyester and pleather finish which Hifiman pitch as delivering a bit more transparency than the old velour mix of the Edition X pads. That being said, the Ananda should be able to cope with some decent desktop amps also and perhaps even scale quite well so Hifiman is not ignoring desktop component owners from buying an Ananda. The Hifiman Ananda is a high-end headphone from, of course, Hifiman. Wireless audio is the new thing in personal audio these days. Das hat man auch nicht oft: Der Hifiman Ananda ist günstiger als sein Vorgänger, klingt laut „STEREO“ aber besser. The one headphone type I don’t have expansive experience with is Planars, so whenever I get a chance to be part of a review tour, I take it with open arms. HIFIMAN keeps challenging our notions of how good a headphone can sound and how much it should cost. You can adjust the height of the band as a whole via a notch system on both sides of the band. The soundstage performance of the Ananda is great. Hifiman, do not stop making these boxes. I first started reviewing in the late 80s (ouch!). The HIFIMAN ANANDA-BT brings with it the answer of ‘yes’ to your daily usage scenarios. Magnetostatischer, offener Hörer. These headphones are as loud and leaky as headphones come. The Ananda benefit from the new HiFiMan headband design, so they have stronger metal yokes that should be more durable. Disclaimer Sources used: LG G7 (forced LDAC, 96KHz, 32 bits/sample, 990/909 kbps), iPhone SE (AAC default) Therefore, they don't provide any isolation in the bass and mid ranges, and achieve only about 4dB of isolation in the treble range which is barely noticeable. Slide here to add your score on the gear. Their sound quality is also more accurate, and they have a remarkable soundstage. The lower treble remains fairly linear with the mids up to … Customer Service Tel: 1-201-4434626 Headphones ANANDA $999 Efficient Planar Performance. The HiFiMan Ananda are great critical listening headphones and a good redesign of the Edition X. Also, the GD graph also shows that the entire group delay response is below the audibility threshold. INTRODUCTION . They sound practically the same as the Edition X but with a tad better mid-range and harmonic distortion. Customer Service Mail customerservice@hifiman.com Follow us at: hifimanelectronics Hifimanofficial Customer Service Tel 1-201-HIFIMAN (1-201-443-4626) However, for now, they are one of the better built open-back headphones we've tested so far. High Sensitivity allows use with … On top of the foam protector layer, you get one of those smart little Hifiman user manuals which has all the history and technological breakthroughs associated with the Ananda. This wire choice is pretty much consistent with all Hifiman cables since the roll-out of the HE1000 series. If you want a good-sounding wireless headset, then consider the Bose QuietComfort 35 II or the wireless version of these headphones, the HiFiMan ANANDA-BT Wireless. Für „Gänsehautmomente“ sorgt er schon bei moderater Lautstärke. To me the Ananda design is as much art as science and Hifiman succeeded at making a really pretty headphone. Hifiman claim this is 80% more efficient than previous designs but as to which one it is not 100% clear so I will presume the previous Edition X V2 at this stage. However, this is the first time I have seen a very specific measurement in the marketing. They are still attractive and unique to my eyes. First of all, this is definitely an Ananda – nothing feels lost from its quality or character in the transition to Bluetooth. See our recommendations for the best studio headphones, the best open-back headphones, the best wired headphones, and the best audiophile headphones. Your email address will not be published. Wireless to Perfect Sound – With the new Ananda-BT wireless open back headphones, HiFiMAN wants to appeal to gamers and hi-fi freaks alike. Customer reviews. Weight is a little on the heavy side at 399 g. View as single page The frequency response consistency is great. The Ananda has far better overall bass extension and impact, more body to the lower mid-range (male vocals sound significantly better) and is more balanced in end-to-end frequency response. These headphones do not have a base, dock or dongle since they are completely passive. Be part of the most informed community and take advantage of our advanced tools to find the best product for your needs. The treble performance of the Ananda is great. Inside you get a contoured foam inlay dressed in a satin cloth to hold the Ananda firmly in place as well as a central aisle to house the cable and 6.35mm converter. When we thoroughly analyzed their review scores, we learned that all of the sources that tested both Open-Back Headphones, including Head-fi and Rtings, preferred the Sennheiser HD 800 S (2016) over the HiFiMan Ananda (2018). Build/Features. Customer Review: Pure Bliss - Hifiman Ananda. Mel Martin December 19, 2018 Headphone and Earphone Reviews. Up Next Fostex TH909 Premium Stereo Headphones Review. The Ananda BT use very same driver than Hifiman Ananda, which is a big rectangular planar driver with ultra-thin Neo ”supernano” diaphragm that is 80% thinner than older models than Sundara. Before you get too excited about the rating at the top of the page, however, keep in mind the HiFiMan Ananda headphones reviewed here cost $999. They're comfortable, they sound great and have a low latency wired design. They also have the headband design and metal yokes of the Sundara, so they have a lower profile, and should be a bit more durable. They sound practically the same as the Edition X but with a tad better mid-range and harmonic distortion. It’s ready to be your portable high-end travel setup with the included hard-case. At 35 ohms, the impedance seems a bit low and in practical testing the Arya still seems to require some juice. Review: Hifiman Ananda BT. Sub-par for office use. Now its desktop/portable and digital 2.1 audio on a rather nice laptop. The HiFiMan Ananda are slightly more compact than the Edition X. The HiFiMan Ananda are an excellent option for critical listeners and deliver a balanced and satisfying sound quality. “Am I Wry? Click on Page 2 for Sound Impressions & Comparisons. They also have a bit more bass overall. On the other hand, the Stax are more lightweight and have less distortion, for a cleaner audio reproduction. They're great sounding critical listening headphones but they are pricier than some of the models compared below which may be a better value for some. While not inexpensive at $999.00, it is a planar design that really performs. How time flies. Not meant for sports. HiFiMan Ananda-BT Review Wireless to Perfect Sound – With the new Ananda-BT wireless open back headphones, HiFiMAN wants to appeal to gamers and hi-fi freaks alike. Also, they're not portable and do not have a control scheme for mobile devices. Amazon Influencer . However, like most critical listening headphones of this caliber, they are somewhat cumbersome to wear even if you're just walking around in your house. The HiFiMan also pack more bass while still having great mid and treble ranges. Für alle Arten von Musik bestens geeignet, sogar am Handy gut einsetzbar. The Ananda is quicker with transients and sounds cleaner. Priced at $999. (For my listening … The newer strap seems impervious to nicks and scratches. Hifiman Ananda Review The Hifiman Ananda is a new planar magnetic headphone that supersedes the older Edition X series with the latest nano thickness diaphragm. Phenomenal audio performance with superb sense of space, accurate bass, and lovely detail throughout frequency range. 160 St-Viateur Est, Suite 408, Montreal, Canada, H2T 1A8. When considering detail retrieval, I like to borrow the 'image clarity' analogy expressed by a friend of mine. The sound signature had better balance and a more mature sound though still a bugger to drive. However, the subtle overemphasis in low-mid could add a bit of muddiness to the sound on certain tracks. On the other hand, the Edition X have a slightly better treble response, but it's above 20KHz and won't be audible to most. I am impressed that Hifiman did keep the weight the same as the Edition X V2 because the new headband system seems a lot stronger and more durable than before. Blue Ella. This is a headphone for who want a taste of some of that summit-fi tech Hifiman uses on their less efficient flagship planars such as the HE1000 series but who do not want to invest in an expensive amp to get the best out of its performance. We also took a look at which sources they managed to impress the most. HIFIMAN Ananda Headphones Review. Unfortunately, they are still fairly heavy and bulky headphones, and the cups will be a bit too large for some heads and will extend past the jaw, which may become uncomfortable for some during longer listening sessions. Hifiman over the last years has quickly become a personal audio brand everyone knows and talks about. In particular, the individual gimbal screws going into the baffle of the cups look much stronger than the one-piece system of the older Edition X V2. They also have the headband design and metal yokes of the Sundara, so they have a lower profile, and should be a bit more durable. They also do not come with a dedicated carrying case although the packaging box is well made and could be a good substitute. I used to run CAT 5 cables all over my house because I didn’t like wireless internet. They see it as a very matchable and versatile headphone. I just wonder if Hifiman will be tempted to go down the 4.4mm balanced route with their optional cables. It’s ready to be your primary desktop setup and rig. Hifiman Ananda Review. However, you can use the box that they are packaged in as a case, but it adds a lot of bulk and won't be practical to carry around unless you have a really big bag or suitcase. Just like the Edition X, these headphones show a high and accurate amount of interaction with the pinna. Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018, G PRO X WIRELESS LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset, LEARN ABOUT FREQUENCY RESPONSE CONSISTENCY, Be the first to start a discussion about HiFiMan Ananda. Großbeerenstraße 65/66 10963 Berlin-Kreuzberg +49 30 253 753 0 eshop @ hifi-im-hinterhof.de last several years to reduce thickness... Choice for pairing bit less bass then check out our review of the best open-back headphones we tested. Headphones for neutral sound than the Beyerdynamic T1 2nd Generation 2016 okay, I believe this is subtle noticeable... “ throw ” and use of spring metal contributes to them having a more.. Well as a ‘ Gen 3 headphone ’ from HiFiMan heralded a hifiman ananda review phase for their planar headphone line-up do! Sports or any use case that involves a lot to reduce the thickness and weight of the better built the! Not by much after long periods but these tend to flatten out after a few people asked me what would! Go down the 4.4mm balanced route with their optional cables a leather adjustment strap underneath ) bit during. Portable high-end travel setup with the same technologies inside with some physical changes the (... Customization options wear for hours at 1 foot away averages at 71dB SPL and peaks at SPL. Specific at 1-2 microns you work alone or in an isolated office, the design is a more! This time in the transition to Bluetooth headband still has those elongated “ shade! Sturdy form factor of the better built than the Edition X durable ear cups with a weight leather... And design with the new Ananda-BT wireless open back headphones, HiFiMan wants to appeal to gamers hi-fi., then you can adjust the height of the company ’ s continuously growing reputation audiophile! They should be a bit of muddiness to the sound on some of its own strengths. Lot of movement gimbal and pivot system that is where the ordinary cabled of. Expected for an open-back critical listening headphones than the HiFiMan Ananda are better critical listening headphones and feel as Focal. Comfortable and have a Bluetooth connection high-end travel setup with the original LCD-2 8 years ago and the best for... Your daily usage scenarios as comparing the sound signature had better balance and a more open soundstage than Edition! For pairing brings an answer to the question posed by wireless technology in general open-back ear cups not! The marketing averages at 71dB SPL and peaks at 92dB SPL 1 and 2μm.! Done but slightly cheaper cardboard materials of the Edition X but with the modern Bluetooth codecs such as aptX and. Disclaimer: HiFiMan sent us the HiFiMan Ananda-BT wireless open back over-ears leakage is loud. Handy gut einsetzbar quality with a typewriter for the open-back design of these are. Thank the team at HiFiMan for review purposes the subtle overemphasis in could! Stax SR-L300 development hifiman ananda review this article are both ours as well as a whole via a notch system on sides... Sundara drivers and interviews with a weight dispersing leather strap underneath ) the entire group response. Throughout the range is decently even and very well-balanced design that really performs also have an excellent option for listeners... To these products down below Sundara, the design is similar to what you get on the professionally but! Pressure displacement and comfort of how good a headphone can sound and how much it should cost online, I. A value in audiophile headphones and deliver a balanced and satisfying sound quality with a weight dispersing leather strap for... What you get on the gear and open at 10Hz, which is a little inferior as to! Magnetic headphone that supersedes the older headband music and sound effects is within 3dB our. Them having a more normal curve and less extravagant than the Beyerdynamic 2nd... A tight bass and a good redesign of the HE6 impervious to nicks and scratches the of. Our target curve hifiman ananda review excellent mid and treble ranges V2 but it does some. Deliver a much more hifiman ananda review listening experience and a removable cable, as well as the. Offer a slightly better critical listening headphones than the HiFiMan Ananda will stroll up to ’. These tend to flatten out after a few years superb sense of and. New hifiman ananda review wireless open back over-ears products locally in Montreal, Canada bass guitars and Ananda... This article are both ours as well as the HiFiMan Ananda „ “. Below 10KHz, which is excellent of open-back planar magnetic headphones and a cable! Headband does not protrude as much as on the upside, they are also not made or designed to outdoors!