HiFiMan Ananda

The HiFiMan Ananda are great for neutral sound and are some of the best sounding headphones we've tested. 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. They also have an excellent soundstage that will feel large and open. They're comfortable to wear for hours, although they're not quite as breathable as other open-back over-ears. They're a great choice for any neutral listener. If you don't mind a bit less bass, check out our review of the Stax SR-L300. They have a similar performance for neutral listening, and some may prefer their sound thanks to their Electrostatic drivers, although the slight lack of bass does mean they won't be ideal for all listeners and genres.

-- As reviewed by Rtings
HiFiMan Ananda 1

Product details

  • Acoustically Invisible Stealth Magnet: Unlike the sound waves created by a conventional magnet, the special shape of Stealth Magnets enables the waves to pass through the magnets without generating interference. HIFIMAN’s advanced magnet design is acoustically transparent, dramatically reducing wave diffraction turbulence that degrades the integrity of the sound waves. The reduced distortion yields pure sonic output that is accurate and full-range.
  • NEO “supernano” Diaphragm (NsD)- “Hear what you have been missing”: The all new NsD is 80% thinner than previous designs resulting in a faster more detailed response while retaining lush musicality never before possible. At between 1 to 2 microns thick, the NsD diaphragm sets all be standards.
  • High Sensitivity: High Sensitivity allows use with virtually any smartphone or portable audio device. Low distortion and amazing sound quality.
  • ★Window Shade Grill Design: Window Shade Grill Design greatly reduces sonic reflections for clearer sound;★Asymmetrical Ear Cups: Asymmetrical Ear Cups follows the natural shape of the human ear;★ Hybrid Headband Design: ANANDA has a carefully designed weight dispersing strap allowing the headband to afford outstanding levels of long-term comfort. The sleek and sumptuous matte black finish is combined with a metal construction for maximum durability;★ Making Connections ANANDA comes with our updated 3.5mm headphone connectors. This offers users the most robust headphone connector we have ever used giving both maximum survivability and enhanced longevity.
  • Efficient Planar Performance: ANANDA is the culmination of years of development, lightweight, ultra-fine planar drivers at their heart sing with unmatched agility and power sensitivity. Unparalleled Portable Audio Performance: ANANDA is the perfect companion for the portable devices, a sonic match made in heaven allowing you to experience sonic bliss wherever you may be.

PROS

+ Excellent audio reproduction.
+ A better headband than the HiFiMan Edition X.

CONS

- Poor isolation, by design.
- Bulky and cumbersome ear cups.

Expert reviews and ratings

By Rtings on August 31, 2018
The HiFiMan Ananda are great for neutral sound and are some of the best sounding headphones we've tested. 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. They also have an excellent soundstage that will feel large and open. They're comfortable to wear for hours, although they're not quite as breathable as other open-back over-ears. They're a great choice for any neutral listener. If you don't mind a bit less bass, check out our review of the Stax SR-L300. They have a similar performance for neutral listening, and some may prefer their sound thanks to their Electrostatic drivers, although the slight lack of bass does mean they won't be ideal for all listeners and genres.
84
By PCMag on July 02, 2018
The HiFiMan Ananda headphones deliver stunning audio performance, providing a superb sense of space and detail.
100