Planar magnetic headphones was once the form of factor you’d spend $500 or extra to get into. The HIFIMAN Ananda modified that dialog when it launched, and at $249, it strikes that dialog additional nonetheless. That’s $150 off its $399 checklist value for a full-size open-back planar magnetic headphone that competes with choices costing significantly extra, and it’s the deal I’d level any severe listener towards proper now.
What you’re getting
The motive force know-how is what units the Ananda aside at this value. Planar magnetic drivers use a skinny membrane suspended between magnetic arrays to provide sound, which ends up in decrease distortion, sooner transient response, and a extra detailed presentation than typical dynamic drivers usually supply at this value level. HIFIMAN’s Stealth Magnet design takes that additional by shaping the magnets to cut back acoustic interference, giving the sound a cleaner, extra open high quality than earlier planar designs.
The presentation is broad and ethereal in the way in which that solely open-back headphones ship, with imaging exact sufficient to position devices and vocals in a convincing three-dimensional area. The low finish is managed quite than exaggerated, the midrange is detailed with out being fatiguing, and the excessive frequencies lengthen naturally with out the brightness that plagues some rivals on this bracket.
The earpads are generously sized and cozy sufficient for prolonged listening classes, which issues greater than it might sound for a headphone you’ll need to spend hours with. The removable cable retains issues sensible for dwelling and studio use, and the construct is gentle sufficient that the over-ear match by no means turns into a burden.
Why it’s price it
At $399, the Ananda was already one of many higher worth propositions in planar magnetic audio. At $249, it’s in a unique dialog fully. The Audeze LCD-1 and Monoprice Monolith M1570 occupy comparable territory, however neither delivers the mixture of Stealth Magnet refinement, open soundstage, and construct consolation that the Ananda brings at this value. For anybody already working an honest amp or DAC setup, that is an improve that will probably be instantly noticeable.
The underside line
The HIFIMAN Ananda at $249 is likely one of the extra persuasive audiophile headphone offers obtainable proper now. The planar magnetic drivers, Stealth Magnet know-how, and open-back soundstage add as much as a listening expertise that has no enterprise being this inexpensive, and the $150 low cost makes it a straightforward suggestion for anybody prepared to listen to what severe headphone audio truly appears like.
