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Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions, so…
Before we get into the HiFiMan Ananda Review, grab a snack, sit back, and relax because…
I’m Here to Help!!
In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at what makes the Ananda a standout performer in the realm of headphones.
Whether you’re a dedicated audiophile or simply seeking exceptional sound quality, this discussion will provide valuable insights into the features and performance of the HiFiMAN Ananda, ensuring you’re well-prepared to make an informed choice in your pursuit of audio excellence.
HiFiMan Ananda
Price: Check Apos Audio! | Check Amazon!
Specifications
- Type: Planar Magnetic, Open Back.
- Fit: Circumaural.
- Frequency Response: 8Hz – 55kHz.
- Impedance: 25 Ohm.
- Sensitivity: 103dB/mW.
- Weight: 14.07 Oz. (399g).
- Cable Detachable: Yes.
- Cable Length: 1.5m
Build
The build of the Ananda is very impressive and modeled after the Sundara revision albeit with a more elongated shape – similar to the older Edition X and newer Ananda Nano, Arya Stealth & Arya Organic.
Both the Edition X and Arya sport an almost identical design, which is strange considering HIFIMAN basically went back to the O.G. build when constructing the Arya.
The headband yokes of the Ananda are now made of a more rugged material (I believe Metal), and overall the headphone feels a lot more durable in your hands.
Let’s look at the similarities and differences:
That’s not to say the Edition X had a bad build, but it’s not quite as robust as the Ananda or Arya.
The Ananda’s headband also feels nicer when you run your fingers over it as it’s a suede-ish material and seems less cheap overall.
The only issue I’ve had with Ananda is the 3.5mm terminations to the ear cups (sound cutting out), but this was a problem in 2019 and they’ve since rectified it.
In any event, the leather/velvet padding is excellent, and the Window Shade Grill apparently “reduces sonic reflections for a clearer sound” according to HIFIMAN.
I would say that statement is pretty accurate considering the actual sound quality, but we’ll get into specifics in a bit.
The only other difference is that the Ananda’s cups don’t rotate around horizontally like the Arya’s or Edition X’s, but they do still rotate up and down vertically.
This is the newer Ananda Nano.
I’m unsure why HIFIMAN decided on 2 separate designs for the Ananda and Arya variants, but they tend to make a lot of interesting decisions so take that for what it’s worth.
Comfort
For the most part, the Ananda is incredibly comfortable.
The headphones are light enough that they’re not going to dig into the top of your head, and the clamping force is just right on the sides.
My only issue is that the cups seem to want to dig into that bone/ridge area behind my ear.
This caused some minor fatigue but for the most part, it’s a headphone that you’ll put on your head and completely forget about.
A neat trick you can do is to push them forward so the backs of the ear cups are just touching the backs of your ears, and the tops are just touching the tops of your ear lobes.
Situating them in this way allows you to take advantage of HIFIMAN’s angled planar magnetic drivers.
- Related: What is a Planar Magnetic Driver?
This little hack opens up the Soundstage, gives the music more room to breathe/pulsate, and helps increase intimacy between you and the music.
You’ll start to feel like things are surrounding you rather than just being fed into your ear.
This phenomenon is something that HIFIMAN excels at, though some Audeze headphones do a pretty good job of it as well.
Speaking of the cups, they are tall, wide and mimic the shape of a human ear almost perfectly. Your ears will never touch the fabric covering the drivers, and there’s plenty of room inside. This also helps contribute to the open, immersive sound.
Other than that,
the headphones are a bit bulky, but they’re not too heavy and never feel overbearing on your melon. There’s a nice balance and they seem to rest very comfortably on your head.
Sound
- Playlist: Here!
- Source(s): Spotify, Tidal, PS4, FLAC.
Some folks will tell you that the Edition X and Ananda sound the same.
I would tend to disagree, to an extent.
It may be my imagination, but the Edition X seemed more laid back to me, and perhaps a bit warmer overall. The Edition XS also falls in a similar vein.
It has this smooth character to it and kind of reminds me of an HD650.
The Ananda seems fresher, crisper, and brisker – like that Lipton Lemonade Iced Tea that everyone used to drink back in the day.
You remember your business partner, Lipton Iced Tea drink, don’t you Brett?
That OG Vintage Brisk. 1997!! Image Credit: Worth Point
The best way to describe the Ananda is that it feels like you’re chewing Winterfresh gum while skiing down a mountain in January with an open Lipton Iced Tea in your hand.
It’s brisk, cool, open, airy, and sounds incredibly clear and crisp.
Let’s get into specifics.
Bass
The Ananda certainly delivers the goods in terms of the low end.
There’s a nice amount of bass, but it’s not overpowering.
In other words, the bass doesn’t roll off much in the sub-regions but it’s also not overemphasized in the bloat areas around 200-300 Hz.
Essentially, it’s a flat line and similar to a headphone in the Audeze LCD line.
In other words, perfect.
You’ll find yourself astonished at what these headphones are capable of in terms of articulation, texture, and being able to hone in on individual bass notes.
This starkly contrasts the incoherent wall of bloat/hum/mud that most cheap consumer headphones suffer from, and let me tell you right now, if you’ve never heard anything better than that, prepare to have your mind blown.
Because of the flat line, the bass also reaches down super deep and easily hits all those sub-bass notes, but anything below 40Hz generally isn’t audible.
Do keep in mind that there is some slight roll-off here (about 4-5db), but by and large, it still functions as a mostly flat-line bass would.
Put another way,
it still has some really nice impact and hits just hard enough to keep you satisfied and engaged without being overdone like your mom’s meatloaf.
Here I was measuring its frequency response via the miniDSP EARS.
And, because HIFIMAN tunes bass fairly flat, it means you can play around with the most relevant regions of the bass (60-90Hz) for some extra weight and impact if you so desire. In other words, their headphones typically respond very well to EQ and sound fantastic.
Mid-range
The mid-range is excellent and doesn’t get out of line at all.
In fact,
I believe this to be an almost perfect rendition of the mids.
There’s just the right amount of presence with regard to vocals and instruments, and I don’t find any part of the music fatiguing, overbearing, or irritating in the slightest.
There’s a rise around 3kHz, but it doesn’t ever get annoying or shouty like that of the HD600. It just sounds crisp and fresh like grocery store produce.
I would describe the Ananda like morning dew; frosty and refreshing.
Start your day right with a big bowl of Ananda! Part of this complete breakfast.
The gradual decline after 1kHz moving into 2k can be problematic, but it’s much less dulled over and subdued than any 400 series variant. In fact, you may not notice the dip at all. With 400 series headphones, it’s quite obvious and the cut is much sharper; in effect sounding sleepy, hazy, or somewhat overly warm at times.
The Ananda? It’s tuned incredibly well and in my opinion a bit better than 400 series models. There aren’t any jarring cuts or peaks, resonance, honk, or anything that would indicate an unnatural sound. This is a clear, well-defined, well-refined signature that presents itself articulately and accurately.
Treble
The treble on the Ananda has always been an area of minor concern, but the issue is just that; minor.
That is to say, it can come across as slightly essy/hissy at times, with a bit of extra sizzle around 8kHz, but it mostly stays in line.
As with the Arya, I’d classify it as bright-neutral, meaning it’s not overly peaky but also doesn’t lack sparkle or zest. This is most certainly a great thing and helps keep the headphones lively and engaging.
Still, at times, you’ll notice an ever so slight bit of hiss which your brain will likely become accustomed to over time.
Some songs will simply sound too bright, but I’d attribute that more to how the song was recorded, mixed, and mastered.
Well-recorded music is always going to sound sublime with an Ananda.
Overall Sound
The overall sound of the Ananda is exciting and lively.
With it, you’ll find yourself dissecting the song even though you may not have planned to do so.
Such was the case listening to Minus the Bear’s “Pachuca Sunrise.“
All sorts of minute details tend to emerge and jump out at you in the most pleasant of ways from some of the most unique angles, lending themselves to some amazing imagery and soundscapes.
I found some great detail coming from the back of the headphones and behind me, providing an excellent sense of depth and vastness.
This resulted in a very nice and open Soundstage.
Overall, the Ananda is an open, clear, and incredibly resolving sound with excellent timbre and fantastic overall tuning.
Imaging
Imaging on the Ananda is one of its greatest strengths.
In addition to a great Soundstage, you’re also treated with fantastic placement of sounds in the overall soundscape.
A lot of this depends on how the track was engineered, but generally speaking, the Ananda does a great job of placing instruments and voices in their proper place.
The music has a ton of room to breathe and express itself, with exemplary attack, sustain, decay, and release.
I was finding instruments and vocals fully and completely fleshed out.
You could hear them in their entirety, trailing off beautifully and revealing much about the artist’s true character.
The Timbre of the instruments is also incredibly natural. Imagine the unique tone of an instrument; how it sounds in real life vs. the way it sounds through headphone drivers.
The Ananda does an incredible job of mimicking this effect to an extent. No, it’s not quite like you’re in a live setting but it does a good job of replicating that effect on a smaller, more subtle scale.
In other words, for a split second or 2, it may seem like the music is coming from the outside rather than through the headphones.
Genre Pairing
The Ananda has an excellent bass response that’s neither rolled off nor boosted, a great mid-range for female vocals and instruments, a crispy treble for Rock and Metal, plenty of air and spacing for stuff like Jazz and Classical, and lots of slam and impact for Pop, Hip-Hop, and anything else with more of a focus on the low end.
In short, there’s nothing it won’t work for, rendering most genres with ease.
Amplification
At 25 Ohm Impedance and 103dB/mW of Sensitivity, the Ananda is very efficient and needs hardly any power at all to reach a good listening level.
You can plug this baby right into your phone and it will likely sound loud enough.
I used the demo model with a JDS Labs Element, which I found to be a great pairing.
If you fancy a go at an amp, I would choose something equally as efficient and sensible as the Ananda.
If you’re just starting and need something for your desktop, I’d probably go with an ATOM (pictured above) K11, K5 Pro, or K7.
For mobile users, a Go Link or BTR5 is perfectly fine.
Video Section
First Impressions (2018)
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Ananda Review (2019)
Video Shootout (2023)
Here I compare the big 4: The Arya, Ananda, Edition X, and Edition XS.
Don’t forget to leave me some love! <3
Final Verdict
Besides the minor discomfort behind my ear, and the connection issue (which has since been fixed), there’s nothing about this headphone that I don’t like.
It’s an all-purpose piece that can be used with your phone, an amp, your home system, your hi-res portable player or DAP, and anything in between.
Is this headphone overpriced?
At its initial asking price of around $1000, I thought it bordered on overpriced back in 2019 but still recommended it because of how much I fell in love with the sound. It was a great step up from mid-fi then and continues to be today.
The good news is that it’s dropped in price a couple of times over the years. For a while, it was around $700 but now can be had for a measly $360 (Price subject to change).
So do I still recommend it? You bet your buns.
Even so, it’s a bit tricky because now the Edition XS, a headphone that I recommended as the best overall value at around $500, has also come down to $269 (Subject to Change).
At this juncture, which you go with depends on whether you prefer a brighter treble (Ananda) or a more subdued one (XS). Outside of that, the Edition XS and Ananda are very similar headphones.
Learn More:
Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth Review.
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please leave them down below or Contact me!!
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What do you think about these bad boys? Worth the price? Too expensive? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
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HIFIMAN Ananda
Pros
- Almost perfect sound
- Excellent Bass Response
- Good Comfort Overall
- Great Build
- Great Soundstage
Cons
- Treble sometimes a tad harsh
- Cups dig into the backs of ears
44 comments
Hey Stu,
Great review! And it helped me make a final decision of getting my ananda which I received just a few days ago. Well, it took me some time to decide whether I should purchase Ananda given the fact that I have already owned HD650, DT 1990 pro, even a closed-back DIY piece.
I also completely agree with you that it is almost impossible to find another piece comparable to Ananda, especially at the current price range ($699).
Currently I am using dragonfly red and K5 pro to drive the Ananda. As you can tell, I opt for dac/amp combo rather than a classic desktop stack. My question is, from your expereince, for Hifiman Ananda do we have another portable dac/amp combo that can be named as an upgrade from Dragonfly Red? I am thinking about ifi micro idsd black label, but not 100% sure… Mojo can be a good candidate but the model is a bit old… Also, Ananda is very efficient so probably I can not hear any notable difference from these amps.
As another note, in a few days I will get SMSL m500 as my first desktop setup! I will keep you updated about how that matches Ananda (also HD650 and 1990 pro).
Look forward to hearing from you.
Chevy
Hey Chevy!
My pleasure! So glad to hear you’re enjoying the Ananda! How’s the cable on it by the way?
I don’t really see anything that I’ve listened to as a true “upgrade”, though maybe a Mojo would make the Ananda sound amazing. Haven’t tried the pairing, but the Mojo is personally my favorite sound out of an Amp/DAC.
Like you pointed out, the Ananda is super efficient and has a low impedance so I’ve been telling people not to go over board and purchase something super expensive because it’s likely overkill. I like your set up now actually! I have both the Red and K5 Pro and have been using them with the DEVA. 🙂
Black Label is overkill for the Ananda for sure.
How’s the SMSL? Keep me posted on your impressions!
-Stu
Hey Stu,
Many thanks for the reply. A few quick feedbacks also some personal thoughts:
1, I have seen some reviews claiming that many issues associated with Ananda were caused by the cable. So I bought a replacement one on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F9PZKFT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I would say that its (build) quality is much better compared to the original one. Regarding audiophile quality, frankly I did not notice much difference.
2, I also echo your thought on Ananda being a bit fatiguing because the ear tends to “dig into” the back of your ear. For me, it is the sound that digs into the back of my ear. And that makes the listening a bit fatiguing. Some old-school cans like HD650 or 598 will make you forget you are wearing a headphone.
3, DAC/AMP for Ananda.
My personal preference is SMSL M500> Dragonfly red> K5 Pro.
The very reason is that SMAL M500 is able to “decode” MQA (which is my primary audio source). Some reviews claim that DF red can only “render” (rather than decode) MQA. My personal understanding is that when dealing with MQA file, the “decoding” process might take some capacity inside the chip of DF red. That means, DF red has less capacity in fulfilling its DAC function.
Frankly the difference is just subtle, but I do note that the amount of details, instrument separation, also sound stage get improved (again the difference is subtle… It might just be my personal perception). Overall, the sound signatures of M500 and DF red are highly comparable. There are some differences between SMSL M500/DF red and K5 pro. But frankly the difference is so subtle that I am not sure whether it is just my illusion.
Also, based on my research M500 is the cheapest DAC/AMP (or just DAC) which is able to “decode” MQA. Another interesting fact is that, when comparing M500 with K5 pro, we can argue M500 has an outstanding DAC and an OK AMP; while K5 Pro has an OK DAC but has excellent power as an amp. For me, if I decide to get a separate AMP, I can always couple it with M500.
-Chevy
Hey man! My pleasure!
Great to hear about the Ananda. I’ve been talking with some folks and it seems like the issues have pretty much been rectified so that’s great news. Cheers on going ahead and replacing the cable. Probably saved you a lot of headache!
I agree about the Ananda. I’m finding the newer DEVA to be just about the most comfortable can I’ve ever worn, similar to the feeling of an HD600/650 like you point out. The only problem I have is it tends to slide a bit, but I’ll gladly take that trade-off considering I haven’t once had to adjust or take it off my head due to discomfort. And I’ve been demoing it for months now! Absolutely incredible.
Interesting about the SMSL. I will have to look into that one. Kind of getting burnt out on dacs though. XD
Great to hear from you! Stay in touch.
-Stu
Hello, I discovered you on YouTube trying to see headphone comparisons, I am Spanish and my English is not very good haha, so I translated them but sometimes I did not find out much. and now I have discovered your blog, it is being very useful to me and your language is very relevant.Thank you very much.
Right now after several weeks of buying an x2hr for about 92 dollars here in amazon Spain I have also received a dap fiio m11. Both systems are heard in great equipment, but I would like to have a more top headset in the future.
i have thought about the hd 660s, sundara, and ananda. i really want a real difference that says wow. and i think the hd660s and sundara may be similar to the x2hr? In case you recommend the ananda, is it worth it? Here on offer I can get it for about 600 dollars yours. I lose myself for my English again
Hey man! Thank you so much for stopping by! I think the Ananda is a great step up from an X2HR. The 660/6XX and Sundara are a bit differnet sounding than an X2HR as well. You may not think of it in terms of something “better” per se, but the presentation of sound is definitely more professional and neutral if that makes sense. The X2HR places more emphasis on bass, and to an extent treble, while the mid-range isn’t quite as good. The 600 series is more mid-range focused, while the Sundara gives you better low end clarity and slam while also sounding more relaxed in the treble. Sundara is a bit too laid back sounding at times, but the Ananda is crisp and lively.
I truly believe the Ananda is a great value for $600 and I would go for it!
Keep me posted with any other questions!!
Hey dude,
Cheers for the review. I’m in the market for a $500-$1000-ish (maybe a bit higher if warranted) range headphone and have been using Crinacle’s list to explore further. Much of what you’ve written on the Ananda I like, including lack of amp requirement. However, I do like a bit of sparkle in my treble and you were a little vague on your treble description. Could you elaborate? I probably won’t fork out for a second hand Utopia just yet…maybe down the road somewhere.
I have been more of an IEM guy to date and my fav ever is the ATH-CK10 (long discontinued) for it’s laser focused detail, speed, space, punchy bass (that doesn’t get in the way of the rest of the music), and a unique treble sparkle that seems to make it a bit of a unicorn in the world of IEMs (according to Head-Fi at least). So just wanted to drop that in there in case you have heard those and could see where I was coming from.
Cheers,
Sean.
Hey Sean!
Thanks for the heads up. I went back and edited the treble section for ya. Let me know if that clears it up. 🙂 The Ananda is my go-to for an upgrade above mid-fi, so you’re definitely in the right place. I think it’s the headphone to get in that price range of $500-1000. Let me know what you think!
Hello, can you tell me please. Hifiman edition xs is a big jump in sound quality, after akg k702?
I also use akg for many years, I want to buy something higher level. Read your post hifiman , and understood the price-quality hifiman edition xs.
Is it worth switching from akg to edition xs; ananda?
Hey man! It’s a jump, yes. A huge jump? I don’t know about huge, but the resolution, decay, and timbre are most certainly improved. Ananda is going to be a bit brighter and a tad essy. I like that the Edition XS is priced more affordable without the slight sibilance issue.
Thank you very much, Stuart.
I trust your opinion as I buy blind. And in general my likes are the same as yours.
Have you listened to the ananda v2 (stealth), has the hiss problem been solved on it?
Hey man you’re welcome! I think the model I was lent recently is the regular version.
Can you please tell me, in comparison Ananda is much easier to pump from the amp than the k702?
Thank you for your question!
Ananda is def going to be a bit easier to drive, but in doing an A/B comparison for you, I found that the discrepancy gap wasn’t nearly as big as I was anticipating. The K702 is certainly much more inefficient and has double the impedance and then some of the Ananda (62 Ohm vs. 25).
Theoretically, you can run an Ananda out of a phone, but I would almost never do the same with the 702.
In short, the K702 requires a bit more dial turning, but nothing too crazy. I used teh Universal Audio Volt 2 which I’m demoing, and with the Ananda, I reach comfortably loud levels at around 9, and with the K702 10-11.
Please understand that the K702 is in no way “power hungry” as has been parroted on the internet for years now. It’s a bit inefficient but def not hard to drive in my opinion.
Hope that helps! Let me know.
-Stu
Thanks for the reply.
Tomorrow I am receiving a package with ananda stealth, I will compare it with my akg k702. I will write my comparison here.
You’re welcome 🙂 Keep me posted! I’m listening to my K702 right now actually.
Comparing several hours of Akg k702 with Ananda Stealth showed that both Akg k702 are very good headphones, which in some refinement with perforated ear cushions and oyaide hpc-22w cable can look in the direction of decent sound. Ananda with ivipQ cable 1.5m(4.9Ft)-3.5mm
Akg k702 listening to source moden zishan dsd 4495 (slavalun) + takstar ha101
Ananda stealth listen to zishan dsd 4495 (slavalun), without an amplifier. Not required.
The sound character of both headphones is very similar, they certainly sound similar, both in stage and detail. In a direct comparison you can hear the difference in different accents, and k702 it is in the direction of high frequencies, ananda stealth in the direction of a more pleasant middle and more elaborated bass. But if you just sit and listen to one earphone blindly for 5 minutes you will not understand which earphone you are wearing.
Yes, Ananda sounds nicer, more professional and a bit more accurate and solid in everything.
In a few words, the akg kind of has all the same sounds, but as if with a little shudder, as if choked (a little overloaded). But it doesn’t sound overloaded, it’s a figurative comparison exactly when comparing headphones directly.
It’s the same with the native cables, but they sound more muddy, but softer. I, on the other hand, like more air and monitoring, which a change of cable gives.
Hey man, thank you for your impressions! Did you notice anything specific with regard to the mid-range?
I know exactly what you mean by that little shudder. Seems like the K702 isn’t quite as fast as far as transients go, but it’s subtle and I think a lot of it depends on the track. I say this because I recently put the 702 back on my apple head and fell in love all over again. It’s one of those “everything just sounds right” headphones but certainly it isn’t perfect.
I do think the Ananda outperforms but as I was listening, I couldn’t help but notice, again, how well the 702 portrays the entire soundscape. It truly does provide those missing puzzle pieces and the stuff in the backdrop that you may have never noticed before. The sounds that tend to be 2 doors back from the ones you hear in the forefront. Does this make sense? It’s those things that add an incredible amount of subtle detail and the resolution is so good – almost on par with a planar which I’ve discussed many times.
Love both headphones!
If I can recall the track I will mention it.
A few more words about the comparison of Ananda stealth with akg k702. I will compare on light music, jazz, classical without voice. Where there are cymbals, drum brushes, guitar, trumpet, saxophone.
As for the treble and the stage. The akg has them more clearly audible, so the stage seems a little wider. The akg has a more analytical and subtle sound, while the ananda is more dynamic, deep and soft in the middle. The bass, of course, is denser in the ananda.
Light genres sound equally good in both perceptions, I even like the Akg better because I like more analytical sound in light music than dynamic and soft. Watching movies and playing games in Akg will probably be more interesting than in Ananda.
If you take other genres where there is voice, drive (hip-hop, rock, etc.), the Ananda will be more comfortable in everything, they are more versatile headphones because they have balanced dynamics.
Male and female voice on the Ananda in general is a separate topic, a hackneyed one.
I also think that the Ananda has more versatility from different sources, amplifiers, DACs.
Yes! Yes! My thoughts exactly. The K702 is one of those headphones where you go “Man, everything is so delicate but articulate.” Very very subtle, which is what makes it so incredible with light jazz hits. You can basically hear everything in such fine detail that it’s just amazing to dissect songs and discover things you never knew about before.
The Ananda, to me, (and I think you’d agree) basically kind of takes this 702 sentiment and makes everything just sound livelier and a bit more exciting. I think if the Ananda were a person, it would be really upbeat and high on coke or something. xD You’re getting a more thumpy bass, but with some added sparkle and to me a bit of extra essiness/sibilance in the high regions – not enough to ruin the experience, but it’s definitely brighter to me than a 702.
I also agree that it’s a bit more dynamic and smooth. Transients on the Ananda tend to be a bit faster but I don’t think this is a knock on the 702 per se. It’s just a bit outclassed in that regard.
Mid-range is where I actually think the 702 is slightly better because it’s much flatter (and doesn’t roll off) but also adds that nice presence bump around 2-3kHz – in my mind just about the perfect amount. It’s not over the top like a Grado but also isn’t not enough like a K612.
About the highs and excessive sibilance in Ananda. I did not notice any problems, probably because I listen to the stealth version. Here they are very soft and comfortable to the ear.
In a week the perforated ear cushions for Ananda from AliExpress should come, they say that they still improve sound a little. I will definitely write about it.
Thank you for your feedback! I need to try the Stealth version of the Ananda, though I’d still probably recommend the more affordable XS at the end of the day. Keep me posted!
The other day I received perforated ear cushions from AliExpress for my ananda. I did not like the sound and quality, poorly glued, I had to fix one ear piece, but it was not as good as for the right ear.
The sound has changed for the worse, lost the bass and treble clarity, probably paralon is too soft, does not have the right elasticity. I will put back the original ear cushions. The purchase of perforated ear cushions for the Ananda was not worth it.
With akg k702 on the contrary, the perforated ear cushions from AliExpress sounded even better than those from Dekoni. But you need to find exactly the same ones as I have because there are now buyers of different quality, it has changed recently, you need to find past versions. If anyone needs any advice, write to me at kurenkov91@mail.ru.
All in all, I’m convinced buying ananda basically makes no sense if you listen to quiet genres, instrumental or jazz. The headphones sound very similar, but k702 in these genres sound even more interesting because of the slightly wider stage.
Thank you for your impressions man! Sorry it didn’t go well for you. I agree; changing out pads can be very volatile. Are you just going to stick with a 702?
For now, the main headphones will be Ananda, yet I like it better.
K702 will not sell, because I like them too.
Yee. Love it. I don’t think I’ll ever sell my HD600, K702, or 9500.
I’ve tried both, XS and Ananda Stealth, Ananda is so MUCH better for me, in every aspect
1. Bass, it’s more tight on Ananda with better punch, XS bass is overpowering and lazy (though it goes deeper)
2. Mid’s are slightly laid back on Ananda, but well controlled, with good balance and energy, on the other side, XS have awful mid’s because they are too V-shaped, high-mids are rolled-off, some vocal sounds bad and quiet\inexpressively, instruments haven’t enough energy
3. Highs. Slightly elevated on Ananda and shouty on XS, Ananda has no sibilance and XS has it with many tracks i’ve listened to, silver\metallic timbre is definitely there, while Ananda Stealth timbre is almost perfect
4. Imaging and scene, better on Ananda, wider, deeper, taller
5. Resolution, better with Ananda, not by much though
6. Comfort. Much better with Ananda (for my head)
7. Price, i’ve bought them from Chinese market, XS are about 400-420 bucks there, and Ananda is about 450. So i see no reason to go for XS . Sold out my XS on aftermarket
👍
After six months of experience with the Ananda, now I can clearly hear a big difference in sound with the k702. Ananda is noticeably better in everything, another level. Perhaps the warming up. Perhaps my brain adapted to its sound, now the k702 seems bright, with strong accents in the highs.
Nice! Are you noticing any treble bite on the Ananda? Which version do you have?
I have a hd 560s and bought it for less than 100€.
Now I could buy the Ananda for 330€ refurbished.
I am very happy with my current setup… its hard to make a decision, can sound even get any better?
I mean, the sennheiser is perfect.
Robin,
So glad you’re enjoying them! If you can get an Ananda for that price, I say go for it. You will love it and in my opinion, it will be an upgrade. I personally like the 560S and think it was tuned incredibly well, but I’ve never been a huge fan of 500 series headphones as they all end up being too dull for me over time. You may or may not ultimately feel this way. I guess time will tell. But the Ananda is an amazing headphone for sure.
Hope that helps. Keep me posted!!
Cheers,
-Stu
Hey Stu,
In regards to overall comfort on the Ananda Stealths, I’ve noticed something intriguing which contrasts with the clamping discomfort behind ones ear/jaw area. Though the Anandas in my case are fairly clampy, I don’t really experience the discomfort you’ve previously alluded to. In my case, I’ve encountered a notable hotspot/headband strap digging into my head after roughly an hour or so. Granted, it’s somewhat intermittent plus dependent on where the headband strap is situated on my head. I do have a fairly large noggin though I don’t think that’s the culprit LOL. From my perspective, the headband strap material being a vinyl type material which can be somewhat stiff probably is contributing to this on and off hotspot nuisance. Yes, it’s a nitpick on an otherwise great headphone. Though it’s also a bit of an oversight/corner cutting in that a more plush/less stiff headband material could have been used. I’m not certain if the nuisance I’m describing rears it’s head on the Arya models or the Edition XS (which shares a very similar headband to the HE400SE which I didn’t love or condemn). Anyway, I felt like posting some further notes on the Ananda Stealth that I’ve had for some time now. Plus, posting my incisive comments on another of your article postings LOL.
Kind Regards as always,
Jesse
Jesse,
That’s interesting! I have almost never experienced dig into the top of my head, but strangely enough, the jawbone/ridge thing also hasn’t been an issue for me lately. I will have to add a note in the article about that. I’m wondering if HIFIMAN changed something from the OG models. Of course, it still feels like you’re wearing a football helmet, but that’s neither here nor there LOL xD
I have a large head as well, but it’s more elongated haha. When I was younger I worked in the bakery at Wal-Mart for a couple of years. This girl who worked in the deli right next to me was super cool but kind of sassy. So of course we’d always tease each other in kind. One day I was busting on her and she goes “Charles (that’s my middle name) you better shut up with yo apple ass head” 🤣 LMAOO..
I also meant to ask you, the headband sliver thing on the Ananda/Sundara variants is different from the ones on the Arya models. I’m pretty sure the former is some sort of suede-ish material, but I’m not 100% sure of the others. It seems to be a of a smooth vinyl-ish plastic variety. I’m wondering if you know. It’s kind of a weird comparison, but the material kind of reminds me of a baby diaper (the glossy, smooth part). xD
As for the 400se/XS newer, THICCER headband padding, I feel like it doesn’t actually make a huge difference in comfort. Maybe it’s a slight improvement? It’s hard to say because I don’t find either type to dig much.
And it’s always great to hear from you man. Thank you for your support over the years. It means more than you know.
Talk soon!
-Stu
Well it goes to show that everyone’s experience can vary LOL. Like I mentioned, it’s not a constant nuisance regarding the headband strap digging into my head after a while. Though it’s annoying plus a reminder of how I’ve had to intermittently tinker with the fit etc. Going on how I mentioned I have a fairly large melon; I have to put the adjustment clicks (headband) near max and adjust the headphone to where the rear part of the headband strap (the spot where the hot spot is situated) sits on the back of my scalp. It’s a bit different than how I normally position headphones on my head. Though I haven’t demoed the Sundara or Ananda Nano, from what I know the headband strap material are probably very similar. The Arya and up (part of Hifiman’s egg shape design) likely differ in headband strap material (perhaps more cushioning and plush). Like I mentioned, it might have been a bit of a cost cutting measure using the vinyl type material or whatever the material is on the Ananda-Sundara line.
That’s interesting. I will have to play around with the fit and see if I can find a hot spot. In all honesty, I hardly ever notice them on my head. As far as cost cutting, it’s all the Ananda variants that use the more premium feeling suede (at least to me), while the more expensive Arya has the vinyl-ish material (that seems cheaper, but who knows). That’s why it confuses me, although the vinyl-ish baby diaper material (LOL) as you mention, has a bit more cushioning. I just personally think it feels kind of cheap and plastick-y. I hope that made sense xD
I find it most interesting to read impressions of the various version Hifiman produces. I’ve had a number of HP over the decades…enjoyed the early Audeze LCD-X I think but the weight gave me neck issues. Still have an ancient pair of Senn HD580 that are so light but quite uninspiring to listen. Most recently I compared the Edition XS and Ananda Stealth (V3). They are exceedingly similar and can sound nearly identical with EQ. In the end the Ananda Stealth fit me better both physically and sonically. At $269 USD for the Ananda Stealth V3 it’s an absolute crazy value. I’d like to try the Arya Stealth but at still $599 USD I just can’t figure it’s worth 2X.
Amps I use Qudelix 5K balanced for roaming about and it drives the V3 (purportedly 16ohm 93dB sensitivity) quite well. I’m awaiting the crazy value HF499 for stationary listening.
Brett,
Thank you for stopping by! I feel your pain. I already have some neck issues and Audeze headphones only exacerbate them. I don’t think I could ever own one but I do very much enjoy the sound. Arguably better resolution than HFM though it is admittedly pretty close.
I’ve always wondered about the original HD580. I thought about snagging a pair off of eBay but couldn’t quite pull the trigger. Based on what you said, perhaps that’s a good thing lol.
Yeah man, the Ananda Stealth (and XS) is going for peanuts these days xD I remember vividly in 2019 when the Ananda was around $1000. Crazy to think about and goes to show not everything suffers from inflation. Same with the OG Edition X. This is one of the things I truly love about HFM; they understand pricing and when to adjust. They can be very stubborn in some areas (glue issue on the pads and not manufacturing the correct ones Dekoni makes) but in terms of sound and overall value/price to performance, there aren’t many easier purchases.
Yeah, you’re right on the money there. Did you read my Arya Stealth and Arya Organic reviews? Both are very helpful for newer folks wondering if the jump in price is worth it. I never recommended the Arya Stealth at its original outrageous price of $1599 and still don’t think they’re worth it at $599 as you point out; although that price obviously makes more sense in terms of an “upgrade.” Also, you’re not missing out on anything with the Arya Stealth, so I wouldn’t worry too much.
But.. the Arya Organic is a bit more complicated since.. well you should read the review! Heh.
And did you mean the EF499? I have an EF600 and EF400 here but the EF400 here; both of which have issues. I just want to caution you about that beforehand.
Hope to chat again soon!
-Stu
Hi Stu, yep, I’ve read all your reviews for the mid-HIfiman HP. One note, your Nov 2024 updated review of the XS, Ananda and Arya comparison…not sure you have the most current V3 of the Ananda as the specs you list are for the V2. I had both current XS and Ananda for a few weeks to compare. They are so close I think it comes down to which fits one’s skull better. PEQ easily makes them indistinguishable. I strongly suspect they are the same drivers in each now. Both have a bit of a distorted sound to my ears…but it’s most likely my particular form of hearing damage and strongly depends on my energy level or lack thereof. Early in the AM the Ananda Stealths sound perfectly sublime and take me to all the places. Oh the polyester stock pads simply don’t work with eyeglasses…near constant squeak. Velour fixes it for me and only slightly changes the character…a touch darker which I prefer.
and yeah I meant EF499. If the EF499 doesn’t clearly beat the Qudelix 5K it will go back. The Q is more than acceptable particularly using LDAC. The ‘wireless’ freedom is valuable to me.
HP are a side gig for me as I prefer speakers and have painstakingly built a system over the past 4 years for my current residence.
Brett,
Thank you for pointing that out! I will go back and see what’s what. Did you find the XS a bit darker in the treble?
As far as your ears, I’m sorry that happened! I never thought I’d say this, but I also prefer speakers over headphones now every since I snagged a pair of Yamaha HS7s. This is coming from a guy who has been obsessed with headphones my whole life. Even though I’ve had monitors in the past, I just fell in love with the HS7 and find they’re easier to mix on but also sound incredible.
Is your system done? What kinds of stuff do you have?
-Stu
Yep, the XS to me was slightly darker/less energetic in the treble but it could also be the slight increase in bass weight. The Ananda SE is ever so slightly more ‘clear’ in its presentation but in the end it came down to the fit. The XS at its smallest setting was still too large and sat too low touching the tops of my ears!
In 2016 I moved into one of my former rental houses and completely updated it. In that process I had to find new speakers suitable to my space. After demoing in house ~15 standmounts I settled on ATC SCM11v2. A beautifully accurate but still enjoyable 2-way sealed. I have dual 12″ Rhythmic sealed subs driven high-level from PS Audio BHK 250 amp. Oh I recapped, new resisters and wire, inductors were fine, the xover in the ATC. Brought out just a touch more clarity and refinement but certainly wasn’t necessary. I run Roon server on a dedicated Windows 10 machine, which in turn feeds a dedicated HQP Embedded PC upsampling everything to DSD512. The audio flux the flows to a tiny SoC ‘endpoint’ via fiber for isolation, then USB to the magical HoloAudio May NOS DAC. Balanced to the BHK 250 amp. Oh, I also run a finely customized convolution file on the HQPe machine after measuring the response in-room…mostly controls the low frequency resonance as much as practical and present a wide but also focused stage with crossfeed. I do have some modest absorptive wall treatments disguised as printed art and a couple 6″ ‘bass traps’ under the seating.
I wish that ATC made an active speaker in a standmount size. It would drastically simplify and reap the benefits of dedicated amp per driver. I really like the ATC sound/tonal choices. There are more than a few sound engineers that agree.
Brett,
Agreed on the XS/Ananda comparison! And glad you’re enjoying the setup! Those ATC speakers cost a pretty penny lol.
A couple follow up thoughts:
Different often sounds ‘better’ but isn’t necessarily, particularly over time. Our brains normalize sound.
and I like to keep in mind that comparison is truly the thief of joy!
Yes! The normalization thing is something I talk so much about and glad you’re pointing it out.