The HiFiMan is a Chinese electronics brand including headphones, earphones, amplifiers, DAC, and portable audio players founded by Dr. Fang Bian in late 2005. They’re specialists in high-fidelity planar magnetic and electrostatic headphones.
HiFiMan has always been one of the most popular brands when it comes to high-end audio products with high-fidelity full-size over-ear design in both wired and wireless technology.
So if you’re looking to buy the best HiFiMan headphones to upgrade your audiophile system, then you’re in the right place to picking your ultimate audiophile headphones today.
In this definitive guide, you’ll find the Top 5 HiFiMan headphones review and comparison to pick your desired one you were looking for.
So let’s get started to find the best.
Best HiFiMan Headphones Reviewed
1. HiFiMan SUSVARA: The Best Audiophiles Headphones
View on HiFiMan’s Official Shop
The Susvara is not only the best HiFiMan headphones, but It’s also the best audiophile headphones around the world. Industry top high-end audiophile headphones for advanced audiophiliac’s system and other professionals as well, who can afford it for.
[Note! There are two options available only for better than SUSVARA, the HiFiMans’ SHANGRI-LA senior + Amp, and Sennheiser HE 1 + Amp both of these cost you over 50 grand].
Hifiman’s Susvara is a flagship premium planar magnetic headphones that price is $6000 both on the HiFiMan official store and Amazon. Where their big competitor’s Audeze LCD-4, Focal Utopia, and their own SHANGRI-LA jr Electrostatic headphones available at a $4000 price range. So you can imagine how expensive is Susvara and the overall quality? Brilliant!
The Headfonics owner Marcus has written a complete review of Susvara for an in-depth review, you can see their official independent review sponsored by HiFiMan.
Closer look on HiFiMan SUSVARA:
After tested from our side, It’s an audiophile dream headphones however, they’re expensive!
The exhaustless sound quality and straightforward bass. The overall sound is slightly lighter than the Audeze LC-4 with a Schiit Modi 3 D/A Converter – Delta-Sigma pure DAC, but it touched so much deeper inside the head in its instrumental tone and vocal pitch. Otherhand Susvara is 2-times lightweight than Audeze headphones, especially for LCD-4/4z.
Pure, stronger & sharper soundstage which is the real thought before picking a perfect pair of audiophiles headphones for an expensive budget. I would highly recommend you to buy the “HiFiMan top headphones SUSVARA” If you’re on the same budget as of value.
Let see the YouTube video review:
HiFiMAN Susvara Review
Top HiFiMan Headphones
The Verdict:
If you’re looking to buy the best HiFiMan headphones, the SUSVARA is for you without any doubt. The best planar magnetic headphones in the world for it’s sounding, not for the price. Otherwise, If you’re looking for the best HiFiMan headphones on a budget the Arya should be your choice.
2. SHANGRI-LA jr: Best HiFiMan Electrostatic Headphones
SHANGRI-LA jr is the best electrostatic headphones from the HiFiMan brand and over the world. Great looking and powerful sound quality headphones with ultra-comfort earcups for listening to a long duration for rock, jazz, instrumental, classics, electronics, and trance music. Also great for studio recordings and music production labels.
HiFiMan SHANGRI-LA jr is still better than Focal Utopia, and STAX SR-009S for $4000 budget headphones. However, in this budget Audeze LCD-4z is slightly better for its gaming sounds and listening to music without any DAC or amplifier, as they’re built with 16 ohms and it SHANGRI-LA jr has 32 ohms. Lastly, It sounds great with their SHANGRI-LA jr hybrid amplifier or any other good quality DAC/Amp.
Closer look on HiFiMan SHANGRI-LA jr:
The Shangri-La jr. electrostatic headphones, including a cylinder amplifier, comes near the best sound frameworks I have heard by my friend’s pair, including HiFiMan’s own Shangri-La and Sennheiser’s HE 1.
Both of those are strong contenders that cost over $50k for best-in-class audiophile systems around the world. You can’t do find any better than these pairs. However-
My special recommendation to you, If you’re going with an amplifier, the SHANGRI-LA JR Electrostatic Headphone and Tube Amplifier (Official Build) is for you, It cost you eight thousand bucks and saves you a lot! These are the dream combination for a new audiophile setup for under $10000.
HiFiMan SHANGRI-LA jr Audiophile Setup Review from CanJam show
Bes-Budget High-End Audiophile Setup
My Opinion:
Now it’s your turn to upgrade your audiophile system with the new and improved technology Shangri-La jr. electrostatic headphones for highly musical and pure audiophile headphone and amplifier. The Junior’s headphones are available for $4000 and the amplifier for $5000. You can buy these separately, and the combo pack available for an $8000 deal now.
3. HiFiMan ARYA: Best Planar Magnetic Headphones under $2000
HiFiMan Arya is the best and most popular planar magnetic headphones in the audiophile industry for its best-sounding capability for an affordable budget, under the $2000 price range. Extremely fast and premium quality open-back headphones designed with metal, high-quality plastic, and pure leather earcups to ensure high comfortable environment way to listen to powerful music on every music player.
They’re designed for straightforward sound and disappointing for mixed-use because of their open-back and larger size plan. Not suitable and uncomfortable for online activity, commuting, or office use as they don’t have a built-in mic and not easy to drive. Only great for audiophile listening and HiFi audio reproduction with well-balanced sound and spacious soundstage.
Closer look on HiFiMan Arya:
Excellent design with noticeable impressive soundstage, who loved the in-depth real-world surrounding sound performance. While I discovered its recurrence reaction sensibly pleasing generally, I had a couple of minor issues that I wound up needing to EQ out for too much energy and more sounds.
The sound and precision would be much better with the HM1000 Portable and the amazing TOPPING D70s DAC. These imparted an extra sense of energy and clarity for pure audiophile experience and studio recordings, but this was right on the edge of being a bit too hot after an hour of listening.
Finally, HiFiMan Arya is the priority to building a new audiophile system for mid-range buyers like under $3000 with a DAC or amplifier. Josh Valour completed his brilliant audiophile system for $2,700 include Arya.
HiFiMan Arya Audiophile System Review
The complete audiophile system for $2700
Final Thought:
If you’re looking to buy the best HiFiMan headphones for mixing with a good quality DAC, the Arya is for you. It’s the most critically acclaimed planar magnetic headphones that feature state-of-the-art driver technology and a breathtakingly open-wide soundstage. Highly recommended HiFiMan headphones on a budget.
4. ANANDA-BT: Best HiFiMan Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
The HiFiMan ANANDA-BT is the Bluetooth version of the HiFiMan Ananda, new and improved technology than the wired version including high-performance dedicated amplification, and it supports aptX SBC as well as aptX HD, which is integrated for high-quality lossless audio.
They sound clear, punchy bass, and detailed sound, and common with fair of warmth. The headset does heaps of things accurately, and I for one couldn’t track down an undeniable shortcoming in its introduction, considering it being a remote headphone.
Closer look on HiFiMan Ananda Bluetooth:
They’ve one more good quality cheap HiFiMan headphones with good quality which are called HiFiMan Deva, for advanced active wireless Bluetooth headphones with Bluemini for $300 when I’m writing. And for wired HE400i, and Drop + HIFIMAN HE4XX are solid at cheap prices.
Overall, Ananda-BT has unbiased and well-balanced audio reproduction sound that is suitable for audiophiles listening to most music genres. Like most of the planar magnetic wireless Bluetooth lack built-in DAC and balanced amplifiers technology. The best planar magnetic headphones for $1000.
They also have a detachable boom microphone for communicating with your teammates, gaming, office use, and but remember this can make your voice thin, distorted, or unnatural sound when you connected.
HiFiMan Ananda-BT Review
BEST sounding Bluetooth headphones
The Decision:
If you’re looking for an ergonomic design, dependable build quality, portable audio, and the best wireless Bluetooth connection headphones from HiFiMan with strong bass and premium quality sounds, then the Ananda-BT makes a lot of sense. The world’s highest audio quality planar magnetic Bluetooth headphones at an affordable price.
5. SUNDARA: Best HiFiMan Gaming Headset
Sundara is the best planar magnetic gaming headset from the HiFiMan brand. The great-looking and gaming optimized open-back design with an extremely comfortable headband and overall lightweight headset without any hassle on moving. They’re not only good for gaming but are also great for listening to music as well.
This the best option for under the $350 budget on the planet both in dynamic drivers and planar drivers. But they didn’t provide many accessories with this model, just the connecting wires and a quarter-inch adapter to go with it. Maybe they change their policy anytime. However, it still worth getting for gaming and better than other gaming headsets I’ve reviewed.
Final look on HiFiMan Sundara for Gaming:
For gaming you need to consider open-back or open-air headphones for real-world gaming sounds because air can flow through the earcup and the sound is considered to be lighter, more natural, better stereo imaging, and clearer than closed-back headphones. So you know how Sundara is perfect for gaming.
The best thing you can drive Sundara with your PC, iPhone /Android, and PS4, Xbox One controllers by connecting a compatible balanced cable (3.5mm connectors / 1/8” with a 1/4” adapter). And the bad thing is you can’t use an in-line remote/microphone when you connected with a 1/8TRS audio cable as they support only audio output. To solve this follow this method below If you’re serious about gaming.
You need an extra boom mic, recommended V-MODA BoomPro Microphone for Gaming & Communication. I think that only has a single 3 channel 3.5mm plug for both audio channels and mic, with a mic and audio splitter that comes with it hope the 2-3 channels enough for you.
Tanmoy Kumar Shapu
Otherwise, you may consider other gaming headphones including:
- Best Beyerdynamic Gaming Headphones
- Best HyperX Headsets for PC Gaming
- Best Audio-Technica Gaming Headsets
Additionally, HiFiMan Ananda Wireless Bluetooth is also great for gaming with any platform as it already has a detachable boom microphone included and supports maximum compatibility. You may think about it If you want to keep with HiFiMan for Gaming and Music too.
HiFiMan Sundara Review
Open-back planar magnetic headphones
Finished-Up:
If you were looking for a perfect pair of HiFiMan headphones under the $500 budget then we believe must probably the Sundara would be your first choice. Excellent sound quality for both listening and audiophile gaming than their HE series headphones at the same budget. Lastly, I would recommend you to buy it on a budget.
Compare HiFiMan Headphones
Let see the comparison between HiFiMan Susvara vs. SHANGRI-LA jr vs. Arya vs. Ananda-BT vs. Sundara.
| SUSVARA | SHANGRI-LA jr | ARYA | ANANDA-BT | SUNDARA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
 |
 |
 |
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| Headphones Type: | Open-Back Planar | Open-Back Electrostatic | Open-Back Planar | Open-Back Planar | Open-Back Planar |
| Weight: | 450 grams (15.9 oz.) | 374 grams (13.19 oz.) | 404 grams (14.25 oz.) | 460 grams (including microphone & cable.) | 372 grams (13.12 oz.) |
| Sensitivity: | 6Hz-75kHz | 7Hz-120kHz | 8Hz-65kHz | 8Hz-55kHz | 6Hz-75kHz |
| Impedance: | 60 ohms | 32 ohms | 35 ohms | 35 ohms | 37 ohms |
| Cable & Connections: | 3.5mm/6.35mm and 4-pin XLR connector | 5-pin male connector (Stax 5 pin connector and uses pro bias (580V) so SHANGRI-LA jr and any STAX amplifier will work) | 3.5mm male & 6.35mm adapter to 2x 3.5mm jack male | Bluetooth, a type C to type C nylon cable and 2 USB cables | TRS 3.5mm male & 6.35mm adapter to 2x 3.5mm jack male |
| Special Features: | Top-of-the-line sound. (Transparent & detailed) | Headphone and Amplifier (Discount available on bundle pack) | Best Value Headphones (Best for mixing and mastering) | No need extra AMP, DAC or Cable as it Bluetooth (Excellent design for outdoor) | Best for gaming (Lightweight & comfortable) |
| Our Ratings: (By price & features) | |||||
| Check Prices: | Buy on HiFiMan | Buy on HiFiMan | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Are HiFiMan Headphones good?
The HiFiMan headphones are great for critical listening, Hi-Fi audiophile sound reproduction and to use with professional DAC/amp. They’re a full-size premium planar magnetic headphones brand for exceptional sound quality with high fidelity design. But their earphones are not good as the headphones at expensive budgets.
Electrostatic vs Planar Magnetic Headphones
Electrostatic headphones are very similar to planar magnetic headphones like high speed, neutral sounds, sensitivity, and transient response. The difference in planar magnetic drivers is more powerful in the low-end department. As a result of the better strength of attractive power over friction-based electricity, the planar attractive diaphragm can move with significantly more force and hammer, offering likely the pack’s best bass reaction.
Other hands, electrostatic drivers offer high levels of accuracy and strikingly low distortion because of the specialist’s straightforwardness. It can be light similar to elements. The seal is vital for electrostatic and without it, they lose sub-bass affectability rapidly.
Are Accessories available for HiFiMan headphones?
Yes, there are all of these HiFiMan headphones have accessories available on the HiFiMan accessories page and also on the Amazon store. Including original model & hybrid headband, earpads, earpad mounting rings serenity pads, grills with grill retention rings, all types of USB cables, S/P DIF Input/RCA Line in-out cables, 3.5mm/6.3mm cables, and travel case.
HiFiMan Deals with Audiophile Systems Bundle Pick:
There are lots of saving options available at this point to grab the best HiFiMan deals as your needs instead of buying an amplifier and headphone separately from other third-party stores or products. All of these official bundle packs make you happy and they’re always allowing you free returns and free shipping as well.
So let’s take a deeper look.
- SHANGRI-LA JR Electrostatic Headphone and Amplifier (Combo) — Normal price:
$9000, discount price: $8000 - Jade II Electrostatic Headphone and Amplifier (Combo) — Normal price:
$1800, discount price: $1700 - HiFiMan Arya Audiophile Systems (Combos) — Complete $2700 Audiophile Systems Guide
- HiFiMan Ananda Wired — Normal price:
$999.95, discount price: $699.00 - HIFIMan Sundara with 3.5mm Mic+Audio Connectors — Normal price:
$499.00, discount price: $349.00 - HiFiMan HE400S Over-Ear — Normal price:
$299.00, discount price: $249.00
Conclusion:
Finally you’re done! 🙂
Consider HiFiMan SUSVARA If you need the best one.
If money is the priority, Sundara and Ananda-BT both are great choices for listening to music and gaming on a budget.
Furthermore, If you want to pick your complete audiophile setup then HiFiMan SHANGRI-LA jr and Arya with recommended DAC or amplifiers is the priority.
Hopefully, you’ve found the next audiophile headphone today you want that will work best for you. I tried my best to find your best HiFiMan headphones for different budgets and purposes.
If you think so, please let me know by leaving a comment below and give me a star rating below to better my next update.
Which HiFiMan audiophiles headphones you’ve already used and which you’re gonna trying next? Maybe HiFiMan Arya or what..!! 😇
Make sure you added it with your bookmark as I will be updating it regularly to reflect the times. 🤞
Thanks for being with “Headphones Advice” today, hope we’ll see you again. Best wishes to you always. 🙏
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