HIFIMAN Did It Again! (Or Did They?)

Summary

In this in-depth review of the Hifman Ananda Nano, the reviewer explores its build, comfort, and sound performance. With a solid, tank-like construction and a comfortable fit despite its weight, the Ananda Nano provides an excellent listening experience. Its planar magnetic drivers deliver clear, detailed sound with well-balanced bass, mids, and treble. Compared to other models like the Ananda Stealth, the Nano offers superior resolution at a similar price point. Overall, the Ananda Nano is highly recommended for audiophiles looking for high-quality sound without breaking the bank, offering exceptional value for its price.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Hifman Ananda Nano is an open-back planar magnetic headphone with a nano-thick diaphragm for improved sound quality.
• 😀 The Ananda Nano has a solid build with a mostly silver design, and a robust, tank-like construction, though it weighs 414g, which may feel heavy to some.
• 😀 The design of the Ananda Nano features memory foam/polyester pads, a durable headband, and dual 3.5mm connections for better comfort and durability.
• 😀 Comfort is highlighted as a strong point, with well-contoured ear cups that fit comfortably over extended listening sessions, though the headphones can feel heavy at times.
• 😀 The Ananda Nano delivers a sound upgrade from mid-fi headphones, offering improved resolution, airiness, spatial cues, and openness.
• 😀 Bass on the Ananda Nano is flat but precise, with a slight roll-off below 50 Hz. The headphone responds well to EQ adjustments.
• 😀 Mids are well-tuned, avoiding the sharp dip after 1kHz that some other models experience, resulting in an open and natural sound.
• 😀 The treble on the Ananda Nano can be a bit bright and sibilant, but it generally stays within an acceptable range. Minor EQ adjustments around 8kHz can fix this.
• 😀 The Ananda Nano excels with genres like pop, indie, hip hop, EDM, and anything bass-heavy, offering excellent clarity and precision in vocals and instruments.
• 😀 The Ananda Nano is efficient enough to be driven by devices like the Fio K19, Universal Audio Volt 2, and JDS Atom, though it requires a solid amplifier for optimal performance.
• 😀 Priced at $400 for the Nano and $360 for the Stealth version, the Ananda Nano is an excellent value, offering top-notch performance at a relatively affordable price.

Q & A

What makes the Hifiman Ananda Nano different from its predecessors?

The Ananda Nano features a new design with a silver finish, compared to the black profile of its earlier versions. It also includes durability upgrades and a new nano-thin diaphragm for improved sound performance.

How does the build quality of the Ananda Nano compare to previous models?

The build quality of the Ananda Nano is notably more robust, with a metal design that's solid but still comfortable. The overall structure is described as tank-like, though it can get scratched over time.

How does the Ananda Nano's comfort hold up during long listening sessions?

The comfort of the Ananda Nano is mostly excellent, with ear cups that mimic the human ear's shape and provide a good fit. The headphones distribute their weight evenly, and despite their size, they don't dig into the top of your head.

What is the sound signature of the Ananda Nano?

The Ananda Nano has a balanced, bright-neutral sound signature, with excellent bass control, clear mids, and a treble that can border on sibilance. It's known for its spacious sound stage and high resolution, making it ideal for various music genres.

Is the Ananda Nano a good choice for bass-heavy genres?

Yes, the Ananda Nano handles bass-heavy genres well. It provides a clean, defined bass response without bloating or muddiness, especially in the 60-90 Hz range. However, those seeking extra bass can EQ it further.

What is the Ananda Nano's performance like with different audio sources?

The Ananda Nano performs well with a variety of sources, such as the Fio K19, Universal Audio Volt 2, and JDS Atom 2. It's efficient enough for most devices, though it is less sensitive than other headphones, meaning it may require a decent amplifier.

Does the Ananda Nano have any major flaws in its sound?

The primary flaw noted in the review is the slight treble brightness that can border on sibilance, especially in certain tracks. However, this can usually be mitigated with slight EQ adjustments.

How does the Ananda Nano compare to the Ananda Stealth?

The difference between the Ananda Nano and Ananda Stealth is minimal in terms of sound quality. While the Nano may offer a slight improvement, the reviewer finds the two to be quite similar, especially in terms of performance and pricing.

What types of music benefit the most from the Ananda Nano's sound characteristics?

The Ananda Nano excels with modern genres such as pop, indie, hip-hop, and EDM. These genres often benefit from the headphone's crisp treble and tight bass response, making them sound dynamic and full of energy.

How does the Ananda Nano's price impact its value?

Originally priced at $1000, the Ananda Nano is now available for around $400, making it an excellent value for the sound quality it offers. The reviewer strongly recommends buying it at this reduced price.