"The HiFiMAN Ananda has one of the most ideal frequency response curves for a wide range of music, coupled with excellent detail retrieval, speed, and imaging. Bass extends all the way into the sub-bass without any drop-off. It's tight, well-controlled, and doesn't drown out any of the rest of the frequency response. Mids are present, but not elevated, providing exceptional detail retrieval. In particular, 3-5khz isn't as noticeably dipped as is common with many other headphones, and this means piano tones, acoustic guitars, and female vocals come through with a unique clarity that isn't overshadowed by other parts of the mix. Treble is also handled exceptionally well without any peaks causing problems throughout the consonant range around 8.5khz. While the frequency response elevates to be moderately counter-clockwise tilted, it's still focused and non-fatiguing."
Check out Resolve Reviews' comparison between the HiFiMAN Ananda and Arya:
The HiFiMAN Ananda is here! First announced at the Munich High-End show in May of 2018, the Ananda represents a shift for HifiMAN. The HiFiMAN Ananda Planar Magnetic Headphones have low distortion and high sensitivity making them so easy to drive that you could even drive them from your phone!
The lightweight planar drivers feature thin, responsive diaphragms that produce a wide frequency response of 8 Hz to 55 kHz. Asymmetrical earcups and a hybrid headband design ensure comfortable wearing and balanced weight distribution. The supplied 3.5mm headphone cable is detachable for safe storage and transport, and a 1/4" adapter is included to allow compatible connectivity with audio interfaces and high-end headphone amps.
Key Features
Low impedance and high sensitivity allow the Ananda to be a suitable companion for mobile devices
At between 1 to 2 microns thick, the NsD (NEO supernano diaphragm) is 80% thinner than previous designs resulting in a faster more detailed response without compromising musicality
Each earcup features thick padding, pleather covering, and a robust 3.5mm female connector
The detachable 4.9' cable utilizes gold-plated 3.5mm connectors for maximum conductivity
Asymmetrical earcups follow the natural shape of the human ear
The headband is constructed of metal to maintain durability and incorporates a weight-dispersing strap for long-lasting comfort
Our take on the Ananda is that it has fairly neutral frequency response that's ever so slightly counter-clockwise tilted (brighter). The Ananda emphasizes clarity and detail but never gets harsh or sibilant, and simultaneously has well-known planar bass extension with minimal distortion for lower frequencies. The Ananda has a mid-sized stage that's presented more in front of the listener than laterally to the sides, and image distinction and instrument separation are both superb.
From Hifiman
ANANDA is the culmination of years of development. Lightweight, ultra-fine planar drivers at their heart sing with unmatched agility and power sensitivity.
High Sensitivity
Allows use with virtually any smartphone or portable audio device. Low distortion and amazing sound quality.
NEO "supernano" Diaphragm (NsD)
The all new NsD is 80% thinner than previous designs resulting in a faster, more detailed response while retaining lush musicality never before thought possible. At between 1 to 2 microns thick, the NsD diaphragm sets all be standards.
HIFIMAN has advanced its manufacturing processes to create this all new planar driver at unheard of prices. With the ANANDA at $699 retail, HIFIMAN has again set an all new bar for performance-to-value ration that the rest of the industry will have a difficult time following.
Window Shade Grill Design
Greatly reduces sonic reflections for clearer sound.
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 metal construction for maximum durability.
Making Connections
ANANDA comes with HIFIMAN's updated 3.5mm headphone connectors. This offers users the most robust headphone connector they have ever used giving both maximum survivability and enhanced longevity.
HIFIMAN ANANDA Planar Magnetic Over-Ear Headphones
1x Headphone cable (1.5 metres) (3.5mm Jack)
1x Headphone cable (3 metres) (6.35mm Jack)
1x Pair of earpads (mounted on headphone)
1x Adapter (3.5mm to 6.35mm)
1x Warranty Card
1x Owner's Guide
HIFIMAN warrants to the original purchaser that the product purchased will be free of defects related to manufacturing, parts, materials, and workmanship under normal and accepted use. Shipment of the defective item for repair under this warranty will be at the customer’s own risk and expense.
The Hifiman Ananda comes with 1-year limited warranty.
No. Hifiman specifically made the Hifiman Ananda to be extremely easy to drive and you can run them straight from your computer or your phone. However, for the optimal listening experience, we do recommend an amplifier. Something as simple as the Topping L50 will work great.
Refund Policy
When Taron and Andrew Lissimore started headphones.com, they wanted to create the headphone store they wished existed. As headphone enthusiasts, they dreamed of a store with 365-day returns.
So they decided they were going to try to make 365-day returns work - no matter how ridiculous it sounded to their friends.
Years later, they're still doing it, and their friends still think they're crazy.
So take some time to get to know your new gear. We want you to enjoy your purchase for years, not just a few weeks. If you're not satisfied, you can return items in like-new condition for up to 365 days.
Returns
Returns process
Returning is easy - Start by filling out this form https://returns.headphones.com/. Please include your serial number and a detailed reason for your return. If you do not provide a return reason, your return may be rejected.
When your return is accepted, an instant store credit will be sent along with a return label. You can use the instant credit to make another purchase right away. If you prefer a refund to your original payment method, we will process the refund to your original payment method once your item has been received and inspected by our team. The inspection process can take up to 5-7 business days.
Once you have received your return label, you have 7 business days to drop off your return. If your return has not been dropped off at the courier within 7 days, an additional 30% restocking fee will apply. If your return is not dropped off within 30 days, your return will no longer be accepted.
To avoid additional restocking fees, your item must be in like-new condition with its original packaging. It must also include all original accessories and manuals. Please add a larger shipping box to protect the original packaging during shipping. The cost of the return shipping will be deducted from your refund.
Return eligibility
Your item must be in like-new condition with its original packaging, accessories and manuals. Please use a shipping box to protect the original packaging during shipping.
The following items are not eligible for returns:
Sale or discounted items,
Final sale items
Special order items
Open-box items
Price-matched items
Accessories, such as ear pads and ear tips (for hygienic reasons)
These items are still covered by the manufacturer's warranty, where applicable.}
Cryptocurrency
If you paid with cryptocurrency, we will refund you either (1) the exact amount of cryptocurrency used to make the purchase or (2) the original USD purchase amount at our discretion.
Restocking Fees
All items have a base restocking fee of 10%. Return shipping costs are deducted from your refund. There is no grace period on restocking fees and they apply from day 1 to day 365.
The following additional restocking fees apply to the items listed below:
In-Ear Headphones +5%
Affirm Financing +5%
Missing Accessories or original packaging +15%
Products with batteries +5%
Earwax or Dirty headphones +25%
Return of more than 2 items in a calendar year +25%
Failure to ship item within 7 days of receiving return label +30%
Cancellations
All Affirm financing orders have a 5% cancellation fee.
For all other payment methods, your first cancellation is free. Subsequent cancellations have a 5% cancellation fee. We understand that sometimes life happens and an order needs to be cancelled, but we pay a non-refundable payment processing fee for each transaction.
Special order items are non-cancellable and non-returnable. Special order items may ship earlier or later than the estimated shipping window and this will not be accepted as grounds for cancellation.
Policy Abuse
In order to provide a 365-day return policy, we need to take abuse seriously.
We reserve the right to refuse orders from customers we believe have abused, or will abuse, our return policy, at our discretion. This includes customers who spread returns across multiple accounts.
We made our return policy to help you find gear you feel great about for a long time. Most people use it exactly as intended. We don't want the handful of people who attempt to abuse our policy to ruin it for everyone else.