HIFIMAN Ananda Headphones Preview

I’ve written before that high end headphone sales are vigorous.

See the complete review for the HIFIMAN Ananda Headphones.

As we listen to our music outside the house, and also want high end sound in the privacy of our homes without disturbing others, headphones are an increasingly attractive option.

There have never been more headphones to buy at a variety of price ranges, and in my formal survey of what’s available, the sound has never been better as competition forces prices down.

An excellent example of these trends is the HiFiMan Andana headphones. Though priced at just under $1000, it can seriously compete with headphones that cost much more.

I also notice that headphone comfort has increased over the years. New designs, like the Ananda headphones don’t directly touch your ears, but rather they surround them. Prior headphone designs put some pressure on your ears and head, making long sessions uncomfortable. Recent headphones I’ve reviewed have really increased their comfort level, and the Ananda headphones are the most comfortable headphones I’ve experienced.

So is a $1000 headphone worth the money? In the case of the Ananda, I think the case is compelling, There are obvious aural differences between the Ananda and some of the lesser priced headphones from HiFiMan, and they are strikingly better than the mid priced headphones I’ve listened to. Having said that, even a mid-priced headphone can have excellent sound, and small increments of improvement can cost a lot of money. It’s only when you directly compare that the subtle differences come alive.

In my upcoming review I go into detail with my listening tests, my thoughts on comfort, and if HiFiMan has earned a look from customers looking for high end sound at a reasonable price considering the competition.

See the complete review for the HIFIMAN Ananda Headphones.

Mel Martin

Mel spent most of his life working in television journalism in Ohio, Florida, the BBC in London, and in Seattle, WA. He won a few EMMY awards along the way which most people mistake for bowling trophies. Being around all those expensive monitors frustrated him when he got home to his threadbare TV and stereo, so he began to improve things, brand by brand, upgrade by upgrade. He’s got a lovely OLED TV now, flanked by Magnepan 3.6r speakers, and a Home theater with an Epson Projector and Focal speakers. Also scatted about the house are HiFiMan headphones, and 6 Sonos Connect devices that are spraying his rather large music collection from room to room. Other equipment is from Oppo, Sony, Aurender, PS Audio and Emotiva. Musical tastes range from Classical to Jazz to New Age to classic Rock and Roll. Mel has written a biography of film producer Samuel Bronston (El Cid, King of Kings) and is working now on a second film related book. He resides in Arizona where, when he’s not adjusting his home theater, he dabbles in landscape and astronomical photography.