Firstly I would like to thank HiFiMan for sending me this sample for review.
*disclaimer: This sample was provided for the purpose of writing a review, no incentive was given to write a favourable review. All opinions expressed are my own subjective findings
Gear Used:
PC > USB > Ananda BT
Google Pixel 3a > Ananda BT
Tech Specs:
Frequency Range – 8Hz – 55kHz
Impedance – 35 Ω
Sensitivity – 103dB
Playback Time – 10 hours
Full Charging Time – 2.7 hours
Weight – 460g (495g with microphone and cable)
MSRP – $999
http://store.hifiman.com/index.php/ananda-bt.html
Packaging, Build Quality and Accessories:
The Ananda BT come with the usual brown HiFiMan card box, inside this you’ll find the retail packaging. A simple black box with the headphones pictured on the front, with specs on the back. Lift the front cover and you’ll find the case with the headphones inside. The packaging is not as luxurious as some of their other models, but the box is usually thrown out anyway. They are well packaged and that is what counts.
Build quality is actually very good, sharing the same shape as the wired version, they have large pads and a comfortable headband that swivels and is easily adjustable. The headband isn’t all that good for those with small heads though, on the smallest setting they are perfect for me, but if you have a smaller head you might have issues. The charging socket along with the microphone socket are both good, and the button feels well made. There is a small cable running through the headband strap, but I don’t see this as a weak point and should hold up with time. The earpads are soft and replaceable, and overall I can’t find any weak points.
Accessory wise you get a nice hardcase for them, a USB-C – USB-C charging cable and a small plug in boom microphone. There isn’t really anything else they need to include, and the accessories are useful.
Features:
The Ananda BT are first and foremost a wireless high-end headphone, and there really are not too many of those about. They can also be used with a PC via USB cable but cannot be used with an analogue source as they have no regular cabled input, which is a bit of a shame.
The Ananda BT come with a boom mic that works over USB and Bluetooth, which makes them a great PC Gaming headphone along with the ability to take calls when using them. They support all the latest high quality bluetooth codecs, so providing you’re using a source that supports these you’ll get great quality (more on this later). HiFiMan also have an app that supports their own bluetooth codec, but I have found that using them with an LDAC / AptxHD source is more reliable.
You’ll get about 10hrs play time from them on a full charge, and it takes about 2.7hrs to charge them back up from empty. You have to press the charge button on the headphones to allow them to charge. The only playback control you have is play/pause, sadly you can’t skip tracks or adjust volume on the headphones themselves.
I have found the connection to be very stable when using them with my Pixel 3a using LDAC and Qobuz streaming.
The earpads are big and spacious, the headband distributes weight well and they are comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Sound:
Lows: The Ananda BT are a pretty balanced sounding headphone, they won’t emphasiZe any part of the spectrum but they are not lacking either. The lows are not as impactful as the HE6SE, yet they are not quite as lean as the Sundara. The Ananda BT have an airy sound, but with a good level of low end to back it up. They dig really deep when called for, with a precise and articulate low end that is always present. There is a warmth down low that adds a certain amount of body to the sound without ever sounding overblown or muddy, kicks have body to back up the impact. The controlled nature of the low end keeps them well separated from the midrange. Attack and decay of the lows is excellent, the driver is superbly controlled yet it is effortless and never lacking.
Midrange: Every instrument in the midrange occupies its own space, the centre image can sound a tiny bit diffuse sometimes, and is not quite as focused as some headphones but this does create a slightly more holographic sound. There is plenty of power behind guitars, yet plenty of nuance in vocal tracks. It doesn’t matter how busy the track gets, the Ananda BT manages to keep everything separate yet coherent with an accurate tonality. Lower mids are not overly full, yet the upper midrange is not thin striking the perfect balance. Vocals sit a little in front of the instruments, but there is a great balance to the midrange that allows fine detail through with a natural presentation.
Highs: This is where bluetooth compression tends to show its flaws, but the Ananda BT manages to impress with the amount of clarity and extension on show. This is helped by using better codecs, this is a headphone that does rely on having a source that supports Aptx HD or LDAC and not just SBC and AAC. Yes they don’t quite match the refinement, or extract quite as much detail as some of the wired models about, but they really are not that far off. The highs have good sparkle and roll off quite smoothly, whilst also being well presented when it comes to overall quantity. For a wireless model, HiFiMAN should be proud of this level of performance, outdoing some wired models around the same price with a refreshingly natural and effortless presentation only hindered by the extension, which is a bluetooth limitation. They don’t have the sheer energy or foot tapping energy of the HE6SE, or the slightly colder presentation of the Sundara, they do have a bit of a forgiving nature up top which is quite pleasant.
Soundstaging and separation are both great, there is width and depth to the soundstage whilst having great separation throughout. Don’t expect HD800 levels of soundstaging, but within reason and considering they are wireless they do a remarkable job here.
Conclusion:
I have long been against bluetooth for pure “audiophile” reasons, yet the Ananda BT have made me rethink this position. What HiFiMAN have managed to do with bluetooth is really impressive, yet it does come at a cost. These are an incredibly natural and easy to enjoy headphone, yet they are backed up by great technical prowess too. Controlled yet slightly full low end, a detailed yet well balanced midrange and effortless highs that are only slightly hindered when it comes to extension. These really are the best wireless headphones I have heard to date, and are well worth a listen.
Sound Perfection Rating: 9/10 (The best wireless headphones I have heard to date)