HiFiMan Electronics is a Chinese company founded in 2007 by Dr. Fang Bian. HiFiMan produces high-end audio products, especially headphones, but also amplifiers and high-performance portable music players. Over the years, the company has built a strong reputation among enthusiasts thanks to its line of advanced planar magnetic headphones, featuring several proprietary technical solutions. One of the most famous and beloved HiFiMan headphones is the Ananda, introduced in 2018 and quickly becoming a reference point in its price range thanks to its rich and fast sound and wide soundstage. Its price, around 700 euros, made it attractive for those who could not afford HiFiMan models like Arya or HE1000. Over time, the Ananda evolved by incorporating newer planar magnetic technologies developed by the Chinese brand, such as Stealth magnets, and was also released in a wireless Bluetooth version, the “Ananda BT”, considered one of the best Bluetooth headphones in the world.
For those who want to purchase these exceptional headphones, they are currently available on Amazon in both the Ananda “Stealth” and Ananda BT versions.
Recently, HiFiMan released a brand-new version of the Ananda, the Ananda Nano, which introduces a feature derived directly from the flagship Susvara, which costs around 5000 euros. This is the nanoparticle diaphragm, an ultra-low-mass and highly resistant membrane that ensures faster response, lower distortion, and higher dynamics. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the new Ananda Nano is sold at a lower price than previous models, around 600 dollars, a significant figure but still accessible to a wide audience who can thus enjoy the qualities of this excellent planar magnetic headphone.
The issue of the lower starting price compared to expectations is, in our opinion, very interesting. The company could have kept the Ananda price unchanged while improving the technology, and they would still have remained highly appreciated in their segment; instead, launching them at around 600 dollars (and we will see how this translates into local retail pricing) is a bold move that, in our view, will allow the brand to aggressively target even the ~500 euro range, as many audiophiles may be willing to spend a bit more for a headphone that clearly outgrows the mid-low price segment.
The Ananda Nano come in a classic HiFiMan cardboard package, which includes the headphones and a 3.5mm single-ended cable with a 6.35mm adapter. While many other HiFiMan headphones are sold with a characteristic foam stand, for the Ananda Nano a portable semi-rigid carrying case has been chosen instead. HiFiMan considers the Ananda Nano, like the previous Ananda, suitable for portable use and pairing with portable players; however, in our opinion, the size, relatively modest efficiency (94 dB), and significant weight (419 grams) are a major obstacle to such usage. In other words, we still prefer using them in a chair or at a desk.
Like all HiFiMan headphones, the Ananda Nano require a long burn-in period before reaching their full potential. After many hours of use, the Ananda Nano reveal a rich and lively sound, with great dynamics, excellent detail, and extremely fast response to every sonic variation (a typical trait of good planar magnetic headphones).
Bass is not overly prominent or boomy; instead, it is characterized by good detail and depth. Mid frequencies are very controlled, with excellent clarity and overall natural reproduction, especially in vocals. High frequencies are vivid and engaging, without excessive spikes.
The soundstage, while not as extremely wide as some previous HiFiMan models, is stable and believable, with well-defined instrument placement. This is helped by the open-back earcup design, which does not isolate external noise but provides great airiness to the music. Lower mids and upper mids are slightly emphasized, vocals are excellent, and the overall sound is highly engaging and emotional, although the quality of the source still plays a crucial role.
Comparing this model with the Edition XS, the verdict is clear: in terms of performance, the Ananda Nano are significantly superior, despite the excellent price-to-performance ratio of the XS. As always, it comes down to budget, but for those who can afford the price difference (the XS currently cost around 480 euros), we would definitely recommend the new Ananda Nano.
Compared to the original Ananda, improvements are evident across multiple areas: more accurate bass, better definition, and improved instrument separation.
Within HiFiMan’s lineup, this already popular model takes on new importance thanks to its technological upgrade and lower price (and included carrying case). In other words, if the Ananda were already a good deal, the Ananda Nano are an even better one.
The Ananda Nano have an impedance of 14 ohms and a sensitivity of 94 dB. They are not particularly difficult to drive, but to perform at their best they require a good-quality amplifier with sufficient power and current delivery, as well as a high-quality source capable of bringing out their full potential.
Finally, comfort: these are large and heavy headphones, and those used to smaller and lighter models will likely need some time to adapt to the 412g weight of the Ananda Nano. However, thanks to excellent weight distribution and a special hybrid headband design, once properly adjusted they are comfortable even during long listening sessions.
In conclusion, the Ananda Nano are excellent headphones that update one of the most famous HiFiMan models, improving it further. At the current price (around 600 dollars), they are a must-buy for anyone looking for mid-range planar magnetic headphones with outstanding sound.
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