The Deva Pro headphones produced by HiFiMan and available on the Italian market at a price slightly above 300 euros represent a rather unique case of entry-level magnetoplanar Bluetooth headphones. The price range is roughly the same as the Sundara, also produced by HiFiMan, which for years has been a benchmark in the segment but strictly wired. As we will see in our review, the Deva Pro are designed for those who want a magnetoplanar listening experience with the possibility of switching between wired listening at a desk or armchair and wireless listening on the go, with all the freedom offered by Bluetooth transmission, or for those specifically looking for a model for travel, whether long or short.
The model we are discussing, released in the second half of 2021, is the evolution of the Deva launched in 2020 by HiFiMan (the second Bluetooth magnetoplanar model after the Ananda BT). The Deva Pro uses the new proprietary Stealth Magnet technology found in many other headphones from the company and aims to satisfy audiophiles who want a good-sounding headphone with Bluetooth capability at an affordable price. The Stealth Magnets technology was designed and engineered to reduce potential wave interference through a new magnet architecture in order to recreate a more accurate and faithful sound. The NEO Supernano Diaphragm (NsD), another proprietary HiFiMan technology featured in the Deva Pro, is a diaphragm that is 75 percent thinner than previous ones, further improving the level of detail in playback.
The design of the headphones is circumaural and open-back, with the rear of the earcups covered by a honeycomb grille, overall clean and elegant. From a construction standpoint, it is important to note that the company managed to create a relatively lightweight product, despite magnetoplanar technology not being particularly light, greatly improving comfort. The Deva Pro are indeed very comfortable, with a clamp that keeps them securely in place on the ears, padding under the headband, and an excellent overall weight distribution on the head, which helps offset the weight of the R2R module attached to the left earcup for wireless listening. Regarding build quality, it is worth adding that all HiFiMan headphones enjoy excellent durability, which should not be underestimated.
A key element of the Deva Pro package, which includes a 3.5mm jack cable, a 6.35mm adapter, and a USB-A/USB-C cable, is the Bluemini R2R module, which features the Himalaya DAC chipset, a more advanced chip than the one used in the previous version. This is the companion device for the Deva Pro, enabling wireless connectivity and data transmission while also functioning as a DAC/headphone amplifier, attachable via jack to the headset. Its use is explained in a leaflet included in the box in addition to the user manual.
Nothing complicated for those familiar with Bluetooth connections. On first use, press the power button and wait a few seconds, then press the power button twice to enter pairing mode and select Bluemini from the list of available Bluetooth devices on the device you are pairing it with (computer or Android smartphone). Once connected to the left earcup via jack, you can start playing music and move freely around the house, walk in the park, or use it on public transport. The device is charged via USB cable (a USB-A/USB-C cable is included). Note that the Bluemini R2R can act as an amp/DAC instead of the smartphone chipset when used with an Android phone, while with iOS devices it can be used as a Bluetooth device but the Bluemini R2R chipset cannot be used for audio processing.
Interestingly, even though the Deva Pro user manual does not indicate a burn-in period like other HiFiMan headphones, it is recommended to let them play music for several dozen hours before considering them fully broken in.
Prodotti consigliati
How the Deva Pro are presented
The classic dark HiFiMan box with simple and elegant graphics. Inside we find the headphones with adjustable headband housed in a satin-lined molded box, the Bluemini R2R module, the 3.5mm headphone cable with 6.35mm adapter, the USB cable, the user manual and Bluemini-specific instructions, as well as the warranty card.
How the Deva Pro sound
Expect an overall natural sound, well-detailed and balanced with a good soundstage width, but without excessive depth. As for the bass, the reproduction is quite detailed but not particularly impactful, which works well for some genres, while for others—depending on listener preference—a bit more punch might be desirable. The bass is however well controlled and accurately reproduced, without particular emphasis.
The midrange is very well defined and sounds natural and transparent, without strong coloration. The sound is clean with good instrument separation, which is more than adequate for this price range.
The treble is where the Deva Pro truly shine, delivering well-detailed and extended highs, with good instrument separation and a certain overall airiness. The sound remains generally neutral/natural, more so than the previous Deva (which had a warmer sound).
These are headphones that, sonically speaking, show good speed, good detail, and a tendency toward balanced and neutral reproduction.
Deva Pro vs Sundara
A few notes on the comparison with the Sundara are necessary, as readers are naturally curious. However, these are very different products: the Deva Pro include the Bluemini R2R module and therefore have a different purpose compared to the strictly wired Sundara. The Sundara may offer slightly better dynamics and a fuller sound, while the Deva Pro allow wireless listening, so they are aimed at a different user who values both sound quality and listening freedom. Both are excellent in terms of price/performance and sound quality, but the Deva Pro should be chosen if Bluetooth connectivity and the Bluemini R2R DAC/amp module are important.
Conclusions
As always in hi-fi, everything must be evaluated in relation to its price. The Deva Pro are comfortable, well-built headphones with good sound quality for their price range, and include the Bluemini R2R module which also functions as a DAC/headphone amp. The Deva Pro are an excellent product for those looking for open-back circumaural headphones with the ability to switch between wired and wireless listening.
They can be a solid first step into more serious listening at a relatively low cost (possibly followed by a more ambitious second step, such as a 1000–1100 euro setup like HiFiMan Edition XS + Zen Signature HFM set or EF400 from HiFiMan).
The Deva Pro are also fantastic travel headphones, since once the Bluemini R2R is charged and attached, you can enjoy high-quality listening for many hours with good comfort, making them an excellent solution even for those who already have a home system but want another device with an integrated DAC/amp for mobility.
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