The Audivina headphones by HiFiMan are planar magnetic headphones, like most of the company’s lineup, closed-back and often referred to as studio headphones. Originally positioned in the mid-to-high, if not high-end segment, due to the rapid drop in retail price they have experienced (like other HiFiMan headphones), they are now considered mid-range headphones: their price in Italy is currently around €760.
In addition to several proprietary technologies well known among headphone enthusiasts, this HiFiMan model also features the “Curved Resonance Chamber,” meaning it implements a complex system of attenuation that allows, despite the closed-back design, the reproduction of tracks with a wide and realistic soundstage—a technology inspired by nothing less than the architecture of the Bayreuth Festival Theater in Bavaria.
But let’s proceed step by step. First of all, the Audivina are truly beautiful. The design features a metal headband with a leather-colored strap and wooden earcups; thanks also to the high quality of the finishes, the visual impact is very strong. The finished wooden shell is truly stunning. The headband design (widely adjustable) is the same used by the company for many high-end models such as the HE-1000 and the Arya Organic we discussed recently, and it plays a very important role: the Audivina weigh 470 grams, so careful headband design and proper weight distribution on the head are essential. We can say that, as with other headphones using this system, the weight is distributed very well, allowing for long listening sessions in an armchair or at a desk. The device remains somewhat demanding to wear, but the movable pads and well-designed headband still allow for comfortable listening sessions.
The Audivina are sold in the company’s typical cardboard box and come with a commendable set of good-quality cables: a 3-meter cable with a 6.35mm termination, a 3-meter balanced XLR cable, and a 1.5-meter cable with a 3.5mm jack, along with a travel bag for transporting the headphones. Excellent accessory package, therefore. Here is a brief overview of the technical specifications:
- Frequency response: 5Hz–55kHz
- Impedance: 20Ω
- Sensitivity: 97dB
- Weight: 470g
Another distinctive feature of the Audivina is that they are far less “closed” than one might expect, in many respects. First of all, once worn, music is still faintly audible from the outside, and conversely, isolation is not total, so the best listening experiences are achieved in relatively quiet environments. Secondly, the model delivers a listening experience that challenges the common perception of typical closed-back headphone sound—but we’ll discuss that shortly.
As you may have already noticed from the technical specifications, these are relatively easy-to-drive headphones that can be paired with virtually any headphone amp/DAC, although it is advisable to match them with decent electronics; staying within HiFiMan, an EF499 already provides good performance, but naturally, stepping up in electronics also improves results, so with an EF600 the overall reproduction quality becomes fully satisfying.
This model also uses two of the company’s most well-known technologies: Stealth Magnets and Neo Supernano Diaphragm, which we have discussed in the past. In short, the Stealth Magnets Design was conceived and developed to reduce potential wave interference through a new magnet structure in order to recreate a more accurate and faithful sound, while the NEO Supernano diaphragm is a dramatically thinner solution compared to previous ones, further improving the level of detail in reproduction.
How it sounds
Let’s now move on to the analysis of sound reproduction, based on listening with an EF600. The tonal balance is essentially neutral; the Audivina do not add obvious coloration, aiming instead for fidelity, with excellent work in terms of soundstage and clarity, featuring fairly full-bodied bass and mids and delicate, precise highs that are never harsh.
The level of detail retrieval is very high across all frequencies, especially in the mids and highs. The soundstage is the biggest surprise: wider than one would expect from a closed-back headphone, with a slight sense of reverberation typical of an enclosed environment, yet still spacious, evoking live performances in clubs or large recording studios. Instrument placement is excellent, as is separation, creating the sensation of being surrounded by music.
The great cleanliness in the upper mids, another factor that leads them to be often labeled as studio headphones, combines with present, punchy bass with good texture that does not overpower the other frequencies; it is noticeable but remains part of a cohesive whole. In other words, the Audivina deliver satisfying bass while still leaning toward a balanced, clean reproduction, also distinguishing themselves in this regard from other valuable closed-back headphones.
We are talking about refined, faithful, complex, fast, and detailed reproduction performance—not a closed-back headphone with overpowering bass. Precisely because of this admirable overall balance, equalization is not necessary, but it can be a pleasure for those who enjoy customizing the sound to better suit their tastes or the music being played. The model lends itself very well to EQ, and the results that can be achieved are truly remarkable, to the point that we feel confident recommending experimentation even to less experienced users, as the Audivina can deliver great satisfaction in customization.
Also worth noting is the excellent rendering of vocals, reproduced with delicate care: voices appear clear, close to the listener, and rich in nuance.
As mentioned, the headphones perform well even with entry-level electronics, but it is with the EF600 that we heard them at their best. A direct comparison with other closed-back headphones in the same range is rather difficult, precisely because the Audivina are not typical closed-back headphones: their neutral, balanced, and clean tendency, combined with an unusually wide, concert-hall-like soundstage, makes them unique.
The discussion about price is obviously important and would have been more complicated if we had listened to them at full price at launch with a $2000 tag. Today, however, the Audivina cost €760, and at this price, paired with quality amp/DACs, they form a highly respectable headphone system, essentially representing a real bargain. What was once reserved for those willing to spend on high-end devices is now available to anyone who can afford a mid-range headphone or slightly above: HiFiMan’s aggressive depreciation policy is offering a lot to headphone enthusiasts with relatively limited budgets.
In conclusion, the Audivina are one of the best value-for-money models in their segment (alongside the legendary Arya Stealth), and we can only strongly recommend them to anyone looking for a closed-back headphone capable of delivering a highly satisfying soundstage, good detail, a neutral timbre, and musicality.
Voi cosa ne pensate?