Synergy
Efficiency
The HIFIMAN Ananda Nano is certainly portable-ready. Not so much as far as its size, and even though it comes with a carrying case. Their efficiency level seems to be higher than most other planar headphones I’ve tested. Particularly in the HIFIMAN Asymmetrical cup design lineup.
The HIFIMAN Supermini could almost overpower them on the SE side and so can other modern-day DAPs like the Shanling M3 Ultra, and even the M1s for that matter that can only push 145mW per side on the single-ended side.
I did try the balanced side and it produced some incredible results with as little as 245mW per side.
Pairings
It makes sense to pair the Ananda Nano with warm amplification. For example, they do well with a class A amplifier for its soothing tonal characteristics. It’s also no coincidence that HIFIMAN DAC amplifier combo units like the EF400 and EF600 use a similar design to a Class A design.
Of course, the Ananda Nano can pair well with THX variants and even an NFCA module-type amplifier like the Topping A90 or the L70. But I prefer them on HIFIMAN gear and second, on NFCA.
Select Comparison
Sound comparisons of the Ananda Nano were made using the A/B method, the stock cables, and the HIFIMAN EF600.
HIFIMAN Edition XS
Technical
Most people stated that the Edition XS was one of the best buys at under $500 when it was first introduced and I will not argue with that statement.
When I first heard about the HIFIMAN Edition XS and gave them a listen, I started to question if the higher-tier models were worth the extra cost because this model gives you a high percentage of their performance compared to the prior high-tier HIFIMAN headphones.
The XS is the cheapest way of obtaining that large HIFIMAN sound signature that’s a common characteristic of the HIFIMAN Asymmetrical driver and cup design headphone lineup.
Design
The cup design is the same here except for the contrasting black and silver color scheme of the Edition XS cups. The largest design difference lies with the headband assembly even though both models have the same 3.5mm cup input.
I do like both variants but if I were to choose one it would be a hard choice to make because each headband style has its pros and cons.
The fat pad on top of the Edition XS headband is felt more so compared to the Ananda Nano head strap design. But the Nano-style headband protrudes out further. However, that’s just a cosmetic peeve.
One thing is for sure, the Edition XS headband uses less clamping force and I would consider it to have an edge in comfort over the Ananda Nano due to their headband’s higher clamping force. Plus, the expansion of the headband to fit the headphones on your head is also harder to perform on the Ananda Nano.
Performance
The overall sonic presentation of the Edition XS is larger in scope generally. The overall sound signature is expanded a touch but it’s smoother overall.
I do like the bass presentation on the Edition XS. However, the Ananda Nano has improved midrange presence and is presented with a higher level of realism. The Ananda Nano also has more energy up on top of the frequency range.
Vocal presentation is warmer and softer-mannered, more relaxing and soothing on the XS. The Ananda Nano is more forward and introverted but with a higher level of presence.
Efficiency levels are almost identical but it seems the Ananda Nano has the win by a nose here. Perhaps it’s just their forwardness that gives the illusion of being more efficient but power efficiency should not be the priority because they both do well on most low-power output gear.
HIFIMAN Arya Organic
Technical
Are you up for spending some more money? Well, the HIFIMAN Arya Organic is a good headphone to invest in because it ticks more check marks and supplies most things an Audiophiles is looking for. They don’t just look good but also cough up the goods when it comes to sound quality.
Version 2 of the Arya was my daily driver for a long time until the Organic came along because it fills in the blank space within the sound signature by introducing more bass presence and potency.
Technically, both models employ Nano Thickness diaphragms and Stealth magnets with HIFIMAN’s patented windows shade system, just with different headbands and color schemes. Well, not really.
Design
The Arya lineup of HIFIMAN headphones uses my second favorite headband assembly. But you still have to protect that head strap because it’s non-replaceable, unlike the pads. This design is certainly more comfortable and the clamping force is nowhere near as forceful as on the Ananda Nano.
As far as looks, the Organic takes the cake and what does it for me is the additional wood veneer strip within the cup itself that makes it pop more so compared to the silver-themed Ananda Nano plus I prefer the black color scheme.
This headband design is way more forgiving as far as who can wear them comfortably. Remember, the Ananda Nano has a small head strap limiting the headband expansion necessary to put them on.
Neither model isolates the listener from outside noise and they both are audible two doors down because they leak out plenty of sound.
Performance
The area where the HIFIMAN Arya Organic stands out the most to me is within its high-frequency presentation that is absent from the slightly hot high frequencies the Ananda Nano can produce.
But the rest of the spectrum, particularly the midrange is impeccably similar. Perhaps there is an extra amount of body and spirit in the bass region on the Organic that makes them sound more musical. Or shall we say, more organic?
There’s more precision in soundstage placement on the Organic although they both share a similarly sized staging capability.
But considering the improved appearance, and the refined tuning, the Ananda Nano can still provide a large portion of what the Aryas can. So, if you’re strapped for cash the Ananda Nano will give listeners a similar performance and experience in most areas.
Our Verdict
The HIFIMAN Ananda Nano veers away from the past generational iterations that were uber-bright in presentation and ultra-wide. This set is better balanced and it has some low-end grunt to boot to complete the sonic package.
It seems HIFIMAN was after a natural true-tone timbre on this run and achieved that goal by taking the planar design to new levels by combining all their patented designs and putting them into one affordable package called the Ananda Nano.
Once again, HIFIMAN broke the norm and produced a headphone that is superior to the previous revisions but simultaneously dropped the price tag making the Ananda Nano an incredible bargain. Perhaps one of the best this year.
HIFIMAN Ananda Nano Technical Specifications
- Frequency Response: 5Hz-55kHz
Sensitivity: 94dB
Impedance: 14Ω
Weight: 419.6g
