HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless LE

MatAudiophiles

HiFiMAN Svanar wireless LE​

HiFiMAN Svanar wireless LE
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Prelude:
The HiFiMAN brand means not only very interesting products, but also, above all, huge innovations behind them. Despite the seemingly classic approach to sound and HiFiMAN’s great passion for classic views on sound, the products of this manufacturer only seem classic. A perfect example of this was the introduction of the bluemini module, which enables the excellent sound of the R2R module in a completely wireless version. What about the legendary deva pro model was already amazing. Meanwhile, this was just the beginning, as it quickly turned out, creating the world’s first and only TWS headphones, based on the R2R DAC digital-to-analog converter and a balanced amplifier, is not a problem for HiFiMAN. However, the price of the base model was quite high. Therefore, mainly with iPhone users in mind, HiFiMAN presented a new, cheaper model. Why did I call it dedicated to iPhone users? Because it is theoretically an exact copy of svanar wireless headphones, but without LDAC and inductive charging support. Additionally, the case changed color to brown, and the headphones themselves slightly changed their appearance.


Unboxing:
When it comes to unpacking the headphones, it is as pleasant a process as in the case of previous svanar wireless editions. Here we have an elegant blue cardboard box. Inside you will find the headphones themselves, but they do not have a bottom made of carbon fiber, but instead they are made of black material. This is a good move, because if it weren’t for this change, the headphones themselves would be identical to Svanar Wireless and we can easily tell them apart. The workmanship itself, apart from the lack of carbon fiber from the bottom, is practically identical. We also have a charging case, which in this case is brown, which in my opinion goes well with the silver shade of the headphones. Then we have tips, foams and a USB C charging cable at our disposal. There is no LDAC or inductive charging here. Instead, we get support for SBC, AAC codecs and a transistor-based Himalaya multi-bit converter. I assess the lack of inductive charging as completely neutral, because wired headphones charge faster, and inductive charging itself is an addition rather than increased functionality. However, if someone likes inductive charging or is afraid of their USB C port in headphones, they have to make some compromises here.

Sound:
Bass: low tones retain much of the sound of its predecessors. We still have a W sound based on a very solid bass foundation. However, the resolution of low tones is limited by the bandwidth of the AAC codec, which causes some compression and a drop in performance compared to the flagship version. However, this is not a gap, but only a compromise. We still get a flexible and very dynamic bass with an entertaining and attractive character. Importantly, W-shaped tuning provides us with a certain sense of balance between the bass and the remaining parts of the band and additionally increases the sense of the sound stage. Generally, in terms of low tones, these are very universal headphones that offer an entertaining, but not overwhelming sound.
Mid tones: Mid tones retain the approximate character of the sound. In my opinion, we are still dealing with W-shaped tuning. That is, the edges of the bands are enhanced, but in such a way that the whole thing presents a spectacular level and does not give the impression of missing some bands, as is the case with poorly implemented V-shaped tuning. Amount of information presented by Svanar wireless LE is still large, much larger than in the case of competing models, but due to bluetooth limitations, we do not have such a vivid and detailed sound as in the case of the original svanar wireless. The midrange still remains warm and saturated, but the sound is on a smaller scale and lower resolution compared to the basic Svanar Wireless model.
High tones: Compression is always the most audible in the higher parts. These are simply bands that Bluetooth cuts off. While in the case of LDAC this cut-off is relatively small, in the case of SBC, AAC we can clearly observe a decrease in the amount of high tones. However, since Svanar Wireless are quite bright sounding headphones with a strongly accentuated treble, such additional compression may be positive for people sensitive to high tones. To describe it correctly, I must point out that thanks to the use of a high-quality Bluetooth 5.2 system and autonomous amplifiers and the R2R transducer, this compression is relatively eliminated. Svanar wireless LE still sound better than most TWS headphones on the market, even those with APTX. We must therefore be aware that the codecs themselves do not make the difference, but a person with a slightly more trained ear will easily notice the difference.



Bluetooth stability:
Generally, I did not notice any major problems with Bluretooth connectivity, the only thing that is definitely noticeable is strong wind capture in ANC mode. However, the Bluetooth connection itself is very stable and offers good quality even over longer distances.
Ambient mode and ANC:
As for the other operating modes of HiFiMAN Svanar wireless LE, they work identically to HiFiMAN Svanar wireless. Both the ambient mode and ANC are just ok, they don’t stand out from the competition and cause some limitations in volume. However, they still provide a great sound experience. However, there is no doubt that the target operating mode is high fidelity. Practically, it is this one that offers the best and clearest sound. However, in public transport or while walking on a crowded street, the ambient and ANC modes are very useful. They allow you to both maintain contact with the environment and completely isolate yourself from it.


Comparison:
HiFiMAN Svanar Wireless LE ($299) VS HiFiMAN Svanar Wireless ($499)
If you are an iPhone user or a device that does not support the LDAC codec, the LE version can save you a lot of money and get similar sound quality to the original model. However, if you have a device that supports the LDAC codel, in my opinion it is definitely worth paying extra for HiFiMAN Svanar wireless. Nevertheless, they offer better, more complete sound with higher resolution and greater functionality. Additionally, this translates into greater sound efficiency. However, if someone wants to spend less and get a large part of the potential of the original model, HiFiMAN Svanar wireless LE offers a lot compared to conventional TWS headphones.


HiFiMAN Svanar Wireless LE (299USD) VS HiFiMAN Svanar Wireless JR (119USD)
The JR version is much more entertaining, and undoubtedly the strong advantage of the cheaper model is support for the LDAC codec. However, in this sound you will not find the magic of analog sound provided by the R2R Himalaya DAC converter present in HiFiMAN Svanar wireless LE. In terms of build quality, the JR version is slightly less exclusive, but is still very well made. To sum up, both models have strong arguments in their favor. In the case of JR it will be a low price, excellent ANC and a very good, entertaining and full sound. In the case of HiFiMAN Svanar wireless LE it will be the warmth and analogity of the R2R converter and very good performance despite the codec limitations.

Summary:
HiFiMAN Svanar wireless LE is an interesting alternative for people who expect a lower price and do not need the LDAC codec. They offer a large part of the performance of the original and significantly reduce the price we have to pay for them compared to the original. I like keeping the original HiFiMAN Svanar wireless sound signature and most of the functionality of the original. Importantly, the price difference is due to certain sound limitations compared to the original, but if someone uses an iPhone, it is a good opportunity for them to save money while maintaining the performance they can get anyway. For all those who do not know the original sound of HiFiMAN Svanar wireless, let me just mention that it is the sound on the W plane. It is very energetic, brightened and has a very good soundstage on the 3D plane. The individual elements of the band are clear and clean, which is a strong element of the svanar series. It is worth considering purchasing this model if someone is looking for an interesting sound, with a warmer signature and likes the specific sound of R2R DAC circuits.

Hifiman Svanar Wireless LE Review​

The Svanar Wireless represent Hifiman’s entry into the TWS market. There are 3 separate variations in this new TWS platform, the flagship Svanar Wireless, the mid-priced Wireless LE and the entry level Wireless Jr, as you shall see these models share a similar design and some technologies but Hifiman have done a nice job in having a clear delineation between each model in the platform.



Let’s get into the details of which of these might be best for you.

I would like to thank Mark from Hifiman for providing the both the Svanar Wireless LE and Jr for the purposes of review

Introduction​

Here are the 2 models I received as you can see the case design is identical, but that Jr model case on the left uses slightly cheaper materials:




Here is a rough breakdown of the feature differences between the models and their current prices as of the publication of this review:

Just looking at these features I would have guess the Svanar Wireless LE was the pragmatic choice, but sometimes the specializations do not tell the complete story.

The Svanar name is also shared by Hifiman top of the line IEM, so lending this name to these TWS is an indication of how serious Hifiman are taking this entry into the TWS market, and as the name implies they are using some of the same technologies specific the Topology Diaphragm dynamic drivers in these TWS sets.

And as you shall see as well as the name they share a similar sound profile (though not quiet the same), that combined with the Himalaya R2R DAC (in the Wireless and LE models) are a real indication that Hifiman are bringing their audiophile “big guns” to this product range.

So I used both models interchangeable initially but due to the superior audio quality of the Himalaya R2R DAC in Wireless LE model I ended up mainly listening to that model but where relevant I will include details of the differences between the 2 models within this review.

So let’s get into the details of what you can expect with a Svanar Wireless LE and Jr.

Build Quality and Box Contents​

Upon unboxing the HiFiMan Svanar Wireless TWS, one is immediately struck by its premium feel.



This sense of quality extends from the earbuds themselves to every item in the package.



The casing, a blend of carbon fiber and aluminum, imparts a high-end feel, diverging from the previous TWS600 model by offering a visually and physically more impressive design.

The name Svanar comes from the design of the earbuds themselves as Svanar is swedish for Swan.

The case is high quality from using these daily for a few weeks the case show no signs of damage even when carried unprotected in my pocket with my keys:

Here is short video showing the lovely design of the case of the LE Model:


Here is short video showing the lovely design of the case Jr Model - notice that its says ‘Amplifier inside’:


And here is another short video showing the IEM itself - notice the ‘swan’ shape of the IEM, this is where the Svanar names comes from:

Accessories​

There is an excellent selection ear-tips within the case:

One understated, but I think incredible important feature of the case design of the Svanar Wireless is the side of the ‘cavity’, it is one of the few if not the only TWS cases I have come across which has space for much larger ear tips than the usual small / medium / large ear-tips that typical TWS are shipped with and the case size almost always limits the size third party ear-tips. Not so with the Svanar case you can have a much larger XL size. So here is a photo of all the ear tips provided but also a pair DUNU XL ear-tip that I used to with these to get a great seal with the Svanar Wireless LE:



Here is the size of the XL ear-tip:




And yet here is it comfortable sitting inside the case:

In my opinion, nobody should underestimate the benefit of finding the right ear-tip to get a good seal, not only for good audiophile reasons (to get the best bass response) but also for practical TWS reasons, i.e. you need a good seal to get good ANC to block outside noises. I know many people who have to swap ear-tips when they put on their TWS so for me the ability to just have an XL (or even a double or triple flange) ear-tips attached within the charging case all the time is a huge benefit.

And the case still closes easier and most importantly still charges.

Comparison of the size of the case​

So while the benefit of a large case is the larger cavity it does mean that it’s bigger than all other TWS cases I have used so here are a few comparison photos of the Svanar Case compared to the Airpods Pro and a typical Soundcore TWS case:

From the top:


And from the side where you can really see the extra size of the Svanar Wireless LE:

As you can see while I appreciate the size of teh Svanar case with its premium materials, extra large internal cavity and a large battery it does make it less portable for those who like to store their TWS case in their pockets.

Features​

There are really 2 sets of features here, ones which come from Hifiman heritage in high quality audio products where they understand what is needed to deliver high quality audio but then there are the other features that are needed for a TWS that user have come to expect and therefore Hifiman have added.

Let’s get into the details of both sets of features:

R2R DAC & Topology Drivers​

The Svanar Wireless features the same “Topology Dynamic Driver” used in HiFiMan’s top-tier IEMs. Paired with a unique R2R DAC, the audio quality is outstanding, offering clarity and a balanced sound signature that excels in delivering detailed audio experiences. The different when the R2R DAC is enabled in ‘Hifi Mode’ and the other modes and even the ’normal’ amplifier within the Jr is massive, while there is a slight volume boost when switching to ‘Hifi mode’ from ANC and transparency on the LE the level of treble clarity and fast responsive bass you immediately hear is fantastic, this to me is the most important feature of these TWS headphones.

ANC & Transparency:​

While the ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) is competent, it does not reach the level of industry leaders like Apple, Bose or Sony. The Transparency mode is functional but can be overwhelmed by external factors like wind, leading to distorted sound. I could also not use the ANC outside during a windy day for walks as the microphone was getting distorted by the wind, so during those windy ‘walks’ I mostly kept the LE in Hifi-mode and used the passive isolation offered by a secure fit to dampen the outside noise.

Touch Controls:​

The earbuds’ touch controls are very sensitive, especially in windy conditions, which can lead to unintentional activations or adjustments. They also can get activated when you are placing them / pushing them into your ears, so the picture below shows the correct way to place they in your ears, too much pressure on the middle touch control will switch to a different mode. In fact the first day I tried the Svanar Wireless LE I mistakenly activated ‘Transparency’ mode, and I was disappointed for a few seconds with the sound quality until I realised my mistake and pushed the left hand earbud again for a few seconds to restore ‘Hifi Mode’.

Battery Life:​

The battery life is good but when using the hifi mode it does draw the battery a little faster, but its worth it. When the large case is included the total battery life is very good. I could last a transatlantic flight easily with a little break to re-charge via the case. You can actually use one each earbud on its own so could even temporarily charge the left while listening to right and vice versa.

Microphone:​

Call quality is excellent, making these earbuds a reliable choice for work calls and daily communication. I have been getting my work colleagues to rate each different headphone, IEM or TWS set that I used on calls and the consensus was this was the as good as the Apple AirPods Pro and better than every other one I tried so the microphone quality is excellent.

Sound Quality​

As I mentioned earlier, I spent a few weeks with both the LE and Jr versions of the Svanar Wireless, but I fairly quickly spent most of my critical listening time with the LE model in ‘Hifi mode’ so these sound impressions below are completely based around that options. The other modes were fine for podcasts, casual listening but once I heard the hifi-mode I could not get enough of listening to music with these TWS. With Hifi mode you do not really want to switch back, so I thought for this section it made complete sense to just concentrate on that sound profile. Though in the measurements section I will include some comparisons with the other modes and even the other ear tips.

Bass​

The bass response of the Svanar Wireless LE TWS in has a warm punchy bass, but it does have a slight sub-bass roll-off. But, with for example, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones “Flight of the Cosmic Hippo” the Svanar TWS the bass provides a solid foundation without overpowering other frequencies. The LE infuses a touch of warmth into the bass, reminiscent of the deep thumps in Bjork’ “Hunter” adding a sense of depth and richness to the overall sound signature.

Midrange​

Moving to the midrange, the Svanar Wireless TWS LE delivers vocals and instruments with astonishing clarity and detail. The midrange reproduction of the Svanar TWS LE captures the nuances of vocal performances with authenticity and presence. Instruments, too, are rendered with finesse, whether the guitars in Beck’s “Guess I’m Doing Fine” from Sea Change or the pianos in Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind” midrange was bought front and center that brought the music to life.

Treble​

In the treble frequencies, the Svanar Wireless LE offers a crisp and well-extended presentation. Much like the sparkling high notes in pop anthems like Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” the treble of the Svanar TWS LE adds clarity and excitement to the overall sound signature. It unveils subtle details and textures within the music, enhancing the listening experience with its airy presentation. Moreover, the Svanar TWS LE infuses a hint of brightness into the treble, reminiscent of the shimmering cymbals in Imagine Dragons’ “Thunder,” adding a touch of energy and liveliness to every track.

Soundstage and Imaging​

The Svanar Wireless TWS LE really impresses with its expansive soundstage and precise imaging capabilities, it is hard to believe it has such a wide soundstage. I believe this is totally down to the sound of the R2R Amp offering an almost ’tube’ like enhancement to the sound. So tracks like ‘Bullet Proof’ by ‘This is the Kit’ sounded fantastic with the Banjo nicely layered behind the vocals with the high hats and nice rich bass backing up the overall imaging while at the same time having that sense that you have a group of musicians spread out in front of you. Another more recent example might be the ‘Kali Uchis’ track ‘Como Asi’ where nice layering of instruments while the vocals swirls around the soundstage. Instruments and vocals are accurately placed within the soundstage, allowing for a spacious and three-dimensional listening experience.

In summary, the quality of the sound on the Svanar Wireless LE is outstanding, for me, this totally makes up for some shortcomings like the lack of a Mobile app to configure things.

Specifications and Measurements​

Frequency Response​

So I thought it would be interesting to measure the different modes (ANC, Transparency and ‘Hifi mode’) on both the LE and Jr. So first the LE model:



As you can see the channel matching is excellent - what you would expect from a TWS that emphasizes audio quality.

So, the different mode do no change the FR dramatically, though the ‘Hifi Mode’ is 2db louder than the other modes.


For the Svanar Wireless Jr model mostly we have similar quality measurements though there is a strangeness in the sub-bass on one of the ears:




Comparing the Hifi-mode to the ANC and transparency we also see more variation than on the LE model:

Distortion​

Finally, we see hardly any distortion on either model, firstly the Jr model:

and then with the LE Model - both of these measurements were taken in ‘Hifi Mode’:

Rating​

Given its exceptional audio quality, the HiFiMan Svanar Wireless LE deserves a solid 4-star rating. The Jr would only get a 3-star rating while its cheaper, I think the real pragmatic value here is to be able to listen to the Himalaya R2R DAC AMP within the LE.

It is really only the absence of a companion mobile app, some average ANC and Transparency modes and maybe lack of EQ tweaks prevent it from achieving a perfect score, but the audio performance of the LE is undoubtedly 5-star quality on its own.

Conclusion​

The HiFiMan Svanar Wireless LE especially stands out as a perfect pragmatic product in the crowded TWS market for those who prioritize sound quality. The R2R DAC and Topology Drivers sets the LE apart from all the competition and give you a taste for the even more premium Hifiman product range.

Overall, for audiophiles who value sound quality, the HiFiMan Svanar Wireless TWS presents a compelling choice, eclipsing other popular models from brands like Apple, Sennheiser, and Soundcore in audio fidelity.

General/Build/Comfort/Packaging
I have reviewed the Svanar Wireless previously and I have the Wireless LE with me today. Most of the features are similar to the Svanar Wireless except for some changes, first will be the colour of the case, it is brown in colour instead of black, build quality is more or less similar except they have removed the carbon fibre from the earpiece and went with full plastic, the purpose of this is to lower down the price, also, LDAC support is removed and the only available bluetooth codec is AAC and SBC, also not present is the wireless charging capability.
The build quality of Svanar wireless LE, although it's plastic, it definitely doesn’t look cheap. I have mentioned several times, for the fit, do take the time to choose the right ear tips as this will either make or break the seal for a good sound as well as fit. The packaging is rather straightforward and minimal, with various types of eartips. Let’s take a look at the specs below:

Specifications
Frequency Response: : 10Hz-35kHz
Bluetooth Version: : Bluetooth 5.2
HIFI Mode: : up to 5 hrs
ANC Mode: : up to 6 hrs
Transparency Mode: : up to 7 hrs
ANC Spec: : up to 35dB
Waterproof: : IPX5
Single Head Weight: : 8g
Charging Case Weight: : 83.7g
Transmission Distance: : up to 15m (barrier-free transmission)
Codecs: AAC, SBC

Gears used for this review

• iPhone 15 with Tidal/Apple Music (AAC)
• Hifiman Svanar Wireless LE AAC

Foreword
My review is solely based on what I hear via my equipment and I never consider my reviews to be objective in any way rather a subjective approach. Do take into consideration that everyone’s ear anatomy is not the same, so the psychoacoustics perception might be different as well, but i believe it will not stray too far

*An important note prior going into the sound impression, Svanar Wireless LE’s sound is very tip dependent, in fact it can make or break the sound, so please take your time to tip roll and get a good seal. I took quite a bit of time to look for one that’s suitable for me, because the bundled ones don't fit my ears at all.



General Features
Touch Control

• Works well, fairly sensitive and doesn’t require a lot of effort to use it

Proximity Sensor

• Auto pause when the sensor detects the earpiece is taken out and resume playback when the sensor detects the earpiece is in ear again

Connectivity/Range

• The connectivity is stable and it doesn’t break, mainly because it doesn’t have the LDAC codec support
• Range is quite good based on my personal experience, leaving my phone on the table in my living room, with the Svanar Wireless LE, i walked to my balcony which is about 6-7m away and it remained connected without breaking

ANC/Transparency Mode

• The ANC and Transparency mode, based on my observation and side by side A/B testing, both sounded the same in terms of the performance between Svanar Wireless and Svanar Wireless LE
• Both noise cancellation and transparency mode’s performance is average at best, similar to its bigger brother as well as the entry level (Svanar Wireless JR)

Battery Life

• Battery life is fair with the Hi Fidelity mode coming in around 4 hours ish for my usage with AAC and at 40% listening volume
• ANC and Transparency mode does have a lot longer playtime ranging from 6-7 hours based on my observation when leaving it to loop through the songs
• The claim on the battery life is quite inline with Hifiman’s and i honestly have no issue with the shorter battery life on Hi Fidelity mode simply because of its sonic performance

Sound Impression with Hi Fidelity Mode (Tested with AAC)
This is the default mode on every startup, also my preferred tuning/mode that I use most of the time. The Svanar Wireless LE shares the same driver tech as well as R2R DAC embedded within the earpiece, however, limited to only AAC and SBC bluetooth codec, the sonic performance has definitely taken a toll due to the limitation of the codec. Timbre sounds very natural to my ears overall. Bass has a very good punch and speed. Sub bass does rumble when the track calls for it, however it is not basshead kind of bass, sounds clean and good quality rumble. Good seal from the eartips is very important here. The mids are slightly forward yet not overly recessed, vocal positioning is quite center, but not very “in your face”, male vocal sounds a little lacking in terms of body, certain artist’s vocal can sound a little “brittle” especially for Zhao Peng, where his voice is supposed to sound deep and full, however, this can be alleviated by tip rolling, swapping it to Final Type E, the mids has more body but the trade off is slightly darker sound. Female vocals on the other hand sounds good with decent texture and body. Treble has a good amount of air and presence, this makes the whole music presentation sounds very airy. It is energetic but never offensive nor harsh. Detail retrieval is good but not excellent. Soundstage and imaging is good for a wireless earphone, slightly out of your head, good height perception but depth is lacking.
Instruments can be pinpointed easily where it’s coming from with good accuracy. The absence of LDAC code does make the treble sound less dynamic and compressed at times, especially during busy tracks, but other than that, i would say you’re getting approximately 70-80% of sonic performance from the bigger brother, Svanar Wireless, which is 200$ more expensive than the Svanar Wireless LE.

Sound Comparison with ANC and Transparency Mode
ANC Mode

• The difference between ANC mode vs Hi-Fidelity mode is very noticeable, i would even go as far as saying its day and night difference in terms of sound
• Bass is not as punchy on ANC but still with decent quality and control
• Sub bass rumble more or less similar to Hi Fidelity mode
• Mids are slightly recessed compared to Hi Fidelity mode
• Treble doesn’t sound as airy nor extended as on Hi Fidelity Mode, indirectly also affecting detail retrieval
• Soundstage also doesn’t sound that holographic compared to Hi Fidelity Mode

Transparency Mode

• Transparency mode to my ears is slightly better than ANC mode, but of course when compared to Hi Fidelity mode, obviously the latter is far superior in terms of sonic performance
• Bass and mids are more or less similar sounding with ANC mode
• Treble is slightly better offering a little bit more air compared to ANC mode
• Better width,depth and height perception on the soundstage

Final Thoughts
All in all, the Svanar Wireless LE is a more “affordable” Svanar Wireless. In terms of features, you are not losing alot with the exception of LDAC codec, but if you are an iPhone user to begin with, i think the Svanar Wireless LE will be a better choice compared to the bigger brother Svanar Wireless because you will not be able to use LDAC on the iPhone, also, wireless charging is not available, but other than that, you are saving 200$ more as the Svanar Wireless cost 499$. Sound quality is definitely much better compared to numerous TWS in the market which are generally focusing more on features rather than sound quality. Recommended if you are looking solely at the sonic performance!

*Svanar Wireless LE is sent over by Hifiman for the purpose of this review. I thank them for the opportunity as always

If you are interested in getting one, head over to their official webstore

Hifiman Svanar Wireless LE Store Link - Non affiliated