[JohanE]

They sound fantastic on tubes as well.

 

[bagwell359]

They sound fantastic on tubes as well.

Yes tubes can mate well with the Ananda, but like every planar I know they can't be driven by OTL tube amps at all well. Class A SS power seems to be the favored amp (in my experience) I don't have enough experience with hybrid amps or all tube amps with transformers - so can't say - probably it's fine.

 

[MusicalDoc8]

Just bought it, was not that much sure about planars and i'm very happy to know i was mistaken! They sound not just lovely, but their tonal accuracy is AMAZING. I had r70x before these, and while i think they are just a price/performance monster, the ananda made me listen to my music in an even more detailed way. Loving them, really lots!
I would like to ask tho, on the hifiman site there's no mention of "stealth" ananda, nor on amazon. Where did you buy the stealth ones? I have 30 days to return them, don't want to buy something that has just been upgraded!

 

[Kremer930]

I have a pair of Ananda enroute. Is anyone able to tell me how they perform with increased power capability amps?

Years ago I used to own the original HE6 and whilst many amps were supposedly able to drive them, I found that more power filled in the bass regions and improved texture.

I am now thinking of getting an entry/mid level Dac/Amp like a FiiO K9 but am trying to understand the likely improvements versus a portable combo like an Ifi XDSD Gryphon.

I have ordered a Litz balanced cable with swappable plugs to help with power and soundstage.

Thanks for your help.

 

[ahmonge]

I have a pair of Ananda enroute. Is anyone able to tell me how they perform with increased power capability amps?

Years ago I used to own the original HE6 and whilst many amps were supposedly able to drive them, I found that more power filled in the bass regions and improved texture.

I am now thinking of getting an entry/mid level Dac/Amp like a FiiO K9 but am trying to understand the likely improvements versus a portable combo like an Ifi XDSD Gryphon.

I have ordered a Litz balanced cable with swappable plugs to help with power and soundstage.

Thanks for your help.

I listen to the Ananda with a Fiio K5 Pro combo, it sounds superb, and if I compare it to the headphone output of my iPad Pro, although capable of producing sufficient volume, the bass sounds weak and lacking in definition.

 

[-Darkstar-]

I have a pair of Ananda enroute. Is anyone able to tell me how they perform with increased power capability amps?

Years ago I used to own the original HE6 and whilst many amps were supposedly able to drive them, I found that more power filled in the bass regions and improved texture.

I am now thinking of getting an entry/mid level Dac/Amp like a FiiO K9 but am trying to understand the likely improvements versus a portable combo like an Ifi XDSD Gryphon.

I have ordered a Litz balanced cable with swappable plugs to help with power and soundstage.

Thanks for your help.

It doesn't take much power to get them quite loud but I find they have more drive and definition in the bass, with my xDuoo TA-30 than with lesser powered amps.

 

[Kremer930]

This is what I have historically found, that bass and texture improves with increased power.

How many people drive the Ananda with 2 watt amps and if possible, have they also tried 6 watts plus amps? Interested to know the impact/effects?

 

[MusicalDoc8]

I have a pair of Ananda enroute. Is anyone able to tell me how they perform with increased power capability amps?

Years ago I used to own the original HE6 and whilst many amps were supposedly able to drive them, I found that more power filled in the bass regions and improved texture.

I am now thinking of getting an entry/mid level Dac/Amp like a FiiO K9 but am trying to understand the likely improvements versus a portable combo like an Ifi XDSD Gryphon.

I have ordered a Litz balanced cable with swappable plugs to help with power and soundstage.

Thanks for your help.

I have a K9Pro. I have not compared it to other DAC/AMPs, but they sound really good, tonality and sound separation are top notch. I have the 4499 version. I also use them on a M15, and while it has less power, i would say it still is more than capable of making a very enjoyable sound. I use a 4.4 balanced cable btw.

 

[firesign]

This is what I have historically found, that bass and texture improves with increased power.

How many people drive the Ananda with 2 watt amps and if possible, have they also tried 6 watts plus amps? Interested to know the impact/effects?

I have tested it with a 2W Violectric amp, and it sounds better directly connected to an 1.5W RME ADI-2 DAC.

 

[Kremer930]

I have tested it with a 2W Violectric amp, and it sounds better directly connected to an 1.5W RME ADI-2 DAC.

This is the point that I was trying to test/understand. I would like to see this personal experience between a 1W,2W and a >5W amp when used with an Ananda. I am particularly interested in bass depth and timbre.

 

[tesarpa]

I'm using Ananda with SMSL SH-9 and discovered that bass definition and dynamics is better on high gain, even with volume on level 1 from 80 (max.). So it really seems more power is better.

 

[IXOYE]

I have a pair of Ananda enroute. Is anyone able to tell me how they perform with increased power capability amps?

Years ago I used to own the original HE6 and whilst many amps were supposedly able to drive them, I found that more power filled in the bass regions and improved texture.

I am now thinking of getting an entry/mid level Dac/Amp like a FiiO K9 but am trying to understand the likely improvements versus a portable combo like an Ifi XDSD Gryphon.

I have ordered a Litz balanced cable with swappable plugs to help with power and soundstage.

Thanks for your help.

I drive my Ananda Stealth with IFI Zen Stack balanced with a TPHC Litz cable and they sound divine, Stealth version is 27 Ω (ohm) 103 db and I have a hard time believing that I have much to gain with a more powerful amplifier.

 

[MusicalDoc8]

Using high gain on the K9Pro i might add for the sake of accuracy. And the knob is at most at 50% or i'd blow my ears away!

 

[Kremer930]

The extra power is not used to increase volume.

My theory is that a more powerful amplifier is able to control the driver more forcefully and accurately. This mainly shows as deeper, fuller bass and improved timbre.

I have experienced this with many headphones previously but am unsure if it also holds true for a high efficiency planar.

 

[froes]

I saw an announcement for an Ananda version 2 with stealth magnets and thinner foils.
They may sound better or not, that's not my interesting theme.
The Deva Pro has improved connectors: mono at both cups or balanced at the left with option for the attachable BT adapter.
Is the Ananda version 2 made the same way? This would be a reason for selling my Ananda BT and buying the version 2.