Introducing HIFIMAN Ananda Nano

[martel80]

Honestly i really dont mind a more into my face tuning or a neutral, boring as long as they are distortion free. I agree, everyone looks for something different but certain basic qualities in headphones should be preserved, regardless of tuning.
I love the Nano, the Aryas, the hd600/650 etc but the sound should be clean up to 120dB to have the margin of a freedom to EQ, listen louder etc.

Apart from that, looking at the NDH30 measurements, it still seems to be quite off at 1,5-3k (like Hifimans) and too exaggerated at 3,8k. Actually the hd650 measure better in this area so maybe your impression of the hd650 being better wasnt too far off

I dont pay much attention to graphs given the unreliability of measurement methods and rigs. What really stand out to me is really the resolution and details of a set of cans.

I guess that's why I'm very curious about electrostatics. I tried a set of CRBN and was very impressed but I never tried a set of Stax. Might be paradise for me...who knows.

Just a friendly reminder that listening to headphones at 95db spl for more then 50 minutes would result in permanent damage to your hearing. Not to point out that 120 db spl would probably be instant damage.

EDIT:
Hearing damage exposition limit

 

[RIGATIO]

I dont pay much attention to graphs given the unreliability of measurement methods and rigs. What really stand out to me is really the resolution and details of a set of cans.

I guess that's why I'm very curious about electrostatics. I tried a set of CRBN and was very impressed but I never tried a set of Stax. Might be paradise for me...who knows.

Just a friendly reminder that listening to headphones at 95db spl for more then 50 minutes would result in permanent damage to your hearing. Not to point out that 120 db spl would probably be instant damage.

These numbers are needed for a clean EQ. For example Sundara needs around +9-10dB in the bass area to really get to the level of having a realistic depth and punch.
The hd600 would need even more but they will start distort after adding 3-4dB so you get the idea.
The fact is that most open back headphones need a hefty EQ to sound correct and complex, with a proper depth, especially in the bass department.

 

[martel80]

These numbers are needed for a clean EQ. For example Sundara needs around +9-10dB in the bass area to really get to the level of having a realistic depth and punch.
The hd600 would need even more but they will start distort after adding 3-4dB so you get the idea.
The fact is that most open back headphones need a hefty EQ to sound correct and complex, with a proper depth, especially in the bass department.

The target you are most likely referring to is not a universal reference. There's no such thing actually. Which is why the Harman study and its resulting target was actually happening in the first place. To bridge the gap between consumers and professional audio engineers.

For example, a consumer might rely on the Harman target to achieve a sound signature that aligns with how popular modern consumer musical devices (Home theater , earpods , Beats etc..) are typically tuned. This is a reasonable approach for everyday listening as they all aim more or less for a smiley curve like the Harman target. However, mixing and mastering engineers often have different objectives and may not follow the Harman target. Instead, they prioritize accuracy and neutrality to ensure that their mixes translate well across various playback systems.

Regarding depth, it is not solely determined by frequency response measurements. While bass extension and balance can contribute to a sense of space, depth perception in audio is influenced by factors such as transient response, phase coherence, and the driver’s ability to return to a neutral position quickly. These characteristics affect how well a headphone reproduces spatial cues and microdynamics—key elements in conveying the depth and layering present in a mix.

 

[Cecala]

Error.....on my part.

 

[RIGATIO]

The target you are most likely referring to is not a universal reference. There's no such thing actually. Which is why the Harman study and its resulting target was actually happening in the first place. To bridge the gap between consumers and professional audio engineers.

For example, a consumer might rely on the Harman target to achieve a sound signature that aligns with how popular modern consumer musical devices (Home theater , earpods , Beats etc..) are typically tuned. This is a reasonable approach for everyday listening as they all aim more or less for a smiley curve like the Harman target. However, mixing and mastering engineers often have different objectives and may not follow the Harman target. Instead, they prioritize accuracy and neutrality to ensure that their mixes translate well across various playback systems.

Regarding depth, it is not solely determined by frequency response measurements. While bass extension and balance can contribute to a sense of space, depth perception in audio is influenced by factors such as transient response, phase coherence, and the driver’s ability to return to a neutral position quickly. These characteristics affect how well a headphone reproduces spatial cues and microdynamics—key elements in conveying the depth and layering present in a mix.

The PEQdB target is the best what we currently have for both iems and over ears. Its the closest to the sound from a well placed monitors with subwoofers in a well treated room. It isnt perfect but definitely the best we have right now. Better than all the Harmans for sure.
This target needs +5-7dB boost in the bass area on most open backs. It doesnt matter if its a preferred target by most people, what matters is the fact that its the closest in sound to a speaker sound supported by subwoofers.

 

[martel80]

The PEQdB target is the best what we currently have for both iems and over ears. Its the closest to the sound from a well placed monitors with subwoofers in a well treated room. It isnt perfect but definitely the best we have right now. Better than all the Harmans for sure.
This target needs +5-7dB boost in the bass area on most open backs. It doesnt matter if its a preferred target by most people, what matters is the fact that its the closest in sound to a speaker sound supported by subwoofers.

Well, let's agree to disagree.Especially because It is my business for almost 25 years now.

Not a single studio I worked in or visited have the same target at the listening position. Most M.E. working in the movie industry are closer to an X-curve while some in the Music mastering industry are into the B&K target. Luca from Studio DMI use a small smiley curve when he mix and go dead flat when he master. Bob Katz has his own personal custom target and worked closely with Audeze to tune the latest LCD-X. He also worked extensively on making fine adjustment to the CRBN that he published.

So while the idea of having a ''true world renown'' curve seems tempting, there's sadly no such thing given the room the professional work in and their preferences and anatomy.

I saw PEQdB developer show is excitement to the world when he released his project and while I salute his effort and the path he chose to take to further proof his idea, he is simply aiming at pleasing everyone and , as we all know, there is no such thing as a world widely recognized and accepted perfect song, music or sound.

In other words, your preference is most probably not the same as anyone else in anything sound related in the world just like colors and shape are not. If that was the case, I'd probably need to hide my wife in the closet

 

[gmalik]

I wanted to return it because it was too harsh, digital and metallic with a V-shaped sound. I adjusted the headband and it has a tone reminiscent of the HD650 sound. Warm, layered sound.

The height of the headband can be adjusted to change the soundtone.

The lower it is in relation to your ears, the warmer the sound.
It could be caused by a magnetic structure.

 

[TheR0v3r]

The PEQdB target is the best what we currently have for both iems and over ears. Its the closest to the sound from a well placed monitors with subwoofers in a well treated room. It isnt perfect but definitely the best we have right now. Better than all the Harmans for sure.
This target needs +5-7dB boost in the bass area on most open backs. It doesnt matter if its a preferred target by most people, what matters is the fact that its the closest in sound to a speaker sound supported by subwoofers.

Where can I read about the method behind being ”closest to the sound from well placed monitors… in a well treated room”? All I can find is a description of how a user preference based target has been developed.

 

[martel80]

Where can I read about the method behind being ”closest to the sound from well placed monitors… in a well treated room”? All I can find is a description of how a user preference based target has been developed.

You can read about it on Audiosex following this link:
https://audiosex.pro/threads/worlds-best-speaker-headphone-calibration-software.79633/

I'm personally not against his approach but it is still an average of many users preferences and if we read Sonarwork white paper on users preferred target, it really is all over the place. I mean, the gap between one person and another is as huge as we can see in the study and we're talking about people preferring flat and others preferring deviation of up to Plus (+) or Minus (-) 12 db from flat. So we're talking about on average made out of AT LEAST 24 db of range.....

https://www.sonarworks.com/blog/research/white-paper

When you take a step back from all of it and you look at the big picture, it's really just an average of preferences in what, too most, is still abstract. So it is the most accurate of the inaccuracies.

What I do find interesting tho' is that most people agree and have a smaller tolerance in the Mid region while the Bass and treble are the most affected.

 

[Cecala]

The Hifiman+Subs pads are back in stock at ZMF for those interested.

 

[7in1]

Where do I find at squig.link a PEQDB target curve?

 

[Darksoul]

Has anyone had any good experience pairing the Ananda Nano with the Violectric V222?

Edit: I got the Ananda Nano, running it with my V222. I don't notice the same piercing treble it had when I tested it on the store with the ifi Zen Stack they had. The store would sell more of Hifiman if they had equipment that was able to present the upper registers in a less...punishing way. I knew the V222 was going to do a better job, but I had my doubts for a moment.

The clarity and speed were a bit more of I was expecting. Coming from my daily driver the E-Mu Teak with ZMF suede Ori pads...I miss the biodyna bass, the details and treble of the Teaks were pretty nice, on the Nano the BASS was lost, it's no contest. But I got a whole lot more clarity, not that I ever found the Teak to be muddy, but the Nano just reveals more. I can't help to notice the Teak being able to deliver similar level of detail, but a WHOLE lot more nuanced bass.

The Nano reveal so much more on the upper registers, but the detail is lost on the bass. The Teaks are the opposite, reveal a whole lot more on the bass and the treble is less prominent, but still capable.

The song where I notice this the most is on Daft Punk's Doin' it Right. The first 20 seconds the Teak give a whole show in the bass, the distinct...pulses can be told apart and the whole build up is evident, the Nano just doesn't come close to that level of representation of the bass.

Granted, I KNOW it's a closed headphone compared with an open one. I knew the tradeoffs coming into this. I know the 500-600 USD range it's the realm of trade-offs, and these two headphones have the correct trade-offs I can live with...now if I could have the biodyna bass and the planar treble in one headphone.

Edit 2: Maybe the Dan Clark E3?

https://gadgetrytech.squig.link/headsets/?share=Dan_Clark_E3,Hifiman_Ananda_Nano

 

[7in1]

I have cut out a DIY headband strap out of thin sheepskin leather patch and feel like sharing pictures with you guys , it works so much better than a default strap! No more sliding on the hairs, no more pressure on the head. Also it compliments a sheepskin pads nicely. I have followed this video instructions how to take apart the Nano headband, if someone is interested

 

[Cecala]

I have this phone and find it quite uncomfortable. I have ordered the ZMF pads and await their delivery. The Headband also needs attention though.

 

[7in1]

needs attention

The thin sheepskin head strap hugely increases the comfort fit. Default strap is too rigid and too slippery. The sheepskin strap with suede part down and polished side up solves all problems of this headband.
with

...now if I could have the biodyna bass

Sheepskin pads are adding a lot of bass to Nano, the Openheart 16 core pure copper cable adding it as well