Hifiman Ananda Nano

In our test, the Hifiman Ananda Nano showed that these wired over-ear headphones are equally suited for Hi-Fi enthusiasts and studio applications such as mixing and mastering. In addition to high wearing comfort, the Ananda Nano’s planar magnetic technology combined with its open design delivers highly detailed sound. Let’s take a closer look.

Scope of delivery – nothing more than necessary

The first thing you notice in the Hifiman Ananda Nano’s package is its case. Inside, the headphones lie loose, held only by a strap integrated into the case. While the case’s exterior suggests a custom-moulded interior, the reality is more modest: there is neither a shaped insert to secure the headphones nor padding to protect them.

The included accessory is a nearly 3-metre detachable cable. The unbalanced Y-cable plugs into both earcups and terminates with mini-jack plugs at all ends. A 6.35 mm adapter is pre-fitted. All plugs and the adapter are gold-plated to prevent corrosion. The Ananda Nano’s scope of delivery therefore contains only the essentials.

Hifiman Ananda Nano – simple and functional

The Hifiman Ananda Nano have an understated design in black and silver. The arms holding the swivelling earcups are made of sturdy metal. The backs of the earcups feature horizontal grills, intended to provide cleaner sound by reducing reflections compared to other designs.

The model name “Ananda Nano” refers to the ultra-thin nanometre-thick diaphragm, based on the design and operation of Hifiman’s high-end Susvara headphones. They are driven by magnets in Hifiman’s so-called “Stealth” design, meaning they are acoustically invisible to the ear thanks to their special asymmetrical arrangement and rounded edges. This results in extremely low reflections, producing cleaner sound than many other headphones.

Hifiman Ananda Nano – practical technical specifications

The Ananda Nano’s extremely wide frequency range extends from 5 Hz in the sub-bass up to 55 kHz in the super-high range. With a sensitivity of 94 dB and a low impedance of just 14 ohms, it can reach high volumes even when connected to smartphones, laptops, and similar devices.

Handling – light and shadow

The headband is designed to distribute the headphone’s weight evenly, making it comfortable to wear for long sessions. However, when putting it on, the notched size adjustment requires both hands, as it is too stiff to adjust evenly on both sides automatically. On the plus side, this stiffness prevents accidental changes in size.

The asymmetrical earcups are shaped to match the human ear, ensuring a very comfortable fit. This is enhanced by ear pads with soft, breathable fabric on the contact surfaces. The headphones are also comparatively light, so they sit securely even with minimal clamping force. On the downside, the cable plugs are not secured with a locking mechanism, so they can slip out if pulled.

Sound – detailed highs, subtle bass

The openness of the Ananda Nano’s design is immediately noticeable when listening. The difference between wearing the headphones and not wearing them feels minimal, as the earcups sound extremely open.

The sound profile is defined by an almost limitless super-high range, with detailed treble that reproduces many nuances of a production. The mids deliver excellent speech intelligibility and, despite their prominence, never sound sharp or sibilant.

In contrast, the bass and sub-bass are more restrained. Boosting bass via EQ or increasing volume quickly leads to distortion, especially when driven by high-voltage headphone outputs. As such, the headphones are best suited for use with smartphones, laptops, and similar devices. Those wanting to listen to bass-heavy music loudly should look elsewhere.

The Ananda Nano’s strengths lie elsewhere: it combines a high perceived resolution and wide stereo imaging with dynamics that remain nuanced even at lower listening volumes.

Conclusion

The Hifiman Ananda Nano is an open, over-ear headphone that delivers pristine sound through planar magnetic technology. Its detailed reproduction makes it ideal for Hi-Fi enthusiasts as well as mixing and mastering in the studio. It benefits from its wide frequency range and all-day comfort. For those who can do without extra accessories and want high-end technology in a more affordable upper mid-range model, the Hifiman Ananda Nano is an excellent choice.