HiFiMan Ananda Stealth Magnet Edition Headphone Review

[@romantaplizki]

Thank you for the great review! The Head-Fi forum led me to you. Even now, there are only a few reviews for these great headphones. I don't understand why people don't review them?!.. Hifiman changed their packaging for all the latest products - you will receive the same cheap box for the XS or Arya if you buy them now. Once again, thank you very much. I'll continue to check out your content.

[@dtz1000]

I'll tell you why people don't review them. It's because they are not very good. The Sundara is better. I have both.

[@mohammedbazhair2000]

​@@dtz1000😮 What's your sources and cables

[@delta9k]

I think this may be the best review I've seen for the Ananda. It is like you really do use and listen to headphones, some of the points you touch on and experiences shared are so real-life

[@dtz1000]

Well, i use it as well and think he is talking rubbish. It's not as good as the Sundara.

[@stevendavis1135]

Thank you so much for this review wave. Love you man!!! This channel is criminally underrated. You deserve waaaaay more subscribers then you have. Can't wait to hear the review on the ef400

[@R0oope]

Great review! I'm not complitetly sure about the comparison though: according to the Hifiman store page, the Ananda Stealth version is actually heavier than the Edition XS (440g vs 405g). They both seem to have also the same new NsD (Neo supernano diaphgram).

[@dtz1000]

The one on the Hifiman store is probably version 2. He is probably reviewing version 3 which is lighter. I have version 3 and prefer the Sundara.

[@HansProbs]

Excellent review! Your thoroughness helps considerably

[@razorsedge1]

Great overall in depth review! Thanks!

[@kevinconner9192]

Thanks for the complete review. It made my decision to buy the Ananda Stealth easy when it dropped to $400. Your description of it is pretty much the same as what I have experienced.

[@StarWarsinMinuten]

4 years they cost 1000€ now 400€. It's so crazy.

[@dtz1000]

​@@StarWarsinMinutenIt's because they are crap. They have always been crap from the beginning, but Hifiman found the right people on KZbin to "review" it. One of the worst headphones I've owned.

[@andysledge]

@@dtz1000pls end it already and stop spamming the comments with your nonsense

[@mich5528]

@@dtz1000why that bad?? XS is better?

[@danilaros]

@@dtz1000well, mine come today and oh boy, is so good! Love the sound, end game for me😀

[@durandalx6109]

nice review, i bought it recently and has solidified its sound for me for the past weeks. will keep it !!

[@aco2518]

I just got this headphone on sale from Hifiman for $550! Thanks for this awesome review, it helped me pull the trigger~

[@Kaklet_Os]

399 now

[@dtz1000]

​@@Kaklet_Os Waste of money. The Sundara is better. These anandas are the worst headphones I own . Total fail from hifiman.

[@dtz1000]

This is one of the crappiest headphones I ever owned. The Arya Stealth is a lot better but best of all is the Aune AR5000. Incredible value and shows how much hifiman is taking the Mickey out of us with their overpriced crap.

[@aco2518]

@@dtz1000 You alright bro? Take a chill pill

[@marlowe1537]

The Ananda has consistently been "sale" priced at $699 for several years. Despite the new version, I'd be surprised if they raised it. (I'd bet the price cut on the Arya for the past few months is likely permanent as well.)

[@bradhuskers]

Apparently, the stealth magnet version is light years better. The old Amanda will be discontinued

[@TagetesAlkesta]

The Ananda Stealth Magnet Edition is $399 right now, which is an insane deal

[@alangregory5580]

​@@TagetesAlkesta just picked it up for 400, hoping it's good

[@dtz1000]

Don't fall for this. The Ananda is rubbish. Much worse than $100 headphones I've owned. The Arya is much better but still not as good as Aune AR5000 which is a lot cheaper too.

[@condoruite]

Thanks for the review. Not sure if I want to just get a sundara to get my feet wet, or go ahead and jump in a little deeper with the Ananda.

[@dtz1000]

I would be careful if these reviewers with their affiliate links and products that they didn't have to pay for. I own this Ananda headphone and I also have the Sundara. The Sundara sounds better.

[@mohammedbazhair2000]

​@@dtz1000sources and cables plz??

[@RaindancerAU]

Bought Edition XS during Black Friday sales, it now comes in the cheaper shoe box style packaging too.

[@JLa748]

thank you for review and also thank you for making exception and showing box, it is all good, makes your review more thorough. I got anandas stealth a couple of months ago but was suspicious about different boxing than the anandas i have been watching all over internet. Exactly, this box is, lets say, simpler than previous anandas boxing. the included stand that comes inside is made from same cheap packaging marterials, has a plastic base to add a minimum weight but still so light is almost useless. i would rather had mine come inside the velvet looking package and nice booklet previous versions came with. About headphones themselves, got a better, blanced 4.4mm cable and I am loving them so far.

[@Charlitoz97]

Great in-freaking-depth review. You even went full multi-meter to prove a point. I respect that. I literally just uploaded my own review of the Ananda, albeit the non-SM. A different approach, however I'd love to see whether you agree with my thoughts too. Couldn't agree more with your "sligth v-shape" description. the voices never goo too far.

[@stevendavis1135]

Been waiting for this one !!!! I love wave reviews 🥰🥰 I hope you can get your hands on a audeze mm-500. Need your review on that one for sure !!! Comparison to the lcd 5 and lcdx for the mm-500 would help a ton

[@wavetheorysound]

I'd love to get my hands on one. I'll shake the tree...

[@bradhuskers]

@@wavetheorysound Are these better than the new hifiman edition xs, in your honest opinion?

[@wavetheorysound]

@@bradhuskers yes. More detail. Better spatial performance. Better tonal balance, particularly through the treble.

[@bradhuskers]

@@wavetheorysound Ok. That being said? Do you still enjoy the edition xs ?

[@wavetheorysound]

@@bradhuskers yes. IMO still best all arounder

[@williamdoyle626]

I just picked up a new pair on Amazon for $369. Probably the greatest deal I've encountered in 45 years of audio.

[@dtz1000]

I don't understand that because they sounded crap when I had them. The best deal in audio is Aune AR5000. Much better than this rubbish.

[@TheNosnawS]

I got one too in the same way! It’s practically unbelievable

[@gonrossi]

Hi ! Is this review donde over the Ananda Stealth Magnet V2 or V3 ?

[@akarint1]

Ananda original have leather box. If you think Ananda stealth had a cheap shoes box. Arya stealth is have the same shoes box now.

[@ricardocamejomedilusa1038]

Take mi like man,, im waiting this review for a while... god job. im opening a KZbin chanel and i now the deal of editing

[@Barncore]

Hello, great in-depth review, thanks... I just ordered the Ananda Stealth v3, waiting for delivery... I was just wondering if you any specific recommendation of cable? What brands/models should i look at? Best bang for buck option? Cheers!

[@mohammedbazhair2000]

Pleaaase How the sound?. I wanna to order them soon

[@Barncore]

@@mohammedbazhair2000 Yeah sounds good. I don't know what to tell you

[@mohammedbazhair2000]

@@Barncore the bass , mids, treble Soundstage, resulostion, clarity..everything😁

[@liam2]

The headband fit preference seems to be quite dependent on your head shape. If the Ananda stealth headband is anything like the Sundaras then I wouldn't consider it a comfortable headband for me, it was far too hot under the large headband and caused a lot of pressure on the top of my head. The edition Xs on the other hand is the most comfortable headphone I've ever tried because of how loose and non-clamping it is

[@radissimo1]

yes ,loose,too loose

[@paulgross682]

Thanks for the great reviews. You mention a good price comparison stating at $699 it is definitely worth the $200 over the Edition XS. In that same scenario is the Arya (at $1299) worth almost twice the price of the Ananda?

[@wavetheorysound]

I didn't hear them right next to each other but odds are good that the Arya is a significant upgrade. I think Arya Stealth is the current best all arounder in the $1200-1800 category (I have a big roundup video of that group) and $1300 really tips the value factor in its favor too. I've also thought Hifiman has done a really good job scaling performance with price.

[@bradhuskers]

@@wavetheorysound I was seriously thinking about getting the he6se v 2. After your excellent in-depth review. However, I'd need to buy the mark II AMPLIFIER AT $350. SO $500 FOR the he6se v 2. And $350 for the mk II AMP. SO about $900. After this review of the ananda stealth magnet, would you say the sound is as good or very close that I can just be extremely happy with ananda stealth? And forget about the he6se v2?

[@jasonbhatnagar7134]

@@wavetheorysound Do you think the Ananda is better than the Focal Clear?

[@abdullahalzhrani6405]

great review i want to ask does arya have more soundstage than ananda ???

[@ukaszcezary8870]

Edition XS also has NEO SuperNano Diaphragm

[@geraltnroach]

Nice review man, i'm about to buy this but i have several question before purchasing since i can't find any demo unit around. How about vocal presentation, is it more forward or laidback and is it on full bodied side or lean side?

[@wavetheorysound]

I'd say the vocal range is not forward, but I don't know if I call it laidback either. I think its in-line with the rest of the presentation. I think the timbre, including vocals, is pretty strong on this headphone, especially at $700.

[@Anomalyn1]

Hi, in my country Ananda Stealth is 500 dollars at the moment. You think there is somethink better at this price point at the moment?

[@spamcan9208]

I was dead set on the xs but as of May 2023 these are only $50 more... If I didn't need that sub bass for cathedral sized pipe organs I might go for them over the xs. Maybe I still should? Hoping the xs' headband is comfortable and things crash symbols don't sound like harsh pshhhh noises. Also hoping its detail performance and separation is at least approaching what the Ananda does. This will be my first "hifi" (to me anyway, I know some consider this midfi) headset. I never loved my HD560S, the treble (at least a portion of it) was harsh and shouty and gave me fatigue. I'm looking to get blown away and lose myself in the music, that's my goal. I was planning on getting the topping dx3 pro+ to begin with and eventually upgrade if I decide to stay in headphones.

[@mohammedbazhair2000]

I am like you. I want something that make lose yourself and make you feel you are inside the music. Until now I don't know whats the audio gear that will do thet 😪

[@dtz1000]

Trust me on this. What you both want is the Aune AR5000, and this shoddy reviewer is never going to tell you that. The AR5000 is better than the rubbish Ananda and many other headphones costing way more.

[@MRFUTURETECHNOLOGYGAMING]

Finally I've been waiting for this 0:27 ^_^ You actually missed it actually comes with a headphone stand where it says hifiman

[@Macpro2099]

Hello. Is it the cables themselves or also the interconnects that increase the sibilance? I would like to know if I can buy the Hart cable and then connect it to a generic adapter (4.4mm to 3.5mm), or if that will ruin the chain and waste my money. Thank you, and nice full review.

[@wavetheorysound]

Whether it's the fault of the connectors or the cables themselves, Hifiman stock cables are sibilant and the Hart modular system sounds much smoother to me.

[@ewqqweasddsazxc]

thanks for this detailed review. I need help for distinguishing ananda first version and stealth magnet edition online before buying. some source states that it is 41 gram heavier than original but amazon says it is 399 grams on its site. therefore it is the v1 version, right?

[@paulgross682]

Great reviews! Since you have reviewed both the Ananda an Arya Stealth additions I would appreciate your opinion. I am looking to upgrade from the Sundara and willing to invest enough to get the Arya Stealth which I can use with my JDS Elements 2 or Hidiz S9 Pro. My question is, would I be better off going with the Arya or get the Ananda Stealth and use the left over funds from the price difference to purchase a better DAC amp?

[@wavetheorysound]

On your current gear the Arya will sound only marginally better. However, down the road when you're ready to upgrade your source gear you'll he glad you sprung for Arya. I'd go that route.

[@Barnsey87]

From someone that listens and makes music with headphones from demos I've heard of the xs they sound like they struggle to hold dynamic range unlike the ananda v3 or nanos which deliver all ranges with ease and stable I've not heard the nanos with edm styles but I kno2 the ananda v3 sound great.

[@Javier-go5fv]

Hello, thanks for the video. A suggestion of a good cable and its web address where you can buy it would be appreciated.

[@THE16THPHANTOM]

for a layman( or just me) the appeal of unboxing is having a point of reference for a couple of things. since nowadays everything are bought online it helps to see someone holding it the product, especially if you have a particular youtuber as the anchor. if its too big or too small for the youtuber then you know its just right for you (depending). also you product page in online stores usually don't tell you want, what you get in the box. you want to know if cable is up to your standard or better or just buy a better cable and time it right so they both arrive on the same day for example. all of these things are why i like unboxing anyway. should go without saying that i dont watch unboxing of things i'm not in the market for.

[@zetapal]

So you didn't have a problem with your gravedigger cable on the Ananda Stealth ? I notice that they do offer a BT compatible version of Ananda and by your previous video on Deva and another BT compatible can, you cautioned against using a gravedigger with its TS configured 3.5mm connectors. I hope there is not a problem with the cable on the Ananda Stealth cause I ordered one AND the cans ! ... only later saw your video on the potential problem with BT compliant HiFiMan headphones. Say it isn't so Joe, say it isn't so ... ? I'll be using the Gravedigger balanced XLR into a Jotunheim 2 and a Bifrost 2/64. Am I in good shape ?

[@Hakku1403]

Thank you you this amazing review.😍 Questions: 1. how ist the soundstage -width compared with the Byerdynamic DT880/600 2. after burn-in ,is the grain on mids from the Ananda completely gone?

[@soraflame66]

Ananda soundstage is far wider than dt880, it's good depth too. Next stepup for ultra wide soundstage would be the Arya and hd800s. They don't have much grain in the mids and burn in is basically a myth at least mostly.

[@Hakku1403]

@@soraflame66 Thank you very much for the Information.😍 My thought was, some reviewers said the Stealth Version of the Ananda has a much smaller stage and less spaceious presentation as the original

[@soraflame66]

@@Hakku1403 you're thinking of the Arya probably that's generally said about the Arya stealth vs the v2. I'm not sure if Ananda stealth has a smaller stage yet we need to see some more reviews and testing first.

[@akarint1]

Ananda stealth have wider soundstage than DT880. Ananda stealth have more details than Ananda so it sounds like less space same as Arya. But !!! It very easy to drive.

[@wahyurifo5450]

@@akarint1 have you tried to drive these with the Dragonfly portable dac?

[@bradhuskers]

Since the sensitivity is 103, and the impedance is 27, is it a good bet that the hip dac 2 will drive these Amanda stealth magnet very well?

[@wavetheorysound]

Should be a decent combo, yes.

[@nunonobrega5090]

Hi there great review! I have an Edition X stealth and I would like to buy a different cable, a 4pin XLR to 3,5mm dual ended (R+L). Can you please indicate a budget friendly cable, since I just invested 500 euros in this headphone? I find the Edition X stealth a little bit loose in my head. Does the Ananda go a bit smaller compared with Edition X? I find the Edition x stealth a bit bright in the highs, Is this something that a decent cable would fix? Or should I swap this for an Ananda or is this a brand signature sound? Thank you for your time and for your amazing reviews. Best regards!

[@wavetheorysound]

Hmmm, here in the US I would say Hart or Audiophile Ninja. I think they do international shipping but don't know how much that adds. In EU you can check out Forza, tho I'm not sure what their entry level prices are.

[@nunonobrega5090]

@@wavetheorysound Thank you! I will check them out.

[@TimpTim]

👌Thanks. Good info. Decisions, decisions!

[@mohammedbazhair2000]

Is EF500 GOOD FOR THEM?

[@renezurlinden6240]

Thanks for the very interesting video. Can you give me the type of the cable (this blue one) in the video? Thanks a lot René

[@wavetheorysound]

Hart Audio Cables HC-1 with custom paracord cover. The stock options are red or "touch of gray" but you can spec order other covers for small fee and couple extra days of wait time.

[@mark2000mac2]

You just got a new subscriber

[@ricardocamejomedilusa1038]

I can wait for a review some day on the denafrips ares 2 R2R Dac. Your opinion gona make mi final step to buythem

[@wavetheorysound]

I have a written review for Ares II on Head-Fi & Hifiguides Forum.

[@ixoye56]

The lack of swivel function and terrible clamping force made them press hard on my jaws and was impossible to live with for me, so they unfortunately had to go back to Amazon, but in terms of sound they were absolutely fantastic.

[@wavetheorysound]

Yuck. Sorry to hear that. They do clamp pretty hard out of the box, but I think that will loosen in time. However, I have no idea how long that takes, so I get that you sent them back.

[@chrisbianchi8876]

The Ananda Stealth just went on sale for $399. That's $50 less than the XS now. Thinking of pulling the trigger.

[@wavetheorysound]

Woah! Killer deal! Well, if you're looking for someone to put the brakes on it won't be me 😆

[@Audimotorsportfreak]

I got mine today but compared to the Verum 1 i am quite dissapointed by the sound. Source is the Mojo 2

[@chrisbianchi8876]

Thanks. I decided to hold off until the Audeze MM100 reviews start coming out. Maybe the Edition XS will get a price cut also. Are the Anandas too bright? The XS is supposedly a little warmer sounding.@@Audimotorsportfreak

[@Audimotorsportfreak]

​@@chrisbianchi8876The Sound is not as clean and bright in the mids and highs compared to the verums

[@SuperLala33]

just pulled the trigger and its being driven bij my ifi zen signature stack. Just enjoying it atm, sounds great. wide sounstage, very "clear" focals, much more details then with my meze 99 classics. I am not a basshead an must say that so far im digging the planar magnetic sound. 😃

[@kyron42]

Would you recommend the Ananda Bluetooth?

[@finnetube1]

Is it worth it over the non-stealth?

[@Anomalyn1]

Hi, just subscribed. Nice description.

[@michaelwhitaker1972]

Hifiman really needs to up their cable game. Even their high end headphones come with garbage cables.

[@denis4072]

Please elaborate which part of included cable is trash? And would you able to hear differences in blind fold? Cuz i can't.

[@michaelwhitaker1972]

@denis4072 It's not about the sound. It's about the build.

[@harackmw]

Great review to watch after a night of drinking~

[@andrikman87]

Hello. Hifiman Ananda v2 and Hifiman Ananda Stealth Magnet Edition are not the same?

[@marlowe1537]

I was going to say no, but then it occured to me that I don't think there ever was an Ananda V2 (there was for the Arya), so you could call this the Ananda V2 if you wanted. But kidding aside, IIRC, there have only been two versions of Ananda: the OG Ananda (now discontinued) and the Stealth Magnet edition.

[@hakan7346]

ifi zen dac and zen can DAC ıs also connected to magnius. Is my setup good enough for these headphones?

[@wavetheorysound]

Shouldn't have any power issues. It's an easy drive.

[@bedroommusician6135]

Is this the V2? I am still confused with hifiman Ananda, Ananda V2 and Ananda stealth magnet. Can some explain it to me. I am quite new to Hifiman brand.

[@wavetheorysound]

IIRC there was only 1 Ananda prior to the stealth magnet edition. Thus v2=stealth. Community please correct this if wrong. It is confusing with hifiman as they do silent revisions sometimes. I don't think this is one of those times.

[@bedroommusician6135]

@@wavetheorysound Thanks

[@razorsedge1]

Hi RWT, could you recommend a balanced cable to use for the Ananda SM?

[@wavetheorysound]

I think the Ananda is still in the price range where a simple solution like a Hart cable makes the most sense. I only used the fancy Grave Digger because I already had it.

[@razorsedge1]

@@wavetheorysound Thank you and have a good one!

[@emgee805]

Here in Europe, the ananda stealth is 779€ vs HE6SE V2 at 650€. Which one should I consider and why? (amp question aside) Thanks.

[@danieldavis3565]

Does anybody own the OG Ananda (Version 2021) and the new Ananda V2? I am wonderung, if the new Stealth Magnets affect the width of the Soundstage? With the Arya Stealth the Soundstage has gotten a little smaller, as far as I know. But if the Soundstage is as wide as with the old model, but the tuning and sound signature is improved, then it seems like an adequate upgrade from the Edition XS.

[@rimbaud6x2]

thank you for information

[@endrizo]

now. hifiman released the ananda NANO.

[@stevejake129]

Can I use this headphone with my macbook?

[@wavetheorysound]

It's probably ok, not ideal, but functional

[@lamarhooks8351]

How about a comparison with the HE6SE V2? Which is better value?

[@JTB--]

If you can get the HE6se V2 on sale and have a powerful enough amp to drive them... HE6se V2

[@bradhuskers]

@@JTB-- Are you kidding? The new stealth magnet technology destroys the tech in the he6se v 2. No comparison

[@JTB--]

@@bradhuskers I never heard the OG HE6 but I know many rave about it. I have a powerful amp setup that drives the HE6SE V2 great and I like them a lot for hard rock and aggressive music. Like having speakers attached to your head. I love most of these Stealth Magnet Hifiman headphones over the OG one's

[@bradhuskers]

@@JTB-- True. If anyone has powerful amps, then these are the way to go.

[@bluemonstrosity259]

Comparison with OG Ananda?

[@JTB--]

Ananda Stealth Magnet has better Bass going off memory of the OG Ananda. Ananda SM is better to my ear

[@soraflame66]

@@JTB-- what other differences?

[@JTB--]

@@soraflame66 To my ear both the Ananda and Arya Stealth Magnet versions do everything better than the non SM version's. Especially in the Bass Dept. But it's all subjective and your mileage may vary

[@akarint1]

It have more details than original so it seemed like smaller soundstage than original. More details sometimes make less soundstage and space?

[@JTB--]

@@akarint1 Yeah maybe. I just prefer headphones that are very detailed. Anyone looking for Soundstage and Space as a top priority should probably just get an HD 800s.

[@juneguts]

Thanks man

[@kyron42]

What's the difference between slam and punch?

[@mrgee918]

I'm listening to both xs and ananda, I'd say the xs has low end rumble and ananda has hard kick drum thud. Eg. Xs works well with r&b/rap bass and ananda with techno/house/edm bass.

[@torukmahtomahto409]

Now Ananda SM open box 599 vs XS OB 449..also changing pads , Dekoni Z reviews, or litle EQ, make it closer to Arya..XS is not so versatile, neither with pads or EQ and difficult to drive..

[@romantaplizki]

What EQ you use? did you try to do a/b between Ananda and Arya?

[@condoruite]

probably had a bunch of boxes already printed....then marketing switched it up for the xs.

[@sylvio1980]

Good job ! Very good review. I bought Arya’s for 1200$ and I came in the same packaging which for me is totally unacceptable and almost a deal breaker. For over a 1K I expect a total experience and packaging is a big part of that. You’re buying a luxury item at that point. Keep up the good work.

[@AspectClip]

Do not for one moment buy the comment about the "comfort upgrade". The Edition XS is much more comfortable than the Ananda. It does depend on the size & shape of your head though. Some people claim the Edition XS is too loose. I find it too tight. And the Ananda is even tighter, and furthermore has no swivel. The Edition XS at least has swivel and so is way more comfortable.

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

Low and mid levels need a bit of glamour added to the experience. Higher levels sell by themselves. :-) And no, good cables don't sound better but they make you feel better for other reasons. :-)

[@nickapalooza861]

I already own these and clicked on this video just to watch a bit but your reviews are so good I am watching all the way through

[@shawnpwatsons1]

Needs 150hr. break-in period per the manufacturer.

[@dtz1000]

That's ridiculous. I don't have time for that nonsense. Not many people do.

[@dannyturner7967]

Get a audiophile ninja cable balanced in termination of your choice for 75.00 DO NOT BUY PERIAPT CABLES THEY ARE JUNK!!! AND THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NON EXISTING!!!