When the original HiFiMAN ANANDA-BT debuted in 2019, it was one of the most expensive Bluetooth wireless headphones at $999. Now there are many more competitors in the luxury wireless headphone category ($699 to $999), which include the Focal Bathys, Bowers & Wilkins Px8, and Mark Levinson No. 5909.
HiFiMAN has responded with an updated version of its wireless ANANDA-BT open-back planar magnetic headphone at a lower price, just $799. However, there are two key distinctions between ANANDA-BT and its competitors. ANANDA-BT is the only one to use planar magnetic drivers, which have significantly lower distortion when compared to dynamic drivers used in its competitors. However, the trade-off makes ANANDA-BT larger and heavier, while also forgoing noise cancellation.
What’s new?
The new ANANDA-BT (2024 model) adds HiFiMAN’s R2R DAC along with Stealth Magnet technology, while using a NEO “supernano” Diaphragm (NsD) that’s 80% thinner. All these technologies contribute to lower distortion and more efficient use of power, although battery life remains the same at 10 hours per charge.
“When we first introduced the ANANDA-BT five years ago, it represented the best of both available Bluetooth technologies and features unique to HIFIMAN,” says Dr. Fang Bian, Founder and CEO, HIFIMAN. “This new version of a HIFIMAN classic takes the best of the original and adds several of our most recent developments to create a new standard in high-fidelity wireless audio.”
ANANDA-BT also includes a window shade grill design that reduces sonic reflections for improved clarity, and a hybrid headband design for hours of listening comfort. There’s also now a built-in microphone for calls and gaming.
Tip: HiFiMAN says its planar headphones benefit from break-in to achieve optimum performance. This typically takes up to 150 hours, although headphones can still be used during this period.
Technology
ANANDA-BT not only supports Bluetooth playback (up to 24-bit/96kHz) but also can be directly connected to a device via a USB cable for music playback (up to 24-bit/192kHz).
With full support for high-resolution protocols including LDAC, aptX, and aptX-HD, the ANANDA-BT is compatible with most high-definition playback devices on the market, ensuring excellent audio signal transmission for outstanding sonics.
HiFiMAN’s R2R DAC is composed of an array of resistors with a new algorithm that reduces power handling between the chip and peripheral components. As a result, signal-to-noise ratio, total harmonic distortion, and energy consumption are said to be at their most efficient and cost-effective.
Use of Stealth Magnet Technology ensure sound waves pass through to your ears without generating interference. HIFIMAN says its advanced magnet design is acoustically transparent, which dramatically reduces wave diffraction turbulence that degrades the integrity of the sound waves. The company claims reduced distortion yields pure sonic output that is accurate and full-range.
Rounding out the list of ANANDA-BT technological updates is its NEO “supernano” Diaphragm (NsD). The new NsD is 80% thinner than previous designs, resulting in fast response and detailed image with lush, full range sonics.
Specifications Compared
| ANANDA-BT (2019) | ANANDA-BT (2024) | |
| MSRP | $999 | $799 |
| Frequency range | 8Hz-55kHz | 8Hz-55kHz |
| Impedance | 35 Ω | 25 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB | 103 dB |
| Weight | 495 grams | 469 gram |
| Charging time | 2.7 hours | 2.7 hours |
| Battery Life | 10 hours | 10 hours |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 | 5.1 |
| Codecs | aptX, aptX HD, HWA, LDAC, LHDC | aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, AAC, SBC |
Initial Impressions
The ANANDA-BT R2R’s price makes it competitive in a crowded market of excellent options, but we wonder if the absence of active noise cancellation will make it a non-starter with some buyers.
The reduced weight is a step in the right direction because the original version was very heavy to say the least.
We also wonder why HiFiMAN went with aptX HD and not aptX Adaptive or aptX Lossless?
The planar concept in a wireless headphone is unique and if the sound quality is superior to the Bathys or Px8 — consumers will have another excellent option to audition.
Price & Availability
The HiFiMAN ANANDA-BT R2R is available for $799 at HIFIMAN’s Online Store.
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