HiFiMAN has introduced ISVARNA, an over-ear planar magnetic closed-back headphone for listeners craving deeper bass than typical planar models can generate. Its secret is an additional miniature dynamic subwoofer driver that covers low-frequencies, while a separate planar driver handles the midrange and everything over 200Hz.
From Dr. Fang Bian, President and CEO, of HIFIMAN Electronics: “Many music lovers prefer deep bass when listening to music, without compromising on soundstage and overall depth of the sonic output,…Some manufacturers try EQ tuning, but it often leads to increased, audible distortion and overall deterioration of the sound quality…We avoid challenges surrounding phase differential through the angle difference combined with a special installation method for the primary driver and a dynamic subwoofer. These independently developed dynamic drivers manage low frequencies while planar drivers are responsible for the mid-and high frequencies.”
The ISVARNA incorporates HIFIMAN’s Stealth Magnet Technology; the streamlined cross-sectional shape of the Stealth Magnets optimizes and reduces the air turbulence and diffraction between the magnets. This allows sound to pass between the magnets unaffected. This supports minimal disruption to sound quality that is often experienced with traditional driver magnets.
In addition, ISVARNA incorporates HIFIMAN’s Nanometer Thickness Diaphragm which is under a millionth of a meter thick and extremely light. The headphone provides extremely fast response with wide dynamic range and frequency characteristics, as well as low distortion, and high transient response.
Combined with the Stealth Magnets technology, the nanometer-thickness diaphragm material is essential to the sonic output of the ISVARNA being clear and non-fatiguing after hours of listening.
The ISVARNA headband features an advanced ergonomic design for all-day comfort. with metal materials cut using high-precision CNC technology that is hand-polished.
Comparison Chart
| ISVARNA | HE1000 Unveiled | Arya Unveiled | ANANDA BT (2024) | |
| Price | $2,899 | $2,699 | $1,400 | $799 |
| Released | Dec 2024 | Oct 2024 | Nov 2024 | Oct 2024 |
| Headphone Type | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wireless |
| Style | Closed Back | Open Back | Open Back | Open Back |
| Drivers | Planar Magnetic, Dynamic | Planar Magnetic | Planar Magnetic | Planar Magnetic |
| Frequency Response | 6Hz – 60kHz | 8Hz-65kHz | 8Hz – 65KHz | 8Hz to 55kHz |
| Sensitivity | 93dB | 95dB | 94dB | 103dB |
| Impedance | 16Ω | 28Ω | 27Ω | 25Ω |
| Weight | 454 g | 450 g | 413 g | 469 g |
The Bottom Line
What makes ISVARNA different is it’s the first headphone to combine both dynamic and planar magnetic drivers (essentially a 2-way speaker system) to bring music listening experience to a higher level.
With the addition of the ISVARNA, audiophiles have another headphone choice that is a great companion for the recently released HIFIMAN GA-10 Goldenwave Tube Headphone Amplifier.
Price & Availability
HiFiMAN ISVARNA will be available this month (December 2024) at a suggested retail price of $2,899 from authorized HiFiMAN dealers and the company’s online store.
Related Reading
- Grado’s Signature HP100 SE Headphones Offer Some Big Changes: Preview
- Audio-Technica ATH-ADX3000 Open-Back Headphones: Flagship Performance for Half Price
- Meze Audio Liric II Headphones: Review
- More on HiFiMAN
