Update: On June 4, 2024, HiFiMAN introduced the successor to SUSVARA called the SUSVARA UNVEILED.
HiFiMAN today announced the introduction of a new, planar magnetic flagship headphone called SUSVARA. The low sensitivity (83dB) headphones cost $6,000 alone, but the company says you’ll want to pair them with their new EF1000 amplifier for another $15,000. Yes, these numbers are US Dollars, which transforms a pristine headphone listening experience into a $21,000 extravagant expense for a select few.
HiFiMAN claims SUSVARA has virtually zero distortion and lightning fast response by implementing an ultra-thin all-new driver made only possible by nanotechnology. At less than 0.001 mm, its Nanotech driver is so thin, it is not visible from the side with the naked eye. A Nano-particle coated sub-micrometer thickness diaphragm provides unsurpassed high frequency response, speed and resolution. The company says the sonic result is remarkable with lifelike openness.
In traditional magnetic designs, the magnets obstruct the sound waves and by diffraction, create both constructive and destructive interference. As these points shift with frequency changes a mass of wave distortions takes place. The use of “Stealth Magnets” on the SUSVARA means the sound wave reproduction can take place without the necessary magnets getting in their own way, degrading the sonic purity of their output.
The inspiration behind the stealth magnet design comes from fighter aircraft like the famed F-117. Radio waves can pass through the surface of stealth aircraft rendering the aircraft virtually “invisible” before the radio waves reach it. HiFiMAN adapted this idea to the magnets for SUSVARA to allow sound to pass through unimpeded.
According to HiFiMAN Founder and President, Dr. Fang Bian, “Planar magnetic technology is not new though we have been developing it for nearly a decade now. Anyone who has followed our progress, as well as the entire category, has seen and heard enormous strides in the performance of planar headphones. SUSVARA represents yet another step forward in what is possible with planar magnetic technology.”
For SUSVARA, HiFiMAN once again utilized their proven Window Shade Grill design. This signature design provides driver protection, is optimized for open-back design and also yields the best possible sound quality. It is precisely structured to gain greater openness which keeps the sound waves from second refraction and reflection to avoid unwanted vibration and distortion. The sonic experience is a wider soundstage, outstanding imaging and remarkable clarity.
Aesthetically, as an added benefit, the Window Shade Grill also provides a unique, high-tech look to the headphones and an appropriate design complement to SUSVARA’s premium alloys and wood trim.
The SUSVARA ear cups have been specially designed in a unique shape that follows the form of human ears. The ear pads are beveled so that they contour to the shape of the user’s head for superb comfort and extended listening as well as providing a good acoustic seal. The ear pad’s hybrid design utilizes polyester for increased resolution.
The revised headband is the result of clever industrial design. Entirely new thinking was needed that would accommodate the widely varied sizes of people’s heads while applying or distributing correct pressure evenly. This provides not only improved comfort but also a better seal of the pads around the ears and on the head for improved bass.
The headband on SUSVARA combines a special metal alloy with fine calf’s skin to form a sturdy arch structure. The perforation on the calf’s skin helps to dissipate the heat. For additional comfort, the light mass also contributes to lessen the overall weight of the headphone. The headphones themselves weigh little more than 13 ounces (374 grams).
Price & Availability
The HiFiMAN SUSVARA headphone is available for $6,000 at Amazon and Headphones.com.
The HiFiMAN EF1000 amplifier is available now for $15,000.
Related reading: HiFiMAN’s Flagship Open-Back SUSVARA UNVEILED Headphones Arrive at $8,000
