HiFiMan Ananda Nano Review – Our Favorite $500-ish Headphones

Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of headphone experiences – the bad, the decent, and a precious few that fall into the truly outstanding category. These exceptional headphones handle any genre you throw at them, don’t require a ton of power, and somehow manage to stay under a month’s rent.

Now, you might know I spend a lot of time with HiFiMan headphones. Not because I’m a blind brand loyalist (although, let’s be honest, there’s a reason for my fandom!), but because they consistently deliver something unique. Take the Susvaras, for example – those things are practically a staple in every headphone amp and DAC review I do. They’re more than just headphones to me, they’re precision tools that help me dissect every sonic detail.

But here’s the thing I’ve noticed about HiFiMan: they often prioritize clarity over pure sonic indulgence. They can be fantastic, but they might not always be the most relaxing listen. That’s why today I’m taking a look at something different from their lineup. The original Ananda somehow flew under my radar. Maybe I assumed they’d sound similar to the Aryas or Edition XS, but boy, how wrong I was!

Today’s focus is the Ananda Nano, which usually retails for $599 but is currently on sale for a very tempting $499. And let me tell you, these headphones break the mold when it comes to the usual HiFiMan sound. Buckle up, because we’re diving deep!