Hifiman is arguably one of the most well-known brands for audiophile headphones. Their flagship models impress music enjoyers everywhere, and they continue to impress their ever-growing consumer audience with a few new hitters. The Ananda BT R2R, an open-back planar magnetic headphone is a variation on the already popular Ananda, this time with capabilities to take your music on the go. It retails for $799, and today we take a look at all the details.
What Comes In The Box
- Ananda-BT R2R Headphones
- USB-C to USB-Cable
- USB-C to USB-C Cable
- Travel Case
- HIFIMAN Warranty
Aesthetics and Functionality
At first glance, the Ananda BT R2R resembles other HIFIMAN headphones, with its ergonomic ear cup design and metallic grills echoing models like the Arya, HE1000, and parts of the Shangri-La series. However, when I tried them on, I was somewhat disappointed. The ear cup size is identical to other HIFIMAN models, but my smaller head didn’t allow for a proper fit. Even on the tightest adjustment, the headband failed to secure the headphones snugly, resulting in a loose fit that felt precarious during movement. When positioned over my ears, the bottom of the ear cups didn’t seal completely, causing sound leakage. While this issue is likely due to my specific head shape, it’s worth keeping in mind when evaluating these headphones.
Setting up the Ananda BT is refreshingly straightforward. Pairing is as simple as pressing a button, and I was up and running in no time. The package includes two cables: a USB-C to USB-A and a double-sided USB-C, simplifying wired listening and charging. Unlike the standard 3.5mm or 6.35mm connections that often require adapters, these cables offer a more accessible and modern solution. While these headphones aren’t designed for everyday, on-the-go use, their functionality is ideal for specific listening scenarios.
Tech Specs
- Frequency Range: 8Hz – 55kHz
- Impedance: 25Ω
- Sensitivity: 103dB
- Weight: 469g
- Full Charging Time: 2.7 hours
- Playback Time: 10 hours
The headphones come with a battery life of 10 hours, which is plenty of time for all day hi-fi listening. I’ll admit: I thought this was too short of time compared to other Bluetooth headphones like the Noble FoKus Apollo or the Focal Bathys. However, after some careful research and listening time with the headphones themselves, I realized this was ample time to enjoy the high quality sound.
Listening Review
Soundstage
Listeners familiar with the original Ananda will recognize a similar auditory experience in the Ananda BT. Its expansive soundstage and precise stereo imaging create an immersive listening environment. The sound signature is smooth and balanced across all frequencies, closely mirroring the wired version. Switching between wired and Bluetooth modes reveals minimal differences; while the wired option provides slightly more detail, the Bluetooth connection remains impressively accurate and rich in tonal color.
Unlike many Bluetooth headphones, the Ananda BT doesn’t feature active noise cancellation, and the open-back design offers limited sound isolation. However, the headphones’ powerful output compensates for this — turning up the volume effectively diminishes ambient noise, drawing you deeper into your music.
Low Frequencies
The low end is impactful yet controlled, delivering power without overwhelming the mix. Its smooth tonality enhances the depth and clarity of tracks, making them feel alive. For upbeat genres like rock and pop, the bass provides a satisfying punch, while in softer ballads, it mellows out beautifully. One standout example was “Shut Up and Let Me Go” by the Ting Tings, where the kick drums and rhythm guitars carried warmth and body, driving the track’s energy forward.
Mid-Range Frequencies
The midrange excels in detail and separation, allowing different layers of instruments to coexist harmoniously within the wide soundstage. This clarity and texture give tracks a vibrant and dynamic character, even over Bluetooth. When listening to “Cherry” by FLETCHER and Hayley Kiyoko, the nuanced post-production elements were perfectly positioned within the stereo field, while the blend of their vocals added a captivating richness and color.
High Frequencies
The high frequencies are another highlight of the Ananda BT, delivering an airy and bright treble that feels open and natural. The highs dissipate gracefully within the soundstage, maintaining exceptional clarity without sounding harsh or fatiguing. This bright upper register adds a sense of energy and balance to the headphones’ dynamic range, complementing the punchy bass and delivering a well-rounded, engaging listening experience.
Summary
Hifiman has definitely made a head-turning product. The popular Ananda gets quite the upgrade with Bluetooth compatibility, which may deter some audiophiles. It’s not the most comfortable headphone in my eyes, but the sound quality is the more important thing here. The natural sound reproduction and exceptional clarity gives you that same audiophile sound without the need of a wire. Even for those who prefer wired listening, you still have a few cables to use to make listening easier and more accessible across devices. With a retail price of under $1k, I’d say it’s an excellent addition to any headphone collection. I highly suggest giving these a listen and seeing the sound quality and testing the comfort for yourself.
The Ananda BT R2R is available today at Audio46.
Follow us on Instagram for daily updates on latest announcements and reviews!
About Author
