HiFiMAN Ananda BT R2R Review

November 14, 2024 4:24 pm

Audiophiles who prefer a wireless option have had quite the pickings lately. Focal has the Bathys, Noble Audio just released the Apollo this year, and now HiFiMAN is getting in on the action. Building upon the legacy of the acclaimed Ananda series, the R2R model incorporates cutting-edge technology, including a built-in R2R Hymalaya DAC and planar magnetic drivers, ensuring that listeners enjoy a rich, detailed, and immersive audio experience. This review delves into the Ananda-BT R2R’s design, performance, and how it measures up against its peers in the wireless headphone market. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or a casual listener, read on to discover if the Ananda-BT R2R is the right fit for your musical journey.

What You Get

Ananda-BT R2R Headphones
USB-C to USB-Cable
USB-C to USB-C Cable
Travel Case
HIFIMAN Warranty

Look & Feel

The Ananda BT R2R has the same basic look as the regular Ananda with a few minor changes. This Ananda has a bit more bulk to compensate for the addition of more interior technology. The last Ananda BT had a special adapter that made them wireless, but the R2R version has everything built in now. So the result is a slightly heavier version of the Ananda. While the weight of the headphones isn’t an issue, the fit definitely is. The suspension headband doesn’t adjust well, and no matter what, I could never get the best seal on them. You get comfortable earpads, but the bottom end of the earcups always sticks out, never fully concealing my head. I prefer the tighter clamp and lightness on the non-wireless HiFiMAN headphones.

Design

The thing that makes the Ananda BT R2R what it is, is its R2R Hymalaya DAC and planar magnetic driver. This DAC allows for a more high-definition Bluetooth signal that can do justice to HiFiMAN’s acclaimed stealth magnet design. Its planar driver also incorporates NEO Supernano diaphragm that is ultra-thin, helping to reproduce dynamics and crisper frequency detail. There isn’t much else to the Ananda BT R2R in terms of functionality, but there’s an extra function button, as well as a built-in mic on the headphones.

Bluetooth

With the Ananda BT R2R you get a very stable connection with fast pairing. As I’ve noted, one of the biggest features of this headphone is its R2R DAC, which will help you get the most out of its 24bit / 96kHz wireless resolution. Having an Android device will be the most ideal, as the Ananda BT R2R offers the LDAC CODEC, as well as aptX and aptX HD. This being a more audiophile-centric Bluetooth headphone, I would have liked to see the inclusion of aptX LL and aptX Lossless, as more consumer-grade headphones are starting to use it.

Battery Life

Being that the Ananda BT R2R has significantly more high-end tech built into it than most consumer-grade wireless headphones, you get a trade-off of disappointing battery life. The Ananda BT only gives you 10 hours of battery life, which is significantly less than most Bluetooth headphones on the market which cost much less.

Soundstage

Even in Bluetooth, the Ananda is as open and immersive as ever. The sound elements have a great scale, with clear layers that allow the instruments and effects to stack on each other with natural separation. This gives the soundstage good breathability, giving each sound an individualized presentation. HiFiMAN headphones tend to have the positioning of the sound feel more floaty in the stereo field, and that’s exactly what happens with the Ananda BT R2R. When using the wire, you’ll notice that the wireless soundstage appears a bit more narrow, but it surprisingly keeps its height. You can also sense that the imaging is a bit flatter in the mix, but you can still localize instruments accurately.

Low End

The Ananda BT has a balanced bass that supplies just enough weight to give the sound signature considerable lift. You won’t get the thickest tone from the timbre, but the presence is always felt from the subs to the mid-bass. It might lack a bit of punch, but I appreciated its smooth, even presentation that helped highlight physical bass instruments. It can feel fun and bouncy, with clear details that give the low frequencies a ton of personality. With a bit more gain, the bass could have more impact, but I think its more reserved nature brings a tight response that highlights a realistic low end.

Mids

While the mids are a bit reserved, the overall clarity of instruments and vocals is impressive for Bluetooth headphones. Transients lack a strong attack but the notes still appear full. They provide roominess and depth to each performance, even when lacking specific artifacts. It’s a clean response that feels very well-balanced, almost like a good pair of studio headphones with a bit more texture. The most lively, the Ananda BT gets is with vocals, which are significantly more lush than most of the midrange frequency content.

Highs

The highs show good details that give the sound signature pop and flavor. While it’s similarly reserved like the rest of the frequency response, the highs show a generous spark that is easy to consume. There’s not a ton of brightness, but specific instruments still have a nice click to them that provides a natural endpoint to the sound.

Summary

The HiFiMAN Ananda-BT R2R headphones deliver a compelling blend of sophisticated design and impressive sound quality, making them an appealing choice for serious music enthusiasts. While they boast remarkable audio performance across the spectrum—featuring rich lows, detailed mids, and crisp highs—their relatively limited battery life and fit challenges may pose concerns for some users. Ultimately, the Ananda-BT R2R exemplifies the pursuit of high-resolution sound in a wireless format, offering a unique experience for those willing to invest in quality over convenience. For anyone looking to elevate their listening sessions, the Ananda-BT R2R headphones stand out as a premier option.