HiFiMAN remains one of the most influential brands in the planar-magnetic headphone world, producing models that consistently balance technical performance with long-term listenability. In this comparison, we take a close look at the HiFiMAN Edition XV and the HiFiMAN Ananda Nano, two headphones designed to offer premium planar sound at competitive price points. This comparison will highlight the key differences in build, tonality, staging, and overall performance to help you determine which headphone best suits your sonic expectations.
What You Get
| Edition XV | Ananda Nano |
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Look & Feel
The Edition XV marks a significant evolution from earlier HiFiMAN designs thanks to its updated composite frame, redesigned grille, and lightweight headband. The Ananda Nano delivers a more familiar aesthetic by retaining the classic oval earcups and suspension headband that many HiFiMAN fans already appreciate. This model pairs its lightweight comfort with a silver-coated aluminum frame that feels both sturdy and premium. Both headphones have large earcups, but they maintain an almost weightless fit with generous padding and an ergonomic clamping force.
Design
Both headphones have planar magnetic drivers with slightly different components. The Ananda Nano uses a nanometer-thin diaphragm inspired by HiFiMAN’s ultra-flagship Susvara, allowing the Nano to achieve low distortion and exceptional transient accuracy. Its stealth magnet technology reduces internal diffraction for a smoother, more refined sound. The Edition XV implements a Neo Supernano Gen 2 diaphragm that is 60% thinner than its predecessor, which helps improve speed and clarity.
Soundstage
The Edition XV delivers a wide and open soundstage reminiscent of HiFiMAN’s upper-tier headphones like the Arya and HE1000. Its sound feels atmospheric and expansive, with a gentle wrap-around effect that creates an immersive listening experience. The Ananda Nano also achieves a large and dimensional stage, though it balances that spaciousness with greater precision. Thanks to stealth magnets and its nanometer diaphragm, the Nano positions sounds more clearly in the stereo field, creating an almost holographic quality. The Nano strikes a successful middle ground between openness and detail, offering both emotional immersion and technical articulation, while the XV excels in width and airiness. Instruments occupy general “zones” rather than pinpointed placements, leading to a more blended, ambient sense of space.
Low End
In the low end, the Edition XV leans toward a smooth and natural presentation with a bass profile that is thumpy and full. It offers enough weight to sound engaging without veering into exaggerated territory. The Ananda Nano, by contrast, delivers bass that is more defined than forceful. While it reaches deep enough to reveal subtle sub-bass textures, its emphasis lies in clarity and structural detail rather than visceral impact. The Edition XV maintains control even during complex passages, though it isn’t particularly aggressive in its transient attack. This makes it a strong fit for those who prefer warmth and flow rather than punch and slam. For listeners who enjoy analytical listening or who appreciate tight low-end articulation in genres like post-rock, acoustic, and field recordings, the Nano provides a cleaner and disciplined foundation.
Mids
The Edition XV features a midrange that emphasizes warmth and body, particularly in the low-mid region. This creates a smooth, inviting character that complements jazz, ambient, and vocal-centric recordings. The upper mids can feel slightly softened, which may blur fine-grain details in some mixes. On the other hand, the Ananda Nano offers a more even and neutral midrange response. Vocals in particular are a highlight, coming through with natural timbre and excellent presence. Instruments retain their realism without coloration, and the Nano’s fast diaphragm ensures that midrange textures remain crisp and articulate.
Highs
Treble on the Edition XV is clean and detailed while remaining smooth enough to avoid harshness or sibilance. The upper-treble lift provides a pleasing sense of sparkle, but it rolls off just gently enough to prevent fatigue. This gives the Edition XV a balanced, listen-all-day style of brightness that contributes to its natural and airy signature. The Ananda Nano shifts its emphasis a bit higher, producing treble that feels light, airy, and sparkly. While more energetic than the Edition XV, it avoids veering into aggressiveness.
Summary
The HiFiMAN Edition XV and Ananda Nano both embody the strengths of planar-magnetic engineering while appealing to different listening styles. The Edition XV’s warmth and atmosphere contrast with the Nano’s precision and detail, giving audiophiles two compelling options depending on their sound preferences and system setup. Regardless of your choice, both headphones reinforce HiFiMAN’s reputation as a leader in open-back planar design.
The HiFiMAN Edition XV and Ananda Nano are available at Audio46.
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