HiFiMAN ANANDA - User Manual

The HIFIMAN ANANDA is an open-backed planar magnetic headphone designed for an immersive and high-fidelity audio experience. The name "ANANDA" is derived from Sanskrit, meaning "bliss" or "divine joy," reflecting the intended listening experience. HIFIMAN, a brand dedicated to "Innovating the Art of Listening," has poured its expertise into creating a headphone that delivers best-in-class performance and value.

Function Description:

The ANANDA functions as a high-performance audio transducer, converting electrical audio signals into sound waves that can be perceived by the human ear. Unlike traditional dynamic headphones, the ANANDA utilizes planar magnetic technology. This fundamental difference allows for a superior sounding experience, particularly in terms of sound quality and soundstage. Planar magnetic headphones feature conductive layers distributed throughout the surface of the diaphragm, ensuring that the diaphragm is evenly driven by magnetic force. This results in significantly lower distortion compared to conventional dynamic headphones, leading to a more accurate reproduction of minute details, improved instrumental positioning and imaging, and a very natural soundstaging capability. The ANANDA is designed to be compatible with a wide range of audio sources, offering a blend of power, control, and finesse to deliver stunning audio quality.

Usage Features:

The ANANDA incorporates several innovative design features to enhance the user experience, focusing on comfort, durability, and sonic purity.

• NEO Supernano Diaphragm: A key feature of the ANANDA is its nano-scale thickness diaphragm. This advanced diaphragm allows for lightning-fast response, which not only produces stunning levels of detail but also ensures ultra-low distortion. This technology contributes significantly to the ANANDA's ability to offer performance levels and musical purity that exceed expectations for its price point.

• Stealth Magnets Design: The ANANDA utilizes HIFIMAN's "Stealth Magnets" design, a significant innovation in planar magnetic headphones. Traditional magnet designs can obstruct sound waves through reflection and diffraction, leading to constructive and destructive interference that shifts with frequency changes. The Stealth Magnets are designed to be acoustically transparent, minimizing interference and allowing sound wave reproduction to occur without the magnets disrupting the sonic purity of the output. This "invisible" magnet design contributes to a cleaner and more accurate sound.

• New Headband Design: The ANANDA features a redesigned headband that combines the best aspects of HIFIMAN's previous designs. It retains the comfort and even weight distribution of earlier styles while adopting a more conventional and urban visual aesthetic. The headband is ergonomic and comfortable, designed to fit most head sizes with enhanced reliability and durability. It incorporates a sleek unibody yolk that seamlessly attaches the frame to the headphone cups, creating an elegant and functional sweeping curve. This single-piece metal construction ensures the headband's durability, allowing it to withstand the rigors of modern urban life. Headband adjustment is straightforward: users can simply move each ear cup up or down until the top of the headband rests comfortably on their head and the ear cups properly surround their ears.

• Angled Ear Pads: The premium ear pads are specially designed to be thicker and feature an elongated, asymmetrical shape that conforms to the human ear. This design ensures comfortable weight distribution and a secure, sound grip. The pads are gently beveled, contouring and molding to the user's head, which provides superb comfort for extended listening sessions.

• New 3.5mm Connection Sockets: The ANANDA utilizes new 3.5mm sockets for its cable connections. This design provides a more sturdy and robust physical connection for attaching cables and offers a greater surface area for signal transmission. This not only boosts the headphone's audio potential but also increases the connection's resistance to wear and tear. The supplied cables (1.5m headphone cable with a 3.5mm plug and a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter) are user-changeable and replaceable.

• "Burn-in" Period: To achieve optimum performance, the ANANDA headphones benefit from a "burn-in" period. It is recommended to allow for approximately 150 hours of audio playback for the headphones to reach their fullest audio potential. During this period, users can simply enjoy their headphones as usual.

• Sensitivity and Volume Control: The ANANDA is relatively sensitive. Users are advised to turn the volume dial low before connecting the headphones to an audio source to protect their hearing. Listening at moderate levels is recommended to ensure continued enjoyment of the audio quality for years to come.

Maintenance Features:

Proper care and maintenance will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the ANANDA headphones.

• Cleaning: The surfaces of the ear pads and cups should be wiped periodically with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and debris. The headband can also be wiped periodically to remove any dust.
• Storage: When not in use, the headphones should be stored in a dry, cool, and safe place, away from dust, heat, humidity, direct sunlight, and out of reach of young children and pets.
• Environmental Considerations: The headphones should not be exposed to excessive heat or cold.
• Handling Precautions: Users should avoid disassembling or modifying the product in any way, as tampering will void the warranty. The drivers do not require user maintenance and should not be touched. If any problems arise with the drivers, HIFIMAN customer service should be contacted.
• Chemical Avoidance: Volatile substances such as alcohol, acetone, gasoline, or dish detergent should not be used to clean the headphones, as these can damage the materials.
• Safety: The headphones should not be used while driving or operating machinery.

HIFIMAN stands behind its products with a limited warranty, and customer satisfaction is a priority. Users are encouraged to contact HIFIMAN customer service or an authorized dealer for any questions, concerns, or assistance.