HiFiMAN ANANDA Stealth Magnets Version | Planar Magnetic Headphones

Decent and extremely roomy headphones. A bit bright, but take EQ very well.

I ordered these almost 2 months ago because I needed very large headphones (my ears are tall and sensitive, but I also have small conchas and ear canals so IEMs don't usually work for me). My choices were pretty much limited to the Hifiman eggs and the much more expensive Meze Empyrean 2. As far as build goes, I seem to have dodged most of the infamous QC problems. I have a slight looseness in the left headband adjuster, but it still works properly. Honestly, I only noticed it because the right side is a bit tighter and more precise feeling. The drivers and cable jacks seem totally fine. Sound is definitely on the bright side, listenable but not my preference. With EQ, however, these headphones suddenly attain nearly perfect sound. I can't comment on soundstage because I don't get any even with speakers. The main reason I bought these was comfort, and while not as insanely perfect a fit as the Empyrean 2 with the angled alcantara pads the Ananda is still pretty comfortable. The suspension strap is slightly stiffer than ideal but still decent, and the pads are stiff but roomy enough that my ears don't touch at any point. The headband has no horizontal swivel, but it's not a problem on my particular head shape. I do get squeaking with my glasses on the pads, so I will likely get ZMF pads soon (I tried Dekoni at CanJam 2 days ago and they are ever so slightly too shallow due to using more compliant foam). Verdict: 3.5 stars for sound before EQ, 5 stars for sound after EQ, 4 stars for comfort, and 3 stars for build quality. Value is an easy 5 stars as well, since there are literally no other options at this price other than the Edition XS (which I don't like the headband on). I'd give the Ananda Stealth 3.5 stars overall due to the squeaky pads and minor quality issues, but my choices are either 3 or 4. I went with the higher option due to the insane value proposition, where you have no choices in this form factor other than the Ananda and the much more expensive Meze Empyrean 2/Elite.

GAME CHANGER

These are "END GAME" headphones. Nothing at this price point comes close.