Today I’m checking out the new Hifiman Deva wired/wireless open headphone which goes for $299
[responsivevoice_button]
Disclaimer: The Hifiman Deva sample was provided to me directly by Hifiman. This review reflects my honest opinions as always.
Intro
The last wireless headphone I reviewed was nothing but the Hifiman’s own Ananda BT. It basically is the headphone that changed my prejudice about the wireless technology. Before the Ananda BT, I’ve never heard a wireless headphone that wowed me about sound quality. Sure, wireless is cool and all, but the pure sound quality is always my main concern and believe me, the Ananda BT sounds excellent.
And now I had a chance to test out the new Deva, which is significantly more affordable. However it has the same technologies inside with some physical changes. Let’s see how it performs, keep reading.
About Hifiman
If you’re into personal audio, then you probably have some knowledge about the Hifiman brand. It was founded in 2007 by Dr. Fang in New York to produce high-end personal audio products. Hifiman was the first brand to release a high-end portable audio player, the HM-801, which was like a catalyst for Reference Audio Players that we know today.
Hifiman Deva
Their HE-500 and HE-6 models are still in use today. A very close friend of mine is still using the original HE-6 headphone. Of course, Hifiman didn’t stop there. They’re on full speed with new models such as the HE-1000SE, HE6-SE, the R2R2000 DAP/streamer, the Arya, Sundara, Ananda and now Deva.
Hifiman also has super high-end headphones like the Susvara and Shangri-La electrostatic. The former one will be reviewed on Headfonia in the upcoming weeks as well.
About Deva
This simply is an affordable open-back planar magnetic headphone from Hifiman. The headphone can be used directly with its included 3.5mm cable. However, you can turn it into a fully wireless headphone with Hifiman’s new Bluetooth module, the “Bluemini”, which is supplied.
The Bluemini connects to the headphone via its 3.5mm input, and right after that it’s fully ready to use as a wireless open-back. You can also use the supplied USB-C cable to connect your devices to the module via USB. That way you can use the Bluemini’s own DAC/Amp section. This is an all in one package overall with a competitive price point, and you can see it already attracted a lot of attention.
Like its predecessor, ANANDA-BT, the DEVA raises the bar for wireless audio but at a moderate price point.”
Similar to Ananda BT, this module is equipped with the latest wireless technologies. You can utilize all of the the widely-known aptX, aptX HD and LDAC codecs. I used LDAC directly from my phone for this review. Once again, Hifiman uses its Ultra-Thin Diaphragm inside for the lowest distortion, fast response and high level of detail.
Hifiman Deva
Package
The Hifiman Deva arrives with a black cardboard box. Inside is covered with a shiny black cloth and the headphone sits in its place tightly. In the middle there is the Bluemini module in a bubble wrap.
You also get a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, a 3.5mm to 6.35 mm converter, a USB-C cable and user manuals. There’s no carrying case unlike the Ananda BT, probably for reducing the cost.
Design & Build Quality
The design of the new Deva headphone is stunning to me. It is indeed very elegant and stylish. Compared to the more serious, sportscar-like look of the Ananda, the Deva looks more like an elegant SUV or a luxury mid-size sedan. It certainly is an eye-pleasing headphone with its silver and light brown color scheme. Very very nice.
Hifiman Deva
The build quality is also impressive. The headphone consists of aluminum and faux leather, which combine beautifully together and feel premium in the hand. There’s plastic material on the connection points between the headband and the metal yokes, but those parts also feel very premium and rigid. All of the other parts of the headphone are metal. Overall, I have no doubt that this headphone will last with normal usage, and I couldn’t find any weakness in its build, particularly for the price.
The review continues on Page Two, after the click HERE or by using the jump below.
Mike I
Nice review, thank you.
But why only compare it to a much more expensive headphone ?
A comparison with headphones in the same price category would be nice, and fair.
Berkhan
I don’t have much headphones to compare. And I think comparison with the Ananda is important because it’s also a wireless open back planar.
People who don’t have that kind of a budget might consider the more affordable Deva, and I tried to reflect their differences in case people want to know if there’s a huge difference or not. It’s a good alternative.
Errol Brown
Nice review. I like that Hifiman is not building the BY functionality into the headsets. This makes it a more future proof purchase and the headset less disposable. It would be really helpful to get a comparison of the Deva vs a 400i or 4xx for sound comparison purposes. For BT use a FIIO BTR5 or Earstudio ES100 with the 400i/4xx.
Berkhan
Thank you.
I don’t have the 400i or 4XX to compare unfortunately.
rizqi angga
sounds like a good device,, but the bluetooth module is very huge i think haha,, looks lil bit funny
Berkhan
Kinda, but it works perfectly.
dob
Comparing the Deva to the much more expensive Ananda doesn’t do the much justice.
I wonder how they are compared to the Sundara when they are both cabled to a Dac/Amp, ignoring their BT feature, but the prices are much closer.
Berkhan
I disagree. The comparison I think does justice to the Deva because it shows you that it’s not an incredible difference with the Ananda, despite the one-third of a price.
I don’t have the Sundara to compare though.
Krasimir
I also wonder how they sound, compared to Sundara. I love my Sundara, but this is so tempting …
Berkhan
Wish I had the Sundara to compare, but I don’t.
Yamato
Thank you for the review. I am yet another one who would like a comparison with Sundara. Based on your and other review, Deva seems to be a better match than Sundara for those who focus on mid-range, vocals, classics and jazz as well as little bit more bass. I just got my Sundara and may return it to get a Deva instead, though I have no use for its BT capability.
Gökhan
my Deva arrived yesterday and iam impressed. In Germany it costs 350€ and for me its sound same good as the Ananda or 1000v2.
Why should i pay 3000€ for 1000v2 when i can get the DEVA for 350€ ?
I will sell the Ananda and 1000v2.
Joost Hoogland
Thank you for the review. I bought a Deva a year ago and are very happy with it. Clear, open and detailed sound. I mostly use it wired with my HiBy R6 DAP.
I am now looking for a better headphone amp. Do you think the Topping DX7 Pro would be a right match?
Thanks.
Joost