Wired vs. Wireless Sound
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I’ve tried the headphone in both configurations and of course there are some differences between these two modes. The wired performance of the Deva is usually better but to hear the difference you need to pair it up with a quality source. Unsurprisingly, the biggest difference for me was with the Hugo 2. The stereo imaging, bass quality and texture has improved. There’s more space between the instruments, and there’s more air in the sound. The Dethonray DTR1 also improved the sound quality with its excellent resolution and imaging. It’s one of the best DAPs that I’ve tried and it shows you why.
However, when I tried the headphone with the HiBy R3 Pro, the difference between the wired & wireless sound is not significant. This exactly shows you the importance of the source device. So if you’re considering the Hifiman Deva, and if you’re not going to invest to a high level source, then to me the Bluemini module is a very nice DAC/Amp for the Deva. There’s no need to make an investment for more, unless you want to get a great high level DAP. But then again, you may want to consider the Ananda model for that kind of a setup.
But of course, you might have very good DAC/Amps or dedicated DAC + Amp setups already in your possession. Hifiman included a 6.35mm converter just for that purpose. You then will be able to utilize your existing setup the boost the sound quality. But the wireless Deva already has a very good sound quality so don’t be shy to try out its Bluetooth sound with your phone.
Comparison to Ananda BT
I compared the Ananda BT to Deva numerous times in the text, but to sum it up, I will provide you a bit more detail here. First of all the Ananda BT is the heavier headphone. Yes, it has the new type of Hifiman headband system for distributing the weight equally, but after some time, you feel the pressure of the Ananda BT because of its weight. That 100 gr difference plays a role on long listening sessions. The Ananda BT has a bit more impressive build quality with its materials when inspected in hand. However, I liked the Deva’s design language more eye-pleasing overall.
Hifiman Ananda BT
For the sound, the two actually has a similar presentation except the bass. The Ananda gives more body in bass with better texture and more impact. It has more authority and kick there, and of course it has more bass quantity. Other than that, they both have forward mids. However this is felt more with the Deva because of its smaller staging performance. They’re also similar in treble presentation-wise. Effortless, detailed and extended. However, the Ananda BT simply does everything better and in a higher level. Especially in terms of layering, staging width and separation.
Conclusion
The new Hifiman Deva to me is an excellent headphone. I wouldn’t have minded a bit better staging performance but rest assured, for the price and for a wireless headphone, everything else is very impressive. The design, the build and comfort are all fabulous, and Hifiman once again nailed it in the sound department.
Wireless sound has started to become believable to me after those two Hifiman headphones. Also the versatility of the Deva should be praised for what it is. So once again, this new Hifiman headphone makes it to our Best Full Size Headphones List and it makes it rightfully so.
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