HIFIMAN ANANDA-Stealth Magnet (open-box) $279

phrodini

Jul 5, 2025

2,214 Posts

Joined Jun 2016

Jul 5, 2025

2,214 Posts

I saw somewhere with the Hifiman RD-10, when the price is reduced, you're not getting the same high-priced product, quality, and accessories that came with the original...

TheEdge

Jul 5, 2025

9,261 Posts

Joined Apr 2006

Jul 5, 2025

TheEdge

Jul 5, 2025

9,261 Posts

The OG Ananda was a $600 pair of headphones. I don't think the "stealth" revisions -- or even the nano -- has ever sold for $1K.

These are notoriously "wide" headphones in terms of soundstage.

bhazard

Jul 5, 2025

1,262 Posts

Joined Aug 2009

Jul 5, 2025

bhazard

Jul 5, 2025

1,262 Posts

I had these. They are excellent, and a step up from the XS, BUT.... you must EQ these. There is way too much sharp, boosted treble that is grating.

dalyew

Jul 5, 2025

320 Posts

Joined Nov 2016

Jul 5, 2025

dalyew

Jul 5, 2025

320 Posts

Quote from bhazard

:

I had these. They are excellent, and a step up from the XS, BUT.... you must EQ these. There is way too much sharp, boosted treble that is grating.

Wow. I have the XS and those are pretty good with the headphone amps I use with them. My search for an affordable, ultimate sound quality headphones actually ended with me buying the XS, and they were more than this price. I couldn't step up to the Anandas as they were pretty close to that $999 back then, if memory serves me. You're tempting me with that opinion. Do you think these are significantly better than the XS?

JollyWealth119

Jul 5, 2025

6 Posts

Joined Apr 2019

Jul 5, 2025

JollyWealth119

Jul 5, 2025

6 Posts

Quote from dalyew

:

Wow. I have the XS and those are pretty good with the headphone amps I use with them. My search for an affordable, ultimate sound quality headphones actually ended with me buying the XS, and they were more than this price. I couldn't step up to the Anandas as they were pretty close to that $999 back then, if memory serves me. You're tempting me with that opinion. Do you think these are significantly better than the XS?

Hey, I own both the Edition XS and the Ananda Stealth and in terms of the sound experience there for two separate audiences. The Edition XS is far more reserved and is for a wider audience while the anandas are far closer to what I would call an audiofile tune with less bass and higher treble. That being said if we are willing to EQ (Tune them) they are a step above the Edition XS in both detail and have a wider sound stage. It will not be a night and day difference since bother headphones are great, but if you are looking for a step up than go for it. As a note I prefer the headband on the Ananda Stealth since it doesn't put all the pressure on one spot on your head, but comfort is subjective.

dalyew

Jul 5, 2025

320 Posts

Joined Nov 2016

Jul 5, 2025

dalyew

Jul 5, 2025

320 Posts

Quote from JollyWealth119

:

Hey, I own both the Edition XS and the Ananda Stealth and in terms of the sound experience there for two separate audiences. The Edition XS is far more reserved and is for a wider audience while the anandas are far closer to what I would call an audiofile tune with less bass and higher treble. That being said if we are willing to EQ (Tune them) they are a step above the Edition XS in both detail and have a wider sound stage. It will not be a night and day difference since bother headphones are great, but if you are looking for a step up than go for it. As a note I prefer the headband on the Ananda Stealth since it doesn't put all the pressure on one spot on your head, but comfort is subjective.

Detail and wider sound stage I like, I also like more treble and bass. Really, I just like a balanced sound, with a little emphasis on bass and treble. Because of this I EQ everything, since I mostly listen to pop, hip hop, soft rock and a bit of Kenny G. I really love the XS and just never stepped up to the Ananda due to affordability, and the fact I have over a dozen headphones already 🙃. I guess one more wouldn't kill me, since I've been giving away a few to friends and family recently. You're tempting me to try these, though. I really should get off of Slickdeals 🤦🏾 ♂️

2

bhazard

Jul 5, 2025

1,262 Posts

Joined Aug 2009

Jul 5, 2025

bhazard

Jul 5, 2025

1,262 Posts

Quote from dalyew

:

Detail and wider sound stage I like, I also like more treble and bass. Really, I just like a balanced sound, with a little emphasis on bass and treble. Because of this I EQ everything, since I mostly listen to pop, hip hop, soft rock and a bit of Kenny G. I really love the XS and just never stepped up to the Ananda due to affordability, and the fact I have over a dozen headphones already 🙃. I guess one more wouldn't kill me, since I've been giving away a few to friends and family recently. You're tempting me to try these, though. I really should get off of Slickdeals 🤦🏾 ♂️

The Ananda Stealth is a step up for sure... but if I couldn't EQ them at all times, I would absolutely hate them and recommend the XS instead. If you don't want the hassle of needing EQ, stick with the XS.

AnonYmous129

Last Sunday

64 Posts

Joined Dec 2018

Last Sunday

AnonYmous129

Last Sunday

64 Posts

I owned the Ananda Stealths for a good part of a year. I thoroughly enjoyed them. I thought they had a great sound stage and very detailed, almost analytical. They can be a little treble focused and bit sibilant for some. Since I listen to mostly vocal/instrumental tracks, I ended up selling them for about the same price I bought them for. My upgrade would have been the Ayras - which would have been by all measures better. However, I ended up picking up a tube amp and now my go to now is where it all started for me the HD6XX. Nothing quite like the lush and warmth of the 6XX on a tube amp. Haven't looked back and can't bring myself to upgrade.

HIFIMAN ANANDA-Stealth Magnet (open-box) $279 - $279

$279

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