Introduction to the HiFiMAN ISVARNA Review
HiFiMAN, oh HiFiMAN. By far the most popular Hi-Fi grade headphones manufacturer in the market, and for a good reason.
They have mastered the art of planar-magnetic headphones. With legendary offerings such as the Susvara, Arya, HE-1000, Edition XS, HiFiMAN has been a dominating force in the market for years now.
The world doesn’t end with planars, though. HiFiMAN has been venturing into the world of dynamic and electrostatic headphones as well, with great success, especially for the latter.
Their Mini Shangri-La has won our “Best Full-Size Headphones of 2024” award, as it’s just an incredibly good performing system with a wonderful price-to-performance ratio.
HiFiMAN hasn’t had a great success with dynamic driver headphones, though, but this technology has been rapidly declining within the headphones community in the past couple of years anyway.
Because of that, HiFiMAN came up with a somewhat crazy idea – let’s keep the planar-magnetic driver, but add a dynamic driver to handle the bass.
A bold move, but how did it go?
Packaging of reviewed HiFiMAN ISVARNA
The packaging part of the review, when we’re talking about HiFiMAN headphones, could have just been a copy-and-paste scenario all the time.
Basically, they all come in somewhat similar or straight-up up same boxes.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not criticizing. If it works, why change?
The boxes have proven to be secure, convenient, and cost-effective, so HiFiMAN can reduce the price of their headphones as much as possible.
So, you’re getting a classic higher-end HiFiMAN box, not the cardboard one. Pretty obvious considering the price of the iSvarna, isn’t it?
Inside the box, apart from the iSvarna itself, you’re getting your standard HiFiMAN cables, and that’s…pretty much it.
Nothing wrong here, nothing extraordinary. HiFiMAN has never been too focused on the unboxing experience, and it hasn’t changed. If it was to significantly raise the prices (and it certainly would do that), then I’m more than okay with that approach.
Design, Build Quality, and Comfort of HiFiMAN ISVARNA
I’ll say it right away – the iSvarna is super weird looking, but I actually think it looks spectacular.
The geometric design of the cups, the pretty silver finish, and the overall shape…the iSvarna simply can’t remain unnoticed.
The actual build quality is classic HiFiMAN, which is very good. Just like their other models, there’s no luxury here, but everything has its purpose and is built to last.
Also, the comfort level of HiFiMAN headphones has always been fantastic, and the iSvarna is no different. Even considering the quite hefty weight of the iSvarna (at least compared to their other models), this is an easy all-day headphone.
The level of finish is also would you might expect from a HiFiMAN product. Good, not extraordinary. No sharp edges, everything is solid and well put together.
Does the HiFiMAN iSvarna feel like a super premium pair of headphones? Not really. Is it very comfortable for an all-day listening session? Yes, easily.
Tech
Here comes really interesting stuff. The iSvarna is the first hybrid headphone manufactured by HiFiMAN, at least that I’m aware of.
Apart from their top-level planar-magnetic driver, there’s also a dynamic driver that works as a subwoofer.
Why is that? It’s quite simple, actually. Planar-magnetic headphones aren’t exactly known for their powerful, roaring bass response. Yes, they do excel in texture, detail retrieval, and unmatched speed, but the kick, dynamics, and physicality definitely aren’t trademarks of the planar technology.
How do you solve it, while still keeping all the perks of planar-magnetic drivers? You need to add something to the equation that is going to handle the bass pretty much.
The sole idea of combining a planar-magnetic driver with a dynamic driver isn’t anything revolutionary. It’s how you’re able to do it properly that really matters.
HiFiMAN is one of those companies that will get all the technicalities right before launching a new technology to the market. So they came up with a solution to the phase differential problem, which is obvious to happen with this drivers configuration.
Let me quote HiFiMAN on this one: “The angle difference combined with the special installation method for the primary planar driver and a dynamic “subwoofer” effectively solves the phase issue”.
So, basically, HiFiMAN solved the problem by trying out different installation methods and the angle configuration of both drivers. This must have required a lot of research and testing, but I’m sure that Mr. Fang Bian enjoyed doing it. He’s a planar-magnetic mastermind after all.
What does it all mean in reality? Long story short, reviewed HiFiMAN iSvarna is a classic planar-magnetic headphone, with all the perks and pros of this technology. You’re getting infinite speed, detail retrieval, and texture.
But, apart from that, you’re also getting a dynamic-driver style of bass response – strong, punchy, and physical. Sounds like the perfect headphone to my ear, doesn’t it?
Sound of the reviewed HiFiMAN ISVARNA
When the ISVARNA arrived at my door, I felt incredibly excited. No audio product made me so interested in a long while, let me tell you that.
Imagining that I’ll be getting a full planar-magnetic level of sound with an actually dynamic and punchy low-end felt like a dream come true to me.
I unboxed them and did a first listen right away. At first, I was expecting a bass-heavy headphone, with no doubts. As I clicked play for the first time, I was waiting for that HUGE and overwhelming bass to hit my ears…
…and luckily, I was wrong.
The bass is like nothing else when talking about planar-magnetic headphones. It has kick, it has the energy and physicality that is only available with dynamic drivers.
HiFiMAN calls it a subwoofer. So let me tell you one thing. There are two types of subwoofers in the world, basically – open-back and closed-back. Open-back subwoofers are what you usually can find in home theater systems – they offer a huge level of sound, but the bass itself is on a looser, less-controlled side.
Because of that, they work exceptionally good with movies, where you need that unlimited volume and you don’t mind your glasses shaking in the cabinet. This type of subwoofer is not recommended for music, though, as it can sound bloated and rather unnatural.
Here comes the closed-back subwoofer. While it offers a significantly lower volume and efficiency, a good closed subwoofer that is well configured can basically go into stealth mode. You won’t be able to “tell” that there’s a subwoofer playing in that system. It will just sound natural, unforced, and extremely good.
This is how the dynamic driver works in the ISVARNA. You don’t really “hear” that it’s another driver. It just works in perfect harmony with the planar-magnetic driver. This is by far the best thing one can say about a system like that.
The bass of the ISVARNA is punchy, energetic, and has a wonderful extension. It definitely doesn’t sound like it’s HiFiMAN’s first rodeo with technology like that.
Compared to your classic planar headphones, the ISVARNA is thicker, more physical, and dynamic in the bass department. It also gives an increased weight to vocals, which I’m a big fan of. This is easily one of my favorite bass responses within the entire HiFiMAN lineup. Or even the most favorite.
The midrange is also quite different when compared to their classic models. It’s thicker, warmer, and relaxed. While their legends like the Arya and HE1000 are often regarded as “ultra neutral” or even thin-sounding, the ISVARNA has mass and body to it.
Because of that, this headphone works extremely well with male vocals, which I’m a huge fan of. Everything has that level of refinement and a solid body to it.
It’s not just that, though. The ISVARNA is a highly detailed headphone with superb resolution, so the entire hybrid thing is not just a party trick, not at all.
The level of refinement is on par with many of their open-back, planar offerings, such as the Arya. However, the ISVARNA is smoother and more delicate-sounding, so keep that in mind while making your choice.
The treble is quite interesting here. It is packed with presence, but at the same time, it’s rather laid-back.
There’s no sybilance here, as the ISVARNA just simply doesn’t get harsh at all. However, there’s quite a bit of treble presence, which works great with that slight bass emphasis.
While you’re not getting as much detail as with the HE-1000 Unveiled, for example, it would have been a huge overstatement to call the ISVARNA unrevealing. The level of detail and clarity are both very good here, just not the absolute top level.
After all, the ISVARNA is aimed more towards bass-heads and people who like a laid-back, smooth type of experience. For all of you trebleheads and detailheads, you’d be looking somewhere else anyway.
The soundstage is absolutely ridiculous for a semi-closed pair of headphones. It’s both wide and deep, and the level of separation and imaging are both fantastic.
Actually, the ISVARNA works great with FPS competitive gaming. I had no issues pointing out where my enemies are, which is quite hard for a set of headphones that are not open-back.
In music, the ISVARNA puts you in the middle of the beautiful, rich music soup. The layering and holographic capabilities are both superb. The actual size of the soundstage is big, especially for a closed-back model.
This is actually closer to top-tier open-back models than it is to closed-back flagships. It’s probably due to Mr. Fang Bian just being a genius, but who am I to judge this? Spectacular!
Comparisons
These two are vastly different in every single case. The HEDDphone TWO is a very neutral, but uninspiring-sounding headphone.
The ISVARNA, on the other hand, is outstandingly musical, rich, and enjoyable.
The level of pure detail is higher in the HEDDphone, as it’s a hyper-analytical headphone with superb resolution. One of the best in class, if not THE best.
The ISVARNA isn’t even trying to be analytical. It’s fun, powerful, and engaging. It’s all about music.
Surprisingly, the soundstage is quite comparable here, even though the HEDDphone TWO has all it takes to surpass the ISVARNA. But it doesn’t.
The actual size, imaging, and separation are great in both models, and considering that we’re comparing an open-back with a semi-closed headphone is just ridiculous.
Lastly, the ISVARNA is miles ahead of the HEDDphone TWO in terms of comfort. While the level of finish and the actual feel in the hand is better with the German one, the ISVARNA is an all-day headphone, and I definitely cannot say that about the HEDDphone.
Another comparison where two headphones are just as different as they get.
The HE1000 Unveiled is all about that speed, detail, and being as neutral as it gets.
It’s actually the best HE1000 ever in my opinion, closing the gap between the 1000 series and the Susvara even more.
The ISVARNA is very different here. It’s thicker, more dynamic, and punchier than the HE1000, but also less detailed and less refined.
However, when comparing these two, the HE1000 Unveiled comes up as dull and thin-sounding in comparison.
The ISVARNA is just fun-oriented. Fantastic for electronic music, rock, metal, synthwave, and others. The HE1000 Unveiled shines the brightest with well-recorded music that uses natural instruments. This lets you appreciate their incredible natural type of presentation the most.
Generally speaking, in terms of objective sound qualities, the HE1000 Unveiled is a winner here. But they are just aimed towards different people, and it’s actually a great idea just to have both.
Pairings
HiFiMAN EF600
The ISVARNA is quite a demanding pair of headphones. Not crazy stuff like the OG Susvara, but it’s not really a good match for a DAP.
Taking that into consideration, the EF600 by HiFiMAN is an exceptional choice for the “budget” DAC/AMP for the ISVARNA.
It has that wonderful R2R DAC, a strong and snappy amplifier section, and overall, it is just a fantastic device. Actually, the most used DAC and AMP by me for the past year or so. And it’s not even close.
Oh, and just look how it looks when it’s used as a headphone stand for the ISVARNA…sick, isn’t it?!
I have the wonderful Polish beast on my desk, so how could I not use it with the ISVARNA?
I’m going to keep it short – this combo just sounds ridiculous. Raw power, everything is well-controlled, and the level of refinement and that timbre in the midrange are both superb.
Obviously, the Envy has all the power in the world to drive the ISVARNA, and they made good use of it.
While I don’t think many ISVARNA users might go for an amplifier that overkill, let me tell you one thing – it’s just a fun machine. Epic.
HiFiMAN ISVARNA Review – Summary
HiFiMAN is not playing around. They came up with their first hybrid headphone, and it’s quite an outstanding entry into that market.
Combine a classic rumble, hard-hitting and dynamic bass with all the perks of the planar-magnetic headphone, and you’ll get the ISVARNA.
While it is certainly not a typical HiFiMAN type of sound, I’m enjoying the ISVARNA a lot, and I think that it’s one of the best fun-oriented headphones on the market. Period.
Highly Recommended!
Big thanks to HiFiMAN for providing us with the ISVARNA for this review. I wasn’t paid or asked to say anything good or bad about this product, all of the above is just my personal, unbiased opinion.
Founder of Ear Fidelity. I’ve been into audio for many years, working in production, distribution, retail, and marketing throughout my career. Now trying to revolutionize the art of reviewing audio gear, but one thing will never change: Music is the most important.
