Yesterday, we had the pleasure of unboxing HiFiMAN's flagship planar magnetic headphones: Susvara. The look and feel, as you'll see below, was absolutely breathtaking. The suspension system leaves them feeling weightless, and the hybrid ear pads are perfectly designed for comfort. Susvara fits so perfectly you will close your eyes and feel like you're listening to a pair of world-class loudspeakers.
As for the sound, it is absolutely phenomenal, but don't take my word for it - come hear them for yourself! Audiolab will have a pair of Susvara headphones on demo at our Fairless Hills, PA store for a limited time. Come see us this week to experience sonic bliss.
See our unboxing below, along with HiFiMAN's press release covering their stunning flagship Susvara headphones.
HIFIMAN
Introduces Flagship Planar Headphone: SUSVARA
Premium Design Utilizes Nanotechnology to
Create Unrivaled Listening Experience
Tianjin,
China, May 16, 2017 -–
HIFIMAN, a
leading designer/manufacturer of high performance headphones and portable audio
products, announced the introduction of a new, planar magnetic flagship
headphone called
SUSVARA. Drawing
upon the company’s advanced planar magnetic technology, SUSVARA builds upon
HiFiMAN’s extensive expertise in
Nanotechnology to create a cutting-edge headphone with virtually zero
distortion and lightning fast response. SUSVARA is available now with a MSRP of
$6000.
At
the heart of the technology of the new SUSVARA headphone is an Ultra-Thin
Driver made only possible by Nanotechnology. At less than 0.001 mm, its
Nanotech driver is so thin, it is not visible from the side with the naked eye.
A Nano-particle coated sub-micrometer thickness
diaphragm provides unsurpassed high frequency response, speed and resolution. The
sonic result is that SUSVARA’s new planar magnetic design delivers remarkable,
lifelike openness with virtually no distortion.
Stealth Magnets
In
traditional magnetic designs, the magnets obstruct the sound waves and by
diffraction, create both constructive and destructive interference. As these
points shift with frequency changes a mass of wave distortions takes place. The
use of “Stealth Magnets” on the SUSVARA means the sound wave reproduction can
take place without the necessary magnets getting in their own way, degrading
the sonic purity of their output.
The
inspiration behind the stealth magnet design comes from fighter aircraft like
the famed F-117. Radio waves can pass through the surface of stealth aircraft
rendering the aircraft virtually “invisible” before the radio waves reach it.
HiFiMAN adapted this idea to the magnets for SUSVARA to allow sound to pass
through unimpeded.
According
to HIFIMAN Founder and President, Dr. Fang Bian, “Planar magnetic technology is
not new though we have been developing it for nearly a decade now. Anyone who
has followed our progress, as well as the entire category, has seen and heard
enormous strides in the performance of planar headphones. SUSVARA represents
yet another step forward in what is possible with planar magnetic technology.”
Window Shade Grill System
For
SUSVARA, HIFIMAN once again utilized their proven Window Shade Grill design. This
signature design provides driver protection, is optimized for open-back design
and also yields the best possible sound quality. It is precisely structured to
gain greater openness which keeps the sound waves from second refraction and
reflection to avoid unwanted vibration and distortion. The sonic experience is
a wider soundstage, outstanding imaging and remarkable clarity.
Aesthetically, as an added
benefit, the Window Shade Grill also provides a unique, high-tech look to the
headphones and an appropriate design complement to SUSVARA’s premium alloys and
wood trim.
Form Follows Function:
Asymmetrical Ear Cups + Beveled Hybrid Ear Pads
The
SUSVARA ear cups have been specially designed
in a unique shape that follows the form of human ears. The ear
pads are
beveled so that they contour to the shape of the user’s head for superb comfort
and extended listening as well as providing a good acoustic seal. The ear pad’s
hybrid design utilizes polyester for increased resolution.

Ergonomic headband design
for extra comfort and to fit more head shapes and sizes
The
revised headband is the result of clever industrial design. Entirely new
thinking was needed that would accommodate the widely varied sizes of people’s
heads while applying or distributing correct pressure evenly. This provides not
only improved comfort but also a better seal of the pads around the ears and on
the head for improved bass.
The
headband on SUSVARA combines a special metal alloy with fine calf’s skin to
form a sturdy arch structure. The perforation on the calf’s skin helps to
dissipate the heat. For additional comfort, the light mass also contributes to
lessen the overall weight of the headphone. The headphones themselves weigh
little more than 13 ounces (374 grams).
Amplifier pairing
SUSVARA
is a relatively low sensitivity headphone at 83dB. As such, it must be driven
by a robust amplifier with excellent sound quality. The new HiFiMAN EF1000
($15,000 MSRP) is recommended by the company and known to be an excellent
match.
HiFiMAN
will be exhibiting at the upcoming LA Audio Show June 2-4 at the Sheraton
Gateway LAX. HiFiMAN will be in the Xtreme Room as part of Head-Gear. Company
founder Dr. Fang Bian, along with company personnel, will be on hand to
demonstrate and answer questions about SUSVARA as well as the new Shangri-La electrostatic
headphone.
About HIFIMAN
Founded
by Dr. Fang Bian in 2007, HIFIMAN is widely regarded as one of the leading
manufacturers of high performance headphones and portable audio products in the
world. HIFIMAN is now one of the few headphone companies to design and
manufacture Dynamic, Planar Magnetic and Electrostatic models. The company also
designs and manufactures highly acclaimed, high-res portable players and
amplifiers.