HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless 2: an R2R DAC and a dedicated amp in 7.4 g earbuds

HIFIMAN releases the Svanar Wireless 2 today, the second generation of its true wireless in-ear earbuds. It brings over an idea the brand is best known for on its headphones: putting a real in-house R2R DAC into a wireless device. This time, it fits inside a 7.4 g earbud.

An R2R DAC that fits in your ear

The centrepiece is the HYMALAYA Mini, HIFIMAN's latest proprietary chip. It keeps the R2R architecture (digital-to-analogue conversion through a resistor ladder rather than an off-the-shelf delta-sigma chip) while shrinking it dramatically. Compared with the previous version, it packs twice as many resistors into a space five times smaller. What HIFIMAN is after: more detail and a wider soundstage.

An amp all of its own

In most TWS earbuds, a single chip does everything: Bluetooth, conversion, amplification. The Svanar Wireless 2 splits the jobs. After the DAC, the signal goes through a dedicated balanced class AB amplifier delivering 45 mW. That's the kind of design you'd expect from a desktop amp, not a wireless earbud.

The driver is a 10 mm dynamic unit whose diaphragm gets HIFIMAN's Topology Diaphragm treatment: a nanoparticle coating aimed at a level of detail rarely found in this kind of product. HIFIMAN says it handles every style with ease, from deep bass to high vocals.

Smaller, lighter, steadier

Each earbud weighs 7.4 g, down from 8 g on the original Svanar Wireless, and the case has shrunk too. HIFIMAN promises comfort and stability close to a custom in-ear monitor, even over long listening sessions. IPX5 certification means they also shrug off splashes and sweat, so they work for sport as well as everyday use.

Bluetooth 6.0, LDAC and noise cancelling

On the wireless side, the Svanar Wireless 2 moves to Bluetooth 6.0 and supports the high-resolution LDAC and L2HC codecs. Active noise cancelling goes down to -35 dB, alongside a transparency mode to hear what's going on around you and a High Fidelity mode that puts sound quality first. The HIFIMAN Mobile App lets you update the firmware, customise touch gestures and adjust the EQ.

Battery life depends on the mode: about 4.5 hours in Hi-Fi mode, 7 hours with noise cancelling and 8 hours in transparency mode. The case holds three full recharges.

Technical specifications

• Type: true wireless in-ear earbuds
• DAC: HYMALAYA Mini (R2R)
• Amplification: dedicated balanced class AB amp, 45 mW
• Driver: 10 mm dynamic, Topology Diaphragm
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 35 kHz
• Bluetooth 6.0, LDAC and L2HC codecs
• Active noise cancelling down to -35 dB, transparency and High Fidelity modes
• Battery life: approx. 4.5 h (Hi-Fi), 7 h (ANC), 8 h (transparency), 3 recharges from the case
• Weight: 7.4 g per earbud
• Water resistance: IPX5

Price and availability

The HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless 2 is available today from Cool Kids Audio at €309 including VAT. Got a question about LDAC support on your phone, or about choosing between earbuds and wireless headphones? Drop us a line, we'll get back to you.