HiFiMAN Isvarna

Semi-closed hybrid planar magnetic and dynamic headphones

The HiFiMAN Isvarna is the brand's first hybrid headphone: a full-range planar magnetic diaphragm works alongside a dynamic driver dedicated to the bass. This high-end audiophile headphone aims to combine the speed and finesse of a planar magnetic headphone with more physical bass, in a semi-closed design.

A hybrid planar and dynamic architecture

In each earcup, the planar magnetic diaphragm handles the mids and highs, while an oval dynamic driver developed by HiFiMAN takes care of the bass, like a subwoofer. A built-in crossover splits the signal between the two drivers, with a crossover point between 200 and 300 Hz. To avoid the phase differences typical of multi-driver headphones, HiFiMAN sets the two drivers at different angles and installs them with a specific mounting method.

The planar driver relies on two of the brand's technologies: Stealth Magnets, whose streamlined cross-section reduces turbulence and diffraction between the magnets, and a Nanometer Thickness Diaphragm weighing only a few micrograms, designed for fast response and low distortion.

Planar sound with reinforced bass

The curves published by HiFiMAN show more bass than on its open-back planar magnetic headphones, Susvara included, with the mids and highs left to the planar diaphragm. Published reviews describe dense, well-controlled bass, fuller mids than the brand's open-back planars, treble without harshness, and a wide, precise soundstage for a semi-closed headphone.

Semi-closed design and comfort

The earcups are made of aluminum alloy and the headband frame of metal, CNC-cut and then hand-polished. The suspension strap adjusts with blocks to fit the head. The Tranquility ear pads combine a leather outer surface with an inner face that absorbs sound, limits leakage through the sides and directs the sound toward the ear, with a contact edge in breathable material. Attached with Velcro, they are easy to replace. The headphone weighs 462 g.

Power and included cables

With an impedance of 16 ohms and a sensitivity of 93 dB, the Isvarna needs power: published reviews find it demanding and recommend a desktop headphone amplifier rather than a portable player. Three detachable cables plug into the two 3.5 mm jacks on the earcups: a 1.5 m 3.5 mm cable for portable devices, smartphones and computers, a 3 m 6.35 mm cable and a 3 m balanced 4-pin XLR cable for headphone amplifiers.

Specifications

• Type: semi-closed, over-ear hybrid headphones
• Drivers: full-range planar magnetic diaphragm and oval dynamic bass driver
• Built-in crossover, crossover point between 200 and 300 Hz
• Technologies: Stealth Magnets, Nanometer Thickness Diaphragm
• Frequency response: 6 Hz to 60 kHz
• Impedance: 16 ohms
• Sensitivity: 93 dB
• Weight: 462 g
• Materials: aluminum alloy earcups, CNC-machined metal headband
• Ear pads: Tranquility, Velcro attachment
• Earcup connectors: 2 x 3.5 mm jacks, detachable cables
• In the box: HiFiMAN Isvarna headphones, balanced 4-pin XLR cable (3 m), 6.35 mm cable (3 m), 3.5 mm cable (1.5 m), ear pads (fitted), owner's guide