Hi Fi Man Headphones comparisons and owner comments

I started out with the HE400S, and when I compared them to the Sundara there was very little difference between the two.  Then I moved up to the Arya Stealth and that was at another level as you’d expect given the significantly higher price point.  I’d have to think the Ananda Stealth would capture a good bit of the Arya Stealth’s performance, and if that’s the case then no doubt go for the Ananda Stealth over the Sundara.  The Ananda Nano isn’t much more expensive so may be worth looking into them as well, and I can’t speak to the Edition XS.  BTW, I bought all my Hifiman ‘phones refurbished from them and they were both perfect/like new, so if that helps you to get a better model I’d highly recommend it.  Hope this helps. 

I am a HUGE fan of the HiFiMan sound!! I started with the HE400i,then moved to the Sundara..I have to disagree with the above poster in that I found the 400i to have a less defined bass & less of an organic sounding midrange..IMO the Sundara is perhaps one of the greatest bargins of any headphone & an ABSOLUTE benchmark for tonal nuetrality in the $500.00 & under price range..
 Spending more on the EXS or ASM depends on your amplifier..If you don't have a REALLY good amp/source to drive them,you would be better off with the Sundara & an upgraded amplifier than much better headphones driven by inferior electronics...
 

@freediver Big fan of the Hifiman house sound as well, but the HE400S that I was referring to is quite different from the 400i.  I spent two hours comparing the 400S and the Sundara on the same equipment with my reference music and the differences were minimal at best (although I much preferred the look of the Sundara) so I just stuck with the 400S until I could afford a more meaningful upgrade.  The sensitivity of the Sundara and Ananda are basically identical, and if anything the lower impedance of the Ananda makes it an easier load for portable devices.  Regardless, any decent amp should be able to drive either pair with little problem.

Just because an amp will drive a set of can doesn't mean it will bring out the best in an expensive pair..A $200.00 stereo receiver will drive my custom updated,3 way tower speakers but I am 100% sure it will sound like crap!

Thanks for the input I have received so far on the Hi Fi Man headphone comparisons.

Just to say to "freediver" thanks for the input but this is where some of the original intentions of these questions on Audiogon go sideways and before you know it the main topic gets abandoned.