HIFIMAN Svanar Flagship In-Ear Monitors

[VSG]

The $2000 HIFIMAN Svanar is a set of flagship single dynamic driver IEMs which uses the brand's unique topology diaphragm technology to put out a highly engaging sound with tremendous bass response. It's a high-end take on a V-shape tonality complemented by excellent comfort and isolation.

Show full review

 

[P4-630]

This wouldn't be the product on my to buy first list for $2000....

 

[VSG]

This wouldn't be the product on my to buy first list for $2000....

What comes to your mind, assuming it's in the audio category anyway? If not then nvm.

 

[Space Lynx]

What comes to your mind, assuming it's in the audio category anyway? If not then nvm.

I just want the world to vanish sometimes, so for me its going to be the latest and greatest Sony or Bose ANC wireless earbuds. I am waiting on Sony's next iteration of it before I buy though.

 

[Footman]

Yikes, $2000 for a set of IEM's.... While I'm sure that they sound better than my cheap ass KZ ZAX, I can't help but think about the law of diminishing returns!
Testing is one thing, but can the average ear really discern such subtle differences in sound in situations where IEM's are normally used???
I guess if you have the money, why not!

 

[VSG]

Yikes, $2000 for a set of IEM's.... While I'm sure that they sound better than my cheap ass KZ ZAX, I can't help but think about the law of diminishing returns!
Testing is one thing, but can the average ear really discern such subtle differences in sound in situations where IEM's are normally used???
I guess if you have the money, why not!

There are more expensive IEMs than headphones these days, one such entry at $5200 is quite possibly the very best set I've heard. But if I had the room for it then I'd get speakers instead. IEMs serve a specific use case so there will always be people who see that being their end goal for personal audio.

 

[cellar door]

I keep thinking, how many more models can the IEM market absorb, it's already so highly saturated - are all these super limited runs of ~2000 units world wide, that end up in reviews and with wealthy collectors?

 

[VSG]

I keep thinking, how many more models can the IEM market absorb, it's already so highly saturated - are all these super limited runs of ~2000 units world wide, that end up in reviews and with wealthy collectors?

The margins must be healthy enough to sustain it. I don't think these are really that limited.

 

[P4-630]

What comes to your mind, assuming it's in the audio category anyway? If not then nvm.

I need a new good chair first! Will be checking out some of the more expensive office chairs next month...
Don't want a "gaming" chair anymore..

 

[Berfs1]

two thousand dollars for earbuds what in the

 

[VSG]

two thousand dollars for earbuds what in the

1) Not ear buds, and 2) there are waaaaaay more expensive IEMs.

 

[JasBC]

"Svanar" does not mean swan, that would just be "svan"; "svanar" means "swans".

 

[VSG]

"Svanar" does not mean swan, that would just be "svan"; "svanar" means "swans".

Thanks for the correction, I've updated that sentence.

 

[SOAREVERSOR]

I keep thinking, how many more models can the IEM market absorb, it's already so highly saturated - are all these super limited runs of ~2000 units world wide, that end up in reviews and with wealthy collectors?

The answer is a lot. The Asian IEM market is booming and driving a lot of this. Plus it's growing everywhere as more and more people their true wireless or bluetooth options sound like crap.

The other thing is a lot of these are halo products and more of a tech showcase than much else. Compare it to the PC market where people release GPUs at well over MSRP and there is always some stupid ASUS and GPU mobo combo that causes sticker shock. But the sticker shock is the point because PC gamers will emotionally buy a lower end nvidia gpu from ASUS without all the fancy ASUS stuff because nvidia and ASUS. To be taken seriously at lower end price points you have to be taken seriously at higher price points.

There's also the issue that in the 2000 buck range not all IEMs, even from the same brand, are going to sound the same. So if you have a pro IEM, an analytical IEM, a neutral IEM, or a bassy IEM these products are not competing with each other.

What comes to your mind, assuming it's in the audio category anyway? If not then nvm.

For me I don't like single DD driver IEMs and I've tried a few great ones. I like multi drivers, and the only single driver IEM I've had that I felt really did what it should be doing is the old Etymotic ER-4. I've also found HiFiMan's IEMs to be crap in general and their quality control to be shit even with their over ear planars. Also that connector socket for the cable had to have be dreamed up by scalded ferrets on acid.

Too me this feels like a shot to turn their name in the IEM market around. For that, bravo.

 

[cellar door]

I've also found HiFiMan's IEMs to be crap in general and their quality control to be shit even with their over ear planars.

Tell us how you're a audio pro except you're not - whitout telling us...

 

[JustBenching]

@VSG From your experience, is any bluetooth IEM capable of matching high end IEMs? Im looking for some BT earphones to replace my shure se846, but im kinda afraid im going to be heavily disappointed.

 

[VSG]

@VSG From your experience, is any bluetooth IEM capable of matching high end IEMs? Im looking for some BT earphones to replace my shure se846, but im kinda afraid im going to be heavily disappointed.

For what it's worth, Hifiman just released the Svanar Wireless for $499 which uses an integrated R-2R DAC and amp, and basically aims to provide most of the sound of the wired Svanar for 25% the cost.

If that's too expensive, let me know.

 

[ugury3806]

Hi VSG. Is there a $1988 difference between CCA CRA and Hifiman Svanar?

 

[VSG]

Hi VSG. Is there a $1988 difference between CCA CRA and Hifiman Svanar?
View attachment 296311

Hi, the CCA CRA underwent a silent change soon after launch so I can't recommend anyone buying it anymore. But as for other similarly tuned IEMs, yes there is a big difference once both are listened to. The Svanar has a more impactful and punchier bass response while also being more detailed. Whether or not that is worth that big a price difference is a whole other matter. You will note I have not awarded the Svanar anything for this reason. It's a good product that I am not convinced is worth the price tag.

 

[Aynsley]

I bought a pair of KZ ZEX Pros (which I liked, despite the negative coverage) and found that the moulded bump on the inner side fit perfectly in my concha, and assured a perfect seal without the need for wiggling or pushing. I bought the KZ ZAS partly because I wanted to see what all those drivers could do, but mostly because it has the same form as the ZEX. Again, perfect fit each and every time.

What caught my attention in your review of the Svanar is that Hifiman decided to go with the same design. I can't help wondering why more manufacturers don't go the same way. Especially manufacturers of heavy, bulky IEMs that dangle from the ear canal, supported only by the friction of the eartips.

 

[VSG]

I bought a pair of KZ ZEX Pros (which I liked, despite the negative coverage) and found that the moulded bump on the inner side fit perfectly in my concha, and assured a perfect seal without the need for wiggling or pushing. I bought the KZ ZAS partly because I wanted to see what all those drivers could do, but mostly because it has the same form as the ZEX. Again, perfect fit each and every time.

What caught my attention in your review of the Svanar is that Hifiman decided to go with the same design. I can't help wondering why more manufacturers don't go the same way. Especially manufacturers of heavy, bulky IEMs that dangle from the ear canal, supported only by the friction of the eartips.

That bump relies on being able to fit into the concha gap. It can work great for many people such as you and I, but makes it worse for others who now can't get a seal at all. So it's a bit of a gamble.