HIFIMAN Mini Shangri-La Electrostatic Headphones + Amplifier

[VSG]

HIFIMAN adds to its electrostatic headphones lineup with the Mini Shangri-La, released alongside the Mini Shangri-La amplifier. The entire system costs signficantly less than some e-stats do by themselves and offers a comfortable, relaxed, yet resolving listening experience worthy of consideration.

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[Space Lynx]

About what I expected from an e-stat in the low end. Too rich for my blood, I am considering moving up to the 500-700 dollar range though for my next purchase, but that won't until tax check time next year.

 

[bug]

I don't get the usage of plastic in this price range. What was the rationale behind this "we can sell these for $1,100, but $1,150-$1,200 would be a no-go"?
Because we all know what happens with plastic over time.

 

[VSG]

I don't get the usage of plastic in this price range. What was the rationale behind this "we can sell these for $1,100, but $1,150-$1,200 would be a no-go"?
Because we all know what happens with plastic over time.

Do we? Plastic doesn't degrade easily and good quality plastic actually withstands bumps and falls better than some other materials. Keep in mind that Sennheiser/Audio Technica/Sony/beyerdynamic all use plastic in a lot of extremely popular and expensive headphones too. I haven't had any plastic headphones in this price range or under (I don't have any of the super cheapo <$50 random brand sets though) fail on the material side, including from HIFIMAN. For what it's worth, the plastic is not the issue when people talk about HIFIMAN build quality either- it's other things around it.

 

[bug]

Do we? Plastic doesn't degrade easily and good quality plastic actually withstands bumps and falls better than some other materials. Keep in mind that Sennheiser/Audio Technica/Sony/beyerdynamic all use plastic in a lot of extremely popular and expensive headphones too. I haven't had any plastic headphones in this price range or under (I don't have any of the super cheapo <$50 random brand sets though) fail on the material side, including from HIFIMAN. For what it's worth, the plastic is not the issue when people talk about HIFIMAN build quality either- it's other things around it.

Depends on how you define "fail", I guess. My AKG's plastic parts are still in one piece. But they have developed a squeak, that can manifest at all but the smallest head movements. That's annoying. Plastic ages, even if higher quality plastic may age slower.
Just throw in some aluminum and be done with it, I say.

 

[Lewzke]

This sound signature looks like my old AKG K501, elevated upper mids, good highs, but somewhat less bass. Interesting system for sure. I hope one day I can listen it before buying it.