[pataburd]

You can sometimes find the Ananda SM for $599 open box at the HiFiMan Store; for $599 new at Bloom Audio [have also seen them for $549 open box there].

 

[Bob52r]

Are you suggesting abanda sm over ananda og??

I heard a ifi idsd can add a tubie triste and can adjuster it or go solid state.

 

[pataburd]

I have yet to hear the Stealth Magnet version, but would like to a/b SM vs. OG at some point.
The OG with Dekoni Elite Fenestrated sheepskin seems to thicken, further liquify and somewhat warm the midrange for my ears.

 

[vikinguy]

Stealth continues to impress. Soooo much headphone even at $699

 

[vsg28]

I cannot understand for the life of me why there aren't more reviews of this set.

There will be at least one written up soon, but here's some info in the meantime:

 

[iFi audio]

I heard a ifi idsd can add a tubie triste and can adjuster it or go solid state.

That's correct, Pro iDSD allows one to select its output stage between solid-state/Tube. Thanks!

 

[cfranchi]

Ananda Stealth are a significantly better headphone than the three you listed prior.

I've owned all 3.

Is Ananda stealth an engaging headphone ? What I like about Sundara is how music is presented in a lively way but still being quiite balanced (less neutral however than HE6se, Sundara a bit harsh by comparison)

 

[vikinguy]

I mean, I'm not going to compare ananda stealth to Soos. But yes, it's very engaging. It's basically a step up from the OG Ananda is everything.

 

[pataburd]

After hearing the Ananda OG, the Sundara--as admittedly good as they are--were promptly sold. Am looking forward to hearing the SM.

 

[pataburd]

Deo volente, the SM with be arriving sometime next week(!).
Am planning--and have been looking forward to--an a/b with the OG . . .

 

[MusicalDoc8]

Deo volente, the SM with be arriving sometime next week(!).
Am planning--and have been looking forward to--an a/b with the OG . . .

I think they are monsters of price-performance! You will love them!

 

[pataburd]

The Ananda SM just arrived!
Will do some preliminary a/b-ing vs. the Ananda 2021 (v2? or v3?).

Related equipment:
>Neotech UPOCC after-market cable: 4x 28AWG solid core silver + 4x 24AWG solid core copper (4-pin XLR)
>S.M.S.L. SP400 (high gain, balanced)
>Topping E50 w/Topping P50 PSU
>Wyred4Sound Recovery
>USB Disruptor

Caveat (1):
The SM definitely need some break-in time. My OG have probably 200+ hours, the SM little more than 10 or so (HFM recommends 150 hours to bring the Ananda to their full potential).

Caveat (2):
The OG are currently fitted with the Dekoni Elite fenestrated sheepskin ear pads, the SM with their stock ear pads.

Notwithstanding, I do have a few preliminary remarks:
The SM sound more replete, less stark than the OG. That sense of fullness is universal in scope: tonally, dynamically, and in terms of detail retrieval. The sound field is more saturated and coherent with a liquidity that I do not perceive with the OG.

. . . more to follow . . .

 

[vikinguy]

 

[Art Garfunkel]

There will be at least one written up soon, but here's some info in the meantime:

I see upper mid suckout and very uneven treble.

 

[pataburd]

More importantly: What do you hear?