Hifiman

Hifiman is one of the best-known names in personal hi-fi, with a strong reputation for planar magnetic headphones, audiophile earphones, headphone amplifiers and portable audio. The brand is particularly recognised for bringing serious headphone performance to a wider range of listeners, from accessible open-back models to reference-level designs aimed at dedicated home listening. Read more info ↓
FOUNDED
2015
HEADQUARTERS
China
Hifiman

The Hifiman catalogue. 4 ranges. 25 products.

01 13 PRODUCTS | £359 – £7,499

Hifiman Over-Ear Headphones

Planar magnetic driver technology sits at the heart of HIFIMAN’s over-ear range, which covers everything from accessible audiophile models to highly ambitious reference headphones.

13 PRODUCTS
£359 – £7,499
02 1 PRODUCT | £1,929

Hifiman In-Ear Monitors

Spanning wired and wireless models, HIFIMAN’s in-ear range applies the brand’s high-fidelity tuning to compact designs suited to portable listening, from accessible earphones to flagship IEMs.

1 PRODUCT
£1,929
03 8 PRODUCTS | £299 – £12,870

Hifiman Headphone Amplifiers

The HIFIMAN headphone amplifier range spans desktop DAC/amplifiers and high-end amplification, providing substantial output power and high-resolution conversion for the company’s demanding planar magnetic headphones and other audiophile models.

8 PRODUCTS
£299 – £12,870
04 3 PRODUCTS | £1,599 – £15,499

Hifiman Headphone Systems

HIFIMAN Headphone Systems pair high-end headphones with dedicated amplification, creating complete reference listening solutions built around the company’s planar magnetic and electrostatic technologies.

3 PRODUCTS
£1,599 – £15,499

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Hifiman was founded by Dr Fang Bian in New York in 2007 and later established its headquarters in Tianjin, China. The company developed its own manufacturing operation in China and designs and produces its proprietary headphones and personal-audio products rather than relying purely on off-the-shelf designs.

Planar magnetic headphones are at the heart of Hifiman’s reputation. The company introduced the HE-5 in 2009 and has since developed planar designs across a very wide price range, alongside electrostatic headphones, headphone amplifiers, DACs and complete headphone systems. Premium Sound’s current range reflects that same focus on serious personal audio.

A planar magnetic driver moves an extremely thin diaphragm using magnetic force spread across a much larger surface than in a typical dynamic headphone driver. This can help produce fast transient response, low distortion and strong control across the frequency range. Hifiman has spent years refining the concept with progressively thinner diaphragms and more advanced magnet structures.

Stealth Magnets are shaped to interfere less with the sound waves leaving the diaphragm. Conventional magnets can create diffraction and turbulence as sound passes around them; Hifiman’s streamlined magnet profile is intended to reduce that interference and allow a cleaner wavefront to reach the listener.

Hifiman’s Unveiled models remove the conventional rear grille from the planar driver. The aim is to reduce reflections from the grille and allow the diaphragm to operate with as little acoustic obstruction as possible. Because the exposed driver needs protection when the headphones are not being used, Hifiman supplies removable Magnetic Veils with models such as the HE1000 Unveiled.

Amplification requirements vary considerably across the range. Some modern Hifiman models are efficient enough to work with compact DAC/amps, while demanding planar designs benefit greatly from an amplifier with plenty of clean current and power. Sensitivity is usually more useful than impedance alone when deciding how difficult a particular Hifiman will be to drive.

Hifiman’s planar headphones use a thin diaphragm suspended within a magnetic field and can be partnered with conventional headphone amplifiers, provided the amplifier has suitable power. Electrostatic models work on a different principle and require a dedicated energiser or electrostatic amplifier, which is why Hifiman also offers complete systems such as Jade II and Mini Shangri-La.

A matching Hifiman amplifier can make system building easier, particularly with the brand’s more demanding headphones, but it is not a requirement. Hifiman amplifiers range from compact R2R DAC/amps such as the EF499 to powerful Class A and dedicated electrostatic designs, while the headphones can also be used with suitable electronics from other manufacturers. The important part is matching output power and connection type to the headphone.

Premium Sound carries a broad selection of Hifiman headphones and matching electronics, so an audition can be particularly useful when comparing different planar designs or deciding how much amplifier power you really need. Availability of specific models can vary, so it is worth checking with the Kensington showroom before visiting.

More info about Hifiman.

A large part of Hifiman’s appeal comes from its work with planar magnetic driver technology. Compared with many traditional dynamic headphones, planar magnetic designs use an ultra-thin diaphragm driven across a larger surface area, helping to produce fast response, low distortion and a clean, spacious presentation. For listeners who value detail, separation and a more open sense of scale, Hifiman headphones are often a natural choice.

The range covers several types of listening. Open-back Hifiman headphones are popular for home use, where soundstage, clarity and comfort matter more than isolation. Closed-back models suit listeners who want more privacy or less sound leakage, while selected in-ear monitors and portable products offer a more compact route into the brand’s sound. Hifiman also produces headphone amplifiers and DAC-related products designed to help demanding headphones perform at their best.

For anyone building a dedicated headphone system, Hifiman offers a clear route into high-resolution personal audio. The brand is especially appealing to listeners who want strong detail retrieval, good separation and a wide, airy presentation, but still value musicality and long-term comfort. Whether paired with a desktop headphone amplifier, DAC or suitable portable player, Hifiman products are designed for people who take headphone listening seriously.

At Premium Sound, the Hifiman range is selected for customers looking for capable planar magnetic headphones, high-performance personal audio and well-matched headphone systems.

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