These $499, high-performance Bluetooth 5.2 earbuds surprise mostly for the bold, futuristic design - which includes the radical USB-C and Qi wireless charging case. The oddly shaped, carbon fiber earbuds weight just 8g each, and feature a custom version of Hifiman's Hymalaya multi-bit ladder DAC/AMP module that the company (and reviewers) say it "results in clearly audible sonic improvements over standard wireless receivers built-in 1-bit DAC chips."
Apparently, the formula for the SVANAR Wireless was not as successful as the company hoped for - or it could be that they just can't help it since Hifiman likes to pile-up SKUs on their product catalog, as their website shows profusely. So... just a few months later, the manufacturer announced two new, "light" follow-up versions of the SVANAR Wireless: the LE and the Jr.
The new SVANAR Wireless LE ($299) are defined by Hifiman as a "light luxury" edition of its reference SVANAR Wireless earbuds. Essentially, the full range, high-performance Bluetooth 5.2 design of the SVANAR Wireless LE remains the same, using the custom Hymalaya multi-bit ladder DAC/AMP module. Even the earbuds shiny metal finish is similar (the charging case is brown instead of black). So, what's the difference?
"The SVANAR Wireless LE is a slightly scaled back version of our reference SVANAR Wireless, designed for demanding music lovers who want the best possible performance from their phones and other sources. From sonics to ergonomics, the SVANAR Wireless LE is designed to bring hours of listening pleasure to everyone who takes their music seriously," says Fang Bian, the founder and CEO of Hifiman Electronics.
That really doesn't explain how the price is so much lower. The SVANAR Wireless LE true wireless earbuds feature the same Topology Diaphragm, coated with Nano particles that contribute to significantly greater sonic detail than is typically associated with small earbuds. The ANC "Deep Noise Cancellation" is still able to accurately eliminate noise up to -35dB. The earbuds remain IPX5-rated for resistance to sweat and dirt. The battery is exactly the same... So, what gives? Well... the LE model doesn't support the LDAC codec and the Bluetooth module is SBC and AAC only. Apparently, LDAC licensing is expensive.
As for the new SVANAR Wireless Jr earbuds (pictured above), again everything remains very similar, except the finish is no longer the shiny silver but a glossy white instead. Hifiman also says that the SVANAR Wireless Jr offers many of the same sonic benefits as the original SVANAR Wireless, including support for Bluetooth LDAC, and everything else.
"Earlier this year, when we introduced the reference SVANAR Wireless, we were clear that it was only the beginning of what would be an extensive selection of advanced wireless models bearing the SVANAR name," says Fang Bian. "The new wireless SVANAR Wireless Jr is the first follow-up, featuring deep, full range sonics and a wide soundstage typically associated with high-end wired earphones, but with the convenience of True Wireless technology."
The $179 suggested retail price is explained by the absence of the R2R custom ladder DAC and 45mW headphone amplifier module. Instead, the SVANAR Wireless Jr. earbuds feature a balanced Class AB amplifier module with a standard DAC. Everything else, remains the same, including the ANC features.
These two new products provide a very interesting example of product design challenges. Even for a manufacturer with established credentials, the abundant features and many technologies involved in a true wireless stereo form factor are hard to master in order to result in products with a clear differentiation for consumers. The range of prices achieved from the SVANAR Wireless design is an interesting case study.
All the SVANAR Wireless Jr earbuds are available now from Amazon and Hifiman’s online store.
www.hifiman.com
