Since 2020, HIFIMAN has been releasing noteworthy high-end closed-back headphones with sculpted wooden cups. First came the HE-R10P (Planar Magnetic, $5499), along with its less expensive sibling, HE-R10D (Dynamic, $1299), and then the entry-level Sundara at $399.

HIFIMAN CEO/Founder Dr. Fang Bian is fascinated by the use of wooden ear cups. He explained to me in Spring 2023, when he was in Manhattan displaying his newest products: by choosing different kinds of wood structures and sculpting them in different ways, the sound emanating can be tuned, yielding various options for the sound quality and preferences for the user. That leads us to the new HIFIMAN Audivina ($1999), the subject of this review. The name Audivina derives from the word “Audi” and the Sanskrit word for a sitar, “Vina.”

As he further explained recently, “The Audivina headphone uses a willow wood earcup. We spent a long time testing earcup structures. The final result of the Audivina earcup shape is the result after 5-6 different shapes were experimented with”.

I must say that HIFIMAN hit the nail on the head with these in which the desired end game was to get, on one hand, warmth and deep bass offered by the wood, but on the other, as its aim, to cater to what those in the studio/recording industry need for mixing and mastering: impeccable clinical/analytical hearing of what is going on. The balance achieved here is a worthy accomplishment.

The curved resonance chamber design was inspired by the acoustical architecture of Wagner’s Bayreuth Festspielhaus in Germany. “Sound takes a circuitous route through the chamber, creating a wide soundstage in a small enclosed space.”

A proprietary “Stealth Magnets Design”, it also has the new NEO “super nano” Diaphragm (NsD), which is 80% thinner than the previous designs, and the wooden cup construction utilizes CNC (Computerized numerical control) for wood cutting.

Looks

The AUDIVINA is attractive and stylish, with beautiful lacquered orange/reddish willow wood grains and a tasteful leather headband with holes (for preventing sweat), all supported by an upper aviation aluminum band that slides up/down for size. The brown ear pads are soft leather and comfortable for long listening sessions (I used them for long periods in my office). They fold so as to fit in a protective, light black fabric (but sturdy) carrying case that also can hold the cables (all three kinds: XLR (3m), 1/4”(3m), 3.5mm (1.5m)). The case easily fits in a backpack; I took it to and from home to the office. Compared to the Hifiman HE-R10 models, where the cups are large, the Audivina cups are smaller and more elegant looking with more elaborate sculpting.

Specifications

Frequency response: 5Hz - 55kHz

Sensitivity: 97dB

Impedance: 20 Ohms

Weight: 470g

My Use

I used two different amp/DAC combos:

HIFIMAN EF600 (review forthcoming, $799).

My reference PS Audio BHK Signature Preamplifier ($6000, it has a built-in headphone amp), with a Mojo Audio Mystique X SE DAC and Deja Vu Music Server (with a Roon Core). As a comparison for headphones, I also used their top-of-the-line (closed), much more expensive HIFIMAN HE-R10P ($5499).

Music

If the truth be told, after the headphones arrived, I put them aside because I was busy with other things on my plate. But then later, I discovered the efficacy of the Audivinas when I was in a jam: I was reviewing the newly released LP, Barbra Streisand, Live at the Bon Soir, Impex Records, 2023. I was enamoured with Streisand’s live bantering with the audience, something I wanted to report on, but it was hard to hear clearly at times, and I was not confidently sure what she and some in the audience were saying. To the rescue was the Audivina: it was like a microscope, while at the same time offering a wonderful warmth with excellent bass. I streamed the 24/96 version on Qobuz. Not only did I appreciate it as an honest tool, but I also loved the overall sound.

Moving on, if you like drums/percussion, here is a piece that brilliantly captures the ability of the Audivina to help clarify detailed cymbal work while at the same time allowing you to just enjoy the music: “Ch’i Energy“ from Paul Motian, Paul Motian (2013), ECM (Tidal, 16/44.1 FLAC). He uses Paiste cymbals almost exclusively from what seems clear from the Audivina, and I thus learned to appreciate his use of them: they are light sounding with a quick decay, unlike Zildjian cymbals which have a deeper richer sound with a longer decay (my preference), but Motian is using them on purpose; he is moving fast between gongs and various cymbals, along with his exceptional use of natural sounding tom-toms, he needs a quicker decay, it is his style; impressive.

Here are two, together, that won me over by the Audivina for displaying intimacy, bass, and natural acoustic sound: Holly Cole from Romantically Helpless, (2000), the tracks “One Trick Pony” (bass), and “Ghosts” (intimacy).

As a final comparison, the Hifiman HE-R10P ($5499) overall offers a fuller, warmer sound with more bass but lacks the analytical ability of the Audivina. I like both for different reasons; together, I must admit they make a perfect pair. But most of us must make a choice.

Summary

The Audivina at $1999 is a bargain and a super compromise for those seeking the special sound quality that wood can offer while also delivering what is needed in the studio.

They can stay on your head for long periods without discomfort and can safely be popped into a backpack kept safe for travel. I can’t imagine someone in a studio situation who would not want these—highly recommended.

Further information: HIFIMAN