Audiophiles everywhere have been having the best year. Hifiman, a brand known well to all in the audio community, has been releasing quite a number of new products that have done nothing but impress. The Mini Shangri-La Electrostatic System comes in as a new model in a list of greats that certainly impressed me. At a $2,300 retail price, this is certainly a budget option comparative to some other systems on the market. Let’s look at what this
What Comes In The Box
- Shangri-La Electrostatic Headphones with 5-pin termination cable
- Amplifier with Power Cable
Aesthetics and Functionality
I have mixed feelings about the physical quality of these headphones. The headphones look like they should have a bit of weight to them, something to make them sturdy and reliable for long, extended use. I was very surprised to find that there was very little weight behind the headphones. Nearly next to none! They felt so incredibly light in my hands, nearly invisible during use if not for the tight clamping force around the head. The padded headband is different from the suspended ones that the Susvara and Arya have, giving them a distinctly different physical appearance than most other Hifiman products.
The headphones can be bought separately for $1,100. For electrostatic headphones, this is on the relatively low end. I would have wanted a little more durability with electrostatic headphones or at least for them to feel like they were safe to a little jostling. If I judged based on look and feel alone, I’m not sure I would believe they were worth such a high price. The material felt finicky and flimsy in my hands, like one too-quick movement would cause them to break. Still, when you look at the type of product it is, The thin design and lightweight quality are great for long listening sessions, but not so great in terms of durability.
The amplifier itself is robust and makes a statement on a desk. There are two 5-pin connection ports coming from the front, and either works when plugging in the headphones. It has sturdy connections and easy to use knobs that fall right into set notches to change volume. It is an easy piece of machinery to operate, and the simplicity is much appreciated. There’s no added steps when coming from power to amplifier to headphones, which is great when you want a clean signal. There is little room for error and it is easy to get these up and running in no time.
Tech Specs
- Open-Back, Over-Ear Design
- Frequency Response: 7Hz – 90kHz
- Bias Voltage: 550V-650V
- Headphone Weight: 320.2 g
- Amp Weight: 5.82 kg
- Nano-thickness Diaphragm
- Nanometer Protection Layer
- Discrete Protection Filter
The technology behind the Mini Shangri-La system makes the price point make a little more sense. As thin and lightweight as they are, Hifiman still takes steps to ensure the drivers and technology inside is kept safe and can last a while.
Hifiman’s nanometer protection layer and discrete protection filter serve as great defense mechanisms against the natural elements these headphones may be exposed to. Not only that, but these features add to the sound quality by making them longer lasting. With increased longevity, the conductivity improves, which affects the sound produced. All these features are ensuring the production of clean, accurate, and detailed sound.
Listening Review
Soundstage
With the open-back design, these headphones can’t help but hold a wide soundstage that is ready for all types of music. I was completely immersed in my listening, and I felt myself smiling at the level of detail I could hear out of my favorite tracks. The expanded frequency range really makes the detail come through, and nothing feels compressed. Imaging has stellar accuracy, and listening to classical pieces made me feel like I was sitting right in front of the orchestra. If I closed my eyes, I would be able to see where each musician was sitting. The balance that comes from the powerful lows and glittering highs makes for pleasant listening, and it wasn’t fatiguing to listen to either.
Low Frequencies
This low end hits hard, and you can feel it in your chest. There is some really incredible detail that doesn’t get lost when there are a bunch of instruments in that range, nor does it get muddy when it reaches a certain point in the range. Basslines are punchy, kick drums thump hard, and even sub-frequencies are attenuated and live in a comfortable space at the very bottom. WIthout EQ, the bass delivers, and when a small adjustment is added, it helps even out the sound with other frequencies. Listening to Peso Pluma’s “PUT EM IN THE FRIDGE”, you can really hear how the sub bass settles and makes itself known in the low register.
Mid-Range Frequencies
Incredible detail coming from the mid-range, where layers of instruments and effects are given a lot of room to live and interact. This range can get dicey, since most instruments live here, but there is excellent detail and no muddiness that comes with the sound reproduction. “Alibi” by Sevdaliza is a great song to show you the precision and excellent sound reproduction of the vocals. With the higher range of Yseult and lower register of Pabllo Vittar, all vocals get the same level of attention to make them sound more natural and expressive. There are a lot of textures and timbres that live in this range, and it’s nice to see them all accounted for and given a place to shine. I tested a lot of genres with these headphones, and all of them held up well to deliver great sound.
High Frequencies
Great clarity, and excellent balance with the lows. Not piercing or harsh, but instead frequencies ring out and have a lot of color. Reverberant spaces are heard more clearly, as frequencies really dissipate naturally and form the harmonics along the way. You can hear this most clearly in classical mixes that opt for a concert recording technique. There is no compression, no odd cut off, or strange distortion that comes when the high end fades out. I took the cover of “Bésame Mucho” by Rozie Ramati to really test out the high end and see what kind of detail I could hear. The processing of her voice beingblended with the high tone of the theremin comes through with character and vibrancy. For people who love ultra-processed and glitchy effects, these will come through brilliantly with the Mini Shangri-La.
Summary
In my eyes, the Mini Shangri-La is a big win. Sure, the asking price may seem a little steep. You’ll be surprised by the quality that it’s delivering for half of its competitors’ price. For newer audiophiles looking to upgrade their gear, this is a deceivingly affordable option. People who want to step into that world and are ready to shell out a few dollars will also be tempted by this deal. If you’re looking to purchase a Hifiman product, and an $8,000 price tag scares you, this is an attractive offer for nearly a quarter of the cost. You’re going to get quality sound that is long lasting and reliable.
You can get the Mini Shangri-La System at Audio46.
View some other electrostatic headphones here.
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