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Comparisons
The HE1000 Stealth is one of my favourite headphones. Its excellent transient response, clarity, resolution, and transparency make it one of the best options in planar magnetics. However, if you’d like to go further, the Mini Shangri-La is a step above, especially regarding overall clarity, soundstage, spaciousness, mid-range quality, and transparency.
If you had an HE1000, you’d probably invest more in an amp and DAC, so the total cost would likely be close to the Mini Shangri-La’s. If you already have an EST amplifier, you can buy the Mini Shangri-La headphones separately. Of course, you lose the excellent headband system of the HE-1000, but you gain the EST performance in sound, so I’d go with the Mini Shangri-La myself.
If you like investing more in a headphone system, the HEDDphone TWO is excellent, especially if you’re after musicality. The mid-range of this ”HEDDphone” is simply magical, especially in terms of timbre, so you’d not be disappointed. It also has an excellent soundstage width, PRaT, and dynamism. You also get much better build quality and a superb headband system. Overall, it’s a great headphone. Yet, it would help if you spent more since you’d need an amplifier with it, whereas the amp is included in the $2,300 price of the Hifiman.
Conclusion
The Mini Shangri-La system is a commendable achievement from Hifiman. It brings the high-end electrostatic sound experience into a more accessible price range. This is a fantastic opportunity for enthusiasts who have always admired the pinnacle of electrostatic performance but found systems like the Hifiman Shangri-La Sr. or Sennheiser HE 1 out of reach. For “most mortals”, this setup provides a pathway into the elite realm of audio fidelity without the six-figure investment.
The amplifier is a standout component, boasting excellent build quality and a design that reflects Hifiman’s commitment to premium aesthetics and functionality. The headphones themselves deliver the unmistakable electrostatic sound signature: spacious, airy, and technically precise. Their ability to handle fine details and present music with realism is impressive, especially for the price.
However, the headphone’s build quality is less convincing, which could concern potential buyers. Despite this, if one can overlook the construction and focus on the sound, the Mini Shangri-La offers a highly satisfying and immersive listening experience. Its system is designed to bridge the gap between aspirational high-end sound and real-world budgets, making it a truly remarkable offering in the electrostatic headphone market.
Summary
Pros:
- Great value for amp + headphone
- Great design and build quality of the amplifier
- Excellent mid-range performance
- It has the typical EST headphone qualities
Cons:
- Cheap headband
- Creaking noises from the headphone
- The amp is hefty and runs VERY hot
Page 1: Hifiman, Mini Shangri-La
Page 2: Sound
