High-end wireless headphones rely almost exclusively on Bluetooth. The only recent exception is the Sonos Ace, which uses WiFi to transmit audio. HIFIMAN is now moving in this direction… with an even more ambitious approach.
The manufacturer is launching not one, but two pairs of WiFi headphones derived from iconic models in its catalog: the HE1000 WiFi and Arya WiFi. These versions use the same architecture as the brand’s high-end planar headphones, while integrating WiFi audio transmission, an R-2R DAC, and amplification directly in the earcups.
Announced a few months ago by the manufacturer, this WiFi headphone project is now coming to fruition, with a release scheduled for March.
Two hi-fi references revisited in a wireless version
With the HE1000 WiFi and Arya WiFi, HIFIMAN transposes two well-known references from its catalog into a new generation of connected headphones. These models feature the open architecture and planar transducers for which the brand is renowned.
Planar technology uses an extremely thin membrane placed between rows of magnets to produce uniform, precise movement. This principle favors detailed reproduction and a wide, stable soundstage.
Each headphone has its own specific diaphragm developed by HIFIMAN. The HE1000 WiFi features a Nano Diaphragm, while the Arya WiFi is equipped with a Super Nano Diaphragm. Both models also benefit from the manufacturer’s Stealth Magnet technology, designed to reduce acoustic disturbance generated by the magnets.
WiFi transmission to preserve audio quality
The choice of WiFi is at the heart of these new headphones. Most wireless models today use Bluetooth, whose bandwidth remains limited. The HIFIMAN HE1000 WiFi and HIFIMAN Arya WiFi, on the other hand, use WiFi transmission capable of up to 633 MB/s. This bandwidth enables lossless audio formats and high-resolution streams to be broadcast. Users simply open the WiFi menu on their smartphone or tablet and connect to the headphones’ dedicated network to start music playback. Note that this transmission mode currently consumes more power than Bluetooth, a point that will probably improve over time.
R-2R DAC and high-resolution streaming
To process the audio signal received via WiFi, HIFIMAN integrates its Himalaya DAC into both headphones. This digital-to-analog converter is based on R2R architecture and supports a high-resolution 24-bit stereo signal. According to the brand, this chip combines low distortion, fast transient response and moderate power consumption, an essential characteristic in a wireless device.
Fang Bian, founder and CEO of HIFIMAN, explains, “The HE1000 WiFi and Arya WiFi headphones incorporate broadband wireless technology and our Himalaya high-fidelity DAC, delivering sound as detailed and rich as any headphones in their class.”
Both models remain compatible with multiple sources. In addition to WiFi, they feature Bluetooth 5.1 and a USB-C port for wired use and recharging.
In a sector dominated by Bluetooth, and in which the Sonos Ace is currently the only WiFi reference, the arrival of two top-of-the-range planar models using this technology marks a notable evolution in the world of wireless hi-fi headphones.
