What we liked
- The original design
- The excellent sound quality
- The spacious and detailed soundstage
- The highly effective ANC
We would have liked
- Less sensitive touch controls
- A more compact charging case
Our expert’s opinion
With the Svanar Wireless 2, HiFiMAN has successfully applied its audiophile expertise to fully wireless earbuds. The sound reproduction impresses with its richness, precision, and a soundstage that is particularly wide for earbuds. The generous bass can easily be fine-tuned using the equaliser, while the excellent active noise cancelling lets you fully enjoy your music in any environment. Their unique design and meticulous craftsmanship reinforce their high-end character. Despite a few ergonomic compromises—notably overly sensitive touch controls and a bulky charging case—the Svanar Wireless 2 impress with their remarkable musical qualities. For fans of the brand, this exceptional sound signature—accompanied by some less-than-ideal practical details—is reminiscent of our experience with the HE1000 WiFi headphones: simply brilliant sound, but a user experience that still has room for improvement. Nevertheless, this model is a great success for HiFiMAN and an excellent choice for music lovers.
As a recognised specialist in audiophile headphones and earphones, HiFiMAN has for many years cultivated a sophisticated approach to music reproduction. With the Svanar Wireless 2 Bluetooth earbuds, the manufacturer once again brings its expertise to the world of wireless earbuds. Featuring a proprietary R2R DAC, balanced class AB amplification, and Topology transducers, this second-generation model incorporates technologies directly inherited from the world of hi-fi.
Introducing the HiFiMAN Svanar Wireless 2
The Svanar Wireless 2 earbuds are the successor to HiFiMAN’s first-generation Bluetooth earbuds, the Svanar Wireless. Featuring a redesigned audio architecture and more compact electronics, these wireless in-ear monitors combine a Himalaya Mini DAC, dedicated amplification, and 10 mm dynamic transducers. Bluetooth 6.0, active noise cancelling, and various listening modes round out an impressive spec sheet.
A sculptural design that extends to the charging case
The HiFiMAN Svanar Wireless 2 feature an instantly recognisable design. Their asymmetrical earbuds have angular lines and numerous facets that stand in contrast to the rounded shapes typically favoured for true wireless earbuds. The black finish combines matte and glossy surfaces, accented by the brand’s silver logo.
This second generation benefits above all from miniaturised electronics. The new Himalaya Mini DAC takes up only one-fifth the volume of the previous module, greatly contributing to the earbuds’ compact size. Their silhouette resembles that of custom-moulded audiophile in-ear monitors, with a design intended to conform to the contours of the ear canal.
The Svanar Wireless 2 come with eight pairs of ear tips in various shapes and sizes. This generous selection makes it easy to adapt them to different ear shapes and ensures a good acoustic seal, which is essential for both low-frequency reproduction and passive noise isolation. The user guide is available in digital format on the HiFiMAN website and via the app, but a printed version would have been helpful.
A true R2R DAC at the heart of the earbuds
The main unique feature of the HiFiMAN Svanar Wireless 2 is the integration of a Himalaya Mini DAC into each earbud. This converter uses an R2R architecture based on a network of precision resistors—a technology also used in some home hi-fi converters to convert the digital signal into an analogue one.
This new generation of the Himalaya Mini doubles the number of resistors compared to the previous model, while taking up one-fifth the space. The analogue signal is then fed to an independent balanced amplifier operating in class AB, capable of delivering 45 mW. This separation between conversion and amplification replicates, on a small scale, the design of a traditional hi-fi system with separate components.
The Svanar Wireless 2 earbuds also stand out for their dual-circuit audio architecture. The first circuit combines the R2R DAC with dedicated amplification to prioritise high-fidelity music playback. The second relies on the audio circuits integrated into the Bluetooth chip—which are more energy-efficient—to support other listening modes.
🗒️ Note from the expert
Developed by HiFiMAN, Topology Diaphragm technology involves applying a nanoparticle coating in specific patterns to the surface of the transducer diaphragm. This structure helps control the diaphragm’s vibrational behaviour and limit unwanted resonance that could distort the audio signal. The goal is to achieve smoother diaphragm movements in order to improve the accuracy of the sound reproduction.
Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity
The HiFiMAN Svanar Wireless 2 feature the latest Bluetooth version, 6.0, which is compatible with the SBC, AAC, LDAC, and L2HC codecs. The latter two ensure high-bitrate audio transmission from compatible sources, preserving more musical detail before it is converted by the Himalaya Mini DAC.
LDAC, in particular, allows you to enjoy high-resolution audio streams on many Android smartphones and DAPs. The L2HC codec, developed by Huawei, complements this connectivity for compatible devices.
App and controls
The HiFiMAN Svanar Wireless 2 can be paired with the HiFiMAN Smart app, which centralises the settings and key features of these earbuds. Its streamlined interface makes it easy to navigate between the different menus, with quick pairing and a perfectly stable connection during our tests. The home screen displays, among other things, the battery level of each earbud, the codec in use, and the sample rate, as well as shortcuts to the various listening modes.
This handy app also includes a 10-band graphic equaliser that lets you adjust the sound to suit your preferences. The settings range from 32 Hz to 16 kHz, with a range of ±10 dB. A gaming mode, which can be enabled from the main screen, rounds out the features for video games. The app also provides access to firmware updates, the user guide, and the option to rename the earbuds.
The touch-sensitive controls are fully customisable for each earbud and operate independently. A single tap, double tap, triple tap, or long press can be assigned to functions such as playback, track navigation, changing listening modes, or activating the voice assistant. This setup lets you tailor interactions to your usage habits directly from the app.
A microphone array for ANC and phone calls
The HiFiMAN Svanar Wireless 2 app offers three listening modes tailored to different environments. The high-fidelity mode leverages the dedicated audiophile architecture to prioritise musical reproduction. The ANC mode focuses on reducing ambient noise by up to 35 dB, particularly on public transportation and in crowded spaces. These two modes offer complementary listening experiences, depending on whether the priority is on sound quality or noise isolation.
You can switch between modes directly from the touch controls, with voice confirmation for each change. The built-in microphones also pick up your voice during phone calls.
Earbuds designed for on-the-go use
The battery life of the HiFiMAN Svanar Wireless 2 varies depending on the audio circuit in use. The high-fidelity mode activates the Himalaya Mini R2R DAC and balanced class AB amplification, whose power consumption limits battery life to 4 hours and 30 minutes. In ANC and transparency modes, the earbuds use the low-power audio circuits of the Bluetooth chip. Battery life then reaches 7 hours with active noise cancelling and 8 hours in Transparency mode. The charging case provides three additional charges, bringing the maximum battery life to 32 hours.
Key specifications
- Wireless earbuds
- 10 mm dynamic transducers with Topology Diaphragm
- Himalaya Mini R2R DAC built into each earbud
- 45 mW balanced class AB amplification
- Frequency response: 10 Hz to 35 kHz
- Bluetooth 6.0
- Supported codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC, and L2HC
- Three listening modes: high fidelity, ANC, and transparency
- Active noise cancelling up to 35 dB
- Battery life up to 32 hours
- IPX5 certification
- Weight: 7.4 g per earbud
- Case dimensions: 70 × 42 × 51 mm
- Eight pairs of ear tips included
- HiFiMAN Smart app
Test conditions
For this test, the HiFiMAN Svanar Wireless 2 headphones were paired with an Android smartphone and a PC. Music was streamed via Qobuz and Spotify, featuring tracks in a variety of genres, while Netflix and YouTube were used to evaluate audio-video synchronisation. The earbuds were also used during video game sessions, on public transportation, and in an open-plan office to assess their versatility, comfort, and the effectiveness of their ANC.
My impressions
From the very first listening sessions, the HiFiMAN Svanar Wireless 2 revealed their main strength: an excellent sound reproduction, befitting the brand’s audiophile expertise. It is in high fidelity mode that these earbuds truly reached their full potential, offering a wealth of detail, dynamic range, and a surprisingly wide soundstage for in-ear models. During Hans Zimmer’s “At Wit’s End”, the orchestra’s crescendo remained beautifully clear. Each instrument was accurately positioned, even as the arrangements grew denser.
The high frequencies contributed to this sense of clarity, with excellent control and no perceptible distortion even in the most dense passages. The Svanar Wireless 2 therefore managed to reproduce complex compositions with convincing instrumental separation and an impressive sense of space. Switching to ANC mode resulted in a slightly less refined sound, though it still retained excellent musical qualities. The difference was noticeable, especially when listening carefully.
The tonal balance placed a strong emphasis on the bass. This richness added energy and depth to the listening experience, though it was sometimes overpowering. On Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy”, I found the bass to be particularly overwhelming, with a lack of clarity and precision on the beats when the ANC was enabled. This issue was less pronounced, however, in high-fidelity mode, which provided greater control and precision in the bass.
The HiFiMAN Smart app’s 10-band equaliser allowed me to correct this sound signature. By slightly attenuating the low frequencies, I achieved better-controlled bass and a more balanced sound.
The Svanar Wireless 2 earbuds also offered good audio-visual synchronisation on Netflix and YouTube. While gaming on a PC, I noticed a very slight delay, which is typical for a Bluetooth connection. Enabling the gaming mode in the HiFiMAN Smart app significantly reduced this lag, resulting in better synchronisation between the on-screen action and sound effects.
Particularly impressive active noise cancelling
The active noise cancelling was another pleasant surprise. Whether on public transportation or in an open-plan office, the Svanar Wireless 2 did a remarkable job of blocking out ambient noise. I was even impressed by their isolation capabilities when the music was paused. Phone calls also went smoothly, with satisfactory voice pickup and clear communication.
However, in my case, this effectiveness came with a sensation of pressure in my ears, which became noticeable over time and was slightly tiring during extended listening sessions. I also experienced physical discomfort at the entrance to my ear canal, despite using the small eartips. Since my ears are on the smaller side, this experience is subjective and may vary depending on individual anatomy and sensitivity.
A few compromises in daily use
The touch controls are one of the main weaknesses of the HiFiMAN Svanar Wireless 2 earbuds. Their excessive sensitivity frequently causes unintended actions, especially when repositioning the earbuds. The audio feedback could also use some refinement: the confirmation beeps are particularly shrill, and the voice prompts sound unnatural. This is a regrettable contrast to the quality of the music playback, which we hope will be addressed in a future update.
The charging case also has a few practical limitations. Its large size makes it inconvenient to carry in a pocket. Storing it in a bag is a more practical option when travelling.
The HiFiMAN Svanar Wireless 2 compared to the Astell&Kern AK UW100 MKII
The Astell&Kern AK UW100 MKII share an audiophile-grade design and faceted styling with the HiFiMAN Svanar Wireless 2. However, the two models feature different architectures: the Astell&Kern uses a 32-bit AKM DAC and Knowles balanced armature transducers, while the HiFiMAN has an R2R Himalaya Mini DAC, balanced class AB amplification, and Topology dynamic transducers.
Sound-wide, the Astell&Kern earbuds prioritise a balanced and natural sound, with precise bass and smooth highs, as noted in our previous review. The HiFiMAN earbuds stand out for their particularly dynamic sound, a spacious soundstage, and more prominent bass, which benefits from being adjusted via the equaliser.
The Svanar Wireless 2 also have the edge when it comes to noise reduction thanks to their particularly effective ANC, while the AK UW100 MKII rely solely on passive isolation. The AK UW100 MKII also offer longer battery life per charge, lasting up to 9 hours and 30 minutes compared to 8 hours for the HiFiMAN in their longest-lasting mode. Finally, both models are relatively bulky, and their charging cases are rather large. Their size is therefore something to consider for daily commuting.
Who are the HiFiMAN Svanar Wireless 2 designed for?
The HiFiMAN Svanar Wireless 2 earbuds are designed primarily for discerning music lovers who want to experience the quality of hi-fi sound in a fully wireless format. Their detailed sound reproduction, spacious soundstage, and excellent active noise reduction make them ideal for enjoying music at home, on public transportation, or at the office.
The HiFiMAN Svanar Wireless 2 earbuds will particularly appeal to fans of rich, full-bodied sound reproduction, with the ability to fine-tune the tonal balance using the built-in equaliser. Their unique design, secure fit, and intuitive app round out an experience focused above all on listening pleasure. Available for €309 on Son-Vidéo.com, the Svanar Wireless 2 let you enjoy HiFiMAN’s hi-fi expertise in a portable format.
