HIFIMAN DEVA PRO REVIEW2024

The Deva PRO is Hifiman’s follow-up to the original Deva. The Pro’s black and silver color scheme stands out immediately compared to the Brownie’s silver and brown. Just like its forerunner, it may be operated wirelessly with the Bluemini Bluetooth adaptor. But the wired operation is all we’ll be covering in this piece.

One reason for Hifiman’s success is the ongoing effort to lower prices. The company is also growing and expanding at a rapid pace. Following in the footsteps of the HE400SE, the Deva PRO are the second-most reasonably priced planar magnetic headphones offered by Hifiman. The current prices for the HE400SE are $109 USD, and the Deva PRO, when purchased with the Bluemini, is $159 USD. Such low prices for high-quality planar magnetic headphones were unheard of even a short time ago.

HIFIMAN DEVA PRO SPECIFICATIONS

• Driver Type: Planar Magnetic Driver with Stealth Magnet Design.
• Double-sided magnet driver construction 
• Neo-Super-Nano Diaphragm
• Frequency Response: 20–20 kHz.
• Impedance: 18Ω
• Sensitivity: 93.5dB.
• Weight: 360g.
• Cable connector on headphones: Dual 3.5 mm or single-sided TRRS 3.5 mm Balanced input socket (for Bluemini) 
• Included cable 1.5 meter or 4.9 Feet; 3.5 mm plug with 6.3 mm adapter 
• Optional external Bluemini Bluetooth adapter (not tested). 

The business supplied us with the Deva PRO wired version, which, as of this writing, costs 159 USD.

BUILD AND COMFORT

Both the construction and the fit of the Deva PRO are top-notch. Metal makes up the yokes and grill, while plastic makes up the cups, and spring metal, padded with pleather, makes up the headband. You can turn it in a nice way.

Mesh covers the top of the pads, which are lined with solid pleather for added comfort. They differ from all previous Hifimans in that they are not of the circular standard kind. An adapter ring is incompatible with all round pads. Nevertheless, you may simply remove and replace the pads as needed. They are simple to remove and replace with the use of strong fingernails or a plastic tool.

I really wish the circular grills could be removed and replaced externally, just like the ones on the HE400SE and previous generations. Unmounting the driver is necessary to access it on the Deva.

The Deva’s cable connectors are 3.5 mm jacks. In order to utilize it with the Bluemini adaptor, the left side also functions as a TRRS, allowing for single-sided operation. An ingenious answer.

The headband is somewhat stiff, and that is my one gripe with it. I don’t find it an issue, but it could be for certain people whose heads aren’t naturally designed to support their weight evenly. Focal offers plush headbands that are comparable to those brands.

To sum up, for the money, these headphones are sturdy and well-made.

LISTENING IMPRESSIONS 

Solo listening impressions are driven by an RME ADI-2 DAC FS and a Sparkos Gemini hybrid tube amplifier.

By Portishead, It Might Be Sweet Spacious and airy soundstage. Nice, delicate treble, voices, and percussion. The bass is not too tight and has a slight bloom to it.

The Emerson String Quartet performs Janacek’s String Quartet No. 1. The strings have a lovely tone. Texture and assault are well-balanced without being overly harsh. You can feel the room’s expansiveness and perceive its reverberation.

Khmer, written by Nils Petter Molvaer Percussion parts that center on the midrange and treble are very nuanced and exact. The trumpet is played with exquisite delicacy. Although I would prefer a less bloomy bass, the bass is rich and punchy. Superior imaging, soundstage, and instrument separation.

Cappella Gabetta’s Las Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas is an impressive display. The accordions/bandoneons, strings, and bass are all superbly played, and it’s easy to follow along with each instrument.

The bass is fantastic, rich without being overwhelming, and it fits the song “Almost Like the Blues” by Leonard Cohen. The rendition of Cohen’s gruff voice is excellent. The percussion section, that relies heavily on treble, is expertly executed.

Lee Ritenour’s “Lay it Down”—the b bass is spot on, and the highs are crisp and enjoyable. You can tell them apart when they play in tandem—the electric guitars.

HEADPHONE COMPARISONS

HIFIMAN DEVA PRO VS HE400SE 

The main point is that I compared these headphones in a different review, but you can find that evaluation here. Even when comparing high-end amplifiers like the Auralic Taurus with more affordable options like the Fiio K5 PRO ESS and Schiit Magni Heretic, there are noticeable variances.

Construction: These earbuds are practically identical. This is the same headband. Oval cups are a little bit bigger on the Deva PRO.

Treble: The treble on both of them is quite good. Having said that, the Deva PRO is easier and more sophisticated. The HE400SE’s high notes are more robust and have more punch. Occasionally, I hear the HE400SE being a little more forward-thinking, and not just in the treble but also in the upper midrange.

Both have a detailed and present mid-range. But the HE400SE has a little more midrange power, tonal weight, and overall body. The vocals and other instruments sound richer, closer, and more upfront. The course determines whether this is an advantage or disadvantage.

Bass: To reiterate, they’re both excellent, but in different ways. It looks like the HE400SE has a more controlled and defined bass. In stark contrast, the Deva can occasionally come out as too carefree and flowery. Nonetheless, this is little and seldom a major concern. Both are commensurate with high-quality planar magnetic headphones in terms of their bass response.

When it comes to timbre, I’m still not sure which one is better. When it comes to highs, the Deva PRO sounds the most authentic. The middle is more of a draw; it all comes down to the course. In all honesty, I believe the HE400SE’s bass is its strongest suit. I would say the HE400SE is the superior headset if I had to choose between the two, but the Deva has a fantastic presentation, so I’m not ruling it out.

Both headphones have a fairly spacious soundstage. On the other hand, the Deva PRO creates a stereo image that is broader, taller, and deeper. It is very remarkable. There is a noticeable but not insurmountable gap between them due to the HE400SE’s size.

As one could expect from its specifications, the HE400SE places a higher demand on the amplifier in comparison to the Deva PRO. The HE400SE can be driven with ease by a desktop amplifier, but keep in mind that it requires more juice than the Deva PRO, which could be an issue for portable setups. Beyond that, as I’ve already stated in my review of its own, the HE400SE becomes a formidable force when coupled with the speaker outputs of a sturdy stereo amplifier. Believe me when I say you have to give it a go.

To sum up, these headphones are both excellent buys. They sound fantastic with plenty of detail, a balanced tune, and excellent planar magnetic bass.

HIFIMAN SUNDARA VS DEVA PRO

At nearly twice the price of the DEVA, the Sundara has long been considered the benchmark in its price category. It has a unique design with metal cups in the shape of circles and a strap headband. The Deva PRO has a greater range of motion.

Here’s a track-by-track comparison: 

Kashmir Blood Beech—They’re almost indistinguishable. With reduced bloom and increased detail, the Sundara boasts a tighter bass. There may be an improvement in treble resolution, and the Deva PRO is noticeably lighter.

For the Trio Marcin Wasilewski, Cadenza With greater room between the instruments, the Deva has a lighter, more spacious feel. The treble is now more clearly defined. Warmer and more forward-thinking, the Sundara gives off a meatier vibe.

Tired of Deftones? The Sundara has a bigger, more powerful sound, while the Deva PRO has a somewhat more distant one. The difference is little, but it is not zero. Here, the Sundara is more to my liking.

One of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s offerings is Fire Walker. In this place, things are very different. The Deva PRO has a more expansive and spacious soundstage, making it more immersive. Sundara is sexier, warmer, meatier, and more intimate. Both are enjoyable to me.

One other thing: Floratone by Floratone is not like the others. Even though it seems somewhat thin, the Deva PRO boasts a massive sound stage. Although the Sundara lacks the massive soundstage of the Deva PRO, it compensates with an intimate presentation that is both balanced and cohesive.

Massive Attack’s Angel: The Sundara has a fuller soundstage, deeper bass, and an all-encompassing presentation. Even though the Deva PRO has a larger listening area, the sound is less immediate, personal, and encompassing due to the increased distance.

In terms of soundstage size, depth, and picture quality, the Deva PRO is head and shoulders above the competition. Assuming sufficient authority, the Sundara reigns supreme in matters of macrodynamics. The sundara produces a more authentic tone.

The Deva PRO boasts an impressive treble. Everything is clear and bright. In my opinion, it outshines the Sundara, even though the latter may be heavier by a factor of three. Both aren’t very intelligent.

In the middle ground, you’ll find both of them. On the other hand, the Sundara is heavier in tone and body and has more mid-range intensity. The vocals and other instruments feel closer, more upfront, and warmer.

Bass: That’s the domain of the Sundaras. Though both the Deva PRO and the Sundaras have respectable bass, the latter boasts more defined and textured bass. It sinks further or, more accurately, rolls off at a later date. In stark contrast, the Deva can occasionally come out as airy, carefree, and flowery. Having said that, the bass response is deep and present in both, befitting of genuine planar magnetic headphones. It becomes better with the Sundara.

The Sundara requires additional power for amplification. As the power increases, it becomes even better. From the speaker taps of various high-quality amplifiers, I’ve heard it, and it sounds beautiful; if I were to compare it to my favorite amplifier, the Sundara would come out on top. Even if the Deva PRO can’t scale in that way, it’s much simpler to operate with smaller or more mobile configurations.

To sum up, the Sundara is essentially an upgraded HE400SE. Something is off with the Deva PRO. Treble and soundstage are its strong suits, while bass and overall timbre are Sundara’s. The Sundara is my go-to amp when I need a lot of power, but the Deva has its advantages as well.

PHILIPS FIDELIO X3 VS DEVA PRO 

The Fidelio X3 is the third iteration of the X-series of “stay at home” high-fidelity headphones manufactured by Philips. The X1HR and X2HR came before it. With a detachable 3-meter Y-split wire, these headphones are sturdy and pleasant.

Olga Konkova’s “As Before” — The X3 has an expansive and lively tone. The midrange lacks depth but is otherwise fairly detailed. The midrange on the Deva PRO is richer, softer, and more personal. Compared to the Deva PRO, the Cajôn is more thumpy.

Populous’ Azelujos To the touch, the X3 is more refined and sharp. I find the sound of the Deva PRO to be more organic, melodic, and genuine. Both have decent bass.

Poly by Youandewan: Be Good to Me The Deva PRO has a fuller bass response and a warmer overall sound. More room is available with the X3.

A Labyrinth Original—”All For Us” Both the bass and the soundstage of the X3 are commendable. The Deva PRO offers deeper bass and a more natural sound quality generally, particularly when it comes to the vocals. The X3’s treble is too loud and harsh for my taste.

Performers: The Norwegian Chamber Orchestra; Vivaldi’s Four Seasons; Winter Though equally impressive, the X3 has a more nuanced and textured sound with livelier string tones. Additionally, it offers improved segregation and more air.

Norah Jones’s Cold, Cold Heart (2003) With plenty of power and feel, the X3 is an expansive and lively ride. The presentation on the Deva PRO is more fluid and natural, giving the impression of more movement.

Finally, these headphones are not the same as one another. The X3 boasts an expansive soundstage, enhanced dynamics, and a heightened sense of fine detail and texture. On the other hand, it has the potential to sound overly bright and dry. In contrast, the Deva is unique. The room is still large, but it feels more natural. A little less lively, or perhaps “aggressive,” would be my word to describe the presentation of tiny detail. The Deva PRO has a pleasant, effortless quality to it. Additionally, the bass frequently has a richer, meatier tone.

SENNHEISER HD560S VS DEVA PRO 

If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to Sennheiser’s renowned HD6* series, consider the HD560S. All it is is plastic. It has a greater clamping force than the Deva PRO but is smaller, lighter, and less bulky. It has a single side-only detachable cable.

If You Love Tomatito’s “En Casa Del Herrero,” the Deva PRO has excellent imaging and a quick, natural sound. While comparable, the HD560S has a somewhat drier sound and lacks the realism and nuance of the HD5100.

Powerful bass and a spacious soundstage characterize Leonard Cohen’s “Almost Like the Blues,” performed on the Deva PRO. The picture is clear. A warm raspiness comes to Leonard Cohen’s voice. The soundstage is smaller and the bass is less full-bodied with the HD560S, but Cohen’s voice is even raspier.

The HD560S has pleasing, thumpy bass and sounds great when listening to “Angel” by Massive Attack. But the Deva PRO sounds superior in every way. More detail, a broader soundstage, and improved bass.

Boris Blank’s “Electrified” sounds great on the HD560S. Energetic, roomy, and brisk. But the Deva PRO makes it sound much better. More space between instruments, a larger soundstage, and enhanced detail and layering.

David Brito and Julie Fahrer’s Carretera The electric guitar and female voice both sound fantastic with the HD560S. Switching to the Deva PRO instantly expands the soundstage, brings out more details, and improves the image. A more organic and fluid presentation is used. The vocals are mellower and less forceful.

Featuring the music of Ensemble Resonanz, CPE Haydn’s Cello Concerto in A minor, WQ 170 II Andante When it comes to this, the HD560S finally impresses me. Being a Sennheiser, its forte is the midrange, where it excels with this string piece’s timbre, richness, and character. While the Deva PRO is competent, the HD560S is where it’s at for me right now.

Finally, though, it’s obvious which option is more popular. The soundstage and imagery on the Deva PRO are larger and more impressive. A triple that is more organic and liquid is available. While the HD560S’s midrange may lack musicality, it is more detailed and forward-thinking than competing models. Sennheiser bass delivers decent thud, but Deva bass is more detailed and plentiful. While I do enjoy listening to my HD560S headphones, my favorite are the Deva PRO. Some may like the HD560S because of its small size and light weight.

AKG K702 VS DEVA PRO

Audiophiles and professionals alike have long praised the K702—a blue version of the K701 with a removable cable—as an iconic reference headphone.

Queen Beyoncé’s “Daddy Lessons” These headphones are nothing like the others. In terms of bass and treble, the K702 is dead on. The voiceover is crystal clear. A vast soundstage is provided. The bass is audible and consistent, yet it lacks impact. There is a clean treble.

However, the Deva PRO boasts a more organic and fluid midrange, sweeter highs, and a resounding bass.

Quite mid-centric, the K702 is—almost like Leonard Cohen’s Blues. The spotlight is unmistakably on Cohen’s vocals. It sounds really lively. Although subdued, the bass is audible. A totally new sound comes from the Deva PRO. Cohen has a far more natural and substantial voice. The bass is stronger, and the highs are softer.

By Stone Temple Pilots This is perfect for the Deva PRO; it has just the right amount of low-end grunt, layers of fuzz guitars, good vocals, and not too harsh treble. Meanwhile, the K702 isn’t doing a great job of sounding decent here. Sharp and severe.

While Olga Konkova’s previous work on the K702 was impressive, the Deva PRO offers superior bass, more nuanced sound, and an easier listening experience overall. Vocals sound more textured on the K702, whereas the Deva PRO is smoother.

Finally, both have expansive soundstages; the K702 may be even more so, but the Deva PRO provides superior imaging, depth, and separation. The Deva PRO far outshines the competition when it comes to the amount and quality of bass.

For the most part, the K702 excels in the middle range. In contrast to the Deva PRO’s more relaxed and natural vibe, it’s highly textured and assertive.

Personally, I like the Deva PRO for listening to music; however, the K702 could be more convenient for those who work as voice mixers. Each has a strong treble. The K702 has a more direct and lively sound, while the Deva PRO is more subtle and easygoing. In terms of general timbre, the Deva has a more genuine and natural sound to it.

While both sound better with an amplifier, the K702 needs more power to get close to its peak.

AMPLIFICATION 

I tested out a variety of desktop headphone amplifiers, including the Sparkos Labs Gemini hybrid tube amp, Mytek Liberty THX Amp, Fiio K5 PRO ESS, Topping A90, RME ADI-2 DAC FS, and Schiit Magni Heretic.

Right out of my brand-new Poco F5’s headphone jack, the Deva PRO sounds fantastic; it sounds even better with the THX ONYX dongle. Another significant advancement is the Schiit Magni Heretic, although after that, the curve becomes flatter.

The more expensive amps do sound marginally better, but overall, the improvements are not that great.

This is quite different from the HE400SE. There were significant changes when I tried the identical amplifiers. The HE400SE scaled with quality power incredibly well. The sound quality was greatly improved even when it was powered by high-grade stereo amps’ speaker taps. But this was not at all the case with the Deva PRO.

WRAPPING IT UP

The Deva PRO has a slightly warm sound character with delicate highs, a rich bass, and present mids. Overall, I think the timbre is excellent. The presentation has a natural vibe to it. The treble has good detail, balance, and definition and is never harsh. The midrange is excellent; it has good detail and presence and is a little rich. The bass has a warm, rich tone. Although it could have been tighter at points, overall it’s excellent.

Imaging and soundstage: The Deva PRO boasts a spacious soundstage that is tall, wide, and deep. The instruments are positioned in space and have good separation; the imaging is very good.

The Deva PRO exhibits strong microdynamics, good dynamics, and precise detail. It’s not the least dynamic headset I’ve ever heard, but it’s also not the most either. I think it’s punchy and attractive.

CONCLUSION

For the price, the Hifiman Deva PRO headphones provide excellent sound quality. It’s sturdy and has a fantastic sound. Modest amplifiers are perfectly good with the Deva PRO. The bass is pleasant, the soundstage is expansive, and the tuning is impeccable. I strongly suggest it!