HiFiMAN Shangri-La Minni Electrostatic Headphones With Amplifier
The HiFi Man Mini Shangri-La Headphones are high-end electrostatic headphones that are also available as a package with the mini Shangri-La amplifier. The headphones have a nanometre thickness diaphragm to give a massive frequency range of 7Hz to 90kHz.
The diaphragms also have a nanoparticle coating that ensures an even conductivity. The sound is smooth and accurate with remarkable bass. Notably, the headphones use a 5-pin pro bias connector that is also fitted to the mini Shangri-La amplifier.
Ultra lightweight diaphragm
The diaphragm of the HiFi Man Mini Shangri-La Headphones is only nanometres thick. As a result, the headphones can reproduce high frequencies up to 90kHz for superior sound. The diaphragm can also produce much lower frequencies than normal headphones. Lastly, Electrostatic headphones need running in to sound at their best.
Nanoparticle coating
To ensure an even static field the diaphragm of the HiFi Man Mini Shangri-La Headphones is coated with nanoparticles that form a very even layer. This ensures accurate conductivity and stability.
Planar design
The HiFi Man Mini Shangri-La Headphones feature a planar design. Planar technology was invented in the 1970s and uses powerful magnets to create an intense magnetic field. The diaphragm sits in the magnetic field which is modulated by the audio signal. The field can be made very linear for ultra-low distortion. There are also no resonance problems.
What are electrostatic headphones?
Electrostatic headphones do not use standard technologies such as speaker cones and drive coils. They use a thin film of material that forms a diaphragm. This is mounted between two perforated metal plates.
The system is very flexible with extremely low distortion and an excellent frequency response. However electrostatic headphones require a high bias voltage and special amplifiers. Hence the package with the mini Shangri-La amplifier.
Headphone connectors
Electrostatic and balanced headphones use a different connector than standard headphones. The HiFi Man Mini Shangri-La Headphones are fitted with a 5-pin pro bias connector that is almost unique to this unit.
However, two sockets are available with the mini Shangri-La amplifier. The extra pin is for the high bias voltage that is needed with electrostatic headphones. Additionally, balanced headphones have a separate cable feeding to each earcup.
What is a balanced system?
Traditional balanced headphones can use either a 4.4mm TRRRS, 5 connector plug, or a 4 pin XLR plug. The HiFi Man Mini Shangri-La Headphones and the associated amplifier form a balanced system. Balanced systems are used to reduce noise. The audio signals are always isolated from each other in the amplifier. Moreover, the cables that connect to the input and output are also balanced.
A balanced cable has an anti-phase hot or cold signal wire, per channel. The is also a common ground making five wires in all. The anti-phase signal in each wire pair is “summed” at the amplifier input, in the case of the source connection.
This has the effect of cancelling any noise, similar to 2-2 being 0. A similar technique is used with the cable that feeds the headphones. This is especially important with headphones where any noise would be very apparent.
