HifiMAN Deva Pro BT

In Sanskrit, the word "deva" stands for something divine, heavenly, excellent. Indian mythology knows 33 devas - angelic counterparts of demons who act on a higher level than man. In the case of HIFIMAN, one is inclined to call the DEVA model a supporter of good sound.

The DEVA successfully combines two worlds. It is a modern Bluetooth headphone with active operation according to the current Bluetooth standards. At the same time, it is a passive headphone with an analogue connection and a spectacularly natural sound for its price class. To make this possible, HIFIMAN uses a trick. The DEVA comes with a detachable Bluetooth module called "Bluemini", which is simply docked onto the ear cup by hand for wireless operation. The DEVA can also be connected to a computer with a USB cable and in this way control the D/A converter inside the Bluemini while it charges in parallel.

Depending on the volume, one battery charge of the Bluemini lasts for 7 to 10 hours of Bluetooth operation or 4 to 5 hours when used as a USB DAC without charging. This is a good idea, for example, if you play music from your laptop and want to conserve its battery. The module is docked to the DEVA with a special 3.5 mm TRRS jack plug that allows balanced operation. Charging takes place via a USB-C connection. The corresponding cable is included in the scope of delivery, as is a headphone cable with an adapter from the 6.35 mm to the 3.5 mm jack connection, where the earth wires of both channels are separated. If you don't want to use Bluetooth but a long cable, you can use a flexible cable with a 3.5 mm stereo jack connection on both sides, but you probably won't come close to the sound quality of the original cable.

Price-wise, the model is on par with the HIFIMAN SUNDARA. In contrast, the DEVA is the more forgiving headphone, which does not let weaknesses in recording or Bluetooth transmission stand out so clearly. If you only value the sound quality, have a good headphone output and consciously want to do without mobility, the SUNDARA is the right choice. If you want to experience the big screen, you should consider the ANANDA BT.

Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Impedance: 18 Ω

Sound pressure level: 93.5 dB

Weight: approx. 360 g

Connection: TRRS, 3.5 mm

Bluemini

Battery life: 7 to 10 hours in Bluetooth mode; 4 to 5 hours in USB DAC mode (without charging).

Codecs: LDAC, aptX-HD, aptX, AAC, SBC

Weight: 25 g