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HiFiMAN’s Mini Shangri-La Electrostatic Headphone System is Only $2,300?

Does HiFiMAN’s latest electrostatic headphone system offer Shangri-La performance for a fraction of the price?

HiFiMAN Mini Shangri-La Electrostatic Headphone System

Before you flood the inbox with nasty messages about the price of high-end headphones and “affordability” — you need to consider the new HiFiMAN Mini Shangri-La Electrostatic Headphone System from a different perspective.

There are very few electrostatic headphones/amplifier combinations right now that are priced at this level and that is important to remember.

HiFiMAN has announced its third series of Shangri-La electrostatic headphone and amplifier systems at its most affordable price point yet — $2,300 USD.

HiFiMAN’s new Mini Shangri-La is a direct descendent of the original Shangri-La ($50,000), introduced in 2016, and the Shangri-La Jr. ($8,000), which was introduced in 2018. The Mini Shangri-La is a complete headphone system that features an audiophile-grade electrostatic headphone that can be purchased alone ($1,100) or with outboard amplifier ($1,500) at a combo price of $2,300.

“From trade shows to casual conversations, the Shangri-La family is one of the most asked-about series in the HIFIMAN line,” says Dr. Fang Bian, Founder and CEO, HIFIMAN. “The new Mini Shangri-La is the newest member of the family, with benefits that include unbeatable electrostatic performance from a compact form factor, with technology updates that are unique to this model.”

HiFiMAN Mini Shangri-La Electrostatic Headphone
HiFiMAN Mini Shangri-La Electrostatic Headphone

HiFiMAN claims the Mini Shangri-La epitomizes electrostatic speed and performance. The headphone features nano-thickness diaphragm that enhances frequency response and overall sound quality, thanks to its light vibration characteristics, enhancing frequency response and overall sound quality.

A nano particle coating on the headphone’s diaphragm ensures accurate conductivity and stability, even in varying temperatures and environments, with a soundstage that is deep and expansive. 

Another of the Mini Shangri-La headphone’s unique characteristics is a nanometer protection layer that guards against humidity, dust and other pollutants, while remaining transparent to sound waves.

HiFiMAN Mini Shangri-La Electrostatic Headphone Amplifier Front

The matching all solid state amplifier eschews the transformer that commonplace models use to boost low voltage output but invariably distorts details and sound quality as a whole. Instead, the Mini Shangri-La voltage is directly sent from the power output transistors for a path that is clean and uncluttered.

Rounding out the amplifier is a linear power supply and a discrete filter system for further filtering of distortion and other anomalies, and a fully balanced design in both the input and output stages.

Comparison

HiFiMAN Shangri-La Headphone Comparison (Mini vs. Jr. vs. Sr.)
HiFiMAN Mini Shangri-La (left) vs. Shangri-La Jr. (middle) vs. Shangri-La Sr. (right)
Mini Shangri-La
(2024 model)
Shangri-La Jr.
(2018 model)
Shangri-La Sr.
(2016 model)
MSRP$2,300$8,000$50,000
Frequency Response7Hz – 90kHz7Hz – 120kHz 7Hz – 120kHz 
Bias Voltage550V-650V550V-650V550V-650V
Headphone Weight 320.2 g
(11.3 oz.)
374 g
(13.2 oz.) 
374g
(13.2 oz.) 
Amp Weight 5.82 kg
(12.8 lbs)
11 kg
(24 lbs) 
16 kg
(35 lbs)
Amp Dimensions255 x 251 x 93 mm
(10″ x 9.9″ x 3.7″)
400 x 265 x 108 mm
(15.7″ x 10.4″ x 4.2″)
437.8 x 458.9 x 335.8 mm
(17.32″ x 18.11″ x 13.39″)
HiFiMAN Mini Shangri-La Electrostatic Headphone System Connected

Price & Availability

The HiFiMAN Mini Shangri-La electrostatic headphone ($1,100) and amplifier ($1,500) will be available separately or as a combo for $2,300 from HIFIMAN dealers and the company’s online store this month (June 2024).

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The Shangri-La Sr. and Shangr-La Jr. remain in the line at $50,000 and $8,000, respectively, for the complete headphone and amplifier systems.

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