Is the JBL Live 780NC worth the upgrade from the HiFiMAN Ananda?
Verdict
Downgrade
The JBL Live 780NC actually scores 5.4 points below the HiFiMAN Ananda, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. The gains are concentrated in value (7.0 to 7.5). You do give up ground on sound (8.0 to 7.5). On paper: active noise cancelling, weight 399 g to 260 g and usb-c. It is at least $49 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound8.07.5
- Value7.07.5
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | Ananda | Live 780NC | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancelling | No | Yes | |
| Weight | 399 g | 260 g | |
| USB-C | No | Yes | |
| Foldable | No | Yes | |
| Driver | planar magnetic | 40 mm dynamic | |
| Frequency response | 8 Hz - 55 kHz | 10 Hz - 40 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "Ananda to Live 780NC". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across over-ear and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.