Is the JBL Live 770NC worth the upgrade from the HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled?
Verdict
Downgrade
The JBL Live 770NC actually scores 13.9 points below the HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on sound (8.6 to 7.0) and value (8.7 to 8.0). On paper: active noise cancelling, weight 449 g to 232 g and usb-c. Worth checking: driver size goes 80 mm to 40 mm and detachable cable goes Yes to No. It is at least $249 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.
- Sound8.67.0
- Value8.78.0
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | Ananda Unveiled | Live 770NC | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancelling | No | Yes | |
| Weight | 449 g | 232 g | |
| Driver size | 80 mm | 40 mm | |
| USB-C | No | Yes | |
| Detachable cable | Yes | No | |
| Driver | 80 mm planar magnetic | 40 mm dynamic | |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz - 55 kHz | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "Ananda Unveiled to Live 770NC". 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.