Is the HiFiMAN Ananda worth the upgrade from the Sennheiser HD 650?
Verdict
Downgrade
The HiFiMAN Ananda actually scores 7.0 points below the Sennheiser HD 650, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on sound (9.0 to 8.0) and value (7.5 to 7.0). Worth checking: weight goes 260 g to 399 g. It is at least $40 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.
- Sound9.08.0
- Value7.57.0
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | HD 650 | Ananda | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 260 g | 399 g | |
| Driver | dynamic | Planar | |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-41kHz | 8Hz-55kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "HD 650 to Ananda". 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.

