Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- The Shangri-La Sr. is the most technically accomplished headphone the reviewer has heard, conveying the most detail in a delicate and effortless way.
- The speed of the driver is the fastest the reviewer has heard, yet it never sounds artificial.
- It has an incredibly pleasing and balanced frequency response.
- Separation and imaging are top notch across the board, being the best the reviewer has personally heard.
Product Considerations
- For $18,000USD, the reviewer would have loved to see HIFIMAN go all out on space-aged materials and build quality.
- The Shang SR is slightly brighter, less warm, and more technically accomplished compared to the Susvara.
- The highs of the Shang SR are slightly bright, but not piercing and sibilant as some headphones can be.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Susvara: The Shang SR is like a slightly brighter, less warm, and more technically accomplished Susvara.
- Vs Abyss 1266TC: The Shang SR is a bit more detailed and delicate sounding, while the 1266TC has more impact and a wider soundstage.
- Vs Stax SR009S: The Shang SR does everything better, with more detail and a more even sounding frequency response.
Takeaway: The Shangri-La Sr. is the most technically accomplished headphone that the reviewer has ever heard, and it has an incredibly pleasing and balanced frequency response. It could be worth picking one up to experience a new level of headphone performance, if you have the means.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Shangri-La
reviews
[{"title":"The world’s most resolving transducers? HIFIMAN Shangri-La senior ELECTROSTATIC HEADPHONES REVIEW.","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0u9jzf-lTg","source":"ConvinceMeAudio","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"HiFiMan Mini Shangri-La Electrostatic Headphone System Review - Decisions Must Be Made","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHV7F8JUHxk","source":"Reviews By WaveTheory","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"Hifiman Shangri-La Senior – Full Review","link":"https://headphonesnstuff.blog/2022/05/14/hifiman-shangri-la-senior-full-review","source":"headphonesnstuff.blog","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Headphone Frequency Response: 7Hz -120kHz
- Bias Voltage: 550-650V
- Headphone Weight: 13.2oz (374g)
- Amplifier Weight: 35lb (16kg)
- Dimensions: 17.32" x 18.11" x 13.39" (437.8458.9335.8mm)
Description
The SHANGRI-LA system represents the pinnacle of headphone engineering, combining nanotech electrostatic diaphragms with a custom vacuum-tube amplifier for unmatched clarity, speed, and dynamic expression. Crafted from aluminum alloy and mesh with ergonomic comfort in mind, it delivers both uncompromising performance and refined durability.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- HIFIMAN offers a wide range of headphone models, varying in tonality from warm to neutral to balanced, allowing for different listening preferences and catering to various audiophile tastes.
- The brand is known for their "Stealth Magnet" design which reduces wave diffraction turbulence to lower distortion and improve transparency.
- They incorporate planar magnetic drivers in many of their headphones, known for their speed, detail, and impactful bass response.
Select products
Select product comparisons
EDITION XS:
- Positioning: An entry-level headphone offering compact design and affordability.
- Description: Features stealth magnets design with a frequency response from 8Hz to 50kHz and low impedance for basic home or portable use. Compared to the mid-range options like AUDIVINA and HE1000SE, it provides essential performance for smaller rooms.
AUDIVINA:
- Positioning: A mid-range headphone balancing clear audio performance with a reasonable price.
- Description: Uses refined driver technology to deliver a natural sound signature and balanced frequency response for typical home listening setups. Compared to the simple approach of Edition XS and the more precision-focused HE1000SE, it offers enhanced detail while keeping costs moderate.
HE1000SE:
- Positioning: A mid-range headphone engineered for improved clarity and dynamic range.
- Description: Offers an extended frequency response from 8Hz to 65kHz and higher sensitivity for clearer audio reproduction in critical listening. In contrast to AUDIVINA's balanced performance, HE1000SE emphasizes precise tuning and a robust build.
SUSVARA:
- Positioning: A high-end headphone crafted for immersive and detailed sound reproduction.
- Description: Incorporates advanced driver engineering that extends its frequency range from 6Hz to 75kHz, supporting a wider and more open soundstage. Compared to mid-range models like HE1000SE and AUDIVINA, it offers broader performance and refined tuning.
SUSVARA UNVEILED:
- Positioning: A premium headphone representing the pinnacle of the brand's lineup.
- Description: Features cutting-edge materials and driver technologies that produce exceptionally detailed sound across its wide frequency spectrum. When compared with SUSVARA and other models, it delivers superior engineering and an expansive performance.
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Avg. Product Price
$40,001-$75,000
Used For Sale
13
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
286
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
92
Founding Year
2007
Our take on the brand
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
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