The HiFiMan DEVA headphones have garnered attention for their outstanding sound quality and innovative features, including planar magnetic drivers and Bluetooth functionality. However, one of the most critical aspects that can make or break the headphone experience is comfort—and the headband plays a crucial role in this area. The headband’s design, material, adjustability, and overall comfort level are factors that significantly impact how users perceive the product, especially during long listening sessions. This in-depth review focuses on the headband of the HiFiMan DEVA, exploring its build quality, comfort, durability, and how it compares to other headphones in the same category.
Table of Contents
1. First Impressions of the HiFiMan DEVA Headband
Upon unboxing the HiFiMan DEVA, the headband immediately stands out due to its sleek and minimalist design. The headband is essential not only for the headphone’s aesthetics but also for the overall user experience. HiFiMan has opted for a simple yet functional approach, focusing on ease of use and comfort for a wide range of users.
1.1 Design and Aesthetic Appeal
At first glance, the HiFiMan DEVA headband is a combination of modern and classic design elements. It features a metallic frame covered with synthetic leather padding, which gives it a premium look and feel. The color palette of the headband, usually in black or dark tones, complements the rest of the headphone’s design, making it visually appealing. The simplicity of the headband reflects HiFiMan’s emphasis on sound performance over flashy, superficial design choices, yet it still manages to look elegant and modern.
1.2 Initial Comfort Levels
Upon wearing the HiFiMan DEVA for the first time, many users report that the headband provides a comfortable fit, though this varies depending on the individual’s head shape and size. The padding feels soft and sufficient enough to distribute the weight of the headphones evenly across the head without creating pressure points. The headphones, weighing around 360 grams, are not particularly light, but the headband does a good job balancing the weight for most users.
2. Materials and Build Quality
The build quality of the HiFiMan DEVA headband is crucial for long-term durability and comfort. HiFiMan has made some deliberate choices in terms of materials, prioritizing strength and wear resistance without sacrificing comfort.
2.1 Metal Frame
The core of the headband is made of metal, ensuring that it remains strong and durable even after extended use. The metal construction offers the right amount of flexibility and strength, allowing the headband to adjust to various head sizes without feeling too tight or too loose. Over time, metal headbands tend to maintain their structural integrity better than plastic alternatives, which can become brittle and prone to breakage.
2.2 Synthetic Leather Padding
The padding on the HiFiMan DEVA headband is wrapped in synthetic leather, which adds to the premium feel of the headphones. While genuine leather is often preferred for its longevity and natural feel, synthetic leather has its advantages, including being more affordable and easier to maintain. The padding itself is soft and cushiony, helping to alleviate any discomfort during prolonged use. However, it should be noted that synthetic leather can wear out faster than genuine leather, particularly around the edges where friction is more common.
2.3 Breathability
One potential drawback of the HiFiMan DEVA headband’s synthetic leather padding is its lack of breathability. Users who tend to wear headphones for several hours at a time may notice that the headband can cause sweat buildup, especially in warm environments. This is a common issue with synthetic leather, as it doesn’t wick moisture as effectively as fabric or genuine leather. Still, this is a minor inconvenience compared to the overall comfort and support the headband provides.
3. Adjustability and Fit
The ability to adjust the headband is crucial for ensuring a comfortable fit for users with different head sizes. HiFiMan has designed the DEVA headband with a focus on customization, allowing users to find their optimal fit with ease.
3.1 Extendable Arms
The headband features extendable arms that can be adjusted to accommodate various head sizes. The arms slide smoothly and offer a satisfying click when locked into place. This system feels sturdy and reliable, allowing users to make precise adjustments without worrying about the mechanism becoming loose over time.
3.2 Clamping Force
One of the most important factors in determining comfort is the headband’s clamping force—the amount of pressure the headphones exert on the sides of the head. The HiFiMan DEVA has a moderate clamping force, which is enough to keep the headphones securely in place without causing discomfort. Users with smaller heads may find the clamping force a bit weak, but this can easily be adjusted by slightly bending the metal frame to achieve a tighter fit.
3.3 Headband Tilt and Swivel
Although the HiFiMan DEVA headband doesn’t feature any built-in tilt or swivel mechanisms, the ear cups themselves can pivot slightly to conform to the shape of the user’s head. This flexibility helps create a better seal around the ears, improving both comfort and sound isolation.
4. Long-Term Comfort and Usability
Comfort is not just about how a pair of headphones feels during the first few minutes of use—it’s about how they perform during extended listening sessions. For audiophiles or professionals who use headphones for long periods, the headband’s comfort is crucial.
4.1 Extended Use Comfort
For most users, the HiFiMan DEVA headband performs well in terms of extended use comfort. The soft padding and moderate clamping force allow users to wear the headphones for hours without experiencing significant discomfort. However, as with any headphones, some users may experience slight discomfort after prolonged use, especially if the headband is too tight or if the weight of the headphones starts to become noticeable.
4.2 Weight Distribution
The headband effectively distributes the weight of the headphones across the top of the head, reducing the likelihood of pressure points developing over time. This is particularly important for the DEVA, as its planar magnetic drivers add a bit more weight compared to traditional dynamic driver headphones. HiFiMan has done a good job designing the headband to offset the extra weight without compromising comfort.
5. Durability and Wear Over Time
While initial comfort and build quality are essential, long-term durability is another important consideration. A headband that starts showing signs of wear after only a few months of use can significantly detract from the overall user experience.
5.1 Durability of the Metal Frame
The metal frame of the HiFiMan DEVA headband is built to last. Unlike plastic frames, which can become brittle and prone to breaking over time, the metal frame maintains its shape and structural integrity even after extended use. Users who have owned the DEVA for several months or years report that the headband holds up well, with no noticeable wear or degradation in performance.
5.2 Wear and Tear on the Padding
While the synthetic leather padding is soft and comfortable, it is not immune to wear and tear. Over time, the padding may start to show signs of wear, particularly around the edges where the headband makes contact with the user’s head. This is especially true for users who wear the headphones for long periods each day. Fortunately, the padding can be replaced if necessary, although it would be nice if HiFiMan offered more durable padding materials as an option.
5.3 Maintenance and Care
To prolong the life of the headband, it’s important to follow proper maintenance and care procedures. Cleaning the synthetic leather with a damp cloth and mild detergent can help prevent dirt and oils from building up, while storing the headphones in a cool, dry place when not in use can reduce the risk of the padding degrading prematurely.
6. Comparisons with Other Headphone Headbands
When evaluating the HiFiMan DEVA headband, it’s useful to compare it to other headphones in the same price range and category.
6.1 Sennheiser HD 660S
The Sennheiser HD 660S is another popular open-back headphone that competes with the HiFiMan DEVA. In terms of headband comfort, the HD 660S offers slightly better breathability thanks to its fabric-covered padding. However, the DEVA’s synthetic leather padding feels more luxurious and offers a better fit for users with larger heads. Both headphones offer good adjustability, but the DEVA’s metal frame feels more durable compared to the plastic frame of the HD 660S.
6.2 Audeze LCD-1
The Audeze LCD-1 is another planar magnetic headphone that offers excellent sound quality. The headband on the LCD-1 is more compact and lightweight compared to the DEVA, making it more comfortable for users with smaller heads. However, the DEVA’s headband offers better adjustability and a more robust construction, making it a better choice for users who prioritize durability.
7. Conclusion
In conclusion, the headband of the HiFiMan DEVA is a well-designed and essential component of the overall headphone experience. Its balance of comfort, durability, and adjustability makes it an excellent choice for both casual listeners and audiophiles. While the synthetic leather padding could be more breathable and durable, the metal frame ensures that the headband remains structurally sound even after extended use.
The DEVA’s headband performs admirably in a wide range of scenarios, from long listening sessions to professional audio work. Compared to other headphones in its price range, it holds its own in terms of comfort and build quality, with only minor improvements needed to compete with some of the more expensive models on the market.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a pair of headphones that offers high-quality sound along with comfort and durability, the HiFiMan DEVA, and its thoughtfully designed headband, are definitely worth considering. For users seeking long-term comfort and durability, maintaining and caring for the headband properly will ensure it lasts as long as the impressive planar magnetic drivers themselves.