Background Information
The HiFiMan DEVA has become a favorite among audiophiles especially because of its stunning sound quality and unique design, which employs planar magnetic instead of dynamic drivers. One of the most critical aspects to consider when reviewing any type of headphone is the frequency response, since it tends to dominate the perception of sound played through different types of headphones when different genres of music are considered. This part of the review provides extensive insight into the frequency response of the HiFiMan DEVA, how it enhances or limits the enjoyed experience, the variations it shows in relation to different music genres, and how it faring against other headphones of similar price ranges.
What Is Meant By Frequency Response
What is Frequency Response?
In simple terms, frequency response is the ability of any audio equipment especially headphones to reproduce sound over its entire frequency range. This statistic is more often than not presented in the form of a graph, which has frequency (in Hertz, Hz) on one point of the X-axis and amplitude (sound level in decibels, dB) on the Y axis. Human beings can hear between the ranges of 20 Hertz 20 Kilo Hertz in most situations and thus change, as any other specification will do, the sound quality of the headphone.
Relevance of Frequency Response in Headphones
The frequency response is also related to the ability of the particular pair of headphones to reproduce sound with accuracy. A construction and reproduction of sound with a flat frequency response, which is where all frequencies are reproduced, for the most part, results in the least coloration of the sound signature. Whereas such headphones that have a peak in certain frequencies and are less neutral perceived relevant to some genres but may add a color which is not present in the recording.
The Rise and Fall of HiFiMan DEVA: Frequency Response Characteristics in Detail
The HiFiMan DEVA has an impressive frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz. It is fair to assume that his range is good enough for the production of a mix of bass, mids, and high frequencies which are all essential for proper sound reproduction. The planar magnetic drivers that are integrated in the DEVA, one of which is at the center, are efficient and capable of spanning almost the entire audible range without introducing excessive sound distortion.
Measured Response
Though the same company lists a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, such independent evaluation can be useful as it describes the range of DEVA operating in such frequency range.
As for the low frequencies (20 Hz – 250 Hz):
It has to be noted that DEVA bass performance is impressive throughout respective frequency range. The bass notes are delivered without any exaggerated postulations, so that all sorts of genres, including hip-hop, electronic, rock music etc, sound very well. And if the sounds full of bass are reasonable with the DEVA, the very deep ‘sub-bass’ rumble and punchy ‘mid-bass’ prowls of the track are both presented as they ought to be.
Midrange Frequencies (250 Hz – 4 kHz):
DEVA’s most prominent feature is its midrange. The vocals are reproduced distinctly and can be easily perceived even in sessions where there are male and female voices. Other instruments like the guitar and the piano are also well reproduced, and are well distributed without drowning the vocal range. This quality makes the DEVA a must have for children’s music and most genres that rely on singing.
Treble Frequencies (4 kHz – 20 kHz):
The DEVA boasts an impressive treble response which allows for quite an airy sound. Highs are rendered very well and sharp that one can easily enjoy the details present in classical and jazz music. But treble can at some points stick out as rather bright which is subjective and may not please others most especially those who have trouble with higher frequencies.
Overall Sound Signature
The overall sound signature of the HiFiMan DEVA can be described as well balanced with a slight emphasis on the midrange and treble. Such a balance is what makes the DEVA suitable across many musical categories as one can pictures on it from pop to classical and even rock without disappointing.
Listening Experience: Evaluating Frequency Response
In order to thoroughly assess the frequency response of the HiFiMan DEVA we will take into account the performance of the device when listening to different styles of music.
1. Electronic and Dance Music
Regarding EDM and House genres, the DEVA bass response is more than welcome. Heavy bass drops commercial tracks of writers Deadmau5 or Calvin Harris are particularly vivid, thanks to the DEVA low frequencies which are extremely kicked, to the point. And the electronic music’s sub-bass frequencies, which are really very important in this genre, are also delivered quite satisfactorily, with a nice pleasing rumble with no distortion.
2. Rock and Metal
The DEVA is also capable of properly reproducing the sound of identifiable melodies in deep dimensional ranges, such as those found in rock and metal music. The dynamic range of the sound can support energetic riffs or shrieking vocals of the like of Metallica or the Foo Fighters without muddling the sound. The midrange handles vocals well allowing them to still be heard clearly treble however handles the sound of cymbals and other percussion just as aggressive without being overly harsh.
3. Symphonic and Classical
The most notable aspect of working with classical music is the complexity of sound due to layers and a dynamic range. It is here where the strain gauge ribbon Take 10 MIc can be more effective as it offers the hoshu sound that creates a soundscape where the placement of instruments in the mix can be clearly heard. The heat emitted by the string instruments and the transparency in the sound of the woodwind instruments are represented well making the orchestral works enjoyable.
4. Jazz and Breeze
Up next is jazz and blues where the DEVA is worthy the great instrumentation and vocals. The soft voice of the saxophones and the sound of the inhaling and exhaling from the piano are also rendered where singing high clarity helps to relate to the music. The fundamentals of these Genres once more mobilizes the edges of the frequency response for a satisfying pleasure provided to the listener.
5. Pop and Hip Hop
The pop and hip hop turns take advantage of the deep-emphasized bass performance of the DEVA. The headphones manage perfectly bass included tracks as low frequencies noticeably increase the sound rather than lowering it down. In pop music the vocals play a loud and an upfront role and this is important on the catchy and enticing hooks and choruses typical of pop music.
Relative Divergences
In order to assess the frequency response and sound quality of HiFiMan DEVA, it is reasonable to integrate it with other models’ DEVA within the same range of price, such as Sennheiser HD 599 and Audio Technica ATH-R70x.
Heads Up HiFiMan DEVA vs Sennheiser HD 599 Frequency Response The Sennheiser HD 599 has the same frequency response range, but the range extends low mid and bass cut of the response. While the DEVA may offer a much more plaint presentation, the HD 599 offers a sound which some listeners might find more satisfying.
Sound Signature: With regard to the sound signature, the HD 599 is less aggressive when compared to the DEVA and this may be attractive to certain listeners who prefer a less treble heavy sound. However, such bright sounds may be loved by people who want a more listening experience with clarity and detail- qualities present in the DEVA model.
Audio Technica ATH-R70x vs. HiFiMan DEVA.
Frequency Response: ATH-R70x comes with a midrange centered neutrality warm sound signature. Engaging as the DEVA does listening, however the ATH-R70x is built for use in more critical situations so perhaps better suited for use in studios.
Soundstage: Both headphones’ open-back structure offers a large soundstage; however the description of the DEVA’s soundstage is often more engaging. Whilst the ATH-R70x has a huge sound aux, that depth may not be present.
Practical considerations
Overview of Responsiveness
HiFiMan DEVA impedance is rated at 18 ohms. This makes it easy to drive on various devices. It implies that mobile devices or laptops could be used for decent sound without quality loss. However, to achieve the full potential range response of the DEVA frequency, quality headphone amplifier and DAC must be used to drive the DEVA effectively. This is done, in order to expand the usable dynamic range, and improve the quality of sound reproduction.
Sound Isolation
DEVA is an open-back headphone, therefore it is also obvious that this model does not provide the best sound isolation. Many listeners attribute this design to the wide sound stage of the headphone, however, it also means that noise from the outside enters the ear cup. Those who sit in a somewhat noisy environment and want sound isolation may wish to look for closed-back models instead.
Cables and Connectors
One of the main benefits of the DEVA is that it has a detachable cable. For instance, if the cable gets damaged, users can have it changed with ease or get a better version to improve the sound quality. Also, Bluetooth is present giving the user the chance to listen to music in cloud without the worry of any sound degradation change.
Final Thoughts
The HiFiMan DEVA can produce an astonishing frequency response sufficient for any kind of music. The speaker, with a perfectly balanced sound signature, strong bass, articulated midrange, and smooth high end is rightly labelled as audiophile’s and casual listeners’ all purpose headphone. The DEVA does particularly well in reproducing music of various stylistic characteristics, with the attention to detail focused on the reproduction that contributes to the pleasure of music enhancement.
There are some headset makers that compete with different signatures and even features but for me, HiFiMan DEVA excels because of its price-points quality of sound reproduction and the planar magnetic technologies. HiFiMan DEVA headphones detangle and rise to the occasion as one dynamic and available headphone.
Finally, if you are looking for a pair of headphones that can tame any frequency response or any other audio quality, these HiFiMan DEVA headphones must be the first in the consideration list. The combination of performance, comfort and versatility seen in this device makes it a worthy purchase to anyone who values audio quality.