Hifiman Svanar Wireless 2

HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless 2: an R2R converter in each earbud

Fitting a resistor-based converter, a technology usually found in home audio equipment, into a wireless earbud weighing just a few grams: HIFIMAN had already done it with the first Svanar Wireless. This second generation retains the concept with a miniaturized in-house chip, lighter earbuds, Bluetooth 6.0 and two high-resolution codecs, while keeping active noise cancellation and a transparency mode for the street or public transport.

A resistor-based converter reduced to a single chip

In a true wireless earbud, music arrives in digital form and must be converted into an analog signal before reaching the driver. Most models assign this task to a delta-sigma chip integrated into the Bluetooth circuit. HIFIMAN uses a different method, R2R conversion: a ladder of precision resistors, where each bit of the signal corresponds to a resistance value, directly reconstructs the output voltage. This is the technology used in its HYMALAYA converters, and the first Svanar Wireless required two stacked circuit boards to house the converter and its amplifier.

The HYMALAYA Mini chip now combines this circuit into a single component, with twice as many resistors as the previous version in one-fifth of the volume. The space saved has been used to make the earbuds smaller: 7.4 g each compared with 8 g for the first generation, with a redesigned shell for a more secure fit during long listening sessions.

Separate conversion and amplification all the way to the driver

The signal leaving the converter then passes through a balanced class AB amplifier, independent of the conversion stage. Class AB, commonly used in hi-fi amplifiers, consumes more power than the class D digital stages in typical wireless earbuds; in a device powered by a battery weighing just a few grams, this choice comes at the expense of battery life, and HIFIMAN accepts that trade-off. The available 45 mW provides ample headroom for a driver positioned just a few millimeters from the eardrum.

This driver is a 10 mm dynamic model whose diaphragm receives the Topology Diaphragm treatment: a nanoparticle coating applied in a precise pattern to its surface, which changes the way it deforms as it vibrates. HIFIMAN has used this process in its wired earphones for several years. The stated frequency response extends from 10 Hz to 35 kHz.

LDAC and L2HC: what your phone needs to support

Bluetooth 6.0 handles the connection, with a range of 10 m. The R2R converter works regardless of the codec, but the amount of information it receives depends on the phone. Two high-resolution codecs are supported: LDAC, available on the vast majority of Android smartphones, and L2HC, Huawei’s codec, found on the brand’s phones. The Svanar Wireless 2 is one of the few non-Huawei earbuds to support it. An iPhone, meanwhile, communicates using AAC, and SBC serves as the universal baseline for all other devices.

These high-resolution codecs require a strong wireless connection. In an environment with heavy radio traffic (a train station, an open-plan office, a shopping street), an LDAC connection may stutter or drop out; simply select AAC or SBC in the phone’s Bluetooth settings to restore a stable connection, at the cost of a lower bitrate.

Three listening modes, three different battery lives

When switched on, the earbuds start in high-fidelity mode. A long press on the left earbud switches to active noise cancellation, which reduces ambient noise by up to 35 dB, then to transparency mode, which lets you hear your surroundings, before returning to the initial mode. A voice announcement confirms each change.

High-fidelity mode uses the most power: expect up to 4 hours 30 minutes of listening, compared with 7 hours with noise cancellation and 8 hours in transparency mode. The case holds enough power to recharge the earbuds three times, for around 18 hours of total listening in high-fidelity mode and 28 hours with noise cancellation. A full charge takes around 2 hours for the earbuds, and between 2 hours and 2 hours 30 minutes for the case via its USB-C port. Below 10% battery, a voice alert prompts you to put the earbuds back in their case.

Compact earbuds that stand up to exercise

Measuring 32.2 × 20.4 × 29.1 mm and weighing 7.4 g per earbud, the Svanar Wireless 2 remains discreet in the ear. Its IPX5 rating protects it against sweat and water splashes, allowing you to go running or work out in light rain. Touch controls handle playback, track skipping and calls on both earbuds, and a long press on the right earbud launches the phone’s voice assistant.

Each earbud also works on its own: simply leave the other in the case to switch to mono mode, handy for keeping one ear free at the office or in the car. The compact case (72 × 42 × 50 mm and 83.7 g) features a faceted design and includes a physical pairing button, along with two indicator lights: one inside for the earbuds’ charging status, and one outside for its own battery.

Technical specifications

Audio architecture

• HIFIMAN HYMALAYA Mini digital-to-analog converter:
  • R2R architecture.
  • Natural, detailed sound reproduction.
• 10 mm dynamic driver:
  • Topology Diaphragm with nanoparticle coating.
• Dedicated balanced Class AB amplifier:
  • Power: 45 mW.
  • Amplification independent of digital-to-analog conversion.
• Frequency response: 10 Hz to 35 kHz.

Wireless connectivity

• Bluetooth: version 6.0.
• Supported audio codecs:
  • High-resolution: LDAC, L2HC.
  • Other codecs: AAC, SBC.
• Range: 10 m.

Listening modes and controls

• Listening modes: high fidelity, active noise cancellation, transparency.
  • Active noise cancellation: up to 35 dB.
• Touch controls for music and calls.
• Mono mode: each earbud can operate independently.
• Voice assistant activation: long press on the right earbud.

Battery life and charging

• Battery life by listening mode:
  • High fidelity: up to 4 h 30 min.
  • Active noise cancellation: up to 7 h.
  • Transparency: up to 8 h.
• Charging case:
  • Up to 3 additional full charges.
  • Charging port: USB-C.
• Charging time:
  • Earbuds: approximately 2 h.
  • Case: 2 h to 2 h 30 min.

Water resistance

• IPX5 certification: suitable for sweat and water splashes.

Form factor, dimensions and weight

• Compact, lightweight earbuds:
  • Dimensions of one earbud: 32.2 × 20.4 × 29.1 mm.
  • Weight per earbud: 7.4 g.
• Charging case:
  • Dimensions: 72 × 42 × 50 mm.
  • Weight: 83.7 g.