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What You Need to Know
What Is a Planar Magnetic Headphone — and Why Should You Care?
Most headphones use a small coil-and-cone driver, kind of like a tiny speaker. A planar magnetic headphone works differently. It suspends an ultra-thin film (called a diaphragm) between carefully arranged magnets, and the entire surface of that film moves at once when the music signal arrives. The result? Faster, more even response across the full frequency range, lower distortion, and a level of detail that most conventional headphones simply can’t match.
The HiFiMAN Deva Pro is a wired, open-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers this kind of performance at a price that makes it one of the most accessible entry points into serious hi-fi listening. HiFiMAN, founded by Dr. Fang Bian in 2007, has built a reputation for bringing planar magnetic technology to more listeners at every price level — and the Deva Pro is a prime example of that mission.
Stealth Magnets and Supernano Diaphragm: The Technology Inside
Two key technologies set the Deva Pro apart from its predecessor and from other headphones in its price range.
First, HiFiMAN’s Stealth Magnet design. In a traditional planar driver, the magnets that drive the diaphragm can actually interfere with the sound waves passing through them — causing tiny reflections and distortions that blur the music. HiFiMAN’s Stealth Magnets are specially shaped so that sound waves pass through without that interference. According to HiFiMAN, this makes the magnets “acoustically invisible,” reducing distortion for a cleaner, more natural presentation. This is the same technology found in HiFiMAN’s much more expensive headphones like the Arya and Susvara.
Second, the Deva Pro uses HiFiMAN’s NsD (NEO “supernano”) diaphragm, which is 80% thinner than previous HiFiMAN diaphragm designs. A thinner diaphragm has less mass to move, which means it can respond to musical signals faster and with greater precision. In practice, this translates to tighter bass, more detailed midrange, and cleaner treble.
What Reviewers Are Saying
The Deva Pro has been widely reviewed across the audiophile press, and the consensus is strongly positive — especially for its price-to-performance ratio.
Riccardo Robecchi at Soundphile Review described the Deva Pro as warm and enjoyable, noting that while they don’t excel spectacularly in any single area, they’re good enough at everything to serve as an excellent all-rounder. He found the treble to be subtly bright without fatigue and called them a clear improvement over the original Deva. (December 2021)
Brent Butterworth at SoundStage! Solo tested the Deva Pro and found performance very similar to the well-regarded original Deva, with perhaps a touch more bass. He praised the planar-magnetic, open-back configuration as one of the best-sounding headphone designs available. SoundStage! Network’s lab measurements confirmed a sensitivity of 105.6 dB at 1mW, meaning virtually any source can drive these headphones to high levels through the wired connection. (May 2022)
L. Miller at eCoustics praised the Deva Pro for its neutral sound with surprisingly deep bass for a lower-priced planar, a slightly forward midrange that gives vocals excellent presence and texture, and treble that provides detail without becoming harsh. Miller noted it was one of the best-sounding headphones heard in its category. (May 2022)
The Headphoneer’s wired-only review found the Deva Pro’s treble more refined and effortless compared to the HE400SE, with a present, detailed midrange and deep bass response. They called it a strong value at its current price point. (February 2024)
Who Is the Deva Pro Best For?
You’re curious about planar magnetic headphones and want a great first pair without spending a fortune.
You listen mostly at home or in a quiet office and want a spacious, open soundstage.
You want a headphone that sounds great straight out of a phone, laptop, or tablet — no dedicated headphone amp required (though one can help).
You enjoy a warm, musical sound signature with good detail rather than an aggressively analytical presentation.
You already have the Bluetooth version and want a spare wired set, or you simply don’t need wireless capability.
How It Connects to Your System
The Deva Pro wired version uses standard 3.5mm connections. It features a dual-entry design: one 3.5mm port on each earcup, so you can use dual-sided cables (left and right 3.5mm TRS connectors) just like HiFiMAN’s higher-end headphones such as the Ananda and Arya. This also means you can use upgrade cables from those models with the Deva Pro.
The left earcup also accepts a single-sided 3.5mm TRRS balanced cable for a balanced connection — a nice touch that gives you the option of balanced operation from a portable player or desktop amp that supports it. (Note: a balanced cable is not included; only a standard dual-sided 3.5mm TRS cable is in the box.)
A 3.5mm to 6.35mm (1/4”) adapter is included, so you can plug into full-size headphone jacks on desktop amps and receivers right away.
With an impedance of just 18 ohms and a measured sensitivity of 105.6 dB/mW (per SoundStage! Network’s lab testing), the Deva Pro is easy enough to drive from a phone, tablet, or laptop. That said, pairing it with a quality headphone DAC/amp will let you hear what these drivers are truly capable of.
What’s in the Box
- HiFiMAN Deva Pro headphone
- 3.5mm to 3.5mm dual-sided TRS headphone cable (1.5m / 4.9 ft)
- 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter
- User manual
- HiFiMAN manufacturer’s warranty
Note: The wired version does not include the Bluemini R2R Bluetooth module. If you want wireless capability, look for the Deva Pro Bluetooth version.
Pairs Well With
Building your system? Here are some great companions for the Deva Pro.
- Headphone DAC/Amps: The Deva Pro sounds great from a phone, but a dedicated DAC/amp will unlock more detail and dynamics. Browse our Headphone Amplifiers and Digital-to-Analog Converters.
- Portable DAC/Amps: A compact USB DAC dongle is an affordable way to upgrade the sound from your phone or laptop. Check out our Portable Headphone Amps.
- Upgrade Headphone Cables: The Deva Pro’s dual 3.5mm design is compatible with aftermarket cables. Explore our Headphone Cables.
- Music Streamers: Pair the Deva Pro with a high-quality streamer and DAC for the ultimate desktop listening setup. See our Music Streamers.
Features & Specifications
Sound Quality
Stealth Magnet Technology — HiFiMAN’s specially shaped magnets allow sound waves to pass through without generating the reflections and turbulence that conventional magnets create. The result is lower distortion and a cleaner, more natural sound. This technology was first introduced in HiFiMAN’s flagship models.
NEO “Supernano” Diaphragm (NsD) — The Deva Pro’s planar driver uses a diaphragm that is 80% thinner than previous HiFiMAN designs. Less mass means faster response to musical transients, tighter bass, and more precise imaging across the entire frequency range.
Open-Back Design — The Deva Pro’s open earcups allow air and sound to move freely, creating a wide, natural soundstage that closed-back headphones can’t replicate. Music sounds like it’s happening around you rather than inside your head. The trade-off: sound leaks in both directions, so these are best for quiet listening environments.
Comfort & Design
Lightweight Build — At just 360 grams (12.7 oz), the Deva Pro is comfortable for extended listening sessions. The oval earcups with breathable mesh inner linings and plush padding keep your ears cool and comfortable.
Padded Headband — The spring-steel headband is wrapped in padded leatherette that distributes weight evenly across the top of your head.
Sleek Silver-and-Black Finish — A modern, professional look with metal gimbals and aluminum grille covers protecting the drivers.
Connectivity
Dual 3.5mm Cable System — One 3.5mm port on each earcup lets you use dual-sided cables compatible with HiFiMAN’s Ananda, Arya, and other models. This gives you access to a wide range of aftermarket cables.
Balanced Input Option — The left earcup also accepts a single-sided 3.5mm TRRS balanced cable, giving you the option of balanced operation from compatible sources for potentially wider channel separation and lower noise.
Quick-Reference Specifications
| Driver Type | Planar Magnetic with Stealth Magnet Design |
| Diaphragm | NsD NEO “supernano” (80% thinner than previous designs) |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Impedance | 18 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 93.5 dB |
| Headphone Style | Over-ear, open-back |
| Cable Connection | Dual 3.5mm TRS (both earcups) or single-sided 3.5mm TRRS balanced (left earcup) |
| Included Cable | 1.5m (4.9 ft) dual-sided 3.5mm TRS with 6.35mm adapter |
| Earpad Material | Breathable mesh inner, pleather outer — removable and replaceable |
| Weight | 360 g (12.7 oz) |
| Finish | Silver and Black |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a headphone amplifier to use the Deva Pro?
Not necessarily. With 18 ohms of impedance and a measured sensitivity of 105.6 dB/mW (per SoundStage! Network’s measurements), the Deva Pro can be driven to satisfying volume levels from a phone, tablet, or laptop headphone jack. That said, a dedicated headphone DAC/amp will typically deliver better dynamics, fuller bass, and more detail. If you’re not sure where to start, give us a call and we’ll help you find a pairing that fits your budget.
What does “open-back” mean? Can I use these in public?
Open-back headphones have grilles on the outside of the earcups that let air and sound pass through freely. This creates a wider, more natural soundstage — music sounds more like listening to speakers in a room rather than sound being sealed inside your head. The trade-off is that sound leaks out (people nearby can hear your music) and external noise leaks in. Open-back headphones are best for quiet home or office environments. They’re not ideal for commuting, libraries, or shared workspaces.
How does the Deva Pro compare to the HiFiMAN HE400SE?
The HE400SE is HiFiMAN’s most affordable planar headphone, and it’s an excellent value. The Deva Pro steps up with Stealth Magnet technology (borrowed from HiFiMAN’s flagships), a more refined treble presentation, oval earpads that many find more comfortable, and a dual-entry cable system compatible with higher-end HiFiMAN cables. Multiple reviewers have noted the Deva Pro sounds warmer and more effortless than the HE400SE, with smoother highs.
How does the Deva Pro compare to the HiFiMAN Sundara?
The Sundara is a step up in price and is generally considered to have tighter bass, a wider soundstage, and more precise imaging. The Deva Pro is warmer and more forgiving in its tuning, which some listeners actually prefer for long, relaxed listening sessions. Several reviewers have noted the Deva Pro’s character sits between the HE400SE and Sundara in terms of both price and performance.
What’s the difference between the wired and Bluetooth versions?
The headphones themselves are identical. The Bluetooth version includes the Bluemini R2R wireless module (with HiFiMAN’s Himalaya R2R DAC built in) that snaps onto the left earcup to enable wireless listening. The wired version skips the Bluemini module and comes at a lower price. If you already have a headphone amp or DAC you love, the wired version is a great way to save. You can always purchase the Bluemini R2R separately later if you decide you want wireless capability.
Can I use balanced cables with the Deva Pro?
Yes. The left earcup accepts a single-sided 3.5mm TRRS balanced cable in addition to the standard dual 3.5mm TRS cables. A balanced cable is not included in the box, but if your headphone amp has a balanced output, this is a nice upgrade option for potentially better channel separation.
Are the earpads replaceable?
Yes. The earpads click on and off and are easy to replace. Note that the Deva Pro uses oval-shaped pads that are specific to the Deva line — they are not the circular type used on the HE400SE, Sundara, or older HiFiMAN models. Replacement pads are available from HiFiMAN.
How comfortable are these for long listening sessions?
At 360 grams, the Deva Pro is lightweight for a full-size planar headphone. The oval earpads use breathable mesh on the inner surface to reduce heat buildup, and most reviewers have praised the comfort. The clamp force is on the lighter side, which is great for comfort but means these may shift a bit if you move around a lot. For seated listening, they’re excellent.
What kind of music sounds best on the Deva Pro?
The Deva Pro’s warm, neutral tuning makes it a versatile all-genre headphone. Reviewers have praised its performance with vocal-focused music (jazz, folk, singer-songwriter), complex orchestral passages, and rhythmically driven music. The open-back design particularly shines with well-recorded acoustic music where you want to hear the natural space of the performance.
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