Short answer: the HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled. It ranks #56 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.2/5, at $479; the Grado Hemp ranks #80, rated 4.1/5, and costs $495, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled does well: Hobbyist measurements give this planar magnetic headphone a Harman preference score of 85.4 with just 2.0 dB of deviation, and every band from 60 Hz up stays within about 1.4 dB of target, so tonality sounds balanced and natural. The catch: Sub-bass sits about 4.5 dB under target and falls 6 dB low by 27 Hz, so the deepest bass notes lack physical slam.
The case for the Grado Hemp: A preference score of 83 with mids within about 1 dB of target (upper mids 1.1 dB above, low mids 0.2 dB above) gives vocals and instruments a natural presence. The tradeoff: Sub-bass is about 10 dB below target under 60 Hz, a large loss that removes most deep rumble.
Buy the HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Grado Hemp and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
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Hobbyist measurements give this planar magnetic headphone a Harman preference score of 85.4 with just 2.0 dB of deviation, and every band from 60 Hz up stays within about 1.4 dB of target, so tonality sounds balanced and natural.
Amazon $479.00 eBay
A preference score of 83 with mids within about 1 dB of target (upper mids 1.1 dB above, low mids 0.2 dB above) gives vocals and instruments a natural presence.
Amazon $495.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled | Grado Hemp | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $479.00 | $495.00 |
| Ranked | #56 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #80 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 85 (median of 2 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 83 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.00 dB standard deviation | 2.41 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.14 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.09 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 27 Hz (-5.9 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 47 Hz (-11.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 22 ohms | 38 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 93 dB | 99.8 dB SPL |
| Weight | 1 lbs (449 g) | - |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 55kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 13Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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