HiFiMAN Shangri-La Sr System Headphone + Amplifier, Wired
Hear the recording—nothing else
Shangri-La Sr is HiFiMAN’s reference electrostatic headphone system, purpose‑built as a seamless pairing of an ultra‑fast, nanometer‑diaphragm earspeaker and a bespoke vacuum‑tube amplifier. It’s engineered to strip away grain and smear, revealing microdetail, air, and lifelike dynamics that many audiophiles chase for years. If you’ve ever wondered how far intimacy, speed, and transparency can go—this is the experience.
Why Audiophiles Choose This Product
- Uncompromising transparency and speed: The electrostatic driver uses an ultra‑thin (sub‑0.001 mm) diaphragm and ultra‑fine metal‑mesh stators, yielding lightning transients, very low distortion, and an enormous sense of “see‑through” clarity. Frequency response extends from 7 Hz to 120 kHz.
- Flagship tube engineering, purpose‑matched: The dedicated amplifier tops its aviation‑grade chassis with eight tubes—four 6SN7 and four custom 300B—feeding a relay‑based, 24‑step attenuator for ultra‑pure level control. Inputs are balanced XLR and single‑ended RCA; the front panel offers two 5‑pin electrostatic outputs.
- Real‑world, reference listening comfort: At just 374 g with HiFiMAN’s suspension headband, Shangri‑La Sr is built for long, focused sessions—owners frequently remark on its exceptional comfort, even over glasses.
- System synergy without guesswork: Unlike piecemeal stacks, this headphone‑and‑amp are voiced and specified together (bias 550–650 V) for optimal electrostatic performance and reliability.
- Distinctive, collectible design: A tempered‑glass “flight deck,” sculpted metalwork, and the glow of 300Bs create a functional showpiece that sounds as refined as it looks.
What’s Included
- Shangri‑La Sr Electrostatic Headphones: Open‑back electrostatic earspeakers; 7 Hz–120 kHz; attached 6.6 ft (2 m) cable terminated in a 5‑pin electrostatic plug.
- Shangri‑La Sr Electrostatic Amplifier: Vacuum‑tube desktop amplifier with four 6SN7 and four 300B tubes; two 5‑pin electrostatic outputs; balanced XLR and RCA inputs.
- Accessories and documentation: Power cable; tube guard/cage; user documentation. HiFiMAN warranty coverage for Shangri‑La Sr is 5 years on hardware (tubes 1 year).
Note: Some retailers also list “8x vacuum tubes” and printed materials in the box; contents may vary by region and dealer.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Wired electrostatic headphone + tube amplifier system | 5‑pin electrostatic headphone connection; analog line‑level inputs |
| Driver Type (Headphone) | Open‑back electrostatic, nanometer‑thick diaphragm; metal‑mesh stators | Ultra‑low distortion, ultra‑fast transient response. |
| Frequency Response (Headphone) | 7 Hz – 120 kHz | Captures sub‑bass texture through ultrasonic overtones. |
| Bias Voltage | 550–650 V | Standard “Pro‑bias” range for e‑stats; optimized by HiFiMAN. |
| Cable/Connector | 6.6 ft (2 m) attached; 5‑pin electrostatic plug | Direct hookup to the included amp; minimizes contact losses. |
| Headphone Weight | 374 g (13.2 oz) | Light for a flagship; excellent long‑session comfort. |
| Amplifier Tubes | 4× 6SN7 (input/driver) + 4× 300B (direct driving stage) | Combines harmonic purity with current capability. |
| Volume Control | 24‑step relay attenuator (23 discrete resistors) | Channel balance and low noise at any level. |
| Inputs/Outputs (Amp) | 1× stereo XLR, 1× stereo RCA; 2× 5‑pin electrostatic headphone outputs | Connect two e‑stats; choose balanced or unbalanced source. |
| Amplifier Dimensions | 13.39" H × 18.11" W × 17.32" D (335.8 × 458.9 × 437.8 mm) | Orientation per manufacturer review measurements. |
| Amplifier Weight | 35 lb (16 kg) | Substantial mass for mechanical and electrical stability. |
Professional Recognition
- Press coverage: The Absolute Sound praised the Shangri‑La system’s neutral tonal balance, treble linearity, and ability to handle punishing low‑frequency transients without strain—hallmarks of true state‑of‑the‑art e‑stats.
- Community impressions: Experienced Head‑Fi listeners describe Shangri‑La Sr as exceptionally comfortable with a refined, spacious presentation and superb microdetail, with bass that is clean, deep, and slightly lean of “warm.”
- Heritage: HiFiMAN was founded by Dr. Fang Bian in 2005 and is a leader in high‑end personal audio, known for pushing planar‑magnetic and electrostatic design.
- Innovation notes: The Sr amplifier’s 300B output stage, relay‑stepped attenuator, and dual 5‑pin outputs exemplify boutique execution applied to electrostatic drive.
The Bottom Line
Shangri‑La Sr exists for one purpose: to remove the last veil between you and the performance. If you demand an integrated, reference‑grade system that blends electrostatic speed with 300B tube sophistication—and you want it in a package that’s engineered end‑to‑end for synergy—this is the summit‑fi solution that justifies the term “endgame.”
Product‑Specific Notes (Headphones + Amplifier)
- Connectivity: Wired only. Headphone uses a 5‑pin electrostatic plug; amplifier accepts analog sources via XLR or RCA. No digital inputs.
- Amplification: Electrostatic headphones require a dedicated energizer—this system includes the matched amplifier for optimal results.
- Sound signature: Neutral‑to‑slightly‑brisk treble clarity, vast stage, and superb micro‑contrast; bass is extended and articulate rather than boosted.
- Comfort: 374 g and a suspension headband support all‑day sessions; multiple owners highlight comfort, even with glasses.
- Compatibility: Two 5‑pin outputs can accommodate Shangri‑La Sr and other compatible electrostatic headphones; ensure Pro‑bias compatibility.
If you’d like, I can tailor this listing for your store (e.g., lead‑time, concierge setup, white‑glove delivery, or trade‑in messaging) and format a comparison against other electrostatic systems.








































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