The HIFIMAN Mini Shangri-La Is A Headphone Amplifier Specifically Designed for Electrostatic Headphones.
Ideally, you should purchase the HIFIMAN Mini Shangri-La along with a compatible headphone. This is not a strange thought, as most headphone owners probably don’t have electrostatic headphones lying around. Additionally, with this combination, you can be (more or less) sure that both the headphone amplifier and the headphones are perfectly matched. What’s particularly noteworthy is that the amplifier does not use a transformer to boost the output voltage, but a transistor stage instead. According to the manufacturer, this prevents distortion and improves sound quality.
Regarding the headphones, their standout feature is an ultra-thin diaphragm coated with nanoparticles. This should ensure guaranteed conductivity and stability under all environmental conditions. The Mini Shangri-La costs $1100, and as a set with the headphones included, it’s priced at $1500.