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HiFiMAN Susvara vs Sony MDR-1A: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the HiFiMAN Susvara vs Sony MDR-1A, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

HiFiMAN Susvara leads on 4 of 4 measures.

  • HiFiMAN Susvara
  • Sony MDR-1A
HearWiki score
88
-
Sound
10.0
-
Value
4.0
-
Price (USD)
$6,000
-

Specifications

SusvaraMDR-1A
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$6,000
-
HearWiki score
88
Not scored
Released
2017
2014
Driver
planar magnetic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
planar
dynamic
Driver size
-
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
6 Hz - 75 kHz
3 Hz - 100 kHz
Sound signature
neutral
-
Impedance
60 Ω
-
Sensitivity
-
105 dB/mW
Weight
450 g
225 g
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
-
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Balanced connection
Yes
-
Microphones
-
1
Microphone type
-
electret

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN Susvara

The HiFiMAN Susvara is a reference-class planar flagship that delivers exceptional transparency, detail, and natural tonality across the spectrum. Its demanding power requirements make it a serious investment for audiophiles with high-end amplification, but those who can drive it are rewarded with top-tier resolution and musicality.

  • Pro:Exceptional detail retrieval and transparency
  • Pro:Natural, realistic midrange with airy treble
  • Pro:Fast, well-textured bass response
  • Con:Very power-hungry, needs premium amplification
  • Con:Premium price point
  • Con:Heavy build may impact long-term comfort

Sony MDR-1A

No summary yet - we haven't aggregated enough reviews.

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonHiFiMAN SusvaraSony MDR-1A