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Image © AmazonHiFiMAN Sundara
At a glance
- Brand
- HiFiMAN
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Fit
- open
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- -
- Released
- 2018
Score breakdowngreat overall
Sound8.5
Value9.3
The HearWiki takeAI-condensed
The HiFiMAN Sundara are open-back planar magnetic over-ears that deliver highly accurate, neutral sound with strong detail retrieval and a wide soundstage, making them a favorite for critical listening. They offer solid build and comfort for the price, though their bright treble and stock cable are common points of criticism. With a balanced connector and detachable cable, they also respond well to EQ for those wanting to tailor the tuning.
What works
- Very accurate, neutral sound reproduction
- Detailed mids and highs with fast transient response
- Spacious soundstage for an open-back design
- Detachable cable with balanced connection option
- Good value in its price range for planar performance
What doesn't
- Treble can sound sharp or forward on bright tracks
- Stock cable quality is below par
- Quality control can be inconsistent
- Requires EQ for some listeners to reach ideal tuning
Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.
Specifications
| Driver | 80 mm planar magnetic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | planar |
| Driver size | 80 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 6 Hz - 75 kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω |
Audio
| Driver | 80 mm planar magnetic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | planar |
| Driver size | 80 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 6 Hz - 75 kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω |
Design
| Weight | 342 g |
|---|---|
| Foldable | No |
| Detachable cable | Yes |
| USB-C | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes |
What the reviews said
6 source(s) feeding this product's score.
What YouTube reviewers say
Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.
7:13Sundara is BACK & BETTER than ever!
The reviewer discusses a silent revision of the HiFiMAN Sundara, noting that while it remains largely the same as the original, it features improved pads and a warmer vocal presentation with slightly stronger bass dynamics. He considers these changes positive and maintains that the headphone is still a top recommendation at its price point.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
12:43Hifiman Sundara Review
The reviewer finds the HiFiMAN Sundara to be a very capable and technically impressive planar headphone at its price point, offering exceptional speed, detail, and a clean, analytical sound signature. However, it has a bright treble that may fatigue some listeners, a somewhat narrow soundstage, and some build quality concerns, particularly with the headband extension and stock cable. Overall, it's considered a good deal for $350, especially for detail-oriented listeners, but it's not a warm or bass-heavy headphone out of the box.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
13:23HiFiMAN Sundara Headphone Review - Best value planar in 2020?
The reviewer finds the HiFiMAN Sundara to be an exceptional value, especially with the stealth revision that improves bass extension and removes upper mid-range shout. It offers outstanding technical performance, detail, and dynamics for its price, making it a new benchmark under $700. The only minor nitpick is slightly less emphasized air frequencies above 11 kHz.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
13:40FLAWED but I LOVE these headphones - HiFiMan Sundara
The reviewer finds the HiFiMan Sundara to be an exceptional value, offering a neutral yet engaging sound with impressive soundstage and detail for its price. However, it has notable flaws like a poor stock cable, minor build issues, and a strong dependence on quality amplification to perform at its best. Overall, it's highly recommended for immersive listening despite these drawbacks.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.
What owners say
A sample of buyer reviews, quoted as written. They aren't verified and they don't feed the HearWiki score - that comes from published reviews only.
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