HiFiMAN Sundara

Open-back planar magnetic hi-fi headphones

The HiFiMAN Sundara is an open-back over-ear headphone with planar magnetic drivers, the technology behind the brand's success. Sitting just above the 400 series, it offers a resolution, finesse and build quality rarely found at this price, which makes it one of the most recommended headphones for getting serious about hi-fi.

Planar magnetic mastery

Its diaphragms are 80% thinner than those of the 400 series, HiFiMAN's entry-level range. The lighter diaphragm reacts faster and its response extends up to 75 kHz, giving it plenty of headroom across the audible band. The sound is highly detailed and clear, transients are preserved and distortion is extremely low.

Sundara: attention to detail

The Sundara's build quality puts other headphones around €300-400 to shame. It is solidly built, with ear pads that stay comfortable over long listening sessions. The detachable dual-jack cable makes it durable: a cable worn out by heavy use is easy to replace.

Which amplifier?

With 94 dB sensitivity and 37 ohms, the Sundara works with many sources, but a dedicated headphone amp brings more dynamics and bass control. Our favourite pairings: the JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 with the Atom DAC 2, or the JDS Labs Element IV DAC/amp combo.

Specifications

• Type: open-back over-ear, planar magnetic
• Frequency response: 6 Hz - 75 kHz
• Impedance: 37 ohms
• Sensitivity: 94 dB
• Weight: 372 g
• Cable: detachable, 1.5 m, 3.5 mm jack, 6.35 mm adapter included

On a tighter budget? The HiFiMAN HE-400SE uses the same technology for less. Need isolation? See the Sundara Closed-Back.

Press awards

Added to the Innerfidelity Wall of Fame as a cheaper and arguably more balanced alternative to the Audeze LCD2C and Mr Speakers Aeon Flow Open. Innerfidelity - 2018

Editors' Choice for headphones under $700. The Absolute Sound 2020