SUNDARA

Released February 2018

The SUNDARA are HIFIMAN's open-back planar magnetic headphones for home listening, easy to drive from a phone or small amplifier; the current 2020 revision has new ear pads and is lighter than the 2018 original.

Type: Over-ear
Noise cancelling: No
Battery: –
With case: –
Best codec: Wired
Weight: 342 g

Over-ear

What reviewers say

Reviewers agree the Sundara offers high-end planar sound for a modest price, and SoundGuys found it comfortable, with pads that suit glasses. Audio Science Review measured weak deep bass and slightly forward treble, recommending it strongly only with EQ, after which it found the separation and spaciousness excellent.

From soundguys.com and audiosciencereview.com

Specifications

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Sound

Type: Over-ear
Noise cancelling: No
Back: Open
Impedance: 32 ohms
Bluetooth codecs: None (wired)
Drivers: Planar magnetic with NEO "supernano" Diaphragm (NsD), 1–2 microns thick; 6 Hz – 75 kHz; sensitivity 92 dB. The 2018 original was listed at 37 ohms, 94 dB and 372 g

Battery

Listening time (maker's claim): No battery (wired)

Design

Weight: 342 g
Headphone cable: Yes
Fit and ear tips: Over-ear, open-back; metal headband with a weight-spreading headstrap and two adjustment blocks; angled, bevelled ear pads (new pads in the 2020 revision, per RTINGS); matte black anodised aluminium cups
Works with: Detachable 1.5 m crystalline copper cable with 3.5 mm plug and 3.5 mm connectors at each cup; 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adapter
In the box: Headphones, 1.5 m cable (3.5 mm plug), 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adapter, ear pads (fitted)

Pros and cons

Pros

Planar magnetic driver with a wide 6 Hz – 75 kHz frequency response
32-ohm impedance and 92 dB sensitivity work with phones as well as amplifiers
Detachable cable with 3.5 mm connectors at the cups, easy to replace

Cons

No carrying case in the box
Open back leaks sound and lets outside noise in

Closest rivals

Model	Type	Noise cancelling	Battery	With case	Best codec	Weight	Released
FocalElegia	Over-ear	No	–	–	Wired	430 g	Oct 2018
SennheiserHD 820	Over-ear	No	–	–	Wired	360 g	2018
AKGK361	Over-ear	No	–	–	Wired	219 g	Jul 2019

Sources

Photo: cdn.shopify.com

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