HiFiMan Sundara Review

The HiFiMan Sundara 2020 edition, designed for audiophiles, has garnered significant acclaim for its superior sound quality and impressive value for money. This article delivers an exhaustive analysis of the HiFiMan Sundara, examining its key specifications, design, comfort, features, sound quality, and concluding thoughts.

Key Specifications

• Type: Over-ear, open-back
• Driver Type: Planar magnetic
• Frequency Response: 6Hz – 75kHz
• Impedance: 37 ohms
• Sensitivity: 94 dB
• Weight: Approximately 372g
• Connection: 3.5mm per earcup
• Detachable Cable: Yes

Overview

The HiFiMan Sundara boasts of an open-back design and employs planar magnetic technology. Planar magnetic headphones are recognized for their superior sound quality, and the Sundara is no exception. The Sundara 2020 version, the next generation of the HiFiMan Sundara 2018, is endorsed for its redesigned ear cup padding, contributing to its enhanced comfort and sound delivery. Although an entry-level product in HiFiMan’s headphone lineup, this model employs HiFiMan’s Stealth Magnet Design and NEO Supernano Diaphragm, features typically reserved for high-end models.

Design & Comfort

The Sundara’s design is aesthetically pleasing and functional. The headphone’s structure primarily consists of metal, which lends it a sturdy feel. The headband employs a suspension design, which efficiently distributes the weight of the headphones across the wearer’s head, thereby enhancing comfort. The ear cups are circular and swivel slightly to allow a better fit. However, the lack of a robust swivel action may be a minor drawback for some users. The Sundara’s pads have been updated, resulting in improved fit, seal, and positioning that promote superior sound delivery.

The Sundara’s cups are protected by a woven metal grille and foam, which promotes an open-back design that enhances the headphone’s soundstage. The headphone’s comfort is also noteworthy; the Sundara’s design makes it light and compact for a planar magnetic headphone, and the comfortable pads and headband make it suitable for long listening sessions. After wearing the Sundara for a few hours and listening to music at my desk, I had no issues with comfort, and breathability was excellent.

Features

One of the key features that make the HiFiMan Sundara stand out is its planar magnetic driver. This technology is renowned for its ability to deliver superior sound quality, and the Sundara uses it effectively. The drivers are complemented by HiFiMan’s Stealth Magnets Design, which reduces reflection and diffraction, thereby dramatically improving the sonic output. The Sundara also employs the NEO Supernano Diaphragm, which is thinner than the diaphragms in most headphones, which results in a quicker response and better detail in the sound output.

The Sundara features a 3.5mm connection on each earcup, allowing you to swap cables easily. The connectors are rather stiff, so when plugging the cable into each earcup, ensure it’s in all the way. Otherwise, you will suffer sound issues from a poor connection. The included cable is on the shorter side for my liking, at 1.5m, and while it is common knowledge among audiophiles that stock HiFiMan cables are terrible, I will re-iterate it here. The stock cable is awful. It’s rubbery, sticks to surfaces, tangles, and is downright annoying to use. Thankfully, since the cable is detachable, you can replace it with this not-so-expensive NewFantasia 3.5mm cable, with multiple length options. You also have the ability to use a 4.4mm balanced cable with the HiFiMan Sundara, and if you’ve read my other reviews, you know my go to balanced cable is from Meze Audio.

Sound Quality

Moving on to the most crucial aspect of any headphone, the sound quality. The HiFiMan Sundara truly excels in this area and punches above its weight at this price point. Its neutral and well-balanced sound profile provides an immersive audio experience. The headphone’s soundstage is wide and spacious, with accurate imaging. The Sundara also delivers sound consistently, so you won’t need to readjust the headphones constantly for optimal sound delivery.

The Sundara’s bass performance is another highlight. When adequately powered, the Sundara delivers deep, punchy bass that is both detailed and textured. The midrange is clear and detailed, and the highs are bright but never too edgy. The Sundara’s ability to reproduce low-bass frequencies is particularly impressive for an open-back headphone. Additionally, the Sundara’s transient response is quick, contributing to its overall snappy and tight sound.

A final note about sound quality is in regards to power. As with most planar magnet headphones, the more power you give the Sundara, the better they will perform. If you plan to use the HiFiMan Sundara with your smartphone, you will most likely need a USB DAC/Amp to provide the Sundara with enough power. I tested the Sundara with an iPhone 12 Pro Max (using Apple’s Lightning to 3.5mm dongle) and a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 (using Apple’s USB-C to 3.5mm dongle). I was maxing out the volume on both and still wasn’t getting enough volume for enjoyable listening. My 2020 iPad Pro, on the other hand, performed just fine when used with Apple’s USB-C to 3.5mm dongle. My Sony NW-WM1AM2 DAP also had more than enough power and headroom for both the 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced connections. With planars, always go with more power.

Final Thoughts

The HiFiMan Sundara is an excellent choice for those seeking high-end audio quality at a reasonable price. Its design is robust and comfortable, and its sound quality is exceptional, particularly when paired with a powerful amplifier. The HiFiMan Sundara truly represents a benchmark in its price class, providing a listening experience that competes with much more expensive headphones. With the Sundara, HiFiMan has successfully delivered a headphone that offers superior value for money without compromising on sound quality or comfort. Just remember to replace that stock cable, and you’ll be a happy listener.