HiFiMAN Sundara Closed Back Headphones Review

Planar magnetic headphones have an elongated diaphragm that vibrates in response to an electromagnetic signal. These headphones offer better imaging and soundstage than their counterparts with dynamic drivers.

They can be expensive especially if you're searching for premium audio brands. Audiophiles who want to experience their music in a fresh way might be able to justify the investment.

Cost

Contrary to dynamic drivers which feature a cone or dome behind which the coil of a magnet pulls to create a diaphragm that vibrates the planar magnetic headphones utilize ultra-thin membranes infused with conductors and strung across a set of powerful magnet arrays that move them at a staggering speed with little distortion. These headphones are designed to offer a balance between superior sound quality and comfort, for those who seek the most immersive listening experience.

Compared to their dynamic counterparts they are more expensive. However this doesn't mean you shouldn't purchase an expensive pair of planar headphones because they have a lot to offer. They can offer an enhanced and refined sound, and have better image clarity and structure. Their bass quality is usually full-bodied. In fact, many audiophiles have found that upgrading to a high-quality pair of headphones can make a huge difference in their listening experience.

The best planar headphones also have a greater sensitivity, which means they can show flaws in recordings, or the sound characteristics of your amplifier and DAC that you may have missed with other headphones. This is why they are so popular among audiophiles, since they provide a more accurate representation of the music they listen to. They also work with portable devices as well as most amplifiers due to their low imperceptibility.

In addition to their incredible soundstage, closed-back planar headphones are extremely comfortable to wear. The ear cups of closed-back planars headphones are larger than the ear cups of traditional headphones. This allows them to fit over the ears more comfortably and block all outside noise. They are also lightweight and easy to carry around. Some models can be folded for simple storage. However, you must determine the size of your ears before purchasing headphones.

Planar magnetic headphones have higher treble response than dynamic headphones. It is important to remember that some planar magnetic headphones have a more linear bass response when compared to their dynamic counterparts. This is because they typically have less extension in frequency and do not roll off more at higher volumes. However, some premium planar headphones such as the Audeze LCD-5 and HiFiMAN Sundara have a superb bass response, similar to dynamic headphones of this price range.

Soundstage

If you're shopping for a new pair of headphones, it's important to know what options you have. There are two kinds of drivers: planar magnetic and dynamic. Each type has its advantages and drawbacks. The top planar magnetic headphones offer a wide soundstage, which gives the listener a sense space and a sense of. They also provide precise and detailed audio reproduction. These features make them ideal for critical listening and home entertainment.

Planar magnetic headphones achieve this by using a flat diaphragm that is sandwiched between magnet arrays. When electrical signals from your source are sent to the acoustic transmitter of the headphone, the magnets cause diaphragms to vibrate and create sound waves. This is similar to how a speaker makes music. Planar magnetic drivers are more accurate and precise than dynamic drivers, and they consume less power.

Planar magnetic headphones come with a drawback in that they leak sound a bit more than traditional closed-back or open-back models. This can be problematic especially if you're in a noisy area or if you're looking to isolate yourself from other users. Some manufacturers use innovative materials to make it easier to solve this problem. The AUDIVINA model from HIFIMAN is a great example of this type of technology. It uses an innovative chamber that helps reduce leakage and distortion without impacting the natural dynamics of the soundstage.

The Dan Clark Audio Stealth closed-back planar magnet headphone offers an exceptional bass extension and an enveloping high-end. They are therefore well suited to blues and rock but also work with more subtle genres. For instance, the drum section of "Tumao de Tamborito" by Conga Kings is full of impact and shows every single finger's movement on the skins.

Planar magnetic headphones have more natural and spacious soundstage than traditional dynamic models, especially at a lower price. The diaphragm that is flat can react to the magnetic fields produced by the magnets, since it has conductor lines on it. This is a more precise process than the pistonic movement of a voice coil which can result in distortion.

Isolation

Planar magnetic headphones employ an elongated diaphragm that has a pattern of conductive material sandwiched between two arrays of magnets. The magnets interact with the conductive materials when you send an electric signal from your source of audio. This causes the material to vibrate and Planar headphones create sound waves. This is a different design than dynamic drivers, which employ cones and domes with coils to produce sound waves. This is the reason why the planar magnetic headphones are typically a little larger and heavier than their dynamic counterparts, and consume a bit more power.

Planar magnetic drivers sound more natural and realistic than traditional headphones. They provide a sense of space and air that is especially noticeable in open-back headphones. However, they do not isolate sound very well, so listeners may be able to hear their surroundings even in a noisy environment.

The bass quality of headphones that are planar magnetic is another area where they typically excel. It is due to their large driver size that allow them to produce deep, rich bass notes with a rich sound and texture. This makes for more rounded and nuanced listening experience.

Unfortunately, this kind of performance is not always affordable at lower costs. The most affordable planar magnetic over-ear headphones are more focused on the mids and trebles rather than bass. This is because the cost of producing the magnetic materials required is much higher than it would be for a conventional dynamic headphone driver.

Planar headphones tend to leak more than open-back dynamic headphones. This is because the diaphragm moves by two magnetic fields that are at odds. This can disturb the people around you and causes sound to be pushed out from the ear cup.

The best headphones for you will be based on your budget and individual audio requirements. If you're looking for a premium pair of headphones that can be used for long listening sessions, you should think about closed-back planar magnetic headphones. They provide excellent isolation for a more tranquil listening experience and can be paired with active noise cancellation technology to provide an even more immersive audio experience. They are also a great option for those who prefer to listen to their music while on the go and Planar headphones not worry about ambient noise or other distractions. Closed-back magnetic headphones are available in a variety of styles, from modern and sleek to classic and timeless.

Comfort

A great pair of headphones can make the difference between a great music experience or getting lost in a bad fit or sores on your head. The HiFiMAN Sundara planar closed back headphones provide a premium listening experience in an extremely comfortable package. There are a few things you should consider when choosing this model.

Planar magnetic headphones differ from dynamic headphones. While dynamic headphones utilize domes or speakers, planar headphones have an extremely thin diaphragm that is sandwiched between two magnets. These headphones use a special voice coil and magnet array to control the diaphragm which results in less distortion and a higher resolution.

This unique design also creates an even larger soundstage than traditional headphones. This is because the broader diaphragm produces a wavefront that encompasses your ear canal instead of a more narrow and spherical wavefront, which is typical of most dynamic drivers. This change in soundstage makes the audio you're listening to feel more realistic and more enveloping.

Many people are shocked to learn that headphones with a planar design have outstanding bass quality. They are usually more powerful than dynamic headphones and can produce deep bass notes that are well-balanced. This is because bass isn't restricted to a specific frequency range like traditional headphones, but extends down to 20Hz.

The superior image quality of headphones with planar magnetic design is also well-known. This refers to the headphone's ability to accurately replicate the stereo balance and location of instruments, as suggested by its creator. This is especially crucial for classical music as well as other genres which are usually recorded in stereo.

Planar magnetic headphones are lighter than other headphones. The first designs of planar magnet headphones were heavy. Modern technologies have allowed for thinner diaphragms, and create more efficient designs. This has made them more comfortable to wear.

Comparatively to other headphones the HiFiMAN Sundara closed-back planar headphones are comparatively light and offer excellent noise isolation. They feature a wide soundstage, a deep sound and a full-bodied, rich sound. But, they're not for all. They're not suitable for people who are content listening to pop or rock and don't require a rich sound.