HiFiMAN Sundara Closed Back Headphones Review

Planar magnetic headphones have a flat diaphragm, which vibrates in response an electromagnetic signal. These headphones typically provide superior soundstage and image quality over their dynamic counterparts.

They can also be expensive, especially if you're seeking a pair from an audio brand with a unique name. However, this can be worthwhile for audiophiles who are interested in listening to their music in a new way.

Cost

Planar magnetic headphones differ from dynamic drivers, which utilize a dome or cone with an attached coil to generate a vibration on the membrane. Instead, they utilize ultra-thin conductor-imprinted membranes strung over powerful magnet arrays. This allows them to be controlled at a rapid pace and with minimal distortion. These headphones are designed to provide an ideal balance between high-quality audio quality and comfort for those who seek the best listening experience.

In comparison to their more dynamic counterparts they are more expensive. However, this doesn't mean that you should stay clear of these headphones, as they have many benefits. They can provide more precise and planar magnetic closed back headphones nuanced sound, with greater clarity and image structure, and their bass performance is typically full-bodied. Many audiophiles have discovered that upgrading to the latest models of planar headphones can completely transform their listening experience.

The best planar magnetic headphones also provide more transparency, which means they can show flaws in recordings, or the quality of your amplifier and DAC that you may have missed with other headphones. Audiophiles are drawn to them because they offer a more precise representation. Furthermore, they feature an incredibly low impedence, which makes them compatible with the majority of audiophiles and portable devices.

In addition to their incredible soundstage, closed-back headphones are extremely comfortable to wear. The ear cups are bigger than conventional headphones, which means that they can be worn comfortably over the ears and seal out most outside noise. They are lightweight and easy to carry around. Some headphones can be folded to make for easy storage. However, it is important to determine the size of your ears before buying headphones.

Planar magnetic headphones offer higher treble response than dynamic headphones. However it is important to know that some planar headphones have a less linear bass response than their dynamic counterparts. This is because they usually have an extension of lower frequencies and don't roll off as much when playing at higher volume. However, certain high-end planar headphones like the Audeze LCD-5 and HiFiMAN Sundara have excellent bass response, similar to dynamic headphones at this price.

Soundstage

If you're shopping for a new pair of headphones, you need to know the options available. There are two main types of drivers that are planar magnetic and dynamic. Each type has its pros and drawbacks. The best planar magnet headphones offer a wide soundstage that provides the listener with an immersive and large experience. They also offer accurate and precise audio reproduction. These features make them ideal for home entertainment as well as critical listening.

To achieve this, planar magnetic headphones use a flat diaphragm that's sandwiched between two magnet arrays. When electrical signals from your source are sent to the headphone's acoustic receiver the magnets cause diaphragms to vibrate, generating sound waves. This is similar to the way a speaker produces music. Planar magnetic drivers are more accurate and detailed than dynamic drivers, and 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 is a concern when you're using them in a noisy environment or if you are trying to isolate yourself. However, some manufacturers use innovative materials to reduce this problem. The AUDIVINA model by HIFIMAN is a great example of this. It uses an exclusive chamber that reduces leakage and distortion without altering the natural soundstage's dynamic.

The Dan Clark Audio Stealth is a closed-back magnetic headphone that offers exceptional bass extension and a relaxed high-end. This makes them perfect to blues and rock but they can also be used for more subtle genres as well. For instance the drums section of "Tumao de Tamborito" by Conga Kings is full of the force and displays every finger's movement on the skins.

Planar magnetic headphones have a more natural soundstage, particularly when compared to dynamic models. The diaphragm that is flat is able to respond to the magnetic fields created by the magnets because it has conductor lines running through it. This is a more precise technique than the pistonic motion of a voice coil which can produce distortion.

Isolation

Planar magnetic headphones use flat diaphragms with an conductive pattern sandwiched between two magnet arrays. The electrical impulses generated by your audio source cause the magnets to interact with the conductive materials, which causes it to vibrate and generate sound waves. This is a distinct design from dynamic drivers, which utilize cones or domes with coils that create sound vibrations. Planar magnetic headphones weigh more and planar Magnetic Closed back Headphones are larger than their dynamic counterparts. They also require more power.

Contrary to conventional headphones with planar magnetic drivers, planar drivers create more natural and authentic soundstage. They create a feeling of space and air, which is particularly evident in open-back headphones. They don't block out sounds very well so listeners are able to hear their surroundings if they are in a noisy place.

Planar magnetic headphones are also renowned for their exceptional bass performance. This is due to their large driver size which allows them to provide rich and full-bodied bass notes that are full with richness and. This makes for more rounded and a more nuanced listening experience.

Unfortunately, this kind of performance is not always affordable at lower costs. The most affordable over-ear planar magnetic closed back headphones (official statement) magnetic headphones put more attention to detail in the mids and highs instead of bass. This is due to the cost of manufacturing the magnetic materials required is higher than what is a planar headphone it would be for a conventional dynamic headphone driver.

Another problem with planar headphones is that they leak more often than traditional open-back dynamic headphones. This is because they utilize two opposing magnetic fields to move the diaphragm. This could cause noise to be pushed away from the earcup which could disturb other people.

Choosing the right pair of headphones for you depends on your personal audio preferences and budget. Closed-back planar magnetic headphones are a great choice for those looking to purchase an excellent set of headphones for long listening sessions. They provide excellent isolation for a quieter listening experience and can be paired with active noise cancellation technology for an even more immersive audio experience. These headphones are perfect for those who want to listen to music while on the move without worrying about background noise or other distractions. Closed-back magnetic headphones are also available in a variety of styles, from sleek and contemporary to classic and timeless.

Comfort

A good pair of headphones can mean the difference between enjoying an enjoyable music experience or being distracted by an uncomfortable headband or painful spots on your head. The HiFiMAN Sundara closed back planar headphones provide a premium listening experience in an extremely comfortable package. However there are a few things to consider when considering this model.

Planar magnetic headphones are different from dynamic headphones. While dynamic headphones employ a speaker cone or dome while planar headphones feature an extremely thin diaphragm which is sandwiched between two magnetic elements. These headphones use a voice coil and magnets to manipulate the diaphragm. This results in less distortion and higher resolution.

This unique design also creates the soundstage to be much larger than conventional headphones. This is because the broader diaphragm creates a wavefront that covers your ear canal instead of a more narrow spherical wavefront that's common to the majority of dynamic drivers. This change in soundstage makes audio you're hearing to feel more natural and enveloping.

Many people are shocked to learn that headphones with a planar design have outstanding bass performance. They are typically more powerful than dynamic headphones and create deep bass notes that are subtle. This is because bass isn't restricted to a limited range of frequencies like conventional headphones, but can be extended down to 20Hz.

The planar magnetic headphones are well-known for their excellent imaging. This refers to the capability of the headphones to accurately reflect the location and stereo balance of instruments as intended by the music's creator. This is particularly important for classical music and other genres that are often recorded in stereo.

Another benefit of planar magnetic headphones is their capacity to be lighter weight than other headphones. Early designs of planar magnet headphones were heavy. Modern technology has enabled the use of smaller diaphragms and more efficient designs. This has made the headphones more comfortable.

Compared to other headphones, the HiFiMAN Sundara's closed back planar headphones are light and offer excellent noise isolation. They have a huge soundstage, a deep sound, and a full-bodied rich sound. However, they're not for all. They're not for people who only like to listen to pop or rock and don't require a rich sound.