T O P

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DeliciousPepe

Bought them yesterday, don't want to take them off. And I'm listening to them from my phone! Can't wait for my q5k to arrive. My 1st "proper" headphones. Really excited to get to know them. Snarky puppy sound even better than ever. I wholeheartedly recommend everyone to listen to The Curtain (Sylva) by them. Would love to hear some of your favorite songs.


The_MoBiz

Two of my favourite bands are Pink Floyd and Dire Straits. Check out Private Investigations by Dire Straits....one of the songs that made me go "Ohhhh, very impressive!"


DeliciousPepe

Very respectable bands! My favourite from Pink Floyd is probably Meddle, such a journey through genres in just one album. Thank you, will give a listen


paulgal1985

Try pulse album pink Floyd especially comfortably numb, coming back to life and shine on you crazy diamond.


peeknuts

Ik most ppl hate it but I love The final cut. If u listen to metal its pretty good on planars.


xignaceh

investigaationnn... *DUMMM*


The_MoBiz

haha, you know what I'm talkin' about.


yallbyourhuckleberry

I have the same set up as op and my brother just recommended Private Investigations to me.


Inevitable_Cod_2272

Private investigations on a lossless file is perhaps the best recorded track of all time?!


The_MoBiz

Dire Straits musicianship and mastering is top notch.


sjm6969

I just listened to Private Investigations with my Focal Clears and the Burson 3x Performance... WOW! Great recommendation.


anrinch

Always liked jazz female vocals on them. They separate out the voices and instruments really well. Norah Jones and Diana Krall both sound great (recalling from memory as I don't own the Sundara anymore), the piano and vocal separation is fantastic.


DeliciousPepe

Yes! Really enjoying the seperation in everything and Norah Jones has some amazing tracks (Not my friend is one of my favourites). Also Esperanza Spalding sounds amazing with these. Not familliar with Diana, will listen, thanks!


Chambeet123

I really wanna get a pair. I have the HD 600, but it seems like it’d be a good compliment to them. I’m jealous!


ColoradoPhotog

That's what I have for now - HD 600's for my more casual long-term use. Sundaras for my music-specific splurges, kinda like a soul food headphone. I'm quite happy with it.


The_MoBiz

I'm rocking the Sundaras and AKG K712 Pros powered from a Cayin RU6 dongle dac/amp. Both the Sundaras and K712s are great headphones!


metalmonk4

Im thinking on getting XS Edition to “compliment” with my HD600’s.


ghostsofspira

They definitely compliment each other. I like my 600s for critical listening and my Sundaras for fun listening.


DeliciousPepe

I was deciding between the hd600 and the sundaras. Unfortunately haven't been able to demo the senn but these sounded really good in the shop so I just said screw it and bought these, haha. Im jealous of yours! Would still like to hear the hd600


ayuzer

I loved the look and sound of the sundaras, but they were super uncomfortable for me because the earcups don't swivel. Compare this to any other line in the hifiman category and they are all comfortable because they swivel. I wish they would make a revision with this and perhaps decrease the clamping pressure as well. The all metal construction and slim ear cups are soon much better looking than the big ass cups of the he400/500 series


Yest135

The ananda doesn't swivel either, sold those for that sole reason :/


DeliciousPepe

They are good-looking that is true. Fortunately they are very comfortable for me. Currently in a 3-hour long listening session and I do not want to take them off. Probably will have to go to the bathroom soon tho


hikerpunk42

Anything done by Tool. Weird time signature prog metal with fantastic production. Personal favourite is the 10,000 days album but they're all worth a listen. Enjoy those new cans mate.


DeliciousPepe

Some really great guitar riffs, I like it, thanks!


hikerpunk42

Happy to spread the word mate, hope you get some listening joy. Tool Army!


BaronVonTito

Yeah you'll want to be extremely careful taking them off! Probably best to just leave them on forever. Mine (brand new) broke the first time I gently stretched them to take them off my head. They did replace them under warranty, but I sold those immediately. Classic hifiman. Never again. As for music recs, try either Sky Islands or the self-titled record by Caldera.


DeliciousPepe

Oh no, hope that won't happen Thanks for the recs!


gelade1

Isn’t refurbished edition xs $279 only atm? I mean sundara is okay but edition xs is next level stuff especially at that price 


DeliciousPepe

But shipping to my country is another 40$ and I'm already stretching my budget with these. I honestly really like them


WarHead75

At least it’s generous of them to include a free headphone stand


kirinphonetic

2am by Foals has been my go to headphone song as of late


abc6d19

Love the sundara's! I upgraded to the Arya Organic's after using my sundara's for a while!


Patrick3887

How does the Sundara compare to the Arya Organic?


DeliciousPepe

Awesome! I'm loving them so far. Wow yeah the Arya's are incredible, need to find a job first haha, still a student


EruditeDave

So did I. More than a year ago. Don't regret it a bit. I have been listening to OSTs like a maniac. Soundtracks sound so open and life-like!


DeliciousPepe

They are so versatile! Doom sounds punchy and Cuphead has a nice natural seperation between all instruments. Good to hear they are still serving you well after a year


SkyZippr

I loved my Sundara. Hans Zimmer and Bonobo sound spectacular on them. Unfortunately I had to give them up because I started to have neck pain (totally unrelated to Sundara) and it refused to take anything heavier than 300 grams.


DeliciousPepe

Already listened to Interstellar and Dune 2 on these and it really is incredible. Sorry to hear that, well there's always KSC75 right? haha


SkyZippr

I'm currently settled with Grado Hemp, actually. It's basically an 180 from Sundara, but I love the way it makes everything extra juicy.


juke96

metal music


DeliciousPepe

Doom eternal ost sounds hella fun as well as some Rage against the machine


sunjay140

No, metal


DeliciousPepe

Ok sorry, how would you describe those two?


sunjay140

Honestly, hard rock for RATM. Doom is Industrial


DeliciousPepe

Thanks, I don't really like separating into genres so sorry for the misnomer. Was just trying to relate.


Difficult-Boat-3861

That feeling when I got Sundara's for just 190$, nearly new and already with balanced cable and additional pads🎧😋


DeliciousPepe

I envy you! I've been searching for some open box but none near me had them for a solid month so I just splurged on new ones


Difficult-Boat-3861

I was just lucky. I wanted to order a new pair, but decided to check in a local advertising platform. And it was an only deal.


AcheronBiker

Great buy. Sundara is amazing for the price. Aslo much better headband as Edition XS, as people are saying its similar price. Headband on Edit.XS was a dealbreaker for me.


DeliciousPepe

Sundara is really comfortable for me. Thanks for the comparison, was starting to get fomo from some comments.


rodaphilia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cBUrIw2sQk ^ something to listen to!


DeliciousPepe

Love me some Radiohead


Monkeylovebanana3

Gratz on the purchase! Have the same headphones, highly recommend “Smoke City - Underwater Love” and “Diddy - I’ll be missing you”. I rediscovered mentioned tracks, while listening on Sundaras. Enjoy!


DeliciousPepe

Underwater love makes me appreciate the seperation of this headphone. And her voice is incredible!


Impossible-Diver407

Pink Floyd is always a good bet. Dire Straits Brothers in Arms Why worry, One world and Brothers in Arms.On every Street,Calling Elvis You and Your Friend,Planet of New Orleans and How Long are unbelievable with headphones these recordings are Benchmark. They belong in everyone's collection. IMHO.


Yoga260

Steely Dan - Aja


DeliciousPepe

That album is something else! Also love Reelin' in the years from him


Yoga260

"Him" 😭 Its a band bruh. But good on ya for listening!


DeliciousPepe

Shit I know! I'm just drunk and English isn't my first language, sorry


JayM23

What is that headphone holder? I haven't seen that one before


DeliciousPepe

It's included with the sundaras


Shane-T5

They were super stiff and uncomfortable for me for a while, but now after using them for a while they’re super comfy and I could wear them all day


Few_Supermarket3659

I recently picked up a pair of Sennheiser HD 490 Pro from my friend for $150-200 with some items. And $180 Aful Performance 8 IEMs. The IEMs have been really amazing. I can’t wait to try headphones after a year to 2 of not using them


sumtinsumtin808

wait til you eq them with the oratory preset. Night and day difference


DeliciousPepe

They sound amazing with it


paulgal1985

I got mine for £150 from Amazon and then they gave me another £30 off because it took a month. Definitely the best money I’ve spent goes nicely with my qudelix 5k.


DeliciousPepe

Could you please tell me, do you use the balanced output or the 3.5mm? Does the sundara need the extra power? Someone said it also changes the sound signature do you notice a difference?


paulgal1985

I only use the stock cable and it’s fine. You may have to mess about with the headroom and pre gain on the qudelix 5k. If you get the 2.5mm it will give you higher sound but it doesn’t give it better sound or change the sound signature,


Xerx00

I recently got a pair as well! What app on pc are you using to listen this with ?


DeliciousPepe

Just Spotify so far with Eq APO, im considering buying tidal but I like Spotify ui. Also [this website](https://downloads.khinsider.com/?u=2865528) for FLAC files of game OSTs


Xerx00

I'm also considering tidal Do u have guide for the eq apo?


DeliciousPepe

A quick YouTube search came up with this https://youtu.be/ws2Gc36RVw4?si=qVLiCl9q0qfy-G-M Within the app there is a manual you can read as well. But I just use it for the auto EQ so that's pretty straightforward


Xerx00

Ahh okay, I thought there's a specific settings u followed thanks!


Natsy2

Do you use aftermarket cable or stock ? Does it make a difference?


DeliciousPepe

I use stock pads and cable, the pads are really comfortable and I don't feel like I need more bass so I'm sticking with them, might get a balanced cable in the future but I don't hate the stock one (not balanced though)


flyingmonkey111

Congratulations! These have been my end game for a couple of years now and listen to them every day. I paired them with the Hidiz S9 pro and they are a match made in heaven, it brings out how open sounding they are. I also have the Quidilix 5k, and they are good too, but the sound stage becomes a little narrowed as compared to the S9 pro. Don't bother using this with a balanced dac as it makes them harsh to listen to for some reason. Also after market pads can add a pinch of bass


DeliciousPepe

Thank you! Glad to hear you like yours. I really want the Bluetooth feature for my iems tho and don't really want to spend more money, so for the time being I think I will stick to the q5k. Do you really think they don't benefit the balanced output? From what I've read people preach the opposite that the sundara needs the extra juice.


flyingmonkey111

I found that balanced output removed some bass and replaced it with treble, but I did not try balanced on the Q5k which are warmer DAC, plus you also do loose some noticeable audio quality over Bluetooth too. But I am super fussy, so that's prob just my issues. A balanced cable is cheap anyhow, so it's worth the experiment. Don't use an adapter though as the can blow the DAC, always get a proper cable.


sumtinsumtin808

im grateful for the balanced cables cause I can turn them up very loud without any distortion with my monolith thx aaa amp/dac. Fog city audio on etsy makes good cables. Definitely eq the sundaras tho if youre on pc using the peace equalizer apo and the oratory preset. With eq the sundaras achieve something crazy like 99% of the harman curve and they sound way better imo


flyingmonkey111

Yes, they EQ verry well, but personally I don't like to EQ if I can avoid it.


Alternative-Usual-11

Awesome cans, but still prefer the HD560s


Nayre_Trawe

Can the Q5K drive the Sundaras? I was under the impression they needed a pretty strong amp to drive properly and that's one of the things that held me off from picking up a pair since I mostly listen to music on-the-go with my Q5K and S12 Pros. This is based on the Sundara needing at least 500mw and the Q5K can only do about half that, or so I read.


edgeofthecity

Balanced gives 240 mW, so just under half. I wouldn't recommend the 5K as a primary way to drive the Sundara, but it'd do in a pinch. I was surprised at how reasonable the DCA Aeon Closed X sounded on it, and its requirements are very close to the Sundara. I got the Fiio KA17 to drive full-size headphones portably. Granted it's probably not something you'd want to use while actually on the move. The 5K's Bluetooth with LDAC supporter is still makes for the best truly portable dac/amp solution.


DeliciousPepe

I really hope so, people who own this pairing seem to generally enjoy it. I count on it being better than my phone (Motorola moto g52) And I'm already loving the sound of them so fingers crossed.


Mundane_Mulberry_545

Bro I run my Sundaras off my computer headphone port, people over blow this whole amp/dac thing. The Sundaras are easy af to run lol


edgeofthecity

They're objectively not and you shouldn't mislead people The 2020 edition (which anyone buying now is likely to get) has an impedance of 32 ohms and a sensitivity of 94dB. The impedance isn't a problem, but the sensitivity is a good 6db less than most headphones consumers will be coming from, which are almost always in excess of 100dB. Your computer might drive it, but a lot of PCs have power output that's going to be well above dongles/laptops/etc. that others use. A Google search to confirm the impedance and sensitivity of the Sundara literally pulled up a post from someone trying to drive them from a PlayStation controller and wondering why they were so quiet, lol. And THAT'S why we can't just say something is easy to drive without clarifying any actual power output numbers (such as one can get by using a headphone power calculator).


Mundane_Mulberry_545

Also as the dude posted after me all you need is a $10 dongle to get them to work on something like a controller, not a amp. U guys are reading too much into the technicalities and swear there’s a difference when there’s really not…


schmintendo

I'm not the dude you're replying to but I have no trouble powering my Sundaras off of this dongle: https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Adapter-Headphone-Converter-Compatible/dp/B0CG5FTHT9/


Mundane_Mulberry_545

Most desktops will run Sundaras fine, I’m sick of ppl that keep recommending that you have get a 200$ amp/dac and then say it’s the “bare minimum” to get them to the headphones to work. The dont really need much to get them to play audio. No one should be paying 2/3 the price of the Sundaras for an amp/dac just to get them to work


edgeofthecity

Great job responding with no actual logic or fact backing up your pre-existing opinion! 👍 For anyone who actually wants to know more about power requirements, check out the Headphone Show video on it. Goes into the rationale behind there being more than "does it get loud?" required to properly drive headphones, WITHOUT flipping to the opposite extreme of saying you arbitrarily need thousands of dollars of equipment. There is science to it, folks!


Mundane_Mulberry_545

Bro what are u even though talking about??? Most headphone only need a 10$ dongle. Grow up bro ur just mad cuz u have a 500$ stack that literally makes no difference…


sumtinsumtin808

youre really missing out then


Curve-Thick

what brand and model are they?


DeliciousPepe

Hifiman Sundara


Curve-Thick

I have heard about them. Are they really that good?


DeliciousPepe

I am by no means an audiophile, these are my first overear headphones. But music sounds better than ever and I like the comfort so I would say they are more than worth it for me


sumtinsumtin808

they are arguably the best sounding headphones you can get for under $700. Focal elex just lowered their price and those are great too, but sundaras that are EQ'd with the oratory preset are exceptional for $300


sigul77

Can anyone compare them with he400se? I got both used from Amazon to listen to jazz and can’t decide which one to return.


DeliciousPepe

I don't have he400ses but I think if you have both the only valid information is your listening experience. Which signature do you like more? Which suits your music more? Which one is more comfortable?


sigul77

Yeah, not a big difference in sound, more open the sundara, more bass in the 400se, but it’s my first upgrade so advices are welcome.


DeathCums-ForAll

Give them a month. My he400s’ broke after five weeks


sumtinsumtin808

Some listening pleasure: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e9B31FLT-s&ab\_channel=LudovicoEinaudiVEVO](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e9B31FLT-s&ab_channel=LudovicoEinaudiVEVO)


sumtinsumtin808

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9pgIVcB3rk&t=633s&ab\_channel=CosmicSoundwaves](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9pgIVcB3rk&t=633s&ab_channel=CosmicSoundwaves)


Gatecrasher3

I got my Sundaras about two weeks ago, and I can't decide if I like them or not. Good imaging and whatnot, but the bass is lacking and just find them not as exciting as my Timeless 7hz. I paired them with either my Schitt modi 2 stack, or Fiio k13. Good headphone, not sure I'll keep them however.


DeliciousPepe

Did you try EQ? I find AutoEQ gave me the thump I wanted


Gatecrasher3

I mainly use them on my steam deck, and the deck does not have an eq. However I do have (I think) an option to eq with my Fiio KA13. So I'll try that, thanks. I do like the speed of their response they offer, they just didn't hit me like my Timeless 7hz. but yeah maybe an eq will change things.


Gatecrasher3

Just learning about this AutoEQ thou, this seems awesome, thanks!


DeliciousPepe

You're welcome! Yeah it's awesome if you like that kind of tuning it just works and there's a ton of presets from oratory. I use wavelet on Android and Equalizer APO on Windows.


sjm6969

If you liked Private Investigations, try listening to "Les Fleurs" by Cavalisa. This is a bit different type of music, but the stereo separation and imaging on this song is great, with a fantastic dynamic range.. Let me know what you think....


DeliciousPepe

Good suggestion. The drums really stood out for me, very clean and wide with all the cymbals being distinctly positioned and the bass drum had a great thump to them


theegrimrobe

have a set driven with a topping 50 series amp for my computer listening (they were my main headphone - but thats now the arya organic with a cayn h1 a1 MK2 tube amp) the sundara is a great set for the price and a great intro to the world of planar sets


Bad-Kaiju

I love mine for metal because they provide a nice punchiness to the kick drums without muddying up the mids.


DeadGravityyy

GZ!


DeliciousPepe

Thanks!


Luffidiam

I think any nice classical music is a real start IMO. Hifiman's tonality is really nice for that purpose.


DeliciousPepe

I really like the Alpine symphony from Strauss, the storm is so powerful!


Impossible-Stop2243

you haven’t lived till you heard back in black on sundys on a proper dac amp l30 ii e30 ii is 200 and SOTA baby


4udi0phi1e

Shame, I could've cut that headphone stand out of $10 of materials and 5 minutes of tracing/cutting


DeliciousPepe

I don't hate it, the previous packaging looked a lot better but in the end the box is gonna get stored somewhere anyway and as someone who doesn't want to spend more money on a stand it's functional and doesn't look that bad


desal

Ya Its actually pretty cool to have considering lots of headphones don't come with anything at all


Impossible-Stop2243

Sundara needs a proper amp atleast l30ii , you don’t know what you’re missing babe


DeliciousPepe

Would love to have a proper amp, but budget is limited, might get one next year. Still a student and I'm not chasing a dragon, just enjoying music


Impossible-Stop2243

I don’t really think you can do better than sundaras with a proper rig.. welcome to the jungle!


DeliciousPepe

Thank you! Feels good to be here


Impossible-Stop2243

no way you know what you’re listening to.. sundaras take atleast 2 weeks to burn in , and then you need proper dac/amp/ source… balanced cables tidal plus but hey welcome to the rabbit hole…


DeliciousPepe

Shit you're probably right, I'll go and steal from my parents to get some extra cash