HiFiMAN Sundara Closed Back Headphones Review
Planar magnetic headphones feature an elongated diaphragm that vibrates in response to an electromagnetic signal. These headphones typically provide superior soundstage and image quality over their dynamic counterparts.
They can also be expensive, particularly if you're looking for a pair from an audio brand that is a niche one. However, it can be worth it for audiophiles who are interested in hearing their music in a new way.
Cost
Planar magnetic headphones differ from dynamic drivers, which utilize a cone or dome with an electric coil to vibrate the membrane. Instead, they use ultra-thin conductor-imprinted, thin membranes strung over powerful magnet arrays. This allows them to be manipulated with incredible speed and with the least distortion. These headphone are typically made to provide a blend of top-quality sound quality and comfort for those who expect the best from their listening experience.
Planar headphones are typically more expensive than their more dynamic counterparts. This does not mean you should stay clear of these headphones, as they have numerous advantages. They can provide a more nuanced and detailed sound, with more clarity and clarity in the image. Their bass performance is also usually full-bodied. Many audiophiles find that upgrading to a good pair of headphones can transform their music-listening experience.
The top planar magnet headphones are also more clear. They can expose flaws or sound characteristics in your amplifier and DAC that you may have missed using other headphones. Audiophiles are drawn to them because they provide a more accurate representation. Moreover, they have an incredibly low impedence, which makes them compatible with the majority of portable and audiophile amplifiers.
In addition to their incredible soundstage, closed-back planar headphones are extremely comfortable to wear. The ear cups of closed-back headphones are bigger than those of traditional headphones. This allows them to be worn more comfortably and block out most outside noise. They are also lightweight and easy to carry around. Some pairs are even foldable for convenient storage. Nevertheless, you should check the size of your ear before buying a pair of these headphones.
Another advantage of planar magnetic headphones is their natural treble response which is superior to that of dynamic headphones. However it is important to remember that some headphones with planar designs have an unnaturally low bass response than their dynamic counterparts. This is because they typically have an extension of lower frequencies and don't roll off as much when playing at higher volume. Some high-end planars, such as the Audeze LCD-5 and HiFiMAN Sundara, have excellent bass response that is comparable to dynamic cans in this price range.
Soundstage
It's crucial to know the various options when searching for a pair of new headphones. There are two kinds of drivers that are planar magnetic and dynamic. Each type has its pros and drawbacks. The top planar magnetic headphones have a large soundstage, giving the listener a sense of space and immersion. They also deliver accurate and detailed audio reproduction. These characteristics make them perfect for critical listening and home entertainment.
To achieve this, planar headphones use a flat diaphragm that's sandwiched between two magnet arrays. When electrical signals from your audio source are sent to the headphone’s acoustic transmitter and the magnets are activated, diaphragms begin to vibrate and create sound waves. This is similar to how a speaker makes music. Planar magnetic drivers are more precise and precise than dynamic drivers, and they use less power.
The main drawback of planar magnetic headphones is that they release a little more sound than traditional open-back or closed-back models. This can be a problem in situations where you are in a noisy environment or if you wish to isolate yourself. Certain manufacturers utilize innovative materials to make it easier to solve this problem. The AUDIVINA by HIFIMAN is a perfect example of this technology. It utilizes an innovative chamber that helps reduce distortion and leakage, without impacting the natural dynamics of the soundstage.
The Dan Clark Audio Stealth is a closed-back planar headphone with exceptional bass extension and a relaxed high-end. This makes them well-suited to blues and rock, but they can handle more subtle genres as well. For instance, the drum section of "Tumao de Tamborito" by Conga Kings is full of impact and shows every single stroke of the skins.
Planar magnetic headphones offer an enlarge and natural soundstage than traditional dynamic models, especially at lower prices. This is because the diaphragm is flat and is covered with conductor trace that allow it to react to the magnetic field created by the magnets. This is a more precise process than the pistonic motion of a voice coil which can produce distortion.
Isolation
Planar magnetic headphones come with a flat diaphragm that has a pattern of conductive materials sandwiched between magnet arrays. The magnets interact with material that conducts when you send an electric signal from your source of audio. The material is then caused to vibrate, creating sound waves. This is a very different design from dynamic drivers, which use cones or domes with coils that create sound vibrations. Planar magnetic headphones weigh more and are larger than their dynamic counterparts. They also consume more power.
Contrary to conventional headphones with planar magnetic drivers, planar drivers create an incredibly natural and realistic soundstage. They provide a sense of space and air that is particularly evident in open-back headphones. However, they cannot isolate sound very well and listeners can be able to hear the surroundings in a noisy space.
The bass quality of headphones that are planar magnetic is another area in which they typically outdo the competition. This is due to their huge size of drivers that allows them to produce rich and full-bodied bass notes that are rich with richness and. This results in a more nuanced listening experience that many people find pleasing and immersive.
Unfortunately, planar magnetic gaming headset of performance is not always available at lower prices. Most affordable planar magnetic over-ear headphones place more emphasis on the mids and trebles rather than bass. This is due to the cost of making the necessary magnetic materials is significantly higher than it would be for a traditional dynamic headphone driver.
Another problem with planar headphones is that they leak more often than traditional open-back dynamic headphones. This is because the diaphragm moves by two magnetic fields that are in opposition. This can cause noise to be released out of the ear and can cause noise to be heard by others.
Choosing the right pair of headphones will depend on your personal audio needs and budget. Closed-back planar magnet headphones are a great choice for those looking for an excellent set of headphones for long listening sessions. These headphones provide excellent isolation, which results in a quieter listening environment. They can also be combined with active sound cancellation technology to provide an even more immersive audio experience. These headphones are ideal for those who want to listen to music on the go without having to worry about background noise or other distractions. Closed-back planar magnetic headphones are also available in a range of styles, ranging from sleek and modern to classic and timeless.
Comfort
A great pair of headphones can make the difference between a great music experience or being lost in a bad fit or sores on your head. The HiFiMAN Sundara closed back planar magnetic headphones are a great pair of headphones that offer an excellent listening experience in a comfortable package. However there are some points to be kept in mind when looking at this model.
Planar magnetic headphones are different from dynamic headphones. While dynamic headphones employ a dome or speaker cone, planar headphones have a diaphragm that is extremely thin and is sandwiched between two magnetic elements. They use a specific magnet array and voice coil to manipulate the diaphragm, which results in less distortion and a higher resolution.
This unique design produces a wider soundstage than traditional headphones. This is due to the larger diaphragm creates a wavefront that surrounds your ear canal, instead of a more narrow spherical wavefront that's common to most dynamic drivers. This change in soundstage makes audio you're listening to feel more real and enveloping.
Many people are surprised to learn that headphones with a planar design offer exceptional bass quality. In reality, they are typically more powerful than their dynamic counterparts and are able to provide deep bass notes with great detail. This is due to the fact that the bass is not limited to a single frequency range as conventional headphones, but it extends all the way to 20Hz.
Planar magnetic headphones are also recognized for their superior image. This refers to the capability of the headphones to accurately reflect the stereo balance and location of instruments as specified by the music's creator. This is especially crucial for classical music, as well as other genres which are often recorded in stereo.
Another benefit of planar magnetic headphones is the ability to be lighter weight than other headphones. Early designs of planar magnet headphones were heavy. Modern technologies have allowed for smaller diaphragms and more efficient designs. This has made them more comfortable to wear.
The HiFiMAN closed-back planar headphones Sundara are relatively light and offer superior noise-isolation compared to other headphones. They also feature a wide spacious soundstage and full-bodied, rich sound. They're not for all. They're not for those who only listen to rock or pop music and don't value a detailed, accurate sound.