HiFiMAN Sundara Closed Back Headphones Review
Planar magnetic headphones have an elongated diaphragm that oscillates in response to electromagnetic signals. These drivers offer a better soundstage and imaging than their counterparts with dynamic drivers.
These can be expensive, particularly if you are looking for a pair of boutique audio brands. Audiophiles looking to hear their music in a new way may find it worth the investment.
Cost
Planar magnetic headphones are different from dynamic drivers, which utilize a cone or dome with an attached coil to vibrate the membrane. Instead, they employ ultra-thin conductor-imprinted, thin membranes strung over powerful magnet arrays. This allows them to be controlled at an incredible speed and with the least distortion. These headphone are typically designed to provide a balance of high-quality sound and comfort for discerning audiophiles who demand the best out of their listening experience.
Comparatively to their dynamic counterparts the planar headphones are more expensive. However it doesn't mean you shouldn't purchase an expensive pair of planar headphones since they have plenty to offer. They can give you an enhanced and refined sound, as well as better image clarity and structure. Their bass is typically full-bodied. Many audiophiles report that upgrading to a top pair of planar headphones can make a huge difference in their listening experience.
The top headphones with planar magnets are also more revealing. They can show flaws or sound characteristics in your amplifier and DAC that you may have missed using other headphones. Audiophiles love them since they offer a more precise representation. They are also compatible with portable devices as well as most amplifiers because of their low imperceptibility.
Closed-back planar headphones have an amazing soundstage and are comfortable to wear. The ear cups of closed-back planar headphones are larger than the ear cups of traditional headphones. This lets them be worn more comfortably and block out the majority of outside noise. They are lightweight and easy for you to carry around. Some models can be folded for simple storage. You should still take a measurement of your ears before purchasing an earring.
Another benefit of planar magnetic headphones is their natural treble response, which is higher than that of dynamic headphones. It is important to remember that some planar magnetic headphones have a more linear bass response compared to their dynamic counterparts. These headphones have a narrower frequency range and don't have as much rolloff when they are played at higher volume. However, some premium planar headphones such as the Audeze LCD-5 and HiFiMAN Sundara have a great bass response, which is similar to dynamic headphones in this price range.
Soundstage
It's important to know the options available when looking for a new pair of headphones. You'll find two primary driver types: dynamic and planar magnetic. Each type has distinct advantages and disadvantages. The top planar magnet headphones offer a wide soundstage that gives the listener an immersive and large experience. They also provide accurate and precise audio reproduction. These features make them ideal for listening at home or for entertainment.
Planar magnetic headphones achieve this by using a flat diaphragm that is sandwiched between a magnet array. When electrical signals from your audio source are sent to the headphone's acoustic receiver, the magnets cause diaphragms to vibrate and create sound waves. It's similar to how a speaker creates music. The benefit of the planar magnetic driver is that it gives more precision and clarity than a dynamic driver, and it consumes less power.
A key disadvantage of planar magnetic headphones is that they leak some sound more than closed-back or open-back models. This is a problem when you're in a noisy area or you want to isolate yourself from others. However, some manufacturers use innovative materials to reduce the issue. The AUDIVINA from HIFIMAN is a great example of this. It has an exclusive resonance chamber that can drastically reduce distortion and leakage without sacrificing the soundstage's natural dynamics.
The Dan Clark Audio Stealth is a closed-back magnetic headphone with an exceptional bass extension as well as a relaxed high-end. They are therefore ideally suited to blues and rock, but also can handle more subtle genres. For instance the drums 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 an enlarge and natural soundstage than traditional dynamic models, especially at lower price points. The flat diaphragm can react to the magnetic fields produced by the magnets since it is equipped with conductor lines on it. This is a more precise method than the pistonic motion of a voice coil, which can result in distortion.
Isolation
Planar magnetic headphones utilize a flat diaphragm with an array of conductive material sandwiched between two arrays of magnets. The magnets interact with the conductive materials when you transmit an electric impulse from your audio source. The material is then caused to vibrate and produce sound waves. This is different from dynamic drivers, which rely on cones and domes with coils to produce sound vibrations. This is the reason the planar magnetic headphones are typically a little larger and heavier than their dynamic counterparts and also consume a little more power.
Planar magnetic drivers are more authentic and natural sounding than traditional headphones. They create a sense space and air, which is the most noticeable in open-back headphone. However, they don't filter sound well, so listeners may be able to hear their surroundings even in a noisy environment.
Planar magnetic headphones are also renowned for their outstanding bass performance. It is because of their large driver size that allow them to produce deep, rich bass notes that have a rich sound and texture. This allows for an immersive and nuanced listening experience.
Unfortunately, this kind of performance is not always affordable at lower costs. The most affordable over-ear planar magnetic headphones lean towards more emphasis on detail in the highs and mids instead of bass. The cost of manufacturing the magnetic materials is greater than for a dynamic headphone driver.
Planar headphones are known to leak more than open-back dynamic headphones. This is due to the fact that the diaphragm is moved by two magnetic fields that are opposite. This can disturb those around you and causes sound to be pushed out through the earcups.
Selecting the best pair of headphones for you will depend on your personal audio needs and budget. Closed-back planar magnet headphones are an excellent choice for those looking to purchase an excellent set of headphones for long listening sessions. They offer exceptional isolation, resulting in a more tranquil listening experience. They can also be paired with active noise cancellation technology to give an even more immersive audio experience. These headphones are perfect for those who like to listen to music while on the move without having to worry about background noise or other distractions. Closed-back magnetic headphones come in a variety of styles ranging from sleek and contemporary to timeless and classic.
Comfort
A quality pair of headphones can be the difference between enjoying a wonderful 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 provide the best listening experience in a comfortable package. However, there are a few things to consider when you are considering this model.
Planar magnetic headphones function differently than dynamic headphones. While dynamic headphones use domes or speakers and planar headphones use an extremely thin diaphragm which is sandwiched between two magnets. These headphones use a voice coil and magnets to alter the diaphragm. This results in less distortion and improved resolution.
This unique design also provides a much wider soundstage than traditional headphones. This is because the wider diaphragm produces a wavefront that covers your ear canal rather than a more focused and spherical wavefront, which is typical of most dynamic drivers. This change in soundstage allows you to experience audio that is more realistic and full-bodied.
Many people are shocked to discover that planar headphones have outstanding bass performance. They are often much more powerful than dynamic headphones and produce deep bass notes that are well-balanced. This is because the bass isn't limited to a single frequency like conventional headphones but extends all the way to 20Hz.
Planar magnetic headphones are also known for their superior imaging. This is the ability of the headphone to accurately reproduce the stereo balance and location of instruments in the manner intended by the music's creator. This is particularly important for classical music and other genres that are typically recorded in stereo.
Planar magnetic headphones are also lighter than other headphones. While the early designs of the planar magnetic headphones were heavy, modern technologies have allowed for thinner diaphragms and more efficient designs. More hints has made them more comfortable to wear.
The HiFiMAN closed-back planar headphones Sundara are relatively light and offer superior noise isolation when compared to other headphones. They also feature a wide spacious soundstage and rich, full-bodied sound. They're not suitable for all. They're not suited for those who are content listening to pop or rock, and don't want an immersive sound.