HiFiMAN Sundara Closed Back Headphones Review
Planar magnetic headphones feature a flat diaphragm that vibrates in response to an electromagnetic signal. These drivers offer a better soundstage and imaging than their counterparts that are dynamic.
They can be costly, particularly if you are searching for boutique audio brands. However, this can be worth it for audiophiles interested in hearing their music in a different way.
Cost
In contrast to dynamic drivers, which have a cone or dome that a magnet pulls a coil to cause the diaphragm to vibrate the planar magnetic headphones utilize ultra-thin membranes imprinted with conductors and strung across a set of powerful magnet arrays that can manipulate them at a staggering speed with minimal distortion. These headphones are usually designed to provide a balance of high-quality sound and comfort for those who want the best quality from their listening experience.
Planar headphones are generally more expensive than their more dynamic counterparts. This does not mean you should steer clear of planar headphones, since they offer many benefits. They can give you more nuanced and detailed sound, with better image structure and clarity and their bass performance is typically full-bodied. In fact, many audiophiles find that upgrading to a high-quality pair of planar headphones can transform their music-listening experience.
The top planar magnet headphones are also more revealing. They can show flaws or sound characteristics in your amplifier and DAC you may have missed when using other headphones. Audiophiles love them since they offer a more precise representation. Furthermore, they feature the benefit of having a low impedence which makes them compatible with most portable and audiophile amplifiers.
In addition to their amazing soundstage, closed-back headphones are incredibly comfortable to wear. The ear cups are bigger than traditional headphones, meaning they fit snugly over the ears and block out the majority of outside noise. They are also light and easy to carry around. Some headphones can be folded to make for easy storage. You should still measure your ears prior to purchasing a pair.
Planar magnetic headphones offer better treble response than dynamic headphones. It is important to remember that certain headphones made of planar magnetic have a more linear bass response than their dynamic counterparts. This is due to the fact that they generally have a lower frequency extension and don't roll off as much at higher volume. Nevertheless, some high-end planar headphones like the Audeze LCD-5 and HiFiMAN Sundara have a superb bass response, comparable to dynamic headphones in this price range.
Soundstage
If you're looking for a new pair of headphones, you need to know the options available. There are two types of drivers: planar magnetic and dynamic. Each has its pros and disadvantages. The best planar magnet headphones provide a large soundstage that gives the listener an immersive and spacious experience. They also deliver precise and precise audio reproduction. These features make them ideal for critical listening and home entertainment.
Planar magnetic headphones accomplish this by using a flat diaphragm sandwiched between magnet arrays. When electrical signals from your audio source are transmitted to the headphone’s acoustic transmitter and the magnets are activated, diaphragms begin to vibrate and create sound waves. This is much like how a speaker makes music. The advantage of the planar magnetic driver is that it provides more precision and clarity than a dynamic driver, and it uses less power.
The main drawback of planar magnetic headphones is that they leak some more sound than traditional open-back or closed-back models. This can be a problem when you're using them in a noisy setting or if you wish to be able to shut yourself off. Certain manufacturers employ new materials that can help make it easier to solve this problem. The AUDIVINA model from HIFIMAN is a great example of this technology. It uses an exclusive chamber that reduces leakage and distortion without impacting the natural dynamics of the soundstage.
The Dan Clark Audio Stealth closed-back planar magnet headphone has an exceptional bass extension and a relaxed high-end. They are therefore well-suited to blues and rock but also can handle more subtle genres. Conga Kings' "Tumao de Tamborito", for example, features an entire drum section that is packed with a lot of force. It also reveals each fingerstroke on the skins.
Planar magnetic headphones provide an incredibly natural soundstage particularly when compared to dynamic models. The flat diaphragm is able to react to the magnetic fields generated by the magnets because it is equipped with conductor lines on it. This is a more precise method than the pistonic movement of a voice coil which can cause distortion.
Isolation
Planar magnetic headphones feature an elongated diaphragm, which has a pattern of conductive materials sandwiched between the magnet arrays. The electric impulses from your audio source cause the magnets to interact with the conductive material, which then vibrates, generating sound waves. This is a different design from dynamic drivers, which utilize domes or cones that have coils that produce sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones are more heavy and bulkier than their dynamic counterparts. best planar magnetic headphones require more power.
Planar magnetic drivers sound more natural and realistic than traditional headphones. They give a feeling of space and air, which is especially noticeable in open-back headphones. However, they do not isolate sound very well so that listeners could hear their surroundings in a noisy setting.
Planar magnetic headphones are also known for their excellent bass quality. This is because of their huge size of drivers, which lets them provide deep bass notes that are full with the feel. This makes for more rounded and nuanced listening experience.
Unfortunately, this type of performance is not always available at lower price points. The most affordable over-ear planar magnetic headphones place more focus on the details in the mids and highs instead of bass. This is due to the cost of making the magnetic materials required is significantly higher than it would be for a standard dynamic headphone driver.
Planar headphones tend to leak more than open-back dynamic headphones. This is because they utilize two opposing magnetic fields to move the diaphragm. This could cause noise to be released away from the earcup, which can disturb others.
The ideal headphones for you will depend on your budget and personal audio requirements. Closed-back planar magnets are a great choice for those who want a 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 having to worry about background noise or other distractions. Closed-back planar magnetic headphones are also available in a variety of styles, ranging from sleek and contemporary to classic and timeless.
Comfort
A good pair can make the difference between enjoying a wonderful listening experience and being distracted by 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 some things you need to think about when choosing this model.
Planar magnetic headphones function differently from dynamic headphones. While dynamic headphones use a dome or speaker cone, planar headphones have an extremely thin diaphragm that is sandwiched between two magnetic elements. They utilize a voice coil and magnets to alter the diaphragm. This results in less distortion and improved resolution.
This unique design produces more soundstage than conventional headphones. The larger diaphragm creates an enveloping wavefront that surrounds the ear canal instead of the more focused spherical waves that are typical of the majority of dynamic drivers. This change in soundstage lets you to hear audio that is more real and immersive.
Many people are shocked to find that headphones designed for planar use have outstanding bass quality. They are often much more powerful than dynamic headphones and produce deep bass notes that are well-balanced. This is due to the fact that the bass isn't limited to a specific frequency range like conventional headphones but extends all the way 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 intended by its creator. This is particularly important for classical music and other genres that are often recorded in stereo.
Another benefit of planar magnetic headphones is the ability to be lighter weight than other headphones. While the first designs of the planar magnetic headphones were heavy, the latest technology has allowed for smaller diaphragms as well as more efficient designs. This has made the headphones more comfortable.
Compared to other headphones, the HiFiMAN Sundara closed back planar headphones are light and have excellent noise amplification. They feature a wide soundstage, a full sound, and a full-bodied rich sound. They're not suitable for everyone. They're not suitable for people who just like listening to pop or rock music and don't require a rich sound.