HIFIMAN SUNDARA Hi-Fi Headphone with 3.5mm Connectors, Planar Magnetic, Comfortable Fit with Updated Earpads-Black, 2020 Version

Short Answer:The short answer to the question is the Sundara the New Value King? No I think that title still goes to the 58x. But it is the new value king for the mid range HiFi offerings with the 6xx, DT 1990, and the Sundara as the three most popular options in the MidFi space. But is the Sundara End Game for People on a budget (myself included)? Yes. To my ears the Sundara is miles better than the 6xx. One listen side by side and the Sundara was immediately noticeably clearer with better sound stage and imaging which helped to aid its superior detail retrieval in busy recordings. Needless to say the Sundara at its current price of $350 blew me away. It punches much higher than its price point would suggest. If the name of the game is detail and resolution I think it is as good if not maybe even better than some of the more expensive offerings such as the DT 1990 pro and Focal Elex. Of course those headphones also do some other things better than the Sundara, but if your stuck with the 6xx or 58x and wondering where to go from here then the Sundara is a true step up without breaking the bank.Long Answer:Anyone who has listened to the 6xx knows that it has a warm / dark tonality. The vocals are very intimate and everything sounds like its in your head (no soundstage). The 6xx is never fatiguing with the highs and the lows rolled off, you might describe the 6xx as the opposite of V shaped. The 6xx magic is in the mid range where stringed instruments and vocalists really pop out at you but without being shouty or fatiguing. If the 6xx is "neutral warm" then the 58x takes that to another level with a slight elevation in the mid bass punch, with just slightly better dynamics the 58x would be described as warm/dark tonality or just darker than the 6xx, but only slightly.I would describe the Sundara's tonality as neutral, maybe neutral bright. But overall I feel like it is neutral. Even though there is more air in the upper frequencies compared to the 6xx, I don't feel like the treble is pushed more forward compared to the rest of the frequency response. What I really like a lot about the Sundara is that it extends well into both the lower and upper frequencies but without over emphasizing anything.Out of the box the bass on the Sundara is flat but extends well. Even though the 6xx has a thicker mid bass presence it lacks in the sub bass and begins to roll off quite aggressively after 100hz, and anything lower than 60hz is probably inaudible. As far as dynamics neither the Sundara or 6xx are extremely punchy headphones. But I want to emphasize with EQ the dynamics can be improved significantly on the Sundara, when I added +4db to the sub bass I could really get the Sundara to rumble. Neither the 6xx or Sundara are bass head type of headphones. But unlike the 6xx the Sundara can scale quite well with some EQ and actually sound really good because of how well it naturally extends into the sub bass. The best part is that when I do add +4db to around the 40hz - 120hz the Sundara is still very clean and tight in the mid/sub bass without distorting the rest of the frequency response. Since with the 6xx it is already a warm tonality headphone, doing the same exact EQ just made the mid bass sound more bloated without improving on the dynamics and the rest of the frequency just sounded more dark without getting the desired effect.Mid range and vocalists on the Sundara is not as intimate as the 6xx, however I wouldn't characterize it as being very distant either. It is still somewhat intimate, but instead of hearing everything in your head like the 6xx, the vocalists are maybe 2 - 3 steps back. This really plays well into the sound stage and imaging. But the Sundara is not as lush as the 6xx, and the 6xx has a slightly more forward and fuller mid range, especially the lower mids. But just like the rest of the frequency response, the Sundara is able to pull out more detail and resolution in the mids. Where the 6xx may smooth out some imperfections in a recording or a singers voice. The Sundara will reveal and highlight any imperfections, which could be seen as either good or bad depending on how you view it. But with stringed instruments, synths, or electronic music, the Sundaras detail retrieval just makes for a very exciting listening experience.The highs/treble is where I think the Sundara wipe the floor against the 6xx. As someone who is some what treble sensitive, hence why I gravitated to the 58x and 6xx. Sibilance was something I was concerned about when purchasing the Sundara because prior to listening to the Sundaras I had actually listened to the DT 1990 pro. Those cans were the ones I had been eyeing for the longest time (amazing build quality), but the one thing that stopped me from making the final purchase was sibilance. The DT 1990 pros also had really good detail retrieval in the highs, but it came at a cost of the highs being more forward and even slightly shouty (sometimes). Long listening sessions or female vocalists that reached the upper mids could come off harsh at times. The 1990's were great at a lot of things, but to me the sibilance was a deal breaker. The Sundara on the other hand I find strikes this great balance of being very airy and crystal clear in the highs, but at the same time walking this tight rope of getting you close enough to enjoy the magic, but pulling you away before it gets too fatiguing/sibilant.Sound stage and Imaging on the Sundaras is also very different compared to the 6xx. The 6xx doesn't do sound stage at all (very intimate), and has maybe poor or at best mediocre imaging. It is difficult to sometimes gauge where the direction of the vocalist or guitarist is at on a live recording. The Sundaras sound stage and imaging actually helps it navigate busy recordings better, which I think aids in its overall detail retrieval as multiple instruments or vocalists dont meld as much making it difficult to distinguish a kick drum from a snare to a congo. If you like listening to classical music or anything that benefits from a wide and expansive sound stage then the Sundaras should be on your short list.Final thoughts:I would characterize myself as a bit of a bass head, but also never compromising on detail and resolution. I would never choose more bass at the cost of clarity. Which is why I loved the 58x and 6xx for so long, even though there are headphones that are better for bass (at their respective price category), but often sacrifice on clarity and detail compared to the 58x/6xx. The Sundaras stock out of the box are not bassy headphones. The 58x does mid bass punch really well for its price tag. But the Sundaras like I said earlier, reach deep into the lower frequencies. I want to emphasize this, because you can still hear sub bass with the Sundaras in its stock configuration unlike the 6xx or 58x which roll off, but the Sundaras sub bass is not as forward as you find with the 6xx and 58x in the mid bass range. However what made the Sundaras a "these have great detail and sparkle in the highs, maybe I'll keep them for analytical listening and its unique flavor," to "wow these cans just might be end game for me," boils down to EQ! The Sundara's driver and tuning is like a blank canvas, because of how neutral its presented and how well it extends in the lows and highs, it responds well to EQ. When I add +2db or + 4db into the lower frequencies the Sundara turns into a totally different beast! The bass response can slam and you can feel some of the deep rumbles almost like a car sub woofer. Yes it can get that low and deep at times. But detail retrieval and resolution still stay awesome without the bloat or distortion that I get with the 6xx or 58x, because those headphones are already colored and just like a canvas thats already been colored over, it can be difficult to change the way the 6xx sounds with EQ.Even though the 6xx is cheaper at $220 on drop I just dont know if I could still recommend people to get the 6xx. If I could do it all over again. I would get the 58x and the Sundara and skip the 6xx/650/660s line up. Simply because the 58x sounds very similar to the 650/6xx (they might even be the same driver, but just slightly tweaked differently). Also the 58x is very easy to drive so I can listen to it on my phone or tablet on the go. While I use my 6xx and Sundara at home with my tube amp.Put simply if your looking at the $300 - $700 price range and don't like to EQ, but you enjoy sound stage, airy clear highs and detail retrieval get the Sundara, if you enjoy bass, but you don't like to EQ and have the budget maybe look at the Focal Elex or the DT 1990 pro. (Also the Focal Elex sounds the closest to the "Sennheiser sound," but with just much better dynamics out the gate and without the "Sennheiser veil.") But if you do like to EQ and you enjoy bass get the Sundara. It is near end game at a fraction of the price!

I'll be comparing the Sundara to the 560S throughout. Here’s how things will be weighted. Please keep in mind these scores are relative to the Sundara’s price, not to the 560S’s price. Also, please keep in mind that this is my opinion.Box, Presentation, and accessories: 5%Build and Comfort: 20%Bass: 10%Mids: 15%Treble: 15%Soundstage/Imaging: 15%Technical Performance: 20%Box, Presentation, and accessories:The Sundara comes in a very nice box that has a fake velvet-like material lining the inside. The pads come a bit squashed, but even out quickly. Comparatively, the 560S’ box is basic, but works. Neither should be damaged in shipping.Sundara comes with a short 3.5mm to dual 3.5mm cable, which is of ok quality. It coils a bit, but isn’t terrible. It ends in a 90 degree plug, which shouldn’t be a thing. They are trying to market this as a “mobile friendly” headphone, which it isn’t, so that 90 degree plug is useless and gets in the way. It also includes a 3.5mm to quarter inch adapter.The cable that the 560S comes with is terrible. Like the worst cable I have ever had kind of bad. Even worse than the X2HR’s cable. It’s way too long and terminates in a quarter inch. They do this because the 5XX series of Senns were bought alot by people with home stereos. Because of the long length and termination, it is a pain to use with a desktop amp and a nightmare to use with my portable DAC/amp. You have to use an included \~5 inch adapter to convert to 3.5mm. Why not just terminate in 3.5 to begin with? Awful cable.Sundara: 7/10HD560S: 2/10Comfort and Build:My first experience with Sundara in the comfort department was not good. The 2018 version clamped too much, jabbed my ears, and caused jaw pressure issues. I am happy to report that the 2020 version has fixed all of those issues. The only other remaining issue is that the ear cups are a bit small, and my ears can get crowded at times, but it's not bad. I have a larger than average head, and my ears are very sensitive on the outside. Guys, I am very picky about comfort, and I think Sundara is fine. For context, I sent back the SHP9500 because they were uncomfy to me. The 560S would have been great if not for two things. They have plenty of space for my ears on the inside, but there is a protrusion at the back that pokes them and hurts very quickly. They also have an uneven strong clamp on my face, which doesn’t help. I could make them work, but the Sundara are better. Of course, after a while, both become uncomfy, but that happens to almost anything.For the build, it's interesting. Usually Hifiman has the worse build and Sennhieser the better, but it's the opposite this time. The Sundara are built very well, almost completely out of metal. The only issue is the adjustment mechanism scratches the metal and leaves a silver tone. Not a huge deal, but odd that it happens and they haven’t fixed it yet. I guess it’s a sure fire way to check if they have been used yet or not! The 560S are comparatively made out of mostly plastic, and feel somewhat cheap. They are a lot lighter though, and I would actually expect them to last longer than the Sundara due to the 5XX series’ reputation for longevity.Sundara: 8/10560S: 6.5/10Sound:Bass:Overall, the Sundara have better bass. I feel that it is more present over the anemic 560S’ bass response, and it is faster and quicker. The Sundara feels like it has a more impactful bass due to it’s excellent punch and slam qualities. You also can EQ the Sundara’s bass to your heart’s extent, not so much on the 560S. Obviously, the Sundara still has fairly neutral bass, but it’s right in line to where I prefer it.Sundara: 8.5/10560S: 7/10Mids:Both headphones have good mids, but the 560S has more present mids, almost to its detriment sometimes. The 560S can get shouty in comparison to the Sundara, while not gaining any resolution from the heightened mids response. The Sundara may even have better resolution here even while not being as forward in the mids. The Sundara’s mids are just, really good. Nothing really to say about them because they are so transparent and neutral. Right where they should be. The 560S is a bit more shouty and present, and you may like that. I can describe the shout as like the flare of the sun’s rays through glasses. It physically hurts, and prevents you from seeing what you want to. The 560S does the same thing to music very occasionally, and the Sundara does it much, much, less.Sundara: 9/10560S: 8/10Treble:This is interesting. The 560S and Sundara both have excellent treble for the price, and are somewhat similar to one another, but the Sundara is much more refined. It has better resolution and a more controlled and smoother response. Both have peaks, and both have sibilance, just at different spots. The 560S sounds a bit more “grainy” here and isn’t the resolution king at $200. The Sundara *IS* the resolution king at $350 though. Don’t fall into the hype, the 560S is not creating detail on the level of HD 6X0. The Sundara exceeds HD 6X0 handily. I feel that the 560S is a on the side of bright neutral, while the Sundara is more close to neutral in the treble response. The Sundara is definitely where I would like it to be more, it doesn’t sound as harsh or overbearing as the 560S.Sundara: 9.5/10560S: 7.5/10Soundstage and Imaging:I’m not the best here, but I can definitely tell that the Sundara has a much larger stage than the 560S. The 560S is much larger than HD 6X0, but the Sundara destroys it. The 560S would be described as more “flat” as not as vertical, and more “accurate” to the original recording, but the Sundara just gives a more surrounding and deep soundstage. The Sundara is more layered and more encompassing. The Sundara still isn’t the best at the price though, about average in width. For imaging, both are amazing for the price, but the Sundara is better.Sundara: 8.5/10560S: 6/10Technical Performance:This is where Sundara shines. The overall sense of clarity and resolution is excellent here, and the distinction between individual sounds is some of the best that I have heard. Sundara also has an excellent punch and slam. The 560S is not slouch for $200 though, but it cannot compare to the Sundara. It is lower resolution, can’t show sounds as distinctly, and is very shy on punch and slam. Clarity is very good for the price though, but this could be due to the slight tilt toward brightness.Sundara: 10/10560S: 7/10Side Note: Power RequirementsI would recommend an amp with both, but you can probably get away without one with the 560S. I feel that Sundara really needs an amp. On most devices I tried, I either could not get enough volume or had to crank it to get to an ok listening level.Overall Score and Value Conclusion:Sundara: 8.2/10560S: 6.2/10So, if it isn’t obvious, Sundara is better. It should be better, because it costs $150 more. The 560S isn’t bad at all though. In a price-relative rating close to $200, it would have scored at least and 8 I would predict.If you can pay the extra, I would for Sundara. It is just the superior headphone in most every aspect. If you want a transparent, accurate, and detailed jack of most trades then look no further than the Sundara.

4 year review with these cans. Let's get the cons out of the way: The cable out of the box is bad, buy something better right away. The stock pads started falling apart after about 9 months for me, I swapped to the Dekoni Sheepskin pads and they have been perfect for the past 3 years since.These things somewhat chomp into the great value of the headphones, but these headphones already punch way above their weight in terms of value.The pros now that the two cons are out of the way: The sound quality is top notch, it takes some time to get used to Planar Magnetics when you've listened to nothing but Dynamic Drivers your entire life. The soundstage is really open, the bass is not heavy but it is very tight and responsive, speaking of which it's very responsive across all frequencies. A lot of sound quality is personal preference and not everyones ears are the same, but these headphones are excellent for me. For a while I had them EQ'd while I was transitioning away from my Dynamic headphones. Now I run them as they are, and I really enjoy the sound quality. I used to hear things about Hifiman having spotty quality control, but I have had these for going on 4 years and they are still going great. The only recent issue is the faux leather on the headband is starting to wear off, but the headband is still very comfortable and the fitment adjustments are still tight and snug.If bass is your main need in headphones and not detail, then stick with Dynamic Drivers. If you're ready to explore and can sacrifice bass which imo is all Dynamics have to offer, then give The Sundaras a shot. They are great headphones.