r/positive
I've been pretty careless with my Sundaras and they are fine. But now that I read that, it makes sense that I can sometimes hear a very small rattle now and then when I leave them lying on my desktop.
About this product
The HiFiMAN Sundara are open-back planar magnetic headphones, often considered a mid-tier audiophile option. Redditors note their excellent value, especially refurbished, and their strong performance with instrumental music. Sentiment is 57% positive among mentions.
Best for: Instrumental music listeners seeking audiophile value.
Pros
- Great for instrumental music
- Excellent value, especially refurbished
- Good for EQ adjustments
- Nice accessories included
Cons
- Mindshare replaced by newer headphones
- Relaxed tuning not ideal for gaming
- Gunshots lack punch in games
- Organic treble can be boosted and hard to EQ
Verdict
โConsider the HiFiMAN Sundara for its value and musicality, but be aware its mindshare has been overtaken by newer models.โ
AI-generated summary based on Reddit discussions about HiFiMAN Sundara. Last updated Apr 20, 2026.
What one Redditor said
โI've been pretty careless with my Sundaras and they are fine. But now that I read that, it makes sense that I can sometimes hear a very small rattle now and then when I leave them lying on my desktop.โ
Reddit reviews
+ 7~ 0โ 1
r/positive
I was listening to some songs on my Aryas when I first got them and they sounded good, but this is the one that blew me away.
r/positive
I own he1k unveiled. Literally as โfragileโ of a driver as you can have, and theyโre fine. Just take care of them and treat them like any other high price item that means something to you.
r/positive
Even the he1000se that sounds like you're in a completely new dimension with it's massive soundstage
r/negative
I had the he5se, absolutely horrid but took eq incredibly well.
r/positive
I then tried HEKSE and found my personal endgame
r/positive
the hifiman he600 is the only hifiman (outside of susvara) that i would consider over the lcd-2c.
r/positive
one thing thats worked for me on my sundaras and he400se is to point the driver down and play something really bassy with the volume up. This is usually enough to remove the hair in mh experience.
Specifications
- Driver
- 80mm Planar Magnetic
- Frequency Response
- 6Hzโ75kHz
- Impedance
- 37ฮฉ
- Type
- Open-back
- Weight
- 372g
- Connectivity
- 3.5mm (with 6.35mm adapter)
- Driver Type
- Planar Magnetic
โจ AI advisor
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Describe your use case โ Lava will tell you if this is the right pick, or recommend an alternative with cited Reddit sources.
Head-to-head
HiFiMAN Sundara vs alternatives
How it stacks up against the top-ranked alternatives in the same category.
๐ฆ
#2Bose
vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
-12% sentimentยท+6 more mentions
#9Hifiman
vs HE1000 Unveiled Full-Size Over-Ear Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphone with Stealth Magnets for Audiophiles, Home & Studio Listening
-12% sentimentยท+7 more mentions
๐ฆ
#17Sennheiser
vs Sennheiser HD 660S2
+7% sentimentยท8 fewer mentions
๐ฆ
#21Sennheiser
vs Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
+13% sentimentยท+6 more mentions
Frequently asked
HiFiMAN Sundara: What people ask
Is the HiFiMAN Sundara still a good buy?
Redditors generally consider the Sundara good value, especially refurbished. However, some note that its prominence has been overshadowed by many newer headphones in the market.
Who are the HiFiMAN Sundara best for?
They are highly recommended for listeners of instrumental music, with specific praise for violin reproduction. They are also noted to respond well to EQ.
What are the main complaints about the HiFiMAN Sundara?
The primary complaints revolve around their gaming performance, where the tuning is considered too relaxed, leading to flatter sound and lack of punch for effects like gunshots. Some also find the organic treble boosted and difficult to tame.
How does the Sundara perform for gaming?
Reddit users generally find the Sundara's relaxed tuning less suitable for gaming. They report a flatter in-game sound and a lack of impact for sound effects like gunshots.
Can the HiFiMAN Sundara be easily EQ'd?
Yes, Redditors mention that the Sundara is good for EQ, indicating that its drivers respond well to adjustments, allowing users to tailor the sound to their preference.
Is there a cheaper alternative to the HiFiMAN Sundara?
The provided Reddit data does not explicitly mention cheaper alternatives to the HiFiMAN Sundara. Users often discuss its value for money, particularly when found refurbished.
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