Our Take: The HiFiMAN Sundara Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones are the perfect follow-up to HiFiMAN's critically acclaimed HE-400 series. Its not often you can get quality planar magnetic headphones at a price point that doesn't seem ridiculous but the Sundara slots in perfectly. Coming in at under $500, the HiFiMAN Sundara have a natural, detailed sound to accompany their lightweight comfort and beautiful design.
"The Sundara is possibly the best bang for the buck headphone available right now. Not only does it outclass just about everything in its price bracket for detail retrieval, it also competes with headphones at much higher price tags. The Sundara has a slightly counter-clockwise tilted frequency response, meaning it has a treble focused tonality, however it's also smooth and non-fatiguing. The bass is also tight and well-defined, however it does roll off slightly in the sub-bass. If I had one other criticism, it's that the cups don't swivel, but I did find the Sundara to be reasonably comfortable over time - it just took a bit to get used to it. Apart from that, for anyone looking for some of the best value in high end headphones, I can confidently say that this is it."
-Andrew Park (@Resolve)
The Sundara utilizes its ultra-thin diaphragm to deliver low distortion and high sensitivity so the the Sundara can be utilized with a number of different sources, including your mobile devices! The planar magnetic drivers of the Sundara guarantee fast transient response, excellent planar bass, and a frequency range of 6 hz - 75 hz.
Not only do the Sundara sound absolutely magnificent, they are comfortable as hell as well. Weighing in at 372 grams with its aluminum build, the HiFiMAN Sundara is barely noticeable on your head and the headband design allows for even weight distribution across the board.
If you are thinking of getting into planar sound but you're not quite ready to take the plunge into the higher end offerings from MrSpeakers, Audeze or HiFiMAN, then we would tell you to look no further than the Sundara. The Sundara represents the perfect entry point into planar magnetic headphones and for a lot of people, will also be their stopping point as the need to upgrade won't be there.
Highlights
The Sanskrit word "Sundara" literally means "beautiful" and this all new Planar Magnetic headphone fits this description in every way.
NEO "supernano" Diaphragm (NsD)
The all new NsD is 80% thinner than previous designs resulting in a faster, more detailed response while retaining lush musicality never before possible. At between 1 to 2 microns thick, the NsD diaphragm sets all be standards.
HIFIMAN has advanced its manufacturing processes to create this all new planer driver at unheard of prices. The SUNDARA at $349 retail, HIFIMAN has gain set an all new bar for performance-to-value ration that the rest of the industry will have a very difficult time following.
Hybrid Headband Design
The new SUNDARA has a carefully designed weight dispersing strap allowing the headband to afford outstanding comfort. All combined in an accentuated fashion conscious look, with a sleek and sumptuous matte black finish.
Form Follows Function
A sleek visual headband, using lightweight aluminum to keep it strong, light and urban friendly.
Ready for Anything
New 3.5mm headphone connector for enhanced durability
The Hifiman Sundara comes with one year of manufacturer's warranty.
Yes the Hifiman Sundara requires a headphone amplifier and cannot be driven probably straight from your smartphone or soundcard. An excellent amplifier for the Hifiman Sundara is the Topping L50.
Refund Policy
When Taron and Andrew Lissimore started headphones.com, they wanted to create the headphone store they wished existed. As headphone enthusiasts, they dreamed of a store with 365-day returns.
So they decided they were going to try to make 365-day returns work - no matter how ridiculous it sounded to their friends.
Years later, they're still doing it, and their friends still think they're crazy.
So take some time to get to know your new gear. We want you to enjoy your purchase for years, not just a few weeks. If you're not satisfied, you can return items in like-new condition for up to 365 days.
Returns
Returns process
Returning is easy - Start by filling out this form https://returns.headphones.com/. Please include your serial number and a detailed reason for your return. If you do not provide a return reason, your return may be rejected.
When your return is accepted, an instant store credit will be sent along with a return label. You can use the instant credit to make another purchase right away. If you prefer a refund to your original payment method, we will process the refund to your original payment method once your item has been received and inspected by our team. The inspection process can take up to 5-7 business days.
Once you have received your return label, you have 7 business days to drop off your return. If your return has not been dropped off at the courier within 7 days, an additional 30% restocking fee will apply. If your return is not dropped off within 30 days, your return will no longer be accepted.
To avoid additional restocking fees, your item must be in like-new condition with its original packaging. It must also include all original accessories and manuals. Please add a larger shipping box to protect the original packaging during shipping. The cost of the return shipping will be deducted from your refund.
Return eligibility
Your item must be in like-new condition with its original packaging, accessories and manuals. Please use a shipping box to protect the original packaging during shipping.
The following items are not eligible for returns:
Sale or discounted items,
Final sale items
Special order items
Open-box items
Price-matched items
Accessories, such as ear pads and ear tips (for hygienic reasons)
These items are still covered by the manufacturer's warranty, where applicable.}
Cryptocurrency
If you paid with cryptocurrency, we will refund you either (1) the exact amount of cryptocurrency used to make the purchase or (2) the original USD purchase amount at our discretion.
Restocking Fees
All items have a base restocking fee of 10%. Return shipping costs are deducted from your refund. There is no grace period on restocking fees and they apply from day 1 to day 365.
The following additional restocking fees apply to the items listed below:
In-Ear Headphones +5%
Affirm Financing +5%
Missing Accessories or original packaging +15%
Products with batteries +5%
Earwax or Dirty headphones +25%
Return of more than 2 items in a calendar year +25%
Failure to ship item within 7 days of receiving return label +30%
Cancellations
All Affirm financing orders have a 5% cancellation fee.
For all other payment methods, your first cancellation is free. Subsequent cancellations have a 5% cancellation fee. We understand that sometimes life happens and an order needs to be cancelled, but we pay a non-refundable payment processing fee for each transaction.
Special order items are non-cancellable and non-returnable. Special order items may ship earlier or later than the estimated shipping window and this will not be accepted as grounds for cancellation.
Policy Abuse
In order to provide a 365-day return policy, we need to take abuse seriously.
We reserve the right to refuse orders from customers we believe have abused, or will abuse, our return policy, at our discretion. This includes customers who spread returns across multiple accounts.
We made our return policy to help you find gear you feel great about for a long time. Most people use it exactly as intended. We don't want the handful of people who attempt to abuse our policy to ruin it for everyone else.