HiFiMAN Sundara Closed Back Headphones Review
Planar magnetic headphones have an elongated diaphragm that vibrates in response to an electromagnetic signal. These headphones offer better imaging and soundstage than their counterparts with dynamic drivers.
These can be expensive especially if you're seeking a pair of boutique audio brands. Audiophiles who want to experience their music in a fresh way may find it worth the cost.
Cost
Planar magnetic headphones are different from dynamic drivers, which utilize a dome or cone with an electric coil to vibrate the membrane. Instead, they employ ultra-thin conductor-imprinted membranes strung over powerful magnet arrays. This allows them to be adjusted at an incredible speed and with very little distortion. These headphones are designed to strike the perfect balance of audio quality and comfort for audiophiles who want the best listening experience.
Comparatively to their dynamic counterparts they are more expensive. However, this doesn't mean that you should avoid buying a pair of planar headphones since they have plenty to provide. They can provide an enhanced and refined sound, and have greater clarity and structure. Their bass quality is usually 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 transparent. They can expose flaws or sound characteristics in your amplifier and DAC you might have missed using other headphones. This is the reason they are so popular among audiophiles, since they give a more accurate description of the music they listen to. Furthermore, they feature the benefit of having a low impedence which allows them to be used with a wide range of amplifiers and portable devices.
Closed-back planar headphones have an impressive soundstage and are comfortable to wear. The ear cups of closed-back headphones are more spacious than traditional headphones. This allows them to fit more comfortably and block out most outside noise. They are lightweight and easy to carry around. Some pairs can be folded for easy storage. It is still advisable to measure your ears before purchasing the right pair.
Planar magnetic headphones have better treble response than dynamic headphones. However it is important to note that some planar headphones have more of a linear bass response than their dynamic counterparts. This is due to the fact that planar headphones have a lower range of frequencies and don't have as much rolloff when they are played at higher volume. Certain high-end planars, like the Audeze LCD-5 and HiFiMAN Sundara have a great bass response, which is comparable to dynamic cans of this price range.
Soundstage
It's essential to understand your options when you're looking for a pair of brand new headphones. There are two main kinds of drivers that are planar magnetic and dynamic. Each type has its own pros and cons. The top planar magnet headphones provide a large soundstage that provides the listener with an immersive and expansive experience. They also provide precise and detailed audio reproduction. These features make them ideal for home entertainment and critical listening.
Planar magnetic headphones accomplish this by using a flat diaphragm that is sandwiched between magnet arrays. When electrical signals are transmitted from your source of audio to the headphone's acoustic transducer, the magnets cause the diaphragm to vibrate, generating sound waves. This is much like the way that a speaker creates music. The advantage of the planar magnetic driver is that it gives greater precision and detail than a dynamic driver, and also consumes less power.
Planar magnetic headphones come with a drawback in that they leak sound a bit more than traditional closed-back or open-back models. This can be problematic when you're in a noisy setting or if you're looking to isolate yourself from other users. Certain manufacturers employ innovative materials that make it easier to solve this problem. The AUDIVINA model from HIFIMAN is a perfect example of this type of technology. It uses a unique chamber to reduce distortion and leakage without altering the natural dynamics of the soundstage.
The Dan Clark Audio Stealth closed-back planar magnet headphone has exceptional bass extension with a relaxed high-end. This makes them ideal for blues and rock however, they can also handle more subtle genres as well. For instance, the drum 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 provide more natural soundstages, particularly when compared with dynamic models. This is because the diaphragm's flat surface has conductor traces, which allow it to respond to the magnetic field produced by the magnets. This is an even more precise method than the pistonic motion of a voice coil, which can cause distortion.
Isolation
Planar magnetic headphones utilize flat diaphragms with an conductive pattern sandwiched between two magnet arrays. The electrical 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 use domes and cones that have coils to generate sound vibrations. This is the reason why the planar magnetic headphones are typically slightly heavier and larger than their dynamic counterparts and also consume a little more power.
In contrast to traditional headphones that use planar magnetic drivers, they produce an incredibly natural and realistic soundstage. They provide a sense of space and air that is especially evident in open-back headphones. However, they cannot effectively block out sound and listeners can hear their surroundings in a noisy space.
headphones shop of headphones that are planar magnetic is another area in which they typically perform well. This is because of their large driver size that lets them provide full-bodied and thick bass notes that are brimming with the feel. This gives them the listener a more sophisticated experience that many find satisfying and enjoyable.
Unfortunately, this kind of performance is not always accessible at lower prices. The most affordable planar magnetic over-ear headphones are more focused on trebles and mids than bass. The cost of making the magnetic materials is greater than that of dynamic headphone drivers.
Another issue with planar headphones is that they tend to leak more often than traditional open-back dynamic headphones. This is because they use two opposing magnetic fields to move the diaphragm. This could cause the sound to be removed away from the earcup, which can disturb others.
The best pair of headphones for you depends on your personal requirements for audio and budget. If you're looking to purchase a top pair of headphones that can be used for long listening sessions, consider closed-back planar magnetic headphones. These offer excellent isolation for a quieter listening experience, and can be paired with active noise cancellation technology to provide 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 are available in a range of styles from sleek and contemporary to classic and timeless.
Comfort
A great pair of headphones can mean the difference between having a great music experience and being distracted by a sloppy fitting or sore spots on your head. The HiFiMAN Sundara closed back planar headphones provide a premium listening experience in a comfortable package. However there are a few points to be kept in mind when considering this model.
Planar magnetic headphones function differently from dynamic headphones. While dynamic headphones employ a dome or speaker cone while planar headphones feature an extremely thin diaphragm that is sandwiched between two magnets. These headphones use magnets and a voice coil to alter the diaphragm. This results in less distortion and better resolution.
This unique design also provides an even larger soundstage than conventional headphones. This is because the wider diaphragm creates a wavefront that encompasses your ear canal instead of a more narrow and spherical wavefront, which is typical of the majority of dynamic drivers. This alteration in the soundstage makes the audio you're hearing to feel more natural and more enveloping.
Many people are shocked to find that headphones designed for planar use have a remarkable bass quality. They are typically more powerful than dynamic headphones and can create deep bass notes that are subtle. This is due to the fact that the bass isn't limited to a single frequency like conventional headphones but extends all the way to 20Hz.
The superior imaging of planar magnetic headphones is also well-known. This is the ability of the headphones to accurately reflect the stereo balance and location of instruments in the manner intended by the music's creator. This is particularly important for classical music as well as other genres which are usually recorded in stereo.
Another benefit of planar magnetic headphones is their capacity to be lighter weight than other headphones. Early designs of planar magnet headphones were heavy. Modern technology has made it possible to use thinner diaphragms, and create more efficient designs. This has made the headphones much more comfortable.
In comparison to other headphones, the HiFiMAN Sundara closed-back planar headphones are comparatively light and offer excellent noise isolation. They have a huge soundstage, a full sound, and a full-bodied rich sound. They're not suitable for all. They're not for people who only listen to pop or rock music and don't care about a detailed, accurate sound.