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1 / 9An entry-level set of planar magnetic headphones with a not-so-entry-level performance.
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Wired-3.5mm is the most common — on 47% of the 250 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 241).
above average for over-ear headphones — based on 199 of 241 we've cataloged.
Objective measurements from the SoundGuys test lab — overlay other models to see how this one compares.
HIFIMAN SUNDARA Frequency Response (measured on a B&K 5128)
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Measured frequency response (dB relative) against the SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve. When the measurement goes above the dashed line, that frequency is louder than our preference curve, and when it goes below: it's quieter. Use the curve for comparison purposes only, as your taste may vary.
| Frequency (Hz) | Response (dB) |
|---|---|
| 20 | -11.3 |
| 25 | -8.8 |
| 32 | -6.6 |
| 40 | -3.8 |
| 50 | -2.2 |
| 63 | -1.0 |
| 80 | -1.0 |
| 100 | -1.2 |
| 125 | -1.4 |
| 160 | -1.8 |
| 200 | -2.0 |
| 250 | -2.0 |
| 315 | -2.0 |
| 400 | -1.7 |
| 500 | -1.9 |
| 630 | -1.0 |
| 800 | -0.2 |
| 1000 | 0.4 |
| 1250 | 1.1 |
| 1600 | 2.0 |
| 2000 | 3.1 |
| 2500 | 5.6 |
| 3150 | 9.4 |
| 4000 | 8.8 |
| 5000 | 6.7 |
| 6300 | 8.1 |
| 8000 | 8.2 |
| 10000 | 5.5 |
| 12500 | -1.6 |
| 16000 | -3.4 |
| 20000 | -13.2 |
HIFIMAN SUNDARA Attenuation (measured on a B&K 5128)
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Solid lines: passive isolation (dB) with ANC off — how much ambient noise the fit blocks on its own. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | -0.8 |
| 26 | -0.1 |
| 33 | -0.5 |
| 41 | -0.4 |
| 52 | -0.1 |
| 65 | 0.0 |
| 82 | -0.2 |
| 103 | -0.2 |
| 130 | 0.3 |
| 163 | 0.2 |
| 205 | 0.2 |
| 259 | 0.2 |
| 325 | 0.2 |
| 410 | -0.2 |
| 516 | 0.1 |
| 613 | -0.9 |
| 772 | -2.0 |
| 972 | -1.3 |
| 1220 | -1.1 |
| 1540 | 0.2 |
| 1940 | -0.4 |
| 2440 | 0.1 |
| 3070 | 1.4 |
| 3870 | -1.9 |
| 4870 | 0.5 |
| 6130 | 6.2 |
| 7720 | 5.9 |
| 9720 | 1.6 |
| 12200 | 3.9 |
| 15400 | 1.8 |
| 19400 | 4.5 |
The verdict
The HiFiMan Sundara is the set of headphones to get if you want high-end audio, but don't want to shell out a king's ransom for it. These planar magnetic headphones are comfortable, straightforward, and excellent performers.
✓Liked: Sound quality, Comfort, Pads are eyeglasses-friendly
✕Could be better: Weight, Open backs mean no isolation
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Own the HIFIMAN SUNDARA?
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What readers ask about the HIFIMAN SUNDARA, answered by the people who own it.
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Ask the first question →Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
Tom TriggsContributorI've reviewed headphones for over a decade: Here are 5 things I wish they did differentlyHeadphone companies: help me help you
Christian ThomasEditor-at-large5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027Here's where things are headed.Christian ThomasEditor-at-largeWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.Tom TriggsContributor
2 of 4 would buy again
4 owners · owners report ~40 h per charge vs 40 h claimed
Expected more from the fit and build
The battery beat their expectations
The noise cancelling beat their expectations
1 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
Nothing surprising about comfort
0 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
The noise cancelling beat their expectations
0 of 1 would buy again
1 owner · 1 photo-verified
Expected more from comfort
0 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
Comfort beat their expectations
