Наушники — HiFiMAN Sundara

The Sundara is an open-back, over-ear planar magnetic headphone from HiFiMAN that arrived in 2018 at USD 499, taking the price point previously held by the HE400i, which launched at the same figure. The design was later revised, and a 2020 version introduced updated earpads. HiFiMAN now prices the open Sundara at USD 299, and the company also offers a Sundara Closed-Back derivative with Stealth magnets for buyers who need isolation.

Key specs that matter

HiFiMAN quotes a frequency response of 6 Hz to 75 kHz. Impedance is 32 ohm, sensitivity 92 dB and weight 342 g for the original version, while later production is rated at 37 ohm, 94 dB per mW and 372 g. The cable runs 1.5 m, uses crystalline copper wire and ends in a 3.5 mm plug for the source. Each earcup has its own 3.5 mm mono TRS socket, which replaced the 2.5 mm sockets of earlier HiFiMAN models, so the cable is dual entry and detaches from both sides.

Engineering and use context

The driver uses HiFiMAN's NEO supernano Diaphragm, abbreviated NsD, which is between 1 and 2 microns thick and about 80 percent thinner than the film used in the HE400 series. A thinner, lighter film carries less moving mass, so the planar conductor traces printed on it can follow the signal with less stored energy and lower distortion. Because the rear of the earcup is open, air moves freely behind the diaphragm, which avoids pressure build-up inside the cup but also means the headphone leaks and admits outside noise, so it suits a quiet room rather than a train or an open office. The frame and yokes are aluminium, chosen for low weight and long service life. A hybrid headband pairs a metal arc with a separate strap that spreads the load across the crown and avoids pressure points during long sessions, and the earpads are bevelled and covered with a leather-like material.

Pairing

The low impedance means phones, laptops and portable players can drive it to usable levels, although a planar magnetic driver of this type draws more current than a typical dynamic headphone, so a desktop headphone amplifier with generous current delivery leaves more headroom. Since both earcups take standard mono plugs, owners can move to an aftermarket balanced cable terminated in 4.4 mm or 4-pin XLR for amplifiers with balanced headphone outputs.

Alternatives

The HiFiMAN Sundara Closed-Back keeps the NEO supernano Diaphragm but places it in sealed cups with Stealth magnets for listening where sound leakage matters.