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Hifiman Sundara Headphones $399.81 Delivered @ Amazon UK via AU

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Hifiman Sundara Headphones $399.81 Delivered @ Amazon UK via AUAffiliate
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jeo on 14/08/2022 - 22:00 amazon.com.au (2705 clicks)
Last edited 15/08/2022 - 14:18 by 1 other user
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Got a price alert that this dropped to below $400. Won't pick it up myself as I've already got the Audio-Technica ATH-R70X but I've tried this at Minidisc Chatswood and think the details and technicalities of this headphone is superior (in planar fashion). I'd personally fork out the extra $175 to pick up the Edition XS on sale but if you like this style of cups and/or having the headband this isn't too bad of a price to pick this headphone up.

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closed Comments

  • CyberMurning on 14/08/2022 - 22:25
    +1

    So, will average joe can tell the difference between this and say $150 can?

    • HaydosK on 14/08/2022 - 22:26
      +2

      It depends.

      • incipient on 14/08/2022 - 22:42
        +4

        I mean it depends how much the average Joe listens to music, and how much hearing loss he has. So..it does depend?

        • HaydosK on 14/08/2022 - 23:27
          +3

          I mean you can buy bad headphones for $150. It depends on the person and the equipment.

          • Astaltar on 15/08/2022 - 07:45
            -2

            @HaydosK: I'm sorry, but I wouldn't call $150 headphones bad

            • johnno07 on 15/08/2022 - 07:50
              +15

              @Astaltar: But you definitely can buy bad headphones for $150.

    • raj koothrappali on 14/08/2022 - 22:53
      +3

      May be but not so average Jeo definitely can

      • jeo on 15/08/2022 - 00:24

        Hahaha, I'd say I definitely can but it depends on a bunch of factors, being musically trained definitely helps in picking up the nuances in sound but once you listen to music enough you can tell when it's presented differently by a different output :)

    • craving on 14/08/2022 - 23:31

      No ifs and buts yes you can. Heck, you can tell the difference between this and a $500 can.

    • Raj09 on 15/08/2022 - 00:32
      +4

      Stop it with the average Joe. The average Joe would buy beats and think it's good. While they are, they are not value for money. The Sundaras reveal so much detail while not adding extra bass everywhere. Demo them and hear d'or yourself. If you still do not want them, then it's fine.

      • 9hundred on 15/08/2022 - 02:01
        +1

        yes this is true that the average joe, buys beats by the Doctor hahahaha it's all just marketing hype.

      • thegamerulez on 15/08/2022 - 09:25

        How and where can I demo them?

        • Raj09 on 15/08/2022 - 09:26
          +2

          Addicted to audio in melb & Perth and minidisc in Sydney

    • ihfree on 15/08/2022 - 11:29

      in this case, I think you'd be able to tell almost instantly. I could going from the HD598SE(~$150ish) -> HD6XX -> Edition XS.

      Going from the HD598SE to the HD6XX was less noticeable for me and took some time to adjust. The change from the HD6XX -> Edition XS was instantly apparent.

      There is also preferred sound signature to consider.

      Joshua Valour did a video on people trying more expensive headphones https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsoJacx1yTs

  • robertwt7 on 14/08/2022 - 22:29

    dang just when I bought DT 900 pro x

    • ThatsCheap on 15/08/2022 - 01:25

      If you purchased from Amazon, especially within 30 days, it's very easy to return them. If you enjoy them, those are great headphones btw, so no fuss. But if you have the extra $100 and can return the DT900 Pro X, I would easily take the Sundara's over them personally.

  • vikaskamboj on 14/08/2022 - 22:35
    -7

    Is there any story behind using Hindi names for some of their models?

    • thesmartone1125 on 14/08/2022 - 22:42
      +5

      Sundara is Sanskrit, not Hindi.

      • raj koothrappali on 14/08/2022 - 22:54
        -7

        Username.. you get the gist

      • vikaskamboj on 14/08/2022 - 23:11
        -2

        We don't consider Sanskrit and hindi different

        • CheapCoffee on 14/08/2022 - 23:39
          +2

          Latin and its derivative languages are considered different languages even when some words are derived/shared.

        • Nubbin on 15/08/2022 - 00:17
          +4

          Hifiman is a Chinese company. The Chinese have a long history of Buddhism which has ancient texts written in Sanskrit. Therefore they'd be aware of cultural references to Sanskrit terms more so than Hindi

          Just guessing though

        • thispasito on 15/08/2022 - 13:24
          +1

          Who is we and consider in what way?

          Sanskrit and Hindi is definitely not the same. Lots of Indian languages derive from Sanskrit. You would say Punjabi derives from Sanskrit but you would not say Punjabi derived from Hindi.

  • Nebuchadnezz on 14/08/2022 - 22:44
    +3

    I actually bought these earlier in the year while in the UK from Amazon haha

    Very happy, not the highest impedance but you'll still need a decent DAC/amplifier to get the most out of them.

    First got into IEMs, so this was my first open-ear headphone. I much prefer wearing these for long periods and while working.

    Also prefer wearing these when taking calls but you'll need an external mic.

  • wildmx on 14/08/2022 - 23:20

    I already have the Senheiser HD 6xx, it sounds great on my Yamaha digital piano. Are these better than the 6xx?

    • craving on 14/08/2022 - 23:33
      +2

      I had the 6xx. I got rid of it as soon as I bought the Sundara.

    • Sxio on 15/08/2022 - 08:32
      +1

      You have the reason why I don't buy many headphones. The senny have such a great sound and are so comfortable.

    • seerious on 15/08/2022 - 11:35
      +1

      No. 100% side-grade.

    • thispasito on 15/08/2022 - 13:36
      +1

      I think different is the way to describe this comparison as opposed to "better".

      The 6XX sounds more intimate and I think it sounds warmer but lacks in having a nice punchy bass.
      Sundara sounds a bit wider but has a nicer bass.

      It's an upgrade if you want more bass but if you really like the warm and intimate vocals on a 6XX then I would not replace it with the Sundara. In fact you may even consider it a downgrade. It's really about your personal preference and what you listen to.

    • DigitalAnalog on 16/08/2022 - 10:25
      +1

      I don't have the Sundara but I do have an Edition XS and I find the HD 6XX makes for a great complementary pair.

  • qtmai on 14/08/2022 - 23:43
    +2

    Amazing headphone, I paid $600 for this 2 years ago and it's amazing

  • congo on 15/08/2022 - 00:28

    Do these have good bass?

    • 9hundred on 15/08/2022 - 02:02
      +1

      BEATS by the doctor deliver basssss hahahaha

    • zjz93 on 15/08/2022 - 06:48
      +1

      somewhat. it extends very deep and will always play bass when its there, but the bass isn't very punchy or dynamic.

    • treborg on 15/08/2022 - 09:08

      It's ok, but no they are not known for strong bass, they give lots of detail.

    • Koin on 16/08/2022 - 01:15
      +1

      They respond very well to equaliser adjustment. I run it on my PC and have Equaliser APO applying a bass heavy profile at all times, definitely does the job.

  • nk7 on 15/08/2022 - 00:59
    +1

    Still waiting on the dt 770 pro, unfortunately missed the deal earlier this year by half an hour :(

  • ThatsCheap on 15/08/2022 - 01:12
    +19

    This is very cheap; 100% a bargain. I have never seen it hit below its usual price of around $549. I followed it for a long time a while back, waiting for a special like this, but I am very happy with what I currently have, so I never ended up purchasing it.

    This headphone is considered one of the best in its price category, and that is at its normal price of around $549. So, at $400, it is definitely the best in this price range. By the way I am assuming this is the 2021 Edition, since the older edition got discontinued. The newer model is better in every aspect, and it is primarily why audiophiles argue it's the best in its price category, almost matching the performance and quality of headphones in the $1000 price bracket.

    EDIT:

    I have to say this in case people get snake oiled though, if you buy it and you do NOT enjoy it, return it, Amazon is open with that and the process is not difficult at all. Please do not waste money on cables and DAC/AMP combinations trying to "get the best out of it or improve it". There is no point, first impressions with sound are very important and wasting money on other gear is not going to make it magically better.

    Your brain over time gets tuned to the sound, and giving any headphone time, will allow you to adjust to tolerating its sound, but I would argue the best type of headphones are the ones you listen to from the first moment, even on cheap gear and say "wow, these sound great". And that's because every person is different when it comes to sound. Don't let people talk you into wasting money on balanced cables, and expensive DACs and AMPs when the sound signature of the headphone itself is not something you enjoy. By all means, spend money to improve those aspects, but first and foremost, the sound of the headphone itself should be something YOU enjoy.

  • Flognuts on 15/08/2022 - 01:26

    These need an amp, I’d almost say don’t bother with them unless you are amping them.

  • JL1 on 15/08/2022 - 08:16

    I thought the edition XS was on discount again from the op's description. Was tempted but then also tempted by a desktop amp I don't need either!

    • tman2020 on 15/08/2022 - 22:10
      +1

      I'm waiting on the XS to come down under $600. Missed out last time they did back in June. Have been tempted a few times to buy from aliexpress for $580.

      • JL1 on 17/08/2022 - 09:25

        Might get cashback from aliexpress but less headache buying from Amazon! I would be tempted when it's under $600 again!

        But not sure if I should try to get he6se v2 instead for upgrade but so many stories of it being super hard to drive.

        • tman2020 on 20/08/2022 - 08:59

          Have been following the price on Amazon for the XS and they just jacked up the price to $770. Can see it coming under $600 again.

  • Rage Roze on 15/08/2022 - 08:50

    I was hoping Sundara would go on sale locally sooner then later as keep eye on this for quite a while and did not feel like messing with UK warranty as suggest by old comments from other listings.

    But yeah, I waited this long, might as well invest in edition XS as I’m alright sticking to mediocre headphones for now.

  • JYCC on 15/08/2022 - 08:51

    I have one of these. They sound excellent but they will reveal flaws in bad recordings, so music that you used to enjoy may become unlistenable

    • jjcf on 15/08/2022 - 09:41
      +1

      That's such an internet audiophile meme. No headphones make music suddenly sound bad because there was some kind of horrible flaw that was being covered up before.

      • zjz93 on 15/08/2022 - 12:17

        unless that flaw is sibilance. some jpop songs i used to listen to are unlistenable without heavy eq now on some of my cans

        • jjcf on 15/08/2022 - 12:41
          +1

          jpop
          unlistenable

          Your story checks out.

    • krisspy on 15/08/2022 - 09:50

      What do people mean "reveals flaws"?

      I'm sure audio engineers have listened to the song thousands of times on gear that costs hundreds of thousand. By audiophile standards it should be perfect right?

      That phrase has been echoing 10 years ago when I got into audio gear, amazing to see the echo chambers still work.

      • ihfree on 15/08/2022 - 10:20

        The squeaky chair in Skinny Love by Birdy is a lot easier to notice on better headphones. At about 2:15 onwards it is noticeable.

        https://youtu.be/aNzCDt2eidg?t=159

        • krisspy on 15/08/2022 - 11:05

          Can perfectly hear the creaks on my phones speaker tbh.

          Most of the time the reveal in details come from simply trimming the bass. Going from consumer V tuned audio gear to a 'flat' open headphone removes the distraction of bass and let's you concentrate on everything else.

    • Manny Calavera on 15/08/2022 - 11:23
      +7

      So you're saying it will do bad things to my "LiNkEn_PaRk_nUmB_128kbit.exe"?

      • Mantzy on 15/08/2022 - 22:14

        Nah mate, that's fine. LimeWire files never corrupt your computer.

    • Nebuchadnezz on 15/08/2022 - 13:28

      Especially with YouTube if someone is using a bad mic, ends up picking up frustrating details and sounding way better on laptop/mobile speakers ironically.

    • cille745 on 15/08/2022 - 15:06
      +1

      No need to set unrealistic expectations, these don't have enough detail to make anything "unlistenable"

  • Duoka on 15/08/2022 - 12:41

    How's the comfort compared to ath r70x

    • Flognuts on 15/08/2022 - 12:44

      better

    • jeo on 15/08/2022 - 13:03

      I actually prefer the R70X's comfort because of the weight (at 210g its one of the lightest I've tried), and the 3D wing support system which does a good job at keeping pressure off hot spots on the head. The Sundara weighs in at 372g so its still pretty light, lighter than the upper HIFIMAN models and much lighter than anything Audeze or Sennheiser iirc

      • Phade on 15/08/2022 - 17:52

        Audeze are heavier yes, except for the LCD-1 which is only 250g, but Sennheisers, generally no. The 58x and 600 series are 260g, the 700 is 270g and the 800S is 330g, all lighter than the Sundara.

  • harshbdmmaster718 on 15/08/2022 - 17:47

    Audio folks are a wild bunch.
    On one hand you have some saying you must have an expensive Amp for headphones, and on the other you will have some saying a $14 Apple 3.5mm dongle will power 95% of headphones and there will be no difference. I think the differences mainly being argued are subjective vs objective.
    And on some audio forums you will see these two folks going at each others necks for 10 pages.

    Meanwhile I am just listening to a Bluetooth speaker on the bed from 30cm away and completely happy with my experience.
    I'm guess I am kind of glad I don't really delve too deep into such detailed judgment of sound. If it sounds good and not downright terrible then it's good enough for me.

    I recently considered getting the Shuoer S12's when they were $180 because many reviews said they were amazing value, but I was too slow and missed out on that deal. Maybe it was a good thing.

    • krisspy on 15/08/2022 - 21:10

      Yeah snake oil and confirmation bias is a real thing with "audiophiles".
      Forums are echo chambers that regurgitate reviews for decades and lock away objective measurement and reviews.
      Get a K371 and call it a day, ignorance is bliss in this hobby.

    • Mantzy on 15/08/2022 - 22:19

      Mate, if your ears can't hear a difference, that's a win for you. Same as for those who can't tell instant coffee tastes like turds, think a phone camera is as good as a mirrorless/dslr or 30fps games at 720p look the same as 150fps 4k games. If you can enjoy the less finer things in life, you're lucky in my opinion. Ignorance is bliss when it comes to expensive hobbies.

      • harshbdmmaster718 on 16/08/2022 - 19:13

        You are a wise person. I like instant coffee and am ok with 720p when watching movies lol.

        • craving on 19/08/2022 - 09:41

          Sounds like a mate of mine. Been sleeping on the same bed for the last 30 years. Been running the same little car for the last 25 years. No, it's a piece of junk he'd like to claim just to get from A to B. Never crosses his mind there are lots of idiots out on the road and whether the 30-odd grand that could potentially save his life or worst still limbs, be worth a lot more than the million-dollar assets that he had accumulated.

          That 720p would be like a picture made in heaven for him. Try SD or 366 lines, more for his comfort zone.
          The thing is he knows the finer things in life and enjoys them when he gets the chance to taste it, as long as they're free, lol.

          • harshbdmmaster718 on 19/08/2022 - 18:06

            @craving: "Been sleeping on the same bed for the last 30 years."
            I think you have to draw the line somewhere lol. I mean not saying I know exactly how dirty your mate's bed is, but at some stage you will want to change the mattress.

            Car for 25 years is fine I think, if it get's good gas mileage and is reliable and they are willing to take the risk with safety. Some cars they don't make like they used to, in general reliability and with all those electronic gremlins maintenance costs can be quite a hike. But if they are rich enough to drive something safer, yeah I think it's a bit of a dumb move.
            Totally agree there are lots of idiots on the road though lol.

            I wouldn't call 720p a picture made in heaven. But it's acceptable to me. Most people these days don't think much about screen size + resolution + viewing distance and just think 4K is the bare minimum. 40 inch TV at 720p from 6+ feet away is acceptable in my opinion, ideally it would be 1080p though. I only notice the low bitrate of 720p when the screen shows a shot of waves on the ocean etc.
            Yeah that's another thing people don't consider, resolution is one thing so is bitrate of the video stream. Low bitrate can give you noise and artefacts even at ultra high resolutions. Normally you will notice it with free to air TV when the signal gets weak.

            And of course if I switch from 1080p to 720p within a few minutes, I can definitely see a difference. But I am not doing that all the time so I just settled on 720p.
            I also find it hard to focus on a screen larger than 40 inches at 6 feet, but that's just me. I think I could go to 43 inches but I have no reason to upgrade.

  • Krazykorean85 on 16/08/2022 - 10:21

    Does anyone know if this is the 2021 revision or original?

    • Harry Balzac on 16/08/2022 - 12:04

      Looks like the revision judging by ‘Date First Available” on Amazon.

      • harshbdmmaster718 on 16/08/2022 - 19:20

        "judging by ‘Date First Available” on Amazon."

        Good practice. I always check that on every product on Amazon. Gives you an idea how old it is, how long it's been sitting on the shelf and if there might be a discount on the horizon.

  • Monstro on 16/08/2022 - 15:52

    I bought the Philips Fidelio X2HR/00 for $197 and have them paired with iFi Zen DAC.
    If I hook this up with the Zen, would this be a step-up or do I need a better dac/amp to enjoy these?
    Thanks in advance ozb <3

    • zjz93 on 16/08/2022 - 22:56

      Absolutely. the treble clarity is such a big difference from the grainy x3hr

    • Jiv on 16/08/2022 - 23:53

      Depends on your personal taste.

      I have several headphones. X2 is great with FPS gaming, as the bass is strong and explosions and gunfire comes through loud and proud.
      For music and easy listening I have a Hifi HE-4xx and Sen HD 6xx. I put them on depending on the music I currently listen to.

  • ugulgif on 16/08/2022 - 17:55

    I'm using a Bayerdynamic dt900 pro x, would this be a proper upgrade? Thanks!

    • harshbdmmaster718 on 16/08/2022 - 19:15

      Whoa I wish I could get those! I thought they would be less expensive, because I think the previous version of them the DT 990? are like $150~$170 on sale.

      But the new version is $300+ right now. Crazy. I guess it's the "audio folks" tax.

      • ugulgif on 16/08/2022 - 19:20

        I got it back in April when they were on sale at Umart for about $270. Well worth the money imo :)

        • harshbdmmaster718 on 16/08/2022 - 19:23

          I am seeing them many places for $299 now, so $270 doesn't seem as good as I thought but you probably got that discount soon after release.

          When I checked they were like $369~$389 everywhere? $270 is still a little steep for me though. I guess I will have to wait until the new model is announced and it drops closer to $200. Or just get some budget ANC bluetooth headphones and make myself happy lol. =S

          Edit: Yeah they are $271 at Umart right now. Too expensive for me.

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