Hifiman’s Sundara has earned a distinguished reputation in the world of headphones, and the Sundara Closed-Back is no exception. Positioned as a home-listening closed-back headphone, it promises an immersive audio experience without breaking the bank. Priced at $229 (down from $400), this iteration aims to captivate enthusiasts with its unique features and, of course, the signature Hifiman sound quality. In this review, we’ll delve into the details of the Sundara Closed-Back, exploring its design, build, comfort, sound quality, and overall value for money.
Overview
The Sundara Closed is one of the few sealed headphone offerings from Hifiman originally retailing for $400 but is currently available at $229. The cups are made from this divisive Beechwood which is hand-assembled and unlike any other Hifiman offerings. The rest seems to have been inspired by the OG Sundara which is not surprising considering they share the same name.
Packaging & Build Quality
The headphone is packaged inside their newish eco-friendly box that doesn’t have as many papers inside and one that comes with a headphone stand. I kinda complained about it when I reviewed the HE1000 V3 but in the case of the Sundara Closed, it’s perfect considering its price. The headphone comes with a 3.5mm cable and a quarter-inch adapter. The cable seems fine for its application both in terms of its length at 1.5m and its overall texture.
Leveraging the frame of the Sundara, the Sundara Closed-Back inherits some drawbacks, such as scratch-prone headband arms and shallow pads. Despite these quirks, the headphone exudes a utilitarian vibe, with a decent woodcut on the cups and an overall sturdy construction. The weight, at 432 grams, may take some getting used to for those transitioning from lighter headphones.
Comfort
Comfort proves to be a subjective aspect, with the snug fit and shallow pads potentially irking some users. While the closed design provides decent passive noise isolation, it might not be the most breathable option for extended use in warm conditions. Comparatively, the original Sundara is perceived as more comfortable.
Isolation
The Sundara Closed-Back offers commendable passive noise isolation, making it suitable for home use, office environments, and even long bus trips. While not equivalent to noise-canceling headphones, it effectively reduces ambient noise, providing a focused listening experience.
Page 2: Sound Quality & Conclusion