I tested Reddit's favorite value hi-fi headphones — and now I get the hype
The HIFIMAN Sundara are fantastic budget audiophile headphones, with expansive, faithful, non-fatiguing sound, but the build leaves something to be desired.
The HIFIMAN Sundara are a popular, affordable pair of hi-fi headphones that have garnered praise from both r/audiophile and r/headphones communities. Priced at $179, they offer excellent value for money. With planar magnetic drivers and an impedance of 32Ω, they are loud enough to be powered by a phone, although an external amplifier enhances their performance.
The Sundara are open-back, with a frequency response of 6Hz - 75kHz, making them spacious and immersive. Comfort-wise, they weigh 12 ounces and rest comfortably on the ears despite their delicate appearance. Comfort is enhanced by the pleather headband and adjustable metal band. However, build quality is an area of concern; the notches for adjustments are stiff and prone to damage, and the metal headband feels flimsy.
Despite this, the Sundara deliver a rich and detailed sound experience, making them ideal for beginner audiophiles and those who want a balance between affordability and quality.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
