HIFIMAN - Sundara

I'd probably recommend Drop/ Sennheiser PC38x for multiplayer/ directional audio and HiFiMan Edition XS (or perhaps Sundara if you have small ears; not comfortable for me) for cinematic single player games for fairly affordable headsets within a few hundred bucks. I've read good things about the Audeze Maxwell. Going much higher will probably require an amp and get MUCH pricier. For PC and listening to music, I use an HE1000SE, which will challenge your statement about budget not mattering. It's by far the best set of headphones I've ever used for gaming (including the also excellent Sennheiser HD 490 Pro, which I also own) or music but definitely not low budget.

I also just got the same headphones and didn't realize the the thing in the box could be a stand. Great deal off AliExpress though under 100!

and paypal 20% cash back using their payment plan thingy

A lot of people are loving the Maxwell. I don’t have it, but apparently it’s a super super high quality, comfortable, Bluetooth planar. Has a swoosh mic too. I’m thinking of getting a pair soon myself. If u really want a wired experience, hd6xx have been treating me really well. I have that, the sundara, and the PC38X and love them all.

I had a Hifiman Sundara for a long time, coming from the Dt990. The Dts can't reach them at all. Get the Sundaras and don't look back.

I literally just bought some sundaras (I know I'm years late to the party) as an upgrade to my well used he400i but honestly might return/sell them for these instead, seems to be a bigger jump in fidelity without costing much more

Facts, it sounds good on my gfs sundara too. I have been considering getting an arya se and an hd650 in the future for similar reasons.

I’ve spent way too much money chasing the perfect sound, and after burning through a pile of headphones and IEMs, I think I’m finally there. The headphone path went: Sundara → HD600 → HD650 → Edition XS (good but too sharp and sibilant) → Focal Azurys (Did not get the hype here) → Audeze MM-500 (good but painful clamp). On the IEM side I tried the Kiwi Ears Astral, Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk (didn’t understand the here either), Moondrop Hype 4, and DUNU Brain Dance. Brain dance was my favorite until I randomly tried The Campfire Moon Rover, though, which has become my IEM of choice for a reason I’ll explain later. For over ears, eventually I gave Dan Clark Audio a shot. First the Noire X, then the Noire X Open… and wow. The Noire X Open is the first headphone I’ve heard that delivers incredible detail without stabbing me with harsh “s” and “t” sounds. It can be just a touch energetic above 10k, but a simple high-shelf EQ at -3 dB takes care of it instantly. I also like adding a +2 dB bass shelf, which rounds out the sound beautifully. What really surprised me is how perfectly this same EQ profile works on the Campfire Moon Rover as well. It feels like they were made to share it, and having one tuning that works seamlessly between both is a huge win. I’ve saved the preset on my HiBy R4, so switching back and forth between the XO and the Moon Rover is effortless. So at this point, my perfect setup has become the Moon Rover for IEMs and the Noire X Open. Ironically, the gear I’ve ended up loving the most has all been from American brands which I didn’t expect. I know endgame is a dangerous word in this hobby, but right now this feels like it. Has anyone else had that moment where you put something on and thought… yeah, this is it?

Hifiman sundaras. There a tad bright, but have been so close to excellent the whole time I've owned them. My elex as well has my heart, the clamp hurts me a bit due to tmj issues so they stay hung up more and more lately. I think the ayra unveiled is going to be my new always headphones. I use eq sometimes but the less I have to do, or none at all makes me so happy. Idj why, if I have to eq even if its better I just don't love it.

Personally, I wouldn’t jump from the Sonys to a $500 headphone until you know what you like. I’d recommend starting with the Sennheiser x Drop HD 6XX; they’re on sale right now for $180 and they’re a really, really great pair of audiophile grade headphones for you to see if that’s even something you like. Alternatively, the Hifiman Sundara is under $200 right now and it’s a great example of an entry-level planar magnetic headphone. If you’re committed to going all out, I’d recommend the Meze 105 AER at $399 and a JDS Atom Amp+ for $99. Reviews: - 6XX: https://daemonxar.com/2025/01/27/sennheiser-x-drop-6xx-review-seven-years-in-the-making/ - Sundara: https://daemonxar.com/2025/10/26/hifiman-sundara-a-classic-in-open-back-headphone-design/ - 105 AER: https://daemonxar.com/2025/06/05/meze-105-aer-review-another-great-meze-product/

I was also recently seeking my first audiophile headphone. My listening preferences are live concerts on nugs.net on my phone and my vinyl collection via my receiver with a pre-amp. I ended up with some [open box HIFIMAN Sundara](https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/open-box.html) closed back planar cans for just over $100 and an [amp for my iPhone 16 for under $20](https://a.co/d/83FeyWL). This way I can test out my idea of just zoning out with good headphones without breaking the bank in case I don’t commit or use them often. The amp is sufficient but not amazing. In hindsight I would maybe go for the open backed Sundara for the live shows and the supposed greater soundstage of open backs, but my home is noisy and I want to be immersed in music, not dogs barking and siblings bickering. The m50x was my second choice.