Hifiman Sundara Review (headphone)

[senji]

@amirm can you make a post on how do you create EQ for any headphone? I understand the end results are largely personal taste, but it would be very valuable to know how do you make those choices. Do you adjust EQ based on the FR curve? Many thanks!

 

[lxlx]

Yes he does, and explained in videos...
You can go fancier with oratory 1990, which is also based on FR. Or you make it KISS and a bit of bass = amirm

 

[SlowCar]

Will Lg phone with good audio (G8x, G7) have enough power to listen sundara?

 

[solderdude]

Only when you are not going to play loud. Will be fine at comfortable listening levels.

 

[jawbfl]

To import this PEQ profile into 'Equalizer APO', use:

Otherwise, see my PEQ guide.
..................................................................................................................
For those who don't have PEQ-capable app, and want to use GEQs instead.

Spoiler: 10-band GEQ

Preamp: -7.7db
32 7.2
64 1.0
125 -0.4
250 -0.2
500 -0.1
1000 -0.4
2000 2.5
4000 -0.5
8000 -2.0
16000 -0.1

Spoiler: 31-band GEQ

Preamp: -7.0db
20 4.7
25 5.1
32 4.7
40 3.9
50 2.7
63 1.6
80 0.6
100 0.2
125 -0.0
160 -0.1
200 -0.1
250 -0.1
315 -0.1
400 -0.2
500 -0.1
630 -0.1
800 -0.1
1000 0.0
1250 0.2
1600 0.8
2000 2.0
2500 1.5
3150 0.4
4000 0.1
5000 -0.3
6300 -4.3
8000 -0.5
10000 -0.3
12500 -0.3
16000 -0.4
20000 -0.2

If you want to import into "Wavelet" (Android App):

Spoiler: 127-band GEQ

GraphicEQ: 20 -0.2; 21 -0.2; 22 -0.2; 23 -0.2; 24 -0.2; 26 -0.2; 27 -0.2; 29 -0.2; 30 -0.2; 32 -0.2; 34 -0.2; 36 -0.4; 38 -0.7; 40 -1.0; 43 -1.4; 45 -1.7; 48 -2.1; 50 -2.4; 53 -2.8; 56 -3.2; 59 -3.5; 63 -3.9; 66 -4.2; 70 -4.5; 74 -4.7; 78 -5.0; 83 -5.2; 87 -5.3; 92 -5.5; 97 -5.6; 103 -5.8; 109 -5.9; 115 -6.0; 121 -6.0; 128 -6.1; 136 -6.1; 143 -6.2; 151 -6.2; 160 -6.2; 169 -6.3; 178 -6.3; 188 -6.3; 199 -6.3; 210 -6.3; 222 -6.3; 235 -6.4; 248 -6.4; 262 -6.4; 277 -6.4; 292 -6.4; 309 -6.4; 326 -6.4; 345 -6.4; 364 -6.4; 385 -6.4; 406 -6.4; 429 -6.4; 453 -6.4; 479 -6.4; 506 -6.4; 534 -6.3; 565 -6.3; 596 -6.3; 630 -6.3; 665 -6.3; 703 -6.3; 743 -6.3; 784 -6.2; 829 -6.2; 875 -6.2; 924 -6.1; 977 -6.1; 1032 -6.0; 1090 -6.0; 1151 -5.9; 1216 -5.8; 1284 -5.7; 1357 -5.6; 1433 -5.4; 1514 -5.2; 1599 -5.0; 1689 -4.7; 1784 -4.5; 1885 -4.2; 1991 -4.0; 2103 -4.0; 2221 -4.0; 2347 -4.2; 2479 -4.5; 2618 -4.7; 2766 -5.0; 2921 -5.3; 3086 -5.5; 3260 -5.7; 3443 -5.8; 3637 -6.0; 3842 -6.1; 4058 -6.2; 4287 -6.4; 4528 -6.6; 4783 -6.8; 5052 -7.1; 5337 -7.6; 5637 -8.4; 5955 -9.5; 6290 -10.2; 6644 -9.7; 7018 -8.6; 7414 -7.8; 7831 -7.3; 8272 -7.0; 8738 -6.8; 9230 -6.7; 9749 -6.6; 10298 -6.6; 10878 -6.6; 11490 -6.5; 12137 -6.5; 12821 -6.5; 13543 -6.5; 14305 -6.5; 15110 -6.4; 15961 -6.4; 16860 -6.4; 17809 -6.4; 18812 -6.4; 19871 -6.3

Otherwise, see my GEQ guide.

Thanks, I tried this 31 EQ with my Sundara and it sounds great, bass was really lacking, also the fixes to the highs seems to open perceived soundstage a bit but increased sibilance on some songs as a side effect.

 

[Jman841]

Amir vs Oratory1990:

Spoiler

View attachment 124283

Amir vs Jaakkopasanen (measured by Oratory1990):

Spoiler

View attachment 124284

Oratory1990 vs Jaakkopasanen (measured by Oratory1990):

Spoiler

View attachment 124285

PEQ profile by Amir (from my post #2 above):

Spoiler

Preamp: -8.6 dB
Filter 1: ON LS Fc 50 Hz Gain 8.0 dB Q 1.0
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 2112 Hz Gain 2.5 dB Q 1.5
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 6300 Hz Gain -4.0 dB Q 4.0

PEQ profile by Oratory1990:

Spoiler

Preamp: -5.5 dB
Filter 1: ON LS Fc 105 Hz Gain 5.5 dB Q 0.71
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 460 Hz Gain 1.3 dB Q 2.3
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 900 Hz Gain -1.7 dB Q 1.2
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 2000 Hz Gain 6.0 dB Q 1.0
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 3000 Hz Gain -4.4 dB Q 2.5
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 4600 Hz Gain -4.5 dB Q 3.5
Filter 7: ON PK Fc 6000 Hz Gain 3.0 dB Q 2.0
Filter 8: ON PK Fc 7500 Hz Gain -1.0 dB Q 3.0

PEQ profile by Jaakkopasanen (measured by Oratory1990):

Spoiler

Preamp: -5.1 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 17 Hz Gain 4.1 dB Q 0.42
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 1983 Hz Gain 14.2 dB Q 1.00
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 3197 Hz Gain -13.4 dB Q 0.39
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 6825 Hz Gain 9.5 dB Q 0.66
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 19549 Hz Gain -8.7 dB Q 0.46
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 218 Hz Gain -1.3 dB Q 2.11
Filter 7: ON PK Fc 1403 Hz Gain 0.9 dB Q 6.88
Filter 8: ON PK Fc 4830 Hz Gain -3.0 dB Q 6.22
Filter 9: ON PK Fc 6042 Hz Gain 3.5 dB Q 3.15
Filter 10: ON PK Fc 6913 Hz Gain -2.9 dB Q 3.73

It looks like you're using Oratory's EQ for the old version of the Sundara, He has an updated version of the 2020 version which is what I am assuming Amir measured (Updated pads).

 

[Jman841]

I made my own EQ which is a mix of Oratory and Amir's, Amir's in the upper mids and treble, Oratory in the lower mids and bass. I found Oratory's has too much energy in the treble and makes them sound harsh. It's very apparent in metal music with a lot of symbol and snare hits.

 

[AdamG247]

I made my own EQ which is a mix of Oratory and Amir's, Amir's in the upper mids and treble, Oratory in the lower mids and bass. I found Oratory's has too much energy in the treble and makes them sound harsh. It's very apparent in metal music with a lot of symbol and snare hits.

Welcome Aboard @Jman841.

 

[ReaderZ]

This is the first review here that measured FR fit my impression of the headphones perfectly.

 

[Tarkus1984]

Hey everyone, new member here. I just started to get into headphones and I used the updated EQ from Oratory and I simply love the sound coming out of my Sundaras now!

What would be your recommendations to transfer these type of 13 band digital EQ settings into a 4 band physical one? I have a Schiit Loki+ coming hopefully soon that I plan to use with my turntable setup and would like to know where to begin so I tweak it to something similar.

Your tips and tricks will be greatly appreciated!

 

[solderdude]

Schiit Loki+ is a tone control. Use it as such. It cannot replace EQ because the bands are too wide.

 

[Tarkus1984]

Thanks for the reply! it makes sense

 

[AdamG247]

Thanks for the reply! it makes sense

Welcome Aboard @Tarkus1984.

 

[Tarkus1984]

Welcome Aboard @Tarkus1984.

Thank you very much! I'm very excited and learning new things every day. My wallet, on the other hand, might not be as thrilled...

 

[Raindog123]

Can be Amir‘s new slogan: “Welcome to ASR, a site friendly both to you and your wallet!”

 

[frix]

So I have an EQed HD800. Does an EQed Sundara have a different quality to it which would be worthwhile to own besides my HD800?

 

[Cahudson42]

Does an EQed Sundara have a different quality

It's often suggested that you have an example of a Dynamic (speaker technology like) HP like your HD800 and a Planar (membrane type) like the Sundara, as they can 'give different presentations'..

But you won't know until you try both..

 

[Astroboydivx]

I'm thinking of buying the Sundara. Given I have an iPhone/iPad, would it pair well with Hidizs S9, or is there another portable amp I should consider?

Thanks!

 

[jannek]

Also think about E1DA 9038 D or Luxury&Precision W1/W2.

 

[0RF30]

I'm thinking of buying the Sundara. Given I have an iPhone/iPad, would it pair well with Hidizs S9, or is there another portable amp I should consider?

Thanks!

Also think about E1DA 9038 D or Luxury&Precision W1/W2.

Best results with Sundara on my side were with Hidizs S9 and Luxury&Precision W2. With E1DA 9038S/D it was too "holographic", imaging/soundstage was weird and bass texture was lacking, insane details with this pairing though.

Oh, careful, it's seems to be a usb current limitation with iPhones which seems to be problematic with W2 (not with W1 if I remember correctly).