Next upgrade from Sundara?

[Beanguri]

Hi everyone!

I’m currently using the Hifiman Sundara and looking for an upgrade, mainly for female-vocal driven J-pop/J-rock (artists like Yorushika, Tuki, Hoshimachi Suisei, etc.)

My priorities in order are:

1. Large, holographic, 3D-like soundstage
2. Clinical / surgical presentation
3. Bright-ish, detailed tuning without sounding muddy
4. Strong instrument separation and layering

Unfortunately there aren’t really any places near me where I can audition higher-end headphones, so I’ve been doing an unhealthy amount of research before pulling the trigger.

Right now I’m mainly leaning toward other Hifiman headphones because the Sundara’s presentation already aligns pretty closely with what I like. I'm pretty sure my priorities/preferences basically equals Planar headphones.

The ones I’m considering are:

• Hifiman Arya Organic
• Hifiman Arya Unveiled
• Hifiman HE1000se

What’s making this difficult is that I’m seeing very conflicting opinions online.
Some people say the jump from Sundara to Arya Organic is mostly a soundstage upgrade rather than a major tonal or technical leap.
Others say that to get a “true” upgrade from Sundara, you really need to step into HE1000se / Arya Unveiled territory.

Would really appreciate thoughts from people who’ve directly compared these headphones, especially for similar music genres/preferences.

Thanks!

 

[Selkirks]

Any of the headphones you listed will suit the tastes you listed. I've had the Edition XV and Fiio FT1 Pro since owning Sundaras and I feel they are both an upgrade IMO but they lack the bright tuning you desire. A more affordable option would be the Ananda Nano or Arya Stealth. I'd try to buy from a place with a decent return policy in case the egg shape cups become a problem. My Arya can get uncomfortable after a while.

 

[pier25]

Some people say the jump from Sundara to Arya Organic is mostly a soundstage upgrade rather than a major tonal or technical leap.

I went from the Sundara 2020 to the Ananda Nano and it was a big technical leap in clarity and detail. I can't imagine the Organic not being a similar or better improvement.

The Nano doesn't have the "holographic, 3D-like soundstage" you're looking for though. Only mentioned it as a reference.

 

[pier25]

@Beanguri did you end up getting any of the headphones you listed?

 

[Redacted]

"Large, holographic, 3D-like soundstage"

Hmmm, we're right back there with the leprechauns....