With EQ, Hifiman Sundara or HE400se?

[jack1]

Hello all. I am thinking about buying Hifiman Sundara. I am going to use the headphones WITH EQ.

Yesterday I saw solderdude's post at https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...s/sundara-or-other-choice.45208/#post-1612277 which says that "With EQ (the correct EQ is the tricky part for treble) there is not much difference (again...WITH EQ) between HE400SE and Sundara." As HE400se is less expensive than Sundara, HE400se seems like a better choice. WITH EQ, which one would you choose, Sundara or HE400se?

Thanks.

 

[pioterd]

Sundara or HE400se?

With EQ, absolutely HE400SE. You will save a lot of money to spend for example on better cable (not due to sound, but ergonomics).

 

[solderdude]

With and witout EQ absolutely the Sundara ... if one had to choose between those 2 models.
Its more expensive but better build quality, better comfort, fit (at least to me) and slightly better sounding without EQ (slightly different kind of sharpness).

When the goal is to buy an open planar headphone in that price range I would urge you to consider the FiiO FT1 PRO unless one has big ears.... then perhaps the Edition XS.
The FiiO is much more sensitive than the Hifiman and can be driven by a phone to loud levels.

I would definitely consider the FiiO when the choices appear to be just between HE400SE and Sundara.

When price is the deciding factor: HE400SE but seeing you are considering the Sundara as well ... the FT1 PRO would be best pick.

 

[InfiniteJester]

Edition XS.

So the distortion you measured is definitely not an issue...

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

Currently try Hifiman Edition XS
Amazing amazing value, it's cheaper than both of mentioned headphones.

 

[Xombul]

Sundara is way more confortable than the He400se. You must soften the "synthetic leather" band of the He400se to make it just acceptable. With a proper EQ, https://github.com/jaakkopasanen, I am unable to ear any difference. Wavelet is a good option for mobiles to apply EQ.