# Hifiman Sundara Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones - Official Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Official Headphone Model Discussion\ **Tags:** hifiman, planar\ **Created:** [June 10, 2019, 10:25pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248 "2019-06-10T22:25:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![generic](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/generic/32/61169_2.png) [@generic](https://forum.headphones.com/u/generic)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2020, 3:50pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248/122 "2020-08-05T15:50:37Z")
> [@Torq](#): > > Put another way, it’ll probably _work_ , but I’ve never seen a motherboard with a decent output drive capability (current-wise), and the commonly used LME49720 isn’t up to driving the Sundara very well at all. I had sooooo very many motherboards die with bloated capacitor cans back in the 1990s. The deaths followed current draw from CPUs, video boards, audio boards, etc. I eventually started shopping for motherboards based on having a lot of large capacitors (and then switched to Macs). > [@Torq](#): > > Adding a basic amplifier, at $99, such as the Schiit Magni 3+ or Heresy, JDS Labs Atom, etc. will take care of that without much problem. Yes! Keep the power supply separate from hostile PC innards. ---
**Author:** ![HeadphoneNoob](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/headphonenoob/32/22958_2.png) [@HeadphoneNoob](https://forum.headphones.com/u/HeadphoneNoob)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2020, 12:11am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248/123 "2020-08-06T00:11:16Z")
It says 135db and 130 dB mono something in those terms. It comes with a 6.3 mm jack built in, no other motherboard I believe has a built in 6.3 mm jack on the IO. It’s not PCI connectivity. Also, I’ve never seen any 6.3 mm gaming headset besides the Audeze that comes with 6.3 mm jack from there gaming headset line up. So I really doubt that the manufacturer assumed people are so dedicated to a 900 dollar gaming headset. ---
**Author:** ![Torq](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/torq/32/16384_2.png) [@Torq](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Torq)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2020, 12:32am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248/124 "2020-08-06T00:32:44Z")
> [@HeadphoneNoob](#): > > It says 135db and 130 dB mono something in those terms. That’ll be SNR and has nothing to do with how loud/well it can drive a specific headphone. > [@HeadphoneNoob](#): > > It comes with a 6.3 mm jack built in, no other motherboard I believe has a built in 6.3 mm jack on the IO. Then I’d assume it’s an MSI X99A board/variant (why you can’t just STATE what the board in question is, which would make this MUCH easier, is beyond me). Which means it’s running dual OPA 1642s for the headphone output. Which means it’s still either going to be a bit light on power to drive the Sundara to their best. Better than LME49720, but not by much, and with more need for buffering to avoid losing 1/4" the power internally. > [@HeadphoneNoob](#): > > Also, I’ve never seen any 6.3 mm gaming headset besides the Audeze that comes with 6.3 mm jack from there gaming headset line up There’s nothing particularly special about a 6.3mm plug/socket. It’s just the most common termination for non-gaming headsets. * * * Either way, without knowing exactly what’s on the motherboard and how it’s built, or having the voltage rail spec, current capacity and thermal limit’s, output impedance/or knowing if the output ICs are buffered or not (and what with/how), no one can magically tell you how it’s going to drive ANY headphone. And once you have that information, you also need to know the impedance and the sensitivity of the specific headphone to see, on paper, how well (or at least how loud without clipping) it will be driven by that amp/output. _I won’t be responding again unless you state the specific motherboard, or provide the stated output specs for it._ ---
**Author:** ![HeadphoneNoob](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/headphonenoob/32/22958_2.png) [@HeadphoneNoob](https://forum.headphones.com/u/HeadphoneNoob)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2020, 1:06am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248/125 "2020-08-06T01:06:57Z")
I totally understand, I am sure you are very accurate, but the sundara isn’t a very high end headset to consume all that power and I know or assume my power supply plays no role role with the capacitors, but I do have a 350 watt extended power capability, it’s a 1000 watt platinum plus rated and my entire system on full blast is 650. This board is 2019 edition, and as you read below the system has a built in on the IO a 6.3 mm jack, not pci sound card. It’s probably the only PC that has that, most people are required to get a sound card. I do very much appreciate your advise and everyone else’s as well, will be glad to follow. Something that maybe more appropriate would be what other information would be needed to reach a sufficient conclusion about this built in DAC/AMP ---
**Author:** ![ProfFalkin](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/proffalkin/32/1399_2.png) [@ProfFalkin](https://forum.headphones.com/u/ProfFalkin)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2020, 9:48pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248/126 "2020-08-06T21:48:39Z")
Dude. SMH. What is the motherboard make & model? It’s not hard. Also, Sundara not being “a very high end headset” has NOTHING to do with how hard it is to properly drive, and the rating of your power supply means absolutely nothing in relation to what the power delivery of the audio board can deliver. Read Torq’s reply above. Quit fighting with us on this. We are trying to help. ---
**Author:** ![HeadphoneNoob](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/headphonenoob/32/22958_2.png) [@HeadphoneNoob](https://forum.headphones.com/u/HeadphoneNoob)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2020, 11:41pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248/127 "2020-08-06T23:41:32Z")
Hey guys, sorry for the delay. I have no\* desire to hide the motherboard. Just that is where I am knowledgeable and could not find any information on it besides what was provided to me by the manufacturer. That is all they knew. I did not want to waste your time to end up at a dead end like I did. But hey if you guys want too I would be even more grateful. I just provided what I knew and hoped it may mean something. I hope you guys can understand I was just being considerate and do not want to frustrate or anger anyone. **MSI Z390 MEG Godlike** is my motherboard ---
**Author:** ![Torq](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/torq/32/16384_2.png) [@Torq](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Torq)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2020, 11:49pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248/128 "2020-08-06T23:49:56Z")
YES, with that board you’ll **need** an external amplifier to get the **most** from the Sundara. They’ll work without one, but based on how literally all-but-two gamers I’ve come across tend to run their headphones, you’ll be hitting clipping limits without an amp. Which is pretty much 100% consistent with every other “high-end audio equipped” gamer-type board out there. They have 100x more info in their documentation on the RGB illumination features than they do the audio. Schiit Magni 3+ or Heresy or JDS Labs Atom. Personally I’d go with the Schiit Magni 3+ for this case. You’ll need a suitable 3.5mm or 6.3mm to dual-RCA cable to connect the board to the amp. ---
**Author:** ![DivineCurrent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b3f665/32.png) [@DivineCurrent](https://forum.headphones.com/u/DivineCurrent)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2020, 1:55am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248/129 "2020-08-17T01:55:07Z")
Hey Sundara fans, I’m new here and I just wanted to share my thoughts and experience with the Sundara so far. I got these back in May, and I only recently have been experimenting with EQ to improve them even greater than they are. Compared to my HD650 and Focal Elex, the Sundara is noticeably brighter and can even get harsh with the more treble oriented recordings. With well recorded classical stuff, this brightness brings out the overtones of the string instruments and cymbals more than what I am used to, despite what measurements suggest. There are a few main areas I use EQ with the Sundara, mostly in the upper mids and treble. Take a look at my current EQ profile below for EQ APO: Preamp: -3.5 dB Filter: ON LSC Fc 80 Hz Gain 2 dB Q 0.7 Filter: ON PK Fc 4100 Hz Gain -2.5 dB Q 3 Filter: ON PK Fc 4500 Hz Gain -1 dB Q 3 Filter: ON PK Fc 5800 Hz Gain -1 dB Q 5 Filter: ON PK Fc 7000 Hz Gain -2.5 dB Q 4 Filter: ON PK Fc 10000 Hz Gain -1 dB Q 4 Filter: ON PK Fc 12000 Hz Gain -2 dB Q 5 Filter: ON PK Fc 13000 Hz Gain -2.5 dB Q 5 ![Sundara EQ 2](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/2X/7/7bc0cba78d1c47763910591cb3ba281ad5145a8c.png) I know some may look at these settings and wonder why the EQ at 4 kHz and 12-13 kHz? Well, I’m not just using graphs to EQ, I’m also using sine sweeps and doing my best to volume match an even level at each frequency. To my ears at least, 12 to 13 kHz sounds just a little boosted compared to the Sennheiser HD58X, 600, and 650, and 4-4.5 kHz plus 7 kHz also sounds higher in volume relative to 3 kHz. I think some of these frequencies could be unit variance plus just differences in ear canal resonances. I still hear a bit of edge to the sound in some recordings compared to the Sennheisers, I don’t know if this is a planar timbre thing or if there is an emphasized frequency I missed. Anyway, with these EQ settings, I think these are a great technical upgrade I was looking for to the HD650, 600, 58X, etc. I still think the Sennheisers beat them in natural tonality and overall smoothness, but the performance jump you get with the Sundara in terms of soundstage, detail, imaging, and sub bass extension is huge. ---
**Author:** ![Shadow\_Roxas](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/shadow_roxas/32/6507_2.png) [@Shadow\_Roxas](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Shadow_Roxas)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2020, 2:30pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248/130 "2020-09-03T14:30:55Z")
Can the topping NX4 drive the HifiMan Sundara? I currently have a portable setup so I can’t use a dac/amp that needs a power supply. If it’s not enough any suggestions? ---
**Author:** ![Torq](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/torq/32/16384_2.png) [@Torq](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Torq)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2020, 2:45pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248/131 "2020-09-03T14:45:08Z")
If it’s the NX4 DSD, then it has enough power, in high-gain, to push the Sundara to a peak of 115 dB/SPL. It’ll clip beyond that. So it should be fine at sensible listening levels. ---
**Author:** ![bobbooo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ea666f/32.png) [@bobbooo](https://forum.headphones.com/u/bobbooo)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2020, 9:18pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248/132 "2020-09-08T21:18:25Z")
Hi, did you get a reply from Hifiman in the end saying whether you can buy the new Sundara pads separately anywhere? ---
**Author:** ![pow-low](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/pow-low/32/14873_2.png) [@pow-low](https://forum.headphones.com/u/pow-low)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2020, 6:47pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248/133 "2020-09-09T18:47:07Z")
The Hifiman Sundara has recently been named Headphone of the Year by Wheezy Reviews! Wooooooo [![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/5/9/594d67736444c62b31278f8c628eb845925dbb78.jpeg "Headphone Awards - Wheezy Reviews 1 Year Anniversary") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MO6AjT3SXBU) ---
**Author:** ![AudioTool](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/audiotool/32/14289_2.png) [@AudioTool](https://forum.headphones.com/u/AudioTool)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2020, 9:44pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248/134 "2020-09-09T21:44:18Z")
I agree with almost all of his commentary. Subscribed! ---
**Author:** ![bobbooo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ea666f/32.png) [@bobbooo](https://forum.headphones.com/u/bobbooo)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2020, 5:51pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248/135 "2020-09-10T17:51:51Z")
@Resolve, or anyone else who has seen both, are these the new or old pads? ![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/2/c/2c392ee0189003823b0fe0029f6aac05134afd12.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Resolve](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/resolve/32/51647_2.png) [@Resolve](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Resolve)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2020, 6:17pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248/136 "2020-09-10T18:17:14Z")
Looks like the new ones to me with the bulge on the side? Hard to tell. ---
**Author:** ![bobbooo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ea666f/32.png) [@bobbooo](https://forum.headphones.com/u/bobbooo)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2020, 6:32pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248/137 "2020-09-10T18:32:04Z")
Thanks, does this make it any clearer? ![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/9/7/978aaf04a0ad5ba73fe02001457413f990e63fc7.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Resolve](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/resolve/32/51647_2.png) [@Resolve](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Resolve)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2020, 6:33pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248/138 "2020-09-10T18:33:36Z")
Not exactly, when/where did you buy it? I think most people got the newer revision if they bought it within a year. I’d worry more about the used market with these. ---
**Author:** ![bobbooo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ea666f/32.png) [@bobbooo](https://forum.headphones.com/u/bobbooo)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2020, 6:46pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248/139 "2020-09-10T18:46:16Z")
It’s an online store. I haven’t bought them yet because I want to be sure they’re the new ones, so I asked them for photos. It’s not really a well known store so I’m just concerned they might be old stock (i.e. the original version) that’s been lying around for a while. Here’s another photo: ![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/3/2/32a290cca46e515fd21aeb7f30822a48f81022ac.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Resolve](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/resolve/32/51647_2.png) [@Resolve](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Resolve)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2020, 6:53pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248/140 "2020-09-10T18:53:10Z")
Yeah I’m not sure really. They do look like they bulge similarly to the new version on the sides but then they also look a bit thicker in the front. ---
**Author:** ![bobbooo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ea666f/32.png) [@bobbooo](https://forum.headphones.com/u/bobbooo)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2020, 7:11pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248/141 "2020-09-10T19:11:01Z")
Could you maybe measure and let me know the thickest and thinnest part of your (revised) pads on your Sundara? Oh and here’s one more photo (last one I promise!): ![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/2/b/2b476a50d801e4c390623aae078847e3362006ad.jpeg) [Previous page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248.md?page=6) [Next page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-sundara-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones-official-thread/3248.md?page=8)