The Closed Back version puts listener more in the first row before the orchestra, while open gives everything a slight perspective. On the soundtrack from the Great Expectations movie, especially on the Tori Amos “Siren” – it was clear that both are great for what they are, yet they at the same time have a completely different approach to how draw the listener into the music. While the Sundaras will give you plenty of quite well-organized nuances and also more atmospheric higher registers (they are, after all, an open-back headphones), the Closed Back version will actually provide more saturation. And also more of a feeling of being somehow closer to the music. Which way of doing thing is closer to the truth is obviously another matter, but please notice that at this price point neither can be seen as reference at any rate.
Sure, the open back will be actually more revealing, but – what’s another quite surprising this – it’s not that the Closed Back gives less detail. Here’s the thing: the latter do seem to be slightly shut-in when compared directly with the first (open) version, but when you adjust, you actually start to appreciate that it’s just a different take. It adds colour to the midrange, you can feel that there’s that slight reverb that comes from the fact that they are closed design. But I wouldn’t say that this means they sound inferior. Let me put it this way: I can imagine listeners that will definitely go for the open version.
Yet, all things considered, if you want fun and your repertoire is not that demanding (and you’re not going to analyse every track) – then the Closed Back just may be your thing. Another track from the Great Expectations soundtrack, “Life in Mono” proved that the top end is a little back, but it’s still there and it’s of really good – considering the current price – quality. Moving to a different playlist, on the Connect.Ohm “9980” album those beechwood headphones proved that this is the music where they can really show their strong points.
This track has a really impactful low-end impulses together with ethereal soundscapes. It’s interesting to see that while the overall bass and sub-bass response of the Closed Back version may be just slightly forward, it’s not like that the lower registers are bloated or overreacting. It’s more of a part of their innate tuning signature. And, yes, the sub-bass response on the “Snow Park” was really great. It had good dynamics to it and also good overall control for the closed-back phones of this kind and price.
And the lowers registers response on the “Snow Park” was really great. It had good dynamics and punch that is really needed for this kind of music. In comparison, the open version was a slightly less focused there and the HE-9R was completely different with more enthusiastic and less controlled there. As for the vocals, on the Marian Hill “Differently” I would give a draw between the two versions. It’s all really up to the preference. The fact alone that the Closed Back was actually not worse per se warrants attention alone.
HiFiMAN Sundara vs. Sundara Closed-Back – conclusion and some comparisons
First things first, it’s quite obvious to me that the original (ie. The open-back version) will, or rather already has become a classic. At its price point, it no wonder why. They can be seen as a vast improvement over the HE400se, but also as different headphone altogether. It’s not only about their better technical qualities, but rather more about the fact that, as a whole, they just perform well beyond their price tag. If you want really good open planars, look no further. Then there’s the Closed Back version. What’s really intriguing here is that they can be actually seen not only as a variation, but as a completely different, possibly even more interesting take on the whole relatively affordable planar headphones that just happen to be closed-back. It’ all about having a choice and HiFiMAN gives you that. Therefore, warm recommendation goes for the original Sundaras and the Closed Back version as well.
Adam Kiryszewski
Manufacturer: HiFiMAN https://hifiman.com/
Sundara price: around 200 Euro / 200 USD (depending on where you buy)
Sundara Closed price: around 150 Euro / 150 USD (as above)