HIFIMAN SUNDARA vs HIFIMAN HE400i

HIFIMAN SUNDARA review
vs
HIFIMAN HE400i review

In the comparison between HIFIMAN HE400i vs HIFIMAN SUNDARA, I would like to show that these devices differ not only design but also technical features. But first, let's take a look at their similarities. Both pairs of headphones have an over-ear wearing style and can be used only with an audio cable. In addition, they are open-back.

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Features

The considered devices have almost the same level of impedance which is 35 Ohm in the case with HIFIMAN HE400i and 37 Ohm in the case with HIFIMAN SUNDARA. There is also no significant distinction between their sensitivity rates since the first appliance has 93 dB, while the second one has 94 dB. However, when it comes to frequency response, this feature makes the devices completely different. The model HE400i works in a range of 20 Hz - 35 kHz, meanwhile, the frequency response of SUNDARA is 6 Hz - 75 kHz.

Sound

Midrange and vocals that you get with HIFIMAN SUNDARA are present and detailed without being muffled. These headphones offer deep, physical bass.

HIFIMAN HE400i delivers an amazing representation of instruments and vocals. The headphones sound a little sharp and bass is a bit lacking at times, however, their sound is pretty balanced and open to please most neutral listeners.

Comfort and design

Another thing that makes these headphone models alike is their weight. HIFIMAN HE400i has 370 g, while HIFIMAN SUNDARA is only 2 g heavier — 372 g. The headband of both devices can be adjusted and their audio cable can be detached. The length of the wire which comes with the headphones is 150 cm.

The mentioned HIFIMAN products are inconvenient to carry as they come without a bag. In addition, they do not fold. None of these devices will be an appropriate choice if you are going to make phone calls with your headphones because the considered models do not have a microphone.

HIFIMAN HE400i pros and cons

HIFIMAN HE400i pros and cons

Pros

  • The velour material used for the padding is very soft and pleasant on the skin
  • Made of premium materials, which results in an incredibly sturdy design that can handle a pretty big amount of physical stress
  • Great frequency response consistency

Cons

  • The open ear cups do not block any noise
  • Big and bulky

HIFIMAN SUNDARA pros and cons

HIFIMAN SUNDARA pros and cons

Pros

  • The ergonomic and comfortable headband is designed to fit for most people, with greater reliability and durability
  • Its metal construction makes it durable enough to withstand the rigors of modern urban life
  • Great bass extension and detail
  • The symmetry of the ear pads conforms around the human ear, comfortably distributing the weight evenly yet offering a secure and sound grip

Cons

  • Snug fit
  • Leaks sound

Votes 10 10
Rating 4.6 4.6

Headphones comparison chart

Overall
HIFIMAN SUNDARA
8
HIFIMAN HE400i
6.5
7
7
HIFIMAN SUNDARA

HIFIMAN SUNDARA review

May 27, 2020

HiFiMan Sundara is a great choice for critical listening and is intended for professional use mostly...

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Common

Product

HIFIMAN SUNDARA
HIFIMAN HE400i

Model

SUNDARA
HE400i

Brand

HIFIMAN
HIFIMAN

Reviews

480
8

General

Wearing style

over ear
over ear

Enclosure

open back
open back

Wireless

Wired

Specifications

Transducer

planar magnetic
planar magnetic

Driver size, mm/inches

Impedance, Ohm

37
35

Frequency response, Hz

6Hz-75KHz
20Hz-35KHz

Total harmonic distortion (THD), %

Sensitivity (SPL), dB

94
93

Magnet type

Weight (headphones), g/oz

372/13.1
370/13

Comfort

Adjustable headband

Foldable

Noise cancelling

Active noise cancelling

Adjustable noise cancelling level

Microphone

Built-in microphone

In-line microphone

Detachable microphone

Cables

Detachable cable

Audio cable length, cm/ft

150/4.9
150/4.9

Jack connection (TRS)

3.5
3.5

Balanced connection

Control

Built-in control buttons

In-line control

Touch control

Voice control

App control

Control functions

Wireless connectivity

Bluetooth

has not
has not

Bluetooth version

has not
has not

aptX

has not
has not

aptX HD (Hi-Res Audio)

has not
has not

Bluetooth profiles

has not
has not

NFC

Wi-Fi

Battery

Battery type

has not
has not

Battery life, hrs

has not
has not

Charging time, hrs

has not
has not

Charging port

has not
has not

Charging cable

has not
has not

Speed charge

has not
has not

Battery free listening mode

has not
has not

Battery level indicator

has not
has not

Additional features

Water resistance

Light indication

Additional audio features

In the box

Audio cable

Carry case

Charging cable

has not
has not

1/4 Adapter (6,35 mm)

Interchangeable ear pads

User manual

Manual

HIFIMAN SUNDARA
HIFIMAN HE400i
HIFIMAN SUNDARA
HIFIMAN HE400i

Headphones HeadphonesArena comparison rating

  • better
  • worse
  • 8
  • 6.5
  • 8HIFIMAN SUNDARA
  • 6.5HIFIMAN HE400i

The HIFIMAN SUNDARA is better headphones in this comparison. Check HIFIMAN SUNDARA price