HiFiMan Sundara Closed Back Review - Similar Looks, Different Sound

The HiFiMan Sundara Closed Back headphone, retailing at $400 US, looks similar to an open back Sundara with the addition of Beechwood ear cups. So how does it becoming a closed back affect the sound? Is it even the same headphone?
Purchase Links (supports channel):
Sundara Closed Back - amzn.to/40HlQM2
Sundara Open Back - amzn.to/3ZG4PR5
Others Mentioned:
Meze 99 Classic - amzn.to/40E7JHc
AKG K371 - amzn.to/3K5X9S9
Focal Elegia - amzn.to/3U97pOf
Join us on Discord: / discord
Follow us on Twitter! / gadgetrytechjoe
Follow us on Instagram! / gadgetrytech
Follow us on Facebook! / gadgetrytech
0:00 - Intro
01:20 - What's in the box?
03:50 - Specs
06:00 - Open vs Closed
07:52 - Build Quality and Comfort
11:44 - Sound Quality
18:30 - Closing Thoughts
Want us to review something? Contact us!
[e-mail]
DISCLAIMERS:
The links above charge you the same price as finding it on Amazon. However, purchasing through the links above would support this channel for future product reviews. We appreciate any support, but please feel free to purchase though any means you feel comfortable with.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
#headphones #audiphile

[@Chronospherics]

Nice review. I'd love to see you review the Focal Bathys. Not especially for gaming though.

[@MechInfantry2AD]

I’ve been using iems for the past couple of years and this is my first foray into headphones. This video was great and made it easy to make choose my first.

[@gdemirjian]

I had the open and loved it. The closed is only same in name and headband and that is intentional to compliment and contrast and not be redundant. They gave us the bass we asked for in Sundara. The driver is modeled after the R10P. It is however not the same driver. I compared my Sundara Closed with my T60RP. The T60 has slightly better detail and image separation and is warmer. The Sundara is more neutral and balanced. Timbre is better on the T60. Both have good bass extension but the T60 bass holds more weight in the notes. I prefer the T60, but like the Sundara. I think it came out overpriced and sits so much better at $249 now. The open and closed would make a great first good start for someone entering the hobby. The Zen DAC/Can pairs very well with them. Great video. Thanks!

[@GadgetryTech]

Thanks so much! Yeah the Sundara closed had the issue of also competing against the Meze 99 Classic which is also bass heavy, but has better resolution in the mid range and treble area.

[@gdemirjian]

@@GadgetryTech I sold my 99 Classic. I found them to lack detail and imaging. They are warm and fun but missing that exciting wow factor with great recordings. After running the Sun Closed over time the imaging seems more precise compared to when I first got them. The only thing I don't like is the hollow resonance in these lightweight cups. Wish they were a heartier wood grain. The T60 wood is heartier sounding when tapped upon.

[@gdemirjian]

The T60RP has better sound isolation than many closed back headphones. I love my Sundara Closed, but my T60 sounds a bit better (detail, imaging, richer, smoother bass), is built better (much nicer wood and stronger frame), and isolates sound a little better as the SC cups are very microphonic. @@roberta949

[@elicitus5724]

Nice review. Could you do a video with some nice custom Eq for the maxwell? That would be amazing. I tried to do by myself but I still prefer the emersive mode from Audeze. I want an eq for open world games or linear games like God of war or horizon forbidden west.

[@SimpleMailWork]

THANK U!

[@mlgosiris6630]

Are you able to try and review the meze empyreans and or the elites? Don’t know how possible it is, but curious to hear your thoughts!

[@GadgetryTech]

Yes I’m reviewing the Liric first then the Empyrean.

[@ronyirwanto27]

Its can drive with portable amp like fiio e12a? Output is 16 ohm 420mw?

[@brun0silva938]

🔝 Hey GadgetryTech many gamers on the hunt for the best Headsets ends discovering the Headphones Worlds and touching the Audiophile Galaxy 🤯, what about you make that Bridge for us? Like review some MID tiers Headphones and show how they compete agains the Best Headsets around? and why they can be a better option in some cases. I am lookin for the best sound/confort for music and movies, but also something that work good for gamming. I want to go with the Epos H6PRO closed back but also checking some headphones like: AKG K371, ATH M50X, DT770pro, DT990pro, HD560s, HD600, Anker Q30, Anker Q45, Sundara, HE400...

[@vahidghiasvand9087]

My man 🎉

[@GadgetryTech]

👊

[@alexanderromanov7581]

@@GadgetryTechhow would you compare to dt770? which of the two would you pick

[@dodoslavn]

i see this headphones in eshops now for 150euro, is it worth it? i am looking for headphones which i will use in office in openspace environment so i need closed heaphones i believe, and i will probably drive it with moondrop dawn. i already own sundara open back which i use at home. Any suggestions?

[@myquietreviewsfeaturingc.t9354]

These are on sale for $149.99 right now on Amazon so are they worth it for gaming at that price??? Just curious???

[@jimmyyang9018]

Just bought one, I think at that price, it will justify for the differences

[@seansmith5896]

It's running $150... thoughts about it at that price? Both for gaming and music?

[@BA3YDADDY]

Will you be reviewing the Creative X5 ?

[@GadgetryTech]

Yes I'm almost done with the review :). I was speaking to their engineers about some of my experience to make sure the video was solid first :)

[@wimpie031]

@@GadgetryTech cool. Curious about that one and haven’t found an in-depth review yet. Can’t wait!

[@laika25]

Prematurely wearing out the pads...😊

[@AnDr3w066]

Literally didnt watch the first minutes of the video