Hifiman Sundara V4

Its name comes from Sanskrit and means “beautiful.” Since its release in 2018, the Sundara has established itself as a benchmark for anyone wanting to discover planar magnetic technology without spending a month’s salary. This fourth iteration builds on the fundamentals that made the model successful while benefiting from the tweaks accumulated over the years, particularly in terms of earpad durability.

A diaphragm just a few microns thick

Planar magnetic technology differs from dynamic-driver headphones in that its membrane is suspended between magnets rather than mounted on a moving coil. Hifiman has developed for the Sundara its NsD (Neo Supernano Diaphragm), with a thickness between 1 and 2 microns. This thinness represents an 80% reduction compared with the HE400 series, which preceded the Sundara in the lineup.

A diaphragm this light has less inertia to oppose the signal: it starts and stops faster. Transients gain in precision, distortion decreases. The frequency response extends from 6 Hz to 75 kHz, well beyond the audible spectrum but demonstrating its ability to reproduce the highest harmonics effortlessly.

Build and portability

The headband is entirely metal, made of aluminum, and incorporates a synthetic leather strap that distributes the weight across the head. At 342 grams, the headphone remains reasonable for a planar magnetic of this size, even if you do start to feel it after several hours. Each earcup houses a 50 mm driver protected by a micro-perforated grille.

The circular cups do not swivel, which may be an issue for certain head shapes. On the other hand, the design remains simple and potential weak points are reduced. The leather-covered ear pads provide a soft contact with the skin, and their beveled shape (introduced during the model’s revisions) improves acoustic sealing around the ear. Earpads and cable are replaceable, extending the overall lifespan of the product.

Sound signature and rendering

The Sundara has a neutral tonality with a slight warm tilt. The mids are clear and airy, and instrument separation works well on dense tracks. Female vocals, acoustic strings and brass stand out with precise definition without sounding detached from the rest of the mix.

The bass is tight and fast, a characteristic of planar magnetics. It doesn’t try to impress with sheer weight, but with texture and rhythmic control. On jazz or rock tracks, the double bass and kick drum keep their shape without bleeding into the rest of the spectrum. However, the sub-bass shows a slight roll-off below 40 Hz, a common phenomenon with open-back headphones.

The soundstage extends in both width and depth thanks to the open design. This structure allows the rear wave to escape freely, which eliminates certain colorations and provides a natural sense of space. Source positioning remains precise without becoming clinical.

Amplification and compatible sources

With an impedance of 32 ohms and a sensitivity of 94 dB, the Sundara can technically run from a smartphone or a computer headphone output. The volume will be sufficient, but the headphone won’t deliver its full potential. A dedicated amplifier, even a modest one, frees up the low end and refines details. The more current the source can deliver, the better the bass control will be.

This improvement in quality with stronger amplification is a well-known characteristic of planar magnetics: they reveal differences between sources better than most dynamic headphones.

Cabling and connectivity

The included cable is 1.5 meters long, which is suitable for portable or desktop use but a bit short for listening in a living room with an amp placed at a distance. Two 3.5 mm mini-jack connectors plug into each earcup, forming a Y configuration. The conductors are OFC (oxygen-free copper), and the termination is a gold-plated 3.5 mm jack accompanied by a 6.35 mm adapter.

The cable is detachable, allowing it to be replaced with a longer model or a balanced cable if the source supports it.

Open-back design: pros and cons

The rear grilles let sound pass in both directions. People around you will hear your music, and you will hear ambient noise. This type of headphone is best suited to a quiet environment: a closed office, a living room in the evening, a personal studio. It is not suitable for public transport or an open-plan office.

In return, the lack of internal pressure reduces listening fatigue during long sessions and provides that “out-of-the-head” sensation that many classical and acoustic jazz enthusiasts are looking for.

Included accessories

The Sundara V4 comes with a headphone stand integrated into the foam packaging. The 3.5 mm mini-jack cable and 6.35 mm adapter complete the kit. There is no carrying pouch and no balanced cable.

Technical Specifications

Acoustic Design

• Type: open-back
• Coupling: circumaural
• Transducer: planar magnetic, 50 mm
• Frequency response: 6 Hz - 75 kHz
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Sensitivity: 92 dB

Cabling and Connectivity

• Y-shaped detachable cable
  • OFC (oxygen-free copper) conductors
  • Length: 1.5 m
• Straight 3.5 mm mini-jack connector, gold-plated
• Gold-plated 6.35 mm jack adapter

Design and Comfort

• Adjustable leather-wrapped headband
• Large over-ear leather earcups
• Replaceable ear pads and cable

Included Accessories

• Headphone stand

General Information

• Net weight: approx. 342 g