The Closed Back version of the very famous Sundara from HifiMan comes with an adjustable headband with suspension strap, beautiful beech wood earcups, and some important new features for headphone enthusiasts: the Stealth Magnet technology recently implemented across a large number of the company’s models, and the NEO Supernano Diaphragm, both included in this relatively affordable new model from the brand. These are closed-back headphones, so the differences with the classic open Sundara are significant, although a trained ear can still detect a certain kinship.
The aforementioned Stealth Magnet technology was designed to reduce potential wave interference through a new magnet architecture, in order to recreate an even more accurate and faithful sound, while the NEO Supernano Diaphragm (NsD), another proprietary Hifiman technology, is a new diaphragm that is 75% thinner than previous ones, further improving the level of detail in reproduction.
Prodotti consigliati
Overview
Let’s proceed in order. First of all, the Closed Back has a declared frequency response of 6Hz–50kHz, an impedance of 20 ohms, a sensitivity of 98dB, and a weight of 432 grams.
It is important to remember from the outset that closed-back headphones by their nature tend to be less airy than open ones. On one hand, they reduce interaction with people around you; on the other, they allow excellent listening even in noisy environments such as coworking spaces, busy workplaces, homes with children, shared student rooms, and so on.
The arrival of the Closed Back model has generated great curiosity among enthusiasts, as it is presented as a variant of the Sundara, HifiMan’s popular and affordable headphones. However, as mentioned, the differences are substantial—not only due to the closed design but also because of the use of Stealth Magnets, not yet implemented in the standard Sundara.
As with the classic Sundara, a long burn-in period is recommended—around 150 hours or more—and we can confirm that this is indeed necessary to get the best out of the Closed Back. It is also worth noting that these are relatively efficient headphones, which may even work with mobile devices, although a proper DAC/headphone amp is strongly recommended. A portable unit may be a good option for use outside the home, although these are clearly designed for desk or armchair listening.
As for isolation, the Closed Back provide nearly complete separation from the outside world, and the beech wood cups also shield surrounding people quite effectively, allowing the listener to enjoy music at higher volumes without disturbing others too much.
Package and comfort
The box includes a user manual, the headphones, a 1.5m cable with 3.5mm jack and a 6.35mm adapter. The cable is of good quality, but anyone needing more length will have to purchase a longer one separately. As for durability, based on long-term experience with several Hifiman models, we can confidently vouch for their build quality.
In terms of comfort, although the model is inevitably heavy due to planar magnetic technology and closed wooden cups, Hifiman has done a good job balancing the weight on the head. The inner padding of the cups is extremely soft. Combined with medium clamping force—firm enough to keep the headphones stable but not excessive—this results in a surprisingly comfortable wearing experience.
How the Sundara Closed Back sound
Let’s move on to the key question: how do they sound?
Starting with the bass: do not expect powerful slam. The Closed Back do not deliver exaggerated bass impact, which may lead some users to pair them with an amp/DAC that enhances low frequencies or use equalization. However, in terms of detail and clarity in bass and lower mids, they perform very well for their price range, offering good definition and presence.
The midrange is particularly clean and detailed, with good instrument separation, spatiality, and solid positioning within the soundstage.
The treble is similarly well defined and well placed, blending into the overall frequency response in a fundamentally neutral tonal balance aimed at faithful and natural reproduction, with the excellent dynamism typical of HifiMan headphones.
The soundstage is interesting—not extremely wide, but still good compared to other closed-back headphones in the same price range. Instrument placement is solid, and the ability to reproduce subtle nuances is noteworthy. These are lively, fast, and engaging headphones, excelling in detail and overall structure within their category. They perform particularly well with rock and electronic music, and show excellent naturalness in vocals, where they stand out from most competitors.
Possible pairings
The EF400 from Hifiman is a great match for these headphones, as are other DAC/amps in a similar price range (around 500–600 euros), such as the iFi HFM set. Depending on budget, users aiming for a total setup around 600–700 euros could also consider more affordable options like the iFi Zen DAC or the Topping DX3 Pro+, still achieving a satisfying system.
For those who want stronger bass impact, it may be useful to choose a device with a bass boost function (such as the iFi Zen DAC).
When deciding between the Closed Back and the classic Sundara, the choice should be based purely on listening needs. Both are excellent value-for-money products, but they serve different purposes: the key factor is whether the user prefers open or closed headphones.
Conclusion
After extensive listening, we can say that HifiMan has succeeded: the new Sundara Closed Back stands proudly alongside the famous original Sundara. It is a fundamentally different model, but one that still delivers extraordinarily high sound quality for its price. The company’s goal was clearly to offer a closed-back planar magnetic headphone at an accessible price, and this goal has been fully achieved.
The Closed Back are comfortable despite their weight, fast and capable of handling complex passages, with good instrument placement and excellent detail. Their sonic signature leans toward natural rather than strictly neutral, and they will satisfy listeners who want an isolating headphone for immersive, detailed listening sessions.
Voi cosa ne pensate?