Open-back headphones offer a unique listening experience, creating a spacious and airy soundstage that many audiophiles adore. But what exactly sets them apart? In this article, we’ll explore the world of open-back headphones, comparing two popular models from HiFiMan: the Edition XS and the Sundara 2020. We’ll break down their design, sound quality, comfort, and technical specifications, helping you decide which pair best suits your listening style and budget. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or just starting your journey into high-fidelity sound, this comparison will provide valuable insights to guide your decision. We’ll also touch on how these headphones perform with different music genres and consider user experiences to give you a well-rounded perspective.
Key Takeaways
- Open-back headphones prioritize sound quality over isolation: The Edition XS and Sundara excel at home where their open design creates a spacious, natural sound. However, sound leakage makes them unsuitable for noisy environments.
- Edition XS offers a fun, detailed sound: Enjoy punchy bass and crisp details with the Edition XS. Its wider soundstage creates a more immersive experience, making it a great value.
- Sundara presents a balanced, vocal-focused sound: If you prefer a neutral sound signature that highlights vocals, the Sundara is an excellent choice. Its refined design and balanced audio reproduction make it worth considering.
What Are Open-Back Headphones?
Open-back headphones have vents or grilles on the earcups, allowing air and sound to pass through. This design creates a more spacious, natural sound compared to closed-back headphones, which seal your ears completely. Think of it like listening to speakers in a room versus listening through earplugs. With open-backs, the sound waves aren’t trapped, giving music a wider soundstage and more accurate stereo imaging. Instruments and vocals have room to breathe, and the overall presentation is often described as clearer and less muffled. This makes them popular for critical listening at home, especially for classical music or other genres where a natural presentation is important.
However, this open design has some drawbacks. Because sound leaks out, open-back headphones aren’t suitable for noisy places like public transport or a busy office. They also offer less noise isolation than closed-back headphones, meaning you’ll hear your surroundings, and those around you will hear your music. If privacy and noise reduction are priorities, closed-back headphones might be a better fit. For a deeper look at the differences between open and closed-back headphones, check out this helpful comparison from SoundGuys. We also have articles on various speaker types and soundbars if you’re interested in exploring other audio equipment options.
HiFiMan Edition XS: Overview
The HiFiMan Edition XS are open-back planar magnetic headphones, offering a detailed and spacious soundstage often favored by audiophiles. They’re known for their comfortable design and impressive performance, especially at their price. This section covers the design, build, and sound characteristics of the Edition XS.
Design and Build
HiFiMan uses a distinct design language for its headphones, and the Edition XS is no exception. The fourth-generation headband, similar to the HE400se and the HE-R10P, prioritizes comfort. The lightweight frame and plush earcups make these headphones ideal for long listening sessions. Headfonics points out the improved headband design, contributing to a comfortable and secure fit. While the build quality is generally sturdy, some users find the plastic construction less premium compared to other brands.
Sound Signature and Performance
The Edition XS truly excels in its sound reproduction. RTINGS.com highlights its accuracy and close adherence to target sound curves, creating a balanced and clear sound. A slight bass emphasis adds warmth and fullness, making it enjoyable for genres like hip-hop and electronic music. The overall sound signature is bright and neutral, typical of HiFiMan’s planar magnetic headphones. When compared to the Sundara, the Edition XS offers superior separation and detail, according to Headphoneer. This results in a more immersive and nuanced listening experience. The wider soundstage also enhances the sense of space, making the Edition XS a compelling choice at its price.
HiFiMan Sundara 2020: Overview
The HiFiMan Sundara 2020 are open-back, planar magnetic headphones known for their detailed sound and comfortable design. They represent a solid step up from entry-level audiophile headphones, offering a more refined listening experience. This model is an update to the original Sundara, incorporating improvements based on user feedback and technological advancements. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these headphones tick.
Design and Build
The Sundara 2020 sport a sleek, modern aesthetic. The matte black finish on the yokes and headband gives them an understated yet sophisticated look. HiFiMan opted for a lighter, more streamlined headband design compared to some of their earlier models. This helps reduce weight and improve overall comfort. The earcups are well-padded and spacious, designed to accommodate a variety of ear shapes and sizes. While the materials used aren’t the most premium-feeling, the build quality is generally solid, reflecting the headphones’ price point. The included cable is detachable, allowing for easy replacement or upgrades. You can explore different headphone connectors on our site.
Sound Signature and Performance
The Sundara 2020 are celebrated for their balanced and detailed sound signature. They offer a fairly neutral presentation, making them suitable for a wide range of music genres. The planar magnetic drivers deliver excellent clarity and speed, allowing you to hear nuances in your music you might miss with other headphone types. The bass response is tight and controlled, avoiding any excessive boom or muddiness. The midrange is clear and present, with vocals sounding natural and lifelike. The treble is well-extended and detailed, but can occasionally sound a bit bright with certain recordings. Overall, the Sundara 2020 provide an engaging and immersive listening experience that’s sure to please audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Learn more about how planar magnetic headphones work on our site.
Comparing Sound Quality
Let’s analyze the sonic differences between the HiFiMan Edition XS and the Sundara, exploring how each performs across the frequency spectrum. This comparison will help you choose the pair that best suits your listening preferences.
Bass Response and Low-End
The Edition XS delivers a slightly boosted bass response, adding a satisfying thump to bass-heavy genres like electronic and hip-hop. It reproduces low frequencies consistently and accurately, closely mirroring the target curve for a pleasing and impactful low-end. This detailed review of the Edition XS from RTINGS.com delves further into its bass performance. The Sundara, while not deficient in bass, presents a more neutral and balanced profile. This means the bass is less emphasized than the XS, making it suitable for those who prefer a flatter sound signature. Headphoneer offers a helpful comparison of the Edition XS and Sundara, highlighting their differences in bass reproduction.
Midrange and Vocals
The Sundara truly excels in the midrange. Vocals sound denser and more present, creating an intimate listening experience. If you favor vocal-centric genres like jazz or acoustic music, the Sundara’s midrange performance will likely resonate with you. The Edition XS handles midrange frequencies competently, but it doesn’t quite reach the Sundara’s richness and clarity in this area. Headphoneer’s comparison provides valuable insights into how these two headphones handle vocals and midrange instruments.
Treble and Detail
When it comes to treble, the Edition XS stands out with better separation and detail retrieval. This adds a sense of airiness and sparkle to the music, making it well-suited for genres that benefit from intricate soundscapes, like classical or progressive rock. However, some listeners find the XS’s treble a bit sharp at higher volumes. The Sundara’s treble is smoother and less emphasized, contributing to its warmer overall sound. While it may not offer the same level of detail as the XS, it avoids any potential harshness. This review of the Sundara from Headphonesty discusses its sound signature in detail.
Soundstage and Imaging
The Edition XS creates a wider and more immersive soundstage, giving the impression that the music is all around you. Its superior imaging allows for precise placement of instruments and vocals within the soundscape. The Sundara offers a respectable soundstage, but it doesn’t quite match the expansive presentation of the XS. RTINGS.com’s review of the Sundara provides more information on its soundstage performance. Headphoneer’s comparison directly contrasts the two headphones’ soundstage and imaging qualities.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is key, especially for longer listening sessions. Both the HiFiMan Edition XS and the Sundara are open-back headphones designed for at-home listening, so comfort is a major factor. Let’s see how they compare.
Edition XS: Earcups and Fit
The Edition XS boasts generously sized earcups. This is a huge plus for anyone who’s experienced discomfort with other headphones. The plush earpads, while not the thickest available, provide a good seal and distribute pressure evenly. The hybrid headband design, combining a traditional headband with suspension straps, aims to reduce pressure on the top of your head. Adjustments are easy to make, allowing for a personalized fit. Some users have noted the earcups can get a little warm after extended wear, but overall, the Edition XS prioritizes comfort. For more information on headband types, check out our guide to headphone headbands.
Sundara 2020: Headband Design
The Sundara 2020 takes a slightly different approach to comfort with its more traditional headband design. The headband padding is relatively thin, which some users find less comfortable than the Edition XS, especially during long listening periods. However, the earcups themselves are still spacious and well-padded, offering plenty of comfort around the ears. The clamping force is generally considered moderate, striking a balance between a secure fit and avoiding excessive pressure. Proper clamping force is essential for good sound isolation and overall comfort. Learn more about this in our article on headphone stretch.
Long Listening Sessions
How do these headphones fare during those marathon listening sessions? With the Edition XS, the larger earcups and hybrid headband design generally translate to greater comfort over time. The Sundara 2020, while comfortable for shorter periods, might become less so after several hours due to the thinner headband padding. Ultimately, individual experiences with comfort can vary, so trying headphones on before buying is always a good idea, if possible. Consider factors like head size and shape when making your decision. Headphone fit is crucial for both comfort and optimal sound quality.
Tech Specs
Understanding the technical specifications of headphones helps you make informed decisions, especially when comparing models like the HiFiMan Edition XS and the Sundara. Let’s break down the key specs.
Frequency Response and Audio
Frequency response measures the range of sound frequencies a pair of headphones can reproduce. A wider frequency range typically indicates the headphones can produce a broader spectrum of sound, from deep bass to high treble. Both the Edition XS and Sundara boast impressive frequency responses, extending beyond the typical human hearing range. The Edition XS covers 8 Hz–50 kHz, while the Sundara covers 6 Hz–75 kHz. These extended ranges, particularly in the higher frequencies, suggest detailed and nuanced sound. However, frequency response alone doesn’t tell the whole story; factors like the evenness of the response curve also play a crucial role. You can learn more about this in our guide to speaker types.
Impedance, Sensitivity, and Amplification
Impedance measures the electrical resistance of the headphones, while sensitivity indicates how loud they get with a given power input. The Edition XS has a lower impedance (18 ohms) and higher sensitivity (92 dB) compared to the Sundara (37 ohms and 94 dB). This means the Edition XS is easier to drive and can reach higher volumes with less power. You might not need a dedicated headphone amplifier with the Edition XS, especially if using them with a phone or laptop. However, the Sundara might benefit from an amplifier to reach its full potential, particularly at higher listening volumes. For more information about impedance and power, check out our article on subwoofers.
Planar Magnetic Drivers
Both the HiFiMan Edition XS and the Sundara utilize planar magnetic drivers, a technology known for its detailed and accurate sound. Unlike traditional dynamic drivers, planar magnetic drivers use a thin diaphragm suspended between magnets. This design allows for faster and more precise movement, resulting in lower distortion and a more transparent sound. If you’re curious about how these drivers compare to other types, our studio monitor guide discusses different driver technologies.
Music Genre Compatibility
Choosing the right headphones often depends on your favorite music. Both the HiFiMan Edition XS and the Sundara 2020 perform well across various genres, but each has its own strengths. Let’s see how they handle different musical styles.
Edition XS: Genre Versatility
The Edition XS excels in versatility. Its balanced sound profile, with a slightly boosted low end, makes it suitable for almost any genre. You’ll experience clear, punchy bass in hip-hop and electronic music, while still enjoying the detailed mids and highs essential for rock and classical. This adaptability makes the Edition XS a great all-around choice for diverse playlists. RTINGS.com points out its accurate audio reproduction, closely following the target curve, which contributes to its genre flexibility. This allows you to enjoy everything from the complexities of jazz to the driving beats of pop without feeling like anything is missing.
Sundara 2020: Genre Strengths
The Sundara 2020 is no slouch with most genres, but it truly shines with vocal-focused music. Its rich, detailed midrange brings vocals and instruments forward, making it ideal for genres like folk, acoustic, and certain rock subgenres. Headphoneer describes the Sundara’s sound as “fleshy and dense,” adding a pleasant warmth and texture to these types of music. While its bass response is good, it’s not as emphasized as the Edition XS, so bass-heavy music lovers might prefer the XS for electronic or hip-hop. If you value clarity and nuance in vocals and instruments, the Sundara 2020 is an excellent option.
Price and Performance
The HiFiMan Edition XS and the Sundara often fall within a similar price range, with the Edition XS usually costing a bit more. This makes comparing their value important for potential buyers. The Edition XS generally delivers better performance for the slightly higher price, particularly in sound quality and detail. If you’re on a strict budget, the Sundara is still a good choice. However, if you can spend a little more, the Edition XS offers a noticeable improvement in the overall listening experience. For those interested in boosting bass frequencies, our subwoofer guide offers helpful information. If you’re looking for a more immersive audio experience, check out our resources on soundbars. For those working with a limited budget, our guide to speaker types can help you find the best option.
User Experiences and Feedback
This section explores what users are saying about the HiFiMan Edition XS and Sundara headphones, focusing on comfort, fit, and sound quality.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is essential, especially for extended listening. Users consistently praise the Edition XS for its exceptional comfort, often exceeding expectations in its price range. The suspension headband design distributes weight evenly, and the sturdy yokes make adjustments easy and secure. See what users are saying on Head-Fi.org. While the Edition XS scores high on comfort, some users with smaller heads find the Sundara headband a better fit. This discussion on Linus Tech Tips highlights the differences.
Sound Preferences and Listening
Sound quality is subjective, but common themes appear in user reviews. The Edition XS is known for its accurate sound reproduction, staying true to its tuning, with a slightly emphasized bass. RTINGS.com offers a detailed review, including measurements and sound analysis. Comparing the two, users often mention the Edition XS having better instrument separation and detail, while the Sundara presents a warmer, fuller sound. The soundstage—how wide and deep the audio seems—is generally considered wider on the Edition XS. This comparison explores the sound differences in more detail. The Sundara receives praise for its balanced midrange, which some prefer to the XS’s bass and treble emphasis. The “better” headphone truly depends on individual listening preferences.
Choosing: Edition XS vs. Sundara 2020
Deciding between the HiFiMan Edition XS and the Sundara 2020 comes down to your individual needs and preferences. Both are well-regarded open-back headphones, but they cater to slightly different listening experiences. This section will walk you through the key considerations to help you make the right choice.
Matching Your Music
Think about what you typically listen to. If your playlists are full of bass-heavy genres like electronic, hip-hop, or certain types of pop music, the Edition XS’s enhanced low-end might be a good fit. Its emphasized bass adds a satisfying thump and rumble to these genres, as highlighted in this review. The Sundara 2020, while not lacking in bass, offers a more balanced presentation across the frequencies, making it suitable for a wider variety of genres, including classical, jazz, and rock. Reviewers often praise its balanced sound signature, which allows the nuances of these genres to shine through.
Your Listening Environment
Where you plan to use your headphones also matters. Open-back headphones allow sound to leak both in and out. This means they’re not ideal for noisy environments like public transport or a busy office. If you primarily listen at home in a quiet room, either the Edition XS or Sundara will work well. However, the Sundara’s slightly wider soundstage, as noted here, can create a more immersive experience in a dedicated listening space.
Budget and Value
Price is always a factor. The Edition XS typically costs less than the Sundara 2020. If you’re looking for excellent sound and comfort on a budget, the Edition XS offers remarkable value. Many users praise its performance at its price point. The Sundara 2020, while more expensive, justifies its price with a more refined design, including the more comfortable headband, and a slightly more balanced sound. Consider how much you’re willing to spend and what features are most important to you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a headphone amp for the HiFiMan Edition XS or Sundara?
The Edition XS is easier to power than the Sundara due to its lower impedance and higher sensitivity. This means you can likely use the Edition XS directly with your phone, laptop, or computer without needing an external amplifier. While the Sundara can work without an amp, you might find a dedicated headphone amp improves its performance, especially if you prefer higher listening volumes. An amp can provide the Sundara with enough power to reach its full potential, resulting in a cleaner and more dynamic sound.
Which is more comfortable, the Edition XS or Sundara?
Many users find the Edition XS more comfortable for long listening sessions thanks to its larger earcups and hybrid headband design. The Sundara, while comfortable for shorter periods, might become less so over time due to its thinner headband padding. Ultimately, comfort is subjective and depends on individual head size and shape.
What’s the main difference in sound between the Edition XS and Sundara?
The Edition XS offers a wider soundstage and more emphasized bass, making it suitable for genres like electronic and hip-hop. The Sundara, on the other hand, has a more balanced sound signature with a richer midrange, making it excellent for vocal-focused genres like jazz and acoustic music. The Edition XS also tends to retrieve more detail in the treble frequencies.
Are the Edition XS and Sundara good for noisy environments?
No. Both the Edition XS and Sundara are open-back headphones, meaning sound leaks in and out. This makes them unsuitable for noisy places like public transport or busy offices. They are best suited for quiet listening environments at home.
Which is better for gaming, the Edition XS or Sundara?
While both can be used for gaming, the Edition XS’s wider soundstage and slightly emphasized bass might give you a more immersive experience in games with rich sound design and impactful sound effects. The Sundara’s more balanced sound might be preferable for competitive gaming where accurate positional audio is crucial.
