Need a new set of Headphones

Headphones Headphone Discussion / Help
1

Hi All

Hope somebody can be able to help me. I am in need of a new pair of headphones. My Sundara V2 has finally packed up, left driver went.

I have been looking a few options, like HifiMan XS, XV even getting the same Sundara V2 again. It will be driven with iFiZen Dac v1.

Any advice, headphones I must be looking at. I live in South-Africa so not access to all the headphones, but must be below 500$.

Thank you all in advance.

2

So a couple of questions

  1. Do you want the same as your sundara or do you want try something new?
  2. What’s your budget
  3. What kind of music do you mostly listen to?
  4. are there other considerations you want? (like a suspension strap or larger ear cups)
3

Hi

Thanks @Naturallymorbid for the questions, is there something better than Sundara at the price point, in SA looking at around R11k, meaning about $500 in USA. I listen to almost all genre’s of music, not heavy or death Metal. Also watch series, do work etc on PC so comfort is keen. The suspension was awesome, but any type that is comfortable is perfect, bit larger ear cups would be awesome. 1 Thing to note I love the Open Back of Sundara, as I feel I can still hear my surroundings.

4

The Edition XS has more comfort and lighter clamp if that’s what your looking for. I have the Deva pro wired and more comfortable and neutral tuning which is easy to equalize. The Sundara was nice, but the clamp was too tight for me.

5

I must say I enjoyed the Sundara sound running of the iFi Zen Dac, but wondering what will sound better, in terms of engagement, fun to listen to etc. I saw the Deva as well, not for sale here in South-Africa.

6

The thing is the Sundara is somewhat different why not 100% unique it is does things differently and does so very well, that’s why it was recommended for years. The XS that @Dunring mentioned is a solid headphone but its not on the same “taste”, i have both (my XS is with different pads and headstrap, but its stock other than that), and love both. But i’d avoid the XS , not because of the sound, but because i think the Zen dac doesnt have the “juice” to make the XS really shine its not a bad amp, or it wount drive it but the XS tend to like powerful and clean amps to really shine (i even have the IFI zen Can and i still less like the XS on it).

I’d say first get another Sundara, it never goes out of style, then i’d look at something different to expand on

P.s. the sundara is like 200$ now so yo have plenty of budget left for other stuff :slight_smile:

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That you so much for the feedback, that was my 1 worry, altough Gemini told me it is easier to drive. The other headphone that caught my eye was 660S V2. Problem is to get the Sundara in South-Africa is not easy.

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If i remember correctly Aliexpress ship to SA, might take a while but should still get there (i would also get a 4.4mm cable if you dont have one). I have the sennheiser 660s (the OG), its ok but not one of my favorites - havent tried the V2.

9

Damm, might be that the Sundara is the option again, though with current Dac there might be more options. Also running balanced now with 4,4mm. So already have the cables, thought that would help on the XS as well.

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The other question here @Naturallymorbid I am wondering how the Meze 105 Silva stacks up here. Looked at Z Review now on it, and sounds like a proper headphone

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I unfortunately dont own a 105 (hoping to fix that someday, but i do have the 99 and the 109 Pro - love both). but they normally make quality stuff that’s really nice .

I would recommend you watch a bunch of other reviews, while it might be a little overwhelming and confusing sometimes, just keep in mind that reviews are subjective when it comes to the “flavor” of the headphone (measurements are nice but never tell the whole story IMO) - the more folks say they like something the odds of you liking it are higher (though not 100%). if you are in the hobby long enough you learn which reviewers are more like you so their opinion is more relevant

12

@Naturallymorbid I went HiFiMan Edition XS with GUSTARD H16 OLED Balanced. Got this at same price of what just a new Sundara would have been.

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Cool, I hope you enjoy it :smiley: I dont know the Gustard, but the spec look promising for the XS.

One small not the XS’s headband is not the greatest, if you find it uncomfortable you can switch it out for a Sundara style headband, its a little jank but it work great

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BTW one small but important note, try to get a 4.4 to dual XLR cable to feed the signal from your IFI zen DAC to the H16 Not mandatory but recommended

something like these

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@Naturallymorbid already got one as well for this reason so it is balanced right through chain. Also on the XS, it sits amazing on my head as I think I have a larger head.

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For me it wasnt the size, for prolonged listening there was some pressure build up on the top of my head (it was a common complaint that’s why they switched headband with most of their newer stuff), but if you are good then just enjoy :smiley:

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I only listen to it about 1 hour yesterday, and was interesting to me, it was less pressure on the top as the ski-band design of the Sundara. My head might be weird

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