I started my audiophile headphone journey in June 2020 with the Sennheiser HD 58X and Schiit Fulla 3. The following month I got the Sennheiser HD 599, but found myself preferring the 58X to the point that I never use the 599 (and will probably sell them soon). I upgraded to a Heresy/Modi 3+ stack about 4 months ago.
After using my 58X almost every day for the past year (and loving them), I’m ready to make my next purchase, but can’t decide between the Sundara and Zeus. They are both $350. I’m leaning towards getting the Sundara first, then the Zeus later. Is that the right move?
It’s a matter of taste, its like what you like better vanilla or chocolate, both are awesome it’s just a matter of personal preference (though i don’t own a Sundara but i have tried it).
Also, there is the question of do you want more of the same but better (Sundara) , or something different (Zeus).
I’m not really sure. The 599 had a warmer, more relaxed sound compared to the 58X, which is why I bought them, but they also had a lot less detail, which I think is the main reason I never used them.
I don’t think I have any experience with neutral headphones. prior to the 58X, I only used mainstream consumer headphones (beats, bose, etc.)
I mostly listen to hip hop, but also some rock, and occasionally orchestra.
I don’t think there’s anything specific I would change about my 58X, but I’ve never heard anything that is generally considered better or higher quality.
Sundara sound like the better fit with your music choices, buuut, perhaps look into buying a pair used…perhaps you’ll save enough that you can buy the Zeus shortly afterwards and see if you like them. sell the one’s you feel are better or keep them both if you enjoyed them!
If you are in the USA/Amazon shoppable, you can just buy both of them from Amazon and return the one you don’t like as much. I believe both are available on amazon.
yep…some people don’t have the capital to buy two, hence the request for help on how to decide. which is why I recommend the used market. instant up front savings and it’s usually easy to flip what you decide to not keep.
Thanks everyone for your input. I decided to order the Sundara. If I don’t like them, I’ll return and get the Zeus. Otherwise, I’ll enjoy the Sundara for a while and get the Zeus later.
Hello,
I would leave the Sundara in the corner and add the $150 for Dan Clark Aeon R/T.
Then you have covered most of what you want to cover. The Harmonic Dyne will then also be uninteresting in comparison.
The next step is a nice hybrid amplifier, then you’ll have peace of mind.
The R/T costs more but is far better than the Sundara.
It’s worth the extra cost and I would buy it again.
if your into detailed headphones the zeus are not for you… they are a fun headphone and that is all they are… sundara is the one that has all the detail and texture… however, if your into warmer signatures then the sundara is also not for you as they are more for mids and highs. If you want bright, detailed, and having actual bass tones, Look into beyerdynamic. You could also look into Focal like Elex as it also has great detail and good bass extensions albeit its quite aggressive and a bit bright. Focal would be the cut above your Sennheisers there as they are also mid forward and the like.
Mentioned above by Deleeh the aeons are a more harman curve… not as detailed as the sundara but a good balance overall for a planar… it could also suit you if you like that more balanced relaxed sound
Love the Sundara, just wish hifiman would get better bass and build qualities… wouldnt mind spending a bit more for it either.