Open vs Closed back Sundaras?

Submitted by joshglen t3_zxkbxe in headphones

Hi all, I have open back Sundaras and recently bought the Closed back ones. After doing some listening tests (switching back between them, using both at the same time with the driver from one on one ear and the other on the other), I really can't tell much of a difference. I am using a basic music EQ from sound blaster command and sound blaster X G6 and am compensating for the different impedance by setting the volume on the open back lower.

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SmartOpinion69 t1_j20uhgu wrote

if a company can make a closed back version of an open back headphone and it sounds about right, then that is a success. ZMF pulled it off with the verite which is great. however, sennheiser failed massively with the HD820

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joshglen OP t1_j2130ve wrote

Yeah I definitely feel the "sounds about right" part of it. As I have a lot of background noise (city + roommate), I'm thinking I'll stick with the closed back because the open back literally block out zero sound (not even a tiny bit like some open back gaming headsets such as PC38X).

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blargh4 t1_j20x4lv wrote

wait what they've got closed back sundaras?

somehow I've literally never heard of this. are they any good?

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The_D0lph1n t1_j20xj4a wrote

They're divisive. I haven't heard them myself, but some reviewers think they sound horrible, while others think they sound nice. It's a "try before you buy" case.

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joshglen OP t1_j212twb wrote

Yeah at first they didn't sound very good, but with a standard v/U shaped EQ on both Sundara versions I really couldn't tell much of a difference, even when using earcup from each driver at the same time. The closed back do have a slightly lower impedance though so they are easier to drive.

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hurtyewh t1_j22cnff wrote

Most reviews say the closed backs are garbage even with EQ. What music are you testing them with?

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The_D0lph1n t1_j22iunk wrote

Brent Butterworth at SoundstageSolo thought they sounded fine with good instrument separation; you can read his review to see the music he liked it with. When he measured it after writing the review, he noted that they measured really weirdly, so he said that even though he liked it a lot, it's something that the prospective buyer should try before putting down cash.

It's very curious, because I've also heard impressions that they sound muddy and dull. I briefly followed the Head-Fi thread, and the opinions there were also very polarized; people either thought it was garbage, or it was quite good.

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joshglen OP t1_j22n00r wrote

The professional reviews I've seen said it could go either way based on preference.

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joshglen OP t1_j22nizs wrote

Mostly pop and techno, also using it for shows and gaming though.

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