The 560s brand new $150 on ebay and it's literally downgrade from Sundara in my opinion.

$65 for DIY headband for Sundara from Aliexpress or $125 original via HiFiMan Store

You definitely know my thoughts. But original or remastered album?

Personally for me the Sundara feels like a teaser before the real end game. Everything sounds very good and natural but I feel everything could be better. But I'm done with the Sundara because there is no reason to spend more than 350$ for headphones overall. If you have enough resources, you may try something different, but correlation between price and sound quality is gonna be far from the optimal. Maybe Edition XS is worth the money and very good for the price but I haven't tried it and won't do it.

I heard an interesting opinion that people who buy flagship items are mostly investing directly in the company and their future products. If you like HifiMan and want to support them, something like Ananda or Arya would be your next end game.

I suppose those who have achieved the end game are no longer interested in such discussions.

Rather I'm looking suitable gear for Sundara and something fun to listen to on a daily basis to refresh my hearing. The Focal's are damn expensive I would prefer planars like LCD-X or Ananda

I tried several EQ presets including Oratory’s EQ and found they didn't work for me. First of all this is uncomfortable for every day listening with different devices. IfI's True Bass button adds so much bass for music that needs it... though I prefer the stock sound of my gear.

Thank you for advice, I won't waste any money and time anymore on mid-range gear though the Ananda looks great.

Nothing changes almost half of the year. I try to avoid scratches by touching metal. You're first here who speaks about hanging, appreciate you.

Do they change sound signature except the bass line? Are sheepskin pads comfortable vs velour? I have some noname thick hybrid velour pads from Ali which are better quality, they increase bass and depth of soundstage, but sound a bit mumble and darker. I love Sundara's airiness.

According to manual zen dac v2 gets < 1.5W via USB power and 5V via DC adapter. You're doing something wrong because I definitely hear different levels of loudness, it's about 30%. Keep in mind the Zen Dac does not always automatically switch to dc power but always sounds quieter when dc is plugged off.

Do you hear the difference between single end and balanced connection of that Stack? I suppose activating TrueBass and XBass together isn't a good idea because Zen Dac is designed to work in fixed mode when connected to AMP as Dac only. In that case the Zen Dac works as not the greatest pre-amp what distort the sound.

I kind of think iiWi Reviews says about laid back of midrange and relaxed sound overall. Equal opinion I heard from another guys. I am afraid the relaxed sound isn't good for the mostly neutral Sundara (and Ananda as a big brother).

I like "Blade Runner 2049" soundtrack and movie as well. Sundara does rumble too.

Electronic, Hip Hop, Ambient, Female vocals and a bit of Ghostemane ;)

The Sundara isn't sibilance or harsh, I like more how it shines with SH8s. Honestly, I'd bought the warmth Zen Dac especially for the harsh BD 770 Pro before found out about Sundara)

Curiosity leads to audiophilia..

When I listen something else for example low end IEM's from collection, I always cry a lot how bad they sound compared Sundara. I would buy a second pair of headphones in order to cry at the bank account as well. Do I have to buy something equal Sundara or ought to get limited by cheap Senns? Any recommendations for IEMs if I already have TRN VX?

Personal responsibility isn't allowed me to buy expensive headphones for no reason. As I wrote in the headline - this is end game, individual. Hope current headphone never won't be broken. Thanks for response.

I'm being limited yourself by digital records from vinyl

Yeah, iFi's Zen lineup has plenty of useful features. Sometimes true bass is too much for me, overall depends of music genre. Hip hop or ambient music sound right with true bass. I read Zen Can xbass is way better, less impactful.

Do you use balanced connection of Zen Stack? Some youtubers say Zen Stack provides a bit thin, not very dynamic sound, it's could be an issue with planars. I think I'm struggling with very neat sound of Zen Dac, so SH8s has more "body" on the entire range of frequency.

About EQ, I hate it, it's awkwardly for daily using alongside other headphones with risk to get dirty sound. I'd tried EQ presets for Sundara and wasn't enjoyed.

How many headphones I should try to be allowed write about personal end game?

Is there exist end game of the wallet ?

Personal end game does really exist. Maybe I was just finding a good combination for Sundara to emphasize all advantages of planars. Apparently I mostly agree with you.

May I ask you how much emotions I lose with this mid-range equipment?

Where is the path then? I'm sure I feel more happiness finding a good music but new things give a different presentation, sometimes completely another.

Sorry, but that post about personally my end game, not for r/HeadphoneAdvice

There is a difference only for power output. 5v adapter provides louder sound. I bought 5$ chinese adapter what more than enough.

Zen Dac v2 is used for 100% with 5v adapter and balanced output but I'm still not sure it's good enough for Sundara.