[Ichos]

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/hifiman-edition-xs-launched.960155/

Thanks!

It seems that they are upgrading several models to the stealth magnets.

 

[pataburd]

Can't agree, even a little about 3 of the rankings. Maybe if you're running with less than a wat

Please be more specific.

 

[bagwell359]

Please be more specific.

500, 6, HEKse. And "watt".

The 500 needs a min of 2 watts @ 50 ohms. The 6 needs a min 4 watts @ 38 ohms. The HEKse I didn't have at home so the power question I can't answer but doubt it's a 1 watt or less. All 3 are very revealing - very - compared to the Sundara. The 500 can be forgiving. The other two are not. Not enough watts they sound bass shy and flat. Meh audio chain? They'll spit like vipers - and show one what is wrong.

Also the HE6se v1 & v2, HEX v2, Ananda not mentioned are all better although 4 watt min for the 6's. The other need less than 1 watt but it had better be quality.

 

[cfranchi]

Thanks!

It seems that they are upgrading several models to the stealth magnets.

I hope Hifiman will update Sundara but will keep the original headband, the new headband is not comfortable for long listening session (hot spot on head).

 

[Ichos]

I hope Hifiman will update Sundara but will keep the original headband, the new headband is not comfortable for long listening session (hot spot on head).

Agreed, I also prefer the plain leather headband.

 

[JamminVMI]

Sounds amazing. I'll keep an eye on them, if I ever come across one in Japan.

In other news, Drop just dropped (sorry) $100 off the price of the Open or Closed Dan Clark's (which are supposedly the R/T - which I reallylike).

 

[Zer0.p0int.Zer0]

In other news, Drop just dropped (sorry) $100 off the price of the Open or Closed Dan Clark's (which are supposedly the R/T - which I reallylike).

That’s an amazing deal. Just like the Sundara. I am having trouble deciding which I like better, my new Sundara or my old HE-560. Really enjoy both of them.

 

[SkyZippr]

In other news, Drop just dropped (sorry) $100 off the price of the Open or Closed Dan Clark's (which are supposedly the R/T - which I reallylike).

Sounds like a good deal. However I'm honestly hesitant to order from Drop, as I've seen some people mentioning their qc issue. I fear it might be too much hasslein case something goes wrong since I'm in Japan.
Good news is, I just realized that a used pair of AFO (not RT) is available for $300 nearby, albeit without any filters. I'll see if I can audition them.

 

[JamminVMI]

Sounds like a good deal. However I'm honestly hesitant to order from Drop, as I've seen some people mentioning their qc issue. I fear it might be too much hasslein case something goes wrong since I'm in Japan.
Good news is, I just realized that a used pair of AFO (not RT) is available for $300 nearby, albeit without any filters. I'll see if I can audition them.

If you want the filters, email the folks at dan clark. Can’t be that expensive…

 

[SkyZippr]

If you want the filters, email the folks at dan clark. Can’t be that expensive…

So I went to try the Aeon Flow (non-RT), both closed and open. Unfortunately something was 'off' with them... I didn't feel as much 'wow' as I did with Sundara... Maybe they are slightly darker?
The worse news is, my neck still doesn't like the weight of Aeon Flow. Guess I should really see a doctor at this point.

 

[JamminVMI]

So I went to try the Aeon Flow (non-RT), both closed and open. Unfortunately something was 'off' with them... I didn't feel as much 'wow' as I did with Sundara... Maybe they are slightly darker?
The worse news is, my neck still doesn't like the weight of Aeon Flow. Guess I should really see a doctor at this point.

I’ve never tried the flows, but if these bother your neck, you may wish to see a doc. They’re pretty light…

 

[pataburd]

Plan to try driving the Sundara directly from the speaker outputs of the following:

(1) Wadia 151 PowerDAC mini [25wpc/8ohm]
(2) Bel Canto e.One C5i [60wpc/8ohm]
(3) Wyred4Sound mINT [100wpc/8ohm].

. . . adapter should arrive sometime next week. . .

 

[Henrim]

I bought a pair of Sundara for work! Just need to wait for it to arrive.

At the risk of being repetitive, what amp/ dac pairs well with these? Does a dragonfly cobalt have enough juice?

 

[pataburd]

Congratulations!

Personally, I did/do not like the Cobalt with the Sundara; in fact, I did/do not care for the Cobalt at all (and don't think that it is worth the $329.95 MSRP). Would recommend the DF Red or Black, both of which I prefer to the Cobalt, although I don't think any of the DFs have quite enough push to do the Sundara justice.

Am currently running the Dragonfly Black v1.5 (in series with the Jitterbug) as a DAC/pre-amp, with the S.M.S.L. SP200 for the amplifier. Am also using an aftermarket headphone cable, with upgraded interconnects and power cord.

For the money, this is one of the most technically and musically competent, and just plainly enjoyable headphone set-ups I have ever owned/heard--"mid-fi" or otherwise.

 

[pataburd]

The Sundara--breaking in quite nicely, thank you--and the SP200 are lots of fun to tweak around with and then listen for changes. Have settled on optimal aftermarket footers: RDC 2 cones with RDC bottoming discs. More expansive and transparent than the Herbies Gabon ebony cones.