HiFiMAN

HiFiMAN Sundara — r/headphones’ default recommendation for “your first planar magnetic headphone.” Full-size open-back design with HiFiMAN’s planar magnetic driver tech, delivering the detail retrieval, transient speed, and sub-bass extension that dynamic drivers can’t match at this price. Requires a proper headphone amp (like FiiO K11 or AIYIMA H4). $299 MSRP, often $199 on sale.

Audiophile community verdict: See what audiophiles say on r/headphones community thread