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HiFiMan Sundara — Planar magnetic
HiFiMan

HiFiMan Sundara

Planar magnetic

85
/ 100
From $299
VS
Audeze LCD-5 wins by 11
Audeze LCD-5 — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze LCD-5

Planar magnetic

96
/ 100
From $4,500
Specdex verdict

Audeze LCD-5 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, HiFiMan Sundara lands at 85 and Audeze LCD-5 at 96. That puts Audeze LCD-5 ahead by 11 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick HiFiMan Sundara if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Audeze LCD-5 if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Audeze LCD-5

Tuning, detail, and staging

Audeze LCD-5 leads on sound (96 vs 85).

Noise cancelling

Tie

ANC strength for commute and travel

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

HiFiMan Sundara

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

HiFiMan Sundara more score per dollar ($299 vs $4,500).

HiFiMan Sundara 85
vs
96 Audeze LCD-5

Score breakdown

HiFiMan Sundara
85
anc 0
sound 85
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Audeze LCD-5
96
anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

HiFiMan Sundara versus Audeze LCD-5 — full spec comparison
Spec HiFiMan Sundara Audeze LCD-5
Type
Planar magnetic
Planar magnetic

HiFiMan Sundara

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Audeze LCD-5

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: HiFiMan Sundara vs Audeze LCD-5

Which is better, HiFiMan Sundara or Audeze LCD-5? +

Audeze LCD-5 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 11. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is HiFiMan Sundara worth the price? +

At $299, HiFiMan Sundara delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in battery.

Is Audeze LCD-5 worth the price? +

At $4,500, Audeze LCD-5 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.

Does HiFiMan Sundara or Audeze LCD-5 last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, HiFiMan Sundara or Audeze LCD-5? +

Audeze LCD-5 — leads on sound (96 vs 85). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is the better value, HiFiMan Sundara or Audeze LCD-5? +

HiFiMan Sundara — more score per dollar ($299 vs $4,500). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.