HiFiMan
HiFiMan Sundara
Planar magnetic
85
/ 100
From $299
VS
Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black wins by 11
Audeze
Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black
Planar magnetic
96
/ 100
From $4,500
Specdex verdict
Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, HiFiMan Sundara lands at 85 and Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black at 96. That puts Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black 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 · Midnight Black if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
HiFiMan Sundara 85
vs 96 Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black
Score breakdown
HiFiMan Sundara
85 anc 0
sound 85
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black
96 anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | HiFiMan Sundara | Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black |
|---|---|---|
| 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 · Midnight Black
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 · Midnight Black
Which is better, HiFiMan Sundara or Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black? +
Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black 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 · Midnight Black worth the price? +
At $4,500, Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.
Does HiFiMan Sundara or Audeze LCD-5 · Midnight Black 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.