Short answer: the AKG K371. It ranks #39 of 216 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $179; the HIFIMAN Sundara ranks #61, rated 4.0/5, at $179. With prices this close, go by the sound-quality ranking rather than the cost.
What the AKG K371 does well: A preference score of 85 with only 1.66 dB of deviation makes it one of the smoother closed-back models, and sub-bass runs about 1.6 dB above target for a full, extended low end. The tradeoff: A 7 dB dip near 3.9 kHz and presence about 2.6 dB low push vocals and instrument detail back, while air above 10 kHz is roughly 3.5 dB low, so the sound is dark and lacks sparkle.
What the HIFIMAN Sundara does well: Crinacle’s measurement gives a preference score of 82, and the midrange and treble stay within about 1 dB of target in hobbyist measurements on squig.link, so voices and instruments sound natural with a neutral balance. The catch: Sub-bass falls about 5 dB below target under 60 Hz and is 6.1 dB down at 30 Hz, so kick drums and synth bass lack deep rumble.
Buy the AKG K371. It is rated higher for sound quality than the HIFIMAN Sundara at the same price, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| AKG K371 | HIFIMAN Sundara | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.00 | $179.00 |
| Ranked | #39 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #61 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 85 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 82 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.66 dB standard deviation | 1.54 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.57 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.01 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+2.1 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 30 Hz (-6.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Open |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 50mm dynamic | 1 x planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 32 ohms | 37 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 114 dB SPL/V | 94 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (255 g) | 0.8 lbs (372 g) |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 6Hz - 75kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Headphone Comparisons
How AKG K371 compares with other leading options:
- Beyerdynamic TYGR 300 R vs AKG K371
- AKG K371 vs Audio-Technica ATH-R50x
- AKG K371 vs Sennheiser HD 25 Plus
- Audio-Technica ATH-R50x vs HIFIMAN Sundara
- HIFIMAN Deva Pro vs HIFIMAN Sundara
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
AKG K371: $179.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: A preference score of 85 with only 1.66 dB of deviation makes it one of the smoother closed-back models, and sub-bass runs about 1.6 dB above target for a full, extended low end. At 32 ohms and 114 dB per volt it is easy to drive from a phone, and the closed design isolates reasonably well. The warm tilt suits listeners who want bass without harshness.
Cons: A 7 dB dip near 3.9 kHz and presence about 2.6 dB low push vocals and instrument detail back, while air above 10 kHz is roughly 3.5 dB low, so the sound is dark and lacks sparkle. Fans of a bright or highly detailed presentation will find it veiled.
Full AKG K371 review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2019 (7 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.66 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 50mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 85 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 114 dB SPL/V |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+2.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.57 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (255 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.6 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | -2.7 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 182 Hz | -2.3 dB | 1.23 |
| Peak | 4,038 Hz | +5.0 dB | 3.60 |
| Peak | 67 Hz | +3.1 dB | 1.41 |
| Peak | 1,066 Hz | -0.8 dB | 2.57 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | +2.4 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 5,564 Hz | -1.6 dB | 3.89 |
| Peak | 4,232 Hz | +0.9 dB | 5.03 |
| Peak | 524 Hz | +0.3 dB | 1.66 |
| Peak | 2,048 Hz | +0.5 dB | 4.67 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
HIFIMAN Sundara: $179.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Crinacle’s measurement gives a preference score of 82, and the midrange and treble stay within about 1 dB of target in hobbyist measurements on squig.link, so voices and instruments sound natural with a neutral balance. The air band is lifted almost 4 dB above 10 kHz, adding openness and detail without a harsh peak. The open-back planar design gives a spacious presentation, and it is rated equal to the AKG K612 while costing less.
Cons: Sub-bass falls about 5 dB below target under 60 Hz and is 6.1 dB down at 30 Hz, so kick drums and synth bass lack deep rumble. At 94 dB/mW it needs more power than most over-ears and can run short of volume from a phone, and 372 g is heavy. The open back leaks sound and offers no isolation.
Full HIFIMAN Sundara review and specifications →
| Released | 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Open |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.54 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x planar magnetic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 6Hz - 75kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 82 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 37 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 30 Hz (-6.1 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.01 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (372 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.1 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +6.5 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 127 Hz | -2.0 dB | 0.29 |
| Peak | 2,009 Hz | +6.5 dB | 2.96 |
| Peak | 4,085 Hz | -4.4 dB | 1.19 |
| Peak | 7,580 Hz | +2.3 dB | 0.66 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -1.6 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 63 Hz | -1.2 dB | 2.40 |
| Peak | 38 Hz | +0.9 dB | 2.27 |
| Peak | 789 Hz | -1.6 dB | 4.10 |
| Peak | 5,821 Hz | +1.9 dB | 6.00 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons