I think that they are a definite step up. The Sundaras are very neutral and I find that they can sound thin with certain songs. I don’t find them at all fatiguing though and can wear them all day. Most of my friends and family who have tried all my headphones would put these second to the LCD-X. The Audeze have far better imaging and layering in my opinion. Despite their weight, I find them very comfortable too and can wear them all evening. I do EQ them though. I have Sonarworks Sound ID Reference for headphones and the flat setting sounds amazing. I also have the Oratory1990 settings too. I alternate between genres and use either setting accordingly. I can’t imagine needing to upgrade these any time soon.