The Best Planar Magnetic Headphones
Planar magnetic headphones, also referred to as orthodynamics, generate sound using a thin diaphragm encased between several magnets. They offer a crisp and controlled audio experience that captures all the edges that trail instruments and vocals for incredible musical accuracy.
They usually require a headphone amplifier to provide the drivers with the proper power. This is a small cost to pay for a pair of headphones that can reveal new nuances and details you never knew existed in your music.
1. Dekoni Blue HE400SE
The Blue is a new version of the T50RP MK3 and aims for a brighter neutral house sound. It's not as neutral as the Philips Fidelio X2HR but it's an excellent choice for people who prefer an authentic, warm headphone, but don't need too much bass. Vocals sound feminine and silky (listen to the track Feel Good by Dominique Fils-Aime). It has a good balance between low and high frequencies, which makes it a good choice for long listening sessions.
planar magnetic in ear facilitates precise sound placement, while also providing transparency and a wide soundstage. This allows music to breathe, giving you the feeling of being in the middle of a concert. The treble sound is clear and precise with a clear and non-fatiguing sound.
Bass is also impressive for a budget-friendly headphone. It is tight and punchy but it doesn't cause distortion when listening to high-end tracks. Its fidelity is also excellent with excellent midrange and detail retrieval.
2. Audeze LCD-2
Audeze headphones are renowned for their loud sound and open-back design. They're also extremely bulky and heavy and aren't well-insulated, so they aren't suitable for all listeners. They're a great option if you're looking to purchase headphones that can deliver a strong dynamic the climax and punch.
With a custom-designed planar magnetic driver in the ear cups, these headphones deliver pristine distortion-free sound. They can reach low frequencies, which other dynamic drivers aren't capable of reaching. This is among audiophiles' most popular planar magnet headphones.
The LCD-2 was the first headphone that put Audeze on the map. It is the most impressive audio quality in its class. It is full-bodied, deep bass, with transparent transparency and nearly zero distortion above 10Hz. It also has a natural-sounding treble, with the right levels for sibilant tones, and it dips at about 9khz to accommodate concha interaction.
The LCD 2 Classics are a excellent alternative to the original LCD-2. They feature the same iconic design and sound, but at much lower price. They work well with tube amplifiers and offer more resistance than the majority of open-back headphones. You'll need a headphone amp to use them. They're also not the most breathable, and you may find your ears getting warm after wearing for long periods of time.
3. HIFIMAN Ananda Nano
The HIFIMAN Nano brings the classic egg-shaped design and open back window shade of its predecessor up to date, accompanied by an array of stunning technological improvements. The Ananda Nano features the brand new NEO ultranano diaphragm that is 75% smaller than its predecessor's. It also comes with stealth magnets for superior clarity.
The mid-range is spacious and airy and has plenty of clarity and a natural sound to it. It will impress listeners with its accuracy. It's a slightly brighter headphone with some edge in its presentation. It helps it standout and adds some personality. It's not abrasive and does not have any constriction.
HIFIMAN's low-end is light in texture, but does not sacrifice the power or dynamics in any way and the treble is clear and crisp without being overly bright or harsh. Contrary to other headphones that sound sluggish and closed-in, the treble of the Nano is a excellent extension and is able to give a sense of space and clarity even when playing at high volumes.
The headphone is simple to operate, and its drivers' acoustic clarity will allow you to make the most of your preferred sources. Don't be fooled by the stories about these headphones requiring a lot of power or high current - that's just urban myth. In actuality I've been able use them for lengthy gaming sessions as well as two seven-hour periods at work and they remained comfortable.
4. Audio Technica ATH-M1070
The price of planar headphones could put them out of reach of a lot of music lovers particularly those with other priorities in their life. However, if you're willing spend a little time looking for the perfect pair, it is possible to find a great set that won't cost you a fortune. This is the case with the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C closed-back model that utilizes planar magnetic technology and is priced competitively at $299 USD.
Although the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C does not come with the features you'd expect from a more expensive set of headphones, that doesn't mean it's lacking in performance or quality. These headphones sound amazing and can be tuned to your preference with a little tweaking from the source of music you use them with.
The Monolith by Monoprice headphones are high-impedance and require assistance from your DAC/portable music player to operate the sound properly. The company comes with a variety of cords included in the box which includes a 3 meter cord that is coiled and two straight cables.
The Monolith by Monoprice headphones 1070C have a 106mm planar drive that provides a full, detailed soundstage that has a sense of depth. On tracks like Phil Collins' In The Air Tonight, the headphones are able to provide the impression of sitting in the back row of an orchestra. The treble sound is crisp and clear while the mid-range is warm and smooth without being too bassy.
5. Audio Technica ATH-M50X
The Audio Technica ATH-50X headphones are closed-back headphones with a pair of ear cups with a large dimension. They fit comfortably over your ears. They're designed to be a studio headphone that can be used for tracking mixing, analyzing, and critical listening, so they offer a full and rich sound that pleases bass lovers and offers clarity that is useful to discern the subtle aspects of your music.
The earcups are covered in a soft faux leather that's comfortable on your head and ears, and they seal tightly enough to block out outside noise. They have a padded headband that fits around your head for a comfortable fit however it can be a bit stiff and can put pressure on the top of your head, which some listeners were uncomfortable. They have a wide soundstage, but certain high-end elements can be lost in the booming bass response.
These headphones have an exciting sound profile that is ideal for electronic music or other genres based on a pulsing. They have a strong bass boost that makes kick drums punchy, and a bright treble that accentuates every note in a vocal melody or guitar riff.
The ATH M50X is among the most popular headphones for audiophiles and musicians, however it's not the best choice for every scenario. It doesn't have the flat frequency response or even articulation as higher-end headphones like the Beyerdynamics 990 Pro, and may be a bit warm in the lower frequencies for some.
6. Audeze LCD-XC
The LCD-XC is a closed back planar magnetic headphone and the first ever from Audeze. It is massive and heavy with full wooden ear cups and metal frames around. It is the most hefty model on this list and is among the most heavy closed-back models you can find.
The Audeze LCD-XC has become the ultimate instrument for musicians, recording engineers and audiophiles worldwide because of its impressive neutrality and transparency. Its closed-back design offers all the advantages of planar magnetic headphones, such as improved isolation and reduced ambient noise for an intimate and immersive listening experience. Your favorite music will explode from the background, and take on its own life.
They are equipped with an unique, innovative planar magnetic technology that makes use of space-age materials and an ultra-thin diaphragms 4X larger than standard headphones for rapid response times, drastically reduced distortion and better resolution. Their unique driver design places a large, ultra thin driver between the arrays of magnets to create incredible air movement. This produces their signature strong bass and natural extended highs. The LCD-XC is a reference headphone that's designed for professional mixing, recording mastering, and high-resolution Hi-Fi listening.
The treble is extremely detailed and open, free of any artificial or colored sound. Vocals are also great, with a rich and deep midrange and natural, crisp and clean treble that delivers a true sense of intimacy.