The Best Planar Magnetic Headphones
Planar magnetic headphones (also known as orthodynamic headphones) utilize a diaphragm with a thin, conductive diaphragm that between multiple magnets to create sound. They offer a clear and controlled audio experience that can capture all the edges of vocals and instruments for incredible musical accuracy.
They also usually require a headphone amplifier in order to properly control the drivers. This is a small price to pay for a pair of headphones that can reveal new details and nuances you didn't know existed in your music.
1. Dekoni Blue HE400SE
The Blue is a re-definition of T50RP MK3 with a more neutral sound. It's not as neutral as the Philips FidelioX2HR but still a good choice for those who don't need too bass and prefer a warmer headphone that sounds natural. The vocals are feminine and velvety. (Listen to Feel Good by Dominique Fils Aime). It is a good balance of low and high frequencies that can be enjoyable for long listening sessions.
The planar magnetic structure promotes accurate sound positioning, transparency, and a huge soundstage. This lets the music breathe and gives you the feeling of being in a concert hall. The treble range is crisp and not abrasive providing you with a clear and crisp sound.
Its bass is also very impressive for a low-cost headphone. It's punchy and tight but doesn't distort even when listening to loud music. Its fidelity is also superb with great mid-range energy and excellent detail retrieval.
2. Audeze LCD-2
Nearly everyone who's heard of Audeze headphones knows about their premium open-back design and strong sound. They're also heavy and bulky and aren't well-insulated which means they aren't suitable for all listeners. However, they're an excellent option if you're looking to purchase a headphone that can produce powerful dynamic climax and punch.
These headphones feature a large planar magnetic driver which is custom-designed inside the ear cups. They create pure, undistorted sound. They can even achieve low frequencies that other more traditional dynamic drivers struggle with. This is one of the most sought-after audiophile headphones that is a planar magnet.
Audeze's LCD-2 was their first headphone. It has the best audio quality in its class. It is full-bodied and rich bass with a transparent transparency and virtually no distortion over 10Hz. It has a natural treble sound, with the proper levels for sibilant sound. It drops to 9khz in order to accommodate concha interactions.
The LCD 2 Classics are a excellent alternative to the original LCD-2. They have the same iconic design and sound, but at significantly lower cost. They're a great combination with tube amplifiers, and they have more impedance than other open-back headphones, so you'll need an amplifier for your headphones. These headphones are not very comfortable and could cause your ears to get warm after wearing them over a long period of time.
3. HIFIMAN Ananda Nano
The HIFIMAN Nano brings the egg-shaped design of the past and open back window shade of its predecessor to date, and comes with an array of stunning technological improvements. The Ananda Nano comes with the brand new NEO ultranano diaphragm that is 75% thinner than its predecessor's. It also has stealth magnets to provide greater clarity.
The midrange is wide and airy with plenty of resolution, a natural tone and will be awe-inspiring to listeners. It's a little brighter headphone that has some edge to its design. It makes it stand out and adds some personality. It's not abrasive and doesn't have any swelling.
The low-end of HIFIMAN's headphones has a slim texture, but it doesn't sacrifice any power or dynamics. The treble is crisp and clear without being bright or harsh. In contrast to some headphones that sound thin and closed-in, the Ananda Nano's treble has great extension and is able to provide a sense of space and clarity even at high volumes.
The headphone is simple to drive and the acoustic transparency of its drivers will allow you get the most out of your favourite sources. Don't be fooled by the stories about these headphones needing a lot of power or a lot of current - that's just urban legend. In fact, I've been able to enjoy them for long gaming sessions as well as two seven-hour periods at work and they were comfortable.
4. Audio Technica ATH-M1070
The price of headphones with a planar design can make them out of the reach for a majority of music lovers especially those with other priorities in their lives. But if you're willing to spend a bit of time looking for the right pair, it's possible to find a top set that won't cost you a fortune. Monolith by Monoprice's 1070C model is a closed-back model with magnetic technology in planar form that is priced at $299 USD.
best planar magnetic iem by Monoprice's 1070C headphones might not come with all the features that you'd expect from a more expensive set, but they're nevertheless of excellent quality and perform well. These headphones sound impressive and can be tuned to your personal preferences by a little tweaking from the source of audio you pair them with.
As with most headphones for over-ear use, the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C have an impedance rating of high and will require a little help from your DAC or portable music player to properly drive their sound. Thankfully, the company provides various cord options inside the box that come with the headphones, including a three-meter Coiled cable that has an adapter with threaded 1/4 inches and two straight cables.
The Monolith by Monoprice headphones 1070C have an 106mm drive that provides a full, detailed soundstage with a sense depth. The headphones provide the impression of being at the back of an orchestra while listening to music such as Phil Collins' In The Air Tonight. The treble is clear 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 an ear cup with a large size. They are comfortable to wear over the ears. The Audio Technica ATH-M50X is a closed-back headphones with two ear cups that are big enough to comfortably fit over your ears.
The earcups have a soft faux-leather cover that is comfortable for your head and ears. They also have a strong seal that helps minimize outside noise. They have a padded headband that can be worn around your head for a comfortable fit, but it could be a bit stiff and can put pressure on the top of your head, which some people found uncomfortable. They have a wide soundstage, however some high-end details can be lost in the booming bass response.
These headphones feature a lively sound profile that is ideal for electronic music and other pulse-driven genres. They have a strong bass boost that makes kick-drums punchy, and a bright treble that highlights every note in a vocal melody or guitar riff.
The ATH M50X is a well-loved headphones for audiophiles and musicians. However it's not suited to all situations. It doesn't have the flat frequency response and even the articulation of premium headphones like the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, and it could also be a bit too warm in the low range for certain.
6. Audeze LCD-XC
The LCD-XC, the first planar magnetic closed-back headphone from Audeze, is a fully closed-back headphone that is planar. It is a big and heavy headphone with wooden ear cups. It is the heaviest model on this list and is one of the most heavy closed-back models you can find.
The Audeze LCD XC has quickly gained a reputation for being the most effective tool for recording engineers, musicians and audiophiles due its transparency and neutrality. Its closed-back design offers all the benefits of planar magnetic headphones such as greater isolation and reduced ambient noise for an intimate and calming listening experience. Your music of choice will explode out of the background, taking on its own life.
They have an exclusive, innovative planar magnetic technology which makes use of space-age materials as well as an ultra-thin diaphragms 4X larger than standard headphones for fast response times, dramatically reduced distortion and better resolution. Their unique driver design shifts an ultra-thin, large driver between arrays of magnets for a amazing air movement, which results in their distinctive, powerful bass and a natural, extended treble. The LCD-XC is an uncompromising high-quality headphone made for professional mixing, tracking mastering, and high-resolution listening for personal use when connected to the portable source device or an amplifier of the highest quality.
The treble is extremely detailed and clear, without any artificial or colored sound. Vocals also sound great with a full, deep midrange and a natural, crisp and clean treble.