The Best Planar Magnetic Headphones
Planar magnetic headphones, also known as orthodynamics, generate sound by using a thin diaphragm encased between multiple magnets. They provide a clear and controlled audio that can capture all the trailing edges of vocals and instruments for a stunning musical precision.
They also typically require a headphone amplifier to properly control the drivers. This is a small price to pay for a pair of headphones that will reveal new details and nuances you didn't know existed in your music.
1. Dekoni Blue HE400SE
The Blue is a new version of the T50RP MK3 and is aimed at a brighter neutral house sound. It's not as neutral as the Philips Fidelio X2HR but is still a great option for those who don't require too much bass and prefer a warmer headphone that is natural. The vocals are soft and feminine. (Listen to Feel Good by Dominique Fils Aime). It has a good balance between low and high frequencies, making it enjoyable for long listening sessions.
The planar magnetic structure promotes the precise placement of sound, as well as clarity, and a vast soundstage. This allows music to breathe and gives you the experience of being in the middle of a concert. The treble spectrum is clear and not abrasive, giving you a detailed and clear sound.
Bass is amazing for a budget-friendly headphone. It's incredibly clear and powerful but it doesn't cause distortion when listening to high-end tracks. Its fidelity is also top-notch with great mid-range energy and a nice detail retrieval.
2. Audeze LCD-2
Audeze headphones are renowned for their booming sound and open-back design. They're also bulky and heavy and don't isolate well which means they will not be suitable for everyone. They're a great option for those who want an audio device that has a pulsating peak.
Featuring a large custom-designed planar magnetic driver in the ear cups, these headphones deliver an unbeatable sound with no distortion. They can even reach low frequencies that other more traditional dynamic drivers struggle with. This is one of the most popular planar magnetic headphones in the audiophile community.
Audeze's LCD-2 was their first headphone. It offers the best overall sound quality for its price. It has a rich and full-bodied bass that has honest transparency and virtually no distortion over 10Hz. It has a natural-sounding treble with the right levels for sibilant sounds. It dips at 9khz to accommodate concha interactions.
The LCD 2 Classics are a great alternative to the original LCD-2. They have the same design and sound, but at a cheaper price. They're a great pairing with tube amps, and they have more impedance than other open-back models, so you'll require an amplifier for your headphone. They aren't very comfortable and could cause your ears to get hot after wearing them for long periods of time.
3. HIFIMAN Ananda Nano
The HIFIMAN Nano brings the egg-shaped design with the open back window shade of its predecessor to date, and comes with an array of stunning technical upgrades. The Ananda Nano features a new NEO supernano diaphragm, which is 75% smaller than the original version's, as well as stealth magnets that deliver superior clarity.
The midrange feels spacious and airy, with plenty of resolution and a natural sound to it that will impress listeners with its clarity. It's also a bright headphone with a bit of an edge to its sound that makes it stand out and add some personality. But, it's not abrasive at all and does not suffer from excessive bloating or overemphasis.
The low-end of HIFIMAN's is a little lean in texture but does not compromise power or dynamics at all and the treble sounds crisp and clear without being overly bright or harsh. Contrary to other headphones that sound thin and closed-in, the Ananda Nano's treble has an impressive extension and can provide a sense of space and clarity even at higher volumes.
The headphone is easy-to-drive, and its drivers' clarity and acoustic quality will help you make the most of your favorite sources. Don't be fooled by the stories about these headphones needing tons of power or excessive current - that's just urban myth. I've worn them for two seven-hour work days and extended gaming sessions and they're still comfortable.
4. Audio Technica ATH-M1070
The price of planar headphones can put them out of the reach of a lot of music lovers particularly those with other things to do in their lives. If you're willing to spend a little time looking for the right pair, it is possible to find a fantastic set that won't break the bank. Monolith by Monoprice's 1070C model is a closed-back model with magnetic planar technology that is priced at $299 USD.
While the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C doesn't include the features that you might expect from a higher-end pair of headphones, it does not mean it isn't lacking in quality or performance. These headphones are impressive and can be adapted to your preference by a few tweaks to the audio source you choose to use with them.
Like most over-ear headphones like the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C have a high impedance rating and will need some assistance from your DAC or portable music player to properly drive their sound. Thankfully, the company has multiple cord options in the box that come with the headphones, including a 3-meter cord that is coiled, with an adapter with threaded 1/4 inches and two straight cables.
The 106mm planar driver of the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C delivers a rich soundstage that is full of details and offers a sense of depth. The headphones can make you feel as if being at the back of an orchestra when listening to tracks such as Phil Collins' In The Air Tonight. The treble is clear and clear, while the mid-range is smooth and warm without becoming too bassy.
5. Audio Technica ATH-M50X
The Audio Technica ATH-50X headphones are closed-back headphones that come with two ear cups with a large dimension. They are comfortable to wear over your ears. They're designed to function as an ideal studio headphone for recording mixing, analyzing, and critical listening. They come with a full, deep bass that pleases the most discerning of listeners and offers clarity that is useful to discern the subtle aspects of your music.
The ear cups feature a soft faux-leather covering that is comfortable for your head and ears. They also seal well enough to minimize outside noise. The headband is cushioned and can be worn around your head. However some users reported feeling uncomfortable because it was stiff. They have a good soundstage, however certain high-end details may be lost in the massive bass response.
These headphones feature an exciting sound profile, which is ideal for electronic music or other genres that depend on a beat. They offer a boost in the bass that makes kick drums punchy and powerful, as well as a bright and sharp high-frequency treble that emphasizes each note in the guitar or vocal melody.
The ATH M50X is a well-loved headphones for audiophiles and musicians. However, it's not suitable for all situations. It doesn't offer the same flat frequency response or articulation as higher-end headphones like the Beyerdynamics DT 990 Pro, and may be a little too warm in the lower range for certain.
6. Audeze LCD-XC
The LCD-XC, the very first planar magnetic closed-back headphone from Audeze, is a fully closed-back headphone with a planar design. It is a large and heavy headphone with wooden ear cups. It is the most hefty model on this list, and one of the most powerful closed-back models available.
The Audeze LCD XC has quickly gained a reputation for being the ultimate recording tool for musicians, engineers, and audiophiles due to its neutrality and transparency. The closed-back design of the Audeze LCD-XC offers all the benefits that magnetic headphones with a planar design like greater isolation and less ambient noise. This gives you a quiet listening experience. Your favorite songs will explode from the background, and take on its own life.
They have a unique planar magnetic design, which makes use of space-age materials, as well as an ultra-thin, 4X larger diaphragm than typical headphones. This will result in faster response times, reduced distortion, and higher resolution. Their unique driver design flies an ultra-thin, large driver between arrays of magnets for a incredible air movement, resulting in their distinctive bass sound and a natural, extended treble. The LCD-XC is a pure high-quality headphone made for professional tracking, mixing, mastering, and high-resolution listening for personal use when connected to a portable source device or an amplifier of the highest quality.
The treble has an clear and precise sound, without any artificial coloration or coloring. Vocals sound great, with a rich deep midrange and a natural, crisp and clean treble.