The Best Planar Magnetic Headphones
Planar magnetic headphones, also known as orthodynamics, generate sound by using a thin diaphragm encased between several magnets. They offer a crisp and controlled audio experience that captures all the trailing edges of vocals and instruments for a stunning musical accuracy.
They also require a headphone amplifier in order to effectively drive the drivers. It's a small price to pay for a set of headphones that can reveal new nuances and details you didn't even know existed in your music.
1. Dekoni Blue HE400SE
The Blue is a new definition of T50RP MK3 with a more neutral sound. It's not as neutral as the Philips FidelioX2HR but is still a great option for those who don't require too bass and prefer a warm headphone that is natural. Vocals sound feminine and smooth (listen to Feel Good by Dominique Fils-Aime). It is a good balance between the high and low frequencies that makes it fun for long listening sessions.
The planar magnetic structure encourages accurate sound positioning with clarity and a large soundstage. This allows music to breathe, giving you the feeling of being in an orchestra. The treble range is crisp and doesn't cause fatigue, giving you a detailed and crisp sound.
Bass is amazing for a budget-friendly headphone. It's incredibly clear and powerful but doesn't distort even when you listen to loud music. Its fidelity is also top-notch, with good midrange and detail retrieval.
2. Audeze LCD-2
Nearly everyone who's heard of Audeze headphones is aware of their premium open-back design and powerful sound. They're also bulky and heavy, and they do not have a good isolation and won't be comfortable for everyone. However, they're an excellent choice if you're looking for headphones that can deliver a strong dynamic climax and punch.
These headphones have a huge planar magnetic driver which is specially designed for the earcups. explanation provide distortion-free, pristine sound. They can even reach low frequencies that other more conventional dynamic drivers struggle with. This is among the most sought-after audiophile headphones with a planar magnet.
Audeze's LCD-2 was their first headphone. It offers the best overall sound quality in its class. It has a rich and full-bodied bass that has honest transparency and almost zero distortion above 10Hz. It also has a natural treble, with the right levels for sibilant tone, and it dips at about 9khz in order to account for concha interactions.
The LCD 2 Classics retain the iconic design and sound quality of the original LCD-2 however, they're cheaper. These headphones work well with tube amps and offer more resistance than the majority of open-back headphones. You'll need a headphone amp to use these headphones. They aren't very comfortable and could cause your ears to become warm after wearing them long periods of time.
3. HIFIMAN Ananda Nano
The HIFIMAN Ananda Nano is a modern take on the egg-shaped housing and window shade design with an open back of its predecessor and makes it modern with a plethora of technical upgrades. The Ananda Nano features the brand new NEO ultranano diaphragm that is 75% smaller than its predecessor's. It also features stealth magnets that offer superior clarity.
The mid-range is a bit spacious and airy, with plenty of resolution, a natural tone and will impress listeners. It's a slightly brighter and more luminous headphone, with some edge to its presentation. It helps it standout and adds some character. It's not abrasive and doesn't have any constriction.
HIFIMAN’s low-end has a lean texture, but it doesn't sacrifice any power or dynamism. The treble is crisp and clear, without being too bright or harsh. Unlike some headphones that can sound a bit tinny and closed-in the treble of the Ananda Nano has great extension and is able to create a sense and clarity even at higher volumes.
The headphones are easy to drive and the acoustic transparency of its drivers will allow you bring out the best from your favourite sources. Don't be fooled by the stories about these headphones needing tons of power or excessive current - that's just urban myth. In actuality I've been able take advantage of these headphones for long gaming sessions, as well as two seven-hour work sessions and they were comfortable.
4. Audio Technica ATH-M1070
The majority of music lovers, particularly those who have other priorities in their life, might not be in a position to afford planar headphones. However, if you're willing spend some time researching the right pair, it's possible to find a top set that doesn't cost a fortune. Monolith by Monoprice's 1070C is a closed-back model with magnetic technology in planar form priced at $299 USD.
Although the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C doesn't come with the features you'd expect from a more expensive pair of headphones, it doesn't mean it's not lacking in quality or performance. The headphones are stunning and can be adjusted to your liking with a little tweaking of the audio source that you choose to use with them.
As with most headphones for over-ear use that are available, the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C have an extremely high impedance and will require a little help from your DAC or portable music player in order to drive their sound properly. Fortunately, the company offers various cord options inside the box that come with the headphones, including a three-meter Coiled cable that has an adapter threaded to 1/4 inch and two straight cables.
The 106mm driver in the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C creates a full soundstage that is full of details and offers a sense of depth. The headphones give you a sense of being in 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 sounds soft and smooth, without getting too bassy.
5. Audio Technica ATH-M50X
The Audio Technica ATH-50X headphones are closed-back headphones that come with an ear cup with an enormous size. They are comfortable to wear over the ear. They're designed to function as a studio headphone for tracking, mixing, and critical listening, which is why they offer a full and rich sound that satisfies bass lovers and offers clarity that is useful for picking out the subtle details in your music.
The earcups are covered with a soft faux-leather that is comfortable on your ears and head and they are sealed enough to minimize the sound of outside. The headband is padded and can be worn around your head. However some users felt it uncomfortable due to its stiffness. They have a wide soundstage, however certain high-end details may be lost in the massive bass response.
These headphones feature an exciting sound profile, which is perfect for electronic music or other genres that depend on a pulse. They have a strong bass boost that makes kick drums lively, and a bright treble that accentuates every note in a vocal melody or guitar riff.
The ATH-M50X is among the most popular headphones among audiophiles and musicians, but it's not ideal for every situation. It doesn't provide the flat frequency response or even the articulation that is found in higher-end headphones such as the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, and it could also be a bit warm in the low-end for certain.
6. Audeze LCD-XC
The LCD-XC, the first planar magnetic closed-back headphone from Audeze, is a closed-back headphone that is planar. It is a large and heavy headphone, with wooden ear cups. It is the most heavy headphone on the list and one of the most heavy closed back models in the world.
The Audeze LCD-XC has become the ultimate instrument for recording engineers, musicians and audiophiles all over the world due to its powerful neutrality and clarity. The closed-back design of the Audeze LCDXC gives you all the benefits that magnetic headphones with a planar design, such as enhanced isolation and less noise. This allows for a quiet listening experience. Your favorite tunes will burst from the silent background taking on a life of its own.
They are equipped with an exclusive planar magnetic technology that uses space-age materials, and an ultra-thin and 4X larger diaphragm than typical headphones. This results in more responsive times, lower distortion, and a higher resolution. Their unique driver design moves a large, ultra-thin driver between magnet arrays for amazing air movement, which results in their signature powerful bass and natural extended treble. The LCD-XC headphone is a reference headphone specifically designed for professional recording, mixing mastering, high-resolution hi-fi listening.
The treble is an clear and precise sound without artificial coloring or coloration. Vocals are also superb with a deep and rich midrange and a natural, clear and clean treble that delivers an authentic feeling of intimacy.