The Best Planar Magnetic Headphones
Planar magnetic headphones, also known as orthodynamics, generate sound using a thin diaphragm encased between several magnets. They offer a crisp and controlled audio that can capture all the edges that trail vocals and instruments to provide incredible musical precision.
They usually require a headphone amplifier to drive the drivers properly. It's a small price to purchase headphones that can reveal the details and nuances in your music you didn't even know existed.
1. Dekoni Blue HE400SE
The Blue is a new version of the T50RP MK3 and is designed to provide more neutral and bright house sounds. It's not quite as neutral as the Philips Fidelio X2HR but still a good choice for those who don't require too much bass and prefer a warmer headphone that is natural. Vocals sound feminine and smooth (listen to the track Feel Good by Dominique Fils-Aime). It's got a great balance between low and high frequencies, making it enjoyable for long listening sessions.
The planar magnetic structure promotes precise sound positioning, clarity, and a vast soundstage. This lets music breathe and gives you the experience of being in the middle of a concert. The treble range is clear and doesn't cause fatigue providing you with a clear and crisp sound.
Bass is also impressive for a budget-friendly headphone. It's incredibly clear and powerful but doesn't alter when listening to loud tracks. Its fidelity also is excellent, with good midrange and detail retrieval.
2. Audeze LCD-2
Nearly everyone who's heard of Audeze headphones is aware of their high-end open-back design and powerful sound. They are also bulky, heavy, and do not provide a good isolation. They will not be suitable for all. However, they're an excellent choice if you're looking for headphones that can deliver powerful dynamic climax and impact.
Featuring a large custom-designed planar magnet inside the ear cups, these headphones provide perfect sound that is free of distortion. They can reach low frequencies that other dynamic drivers aren't capable of reaching. This is one of audiophiles' most popular headphones with a planar magnet.
Audeze's LCD-2 was their first headphone. It has the highest overall sound quality in its class. It has a full and full-bodied bass that has honest transparency and virtually no distortion beyond 10Hz. It also has a natural treble with appropriate levels for sibilant tone, and it troughs out at 9khz to accommodate concha interactions.
The LCD 2 Classics retain the iconic design and sound quality of the original LCD-2, but they're much more affordable. They're an excellent combination with tube amplifiers, and they have an impedance that is higher than other open-back models, so you'll need to use an amplifier for your headphones. They're also not the most air-conditioned, and you could find your ears getting warm after wearing for long periods of time.
3. HIFIMAN Ananda Nano
The HIFIMAN Ananda Nano features the classic egg-shaped housing and window shade design with an open back of its predecessor, and brings it up to date with a wide array of technological upgrades. The Ananda Nano comes with the brand new NEO ultranano diaphragm that is 75% less thick than the predecessor's. It also features stealth magnets to provide greater clarity.
The midrange is spacious and airy, with plenty of resolution and a natural sound to it. It will impress listeners with its clarity. This is also a bright headphone with a slight edge to its presentation that helps it stand out and add some character. It's not harsh and doesn't have any bloating.
HIFIMAN's low-end is lean in texture but doesn't sacrifice the power or dynamics in any way, and the treble is clear and crisp without being too bright or harsh. The Ananda Nano has a treble that's extended and gives the impression of clarity, space and depth even at high volumes.
The headphones are easy to operate, and its drivers' acoustic clarity will help you get the most out of your preferred sources. Don't be fooled by the stories about these headphones needing tons of power or a lot of current - that's just urban legend. In fact, I've been able to use them for lengthy gaming sessions and two seven-hour stretches at work and they were comfortable.
4. Audio Technica ATH-M1070
Most music lovers, especially those with other priorities in life, might not be in a position to afford planar headphones. However, if you're willing spend some time looking for the perfect pair, it is possible to find a top set that doesn't break the bank. This is the case with the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C closed-back model which utilizes planar magnetic technology and is priced competitively at $299 USD.
While magnetic planar headphones by Monoprice 1070C does not have the features you'd expect from a higher-end set of headphones, that doesn't mean it's not lacking in terms of quality or performance. The headphones are stunning and can be adjusted to your preferences with just a little tweaking of the audio source that you use with them.
Like many over-ear headphones like the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C have an impedance rating of high and will require a little help from your DAC or portable music player in order to properly drive their sound. Fortunately, the company offers various cord options inside the box with the headphones, including a 3-meter coiled cable with an adapter with threaded 1/4 inches and two straight cables.
The Monolith by Monoprice headphones 1070C come with an 106mm drive that produces a rich, detailed soundstage with a sense of depth. The headphones can make you feel as if being in the back of an orchestra while listening to music such as Phil Collins' In The Air Tonight. The treble is crisp and clear, while the mid-range is warm and smooth without becoming overly bassy.
5. Audio Technica ATH-M50X
The Audio Technica ATH-M50X are closed-back headphones that have a huge pair of earcups that comfortably fit over your ears. They're designed to function as a studio headphone that can be used for tracking mixing, analyzing, and critical listening, which is why they come with a full, deep sound that pleases bass lovers and also provides clarity for picking out the subtle elements in your music.
The ear cups are covered in a soft faux leather that is comfortable on your ears and head, and they seal tightly enough to reduce the sound of outside. They have a padded headband that can be worn around your head to provide comfort however, it can be a bit stiff and put pressure on the top of your head, which some listeners found uncomfortable. They have a wide soundstage, and a decent amount of isolation, although some of the high-end details can be lost in the powerful bass response.
The headphones have a thrilling sound profile that is perfect for electronic music and other genres that depend on a beat. They have a strong bass boost that makes kick drums powerful, and have bright treble that emphasizes every note in a vocal melody or guitar riff.
The ATH M50X is among the most sought-after headphones among audiophiles and musicians, but it's not ideal for every scenario. It lacks the flat frequency response and even articulation of higher-end headphones like the Beyerdynamic 990 PRO, and it could also be a bit warm in the low range for certain.
6. Audeze LCD-XC
The LCD-XC is the first closed-back magnetic planar headphone made by Audeze, is a fully closed-back headphone with a planar design. It's large and heavy with full wooden ear cups and the metal frame around. It is the most hefty model on the list, and one of the most heavy closed-back models you can find.
The Audeze LCD XC has quickly earned a reputation as the ultimate tool among recording engineers, musicians, and audiophiles due to its clarity and neutrality. Its closed-back design gives the advantages of planar magnetic headphones, such as improved isolation and reduced ambient noise for a private and immersive listening experience. Your favorite music will explode from the background, and take its own life.
They are equipped with an unique, innovative planar magnetic technology which makes use of space-age materials as well as an ultra-thin diaphragms 4X larger than typical headphones for fast response times, dramatically reduced distortion and better resolution. Their unique driver design places an ultra-thin, large driver in between two arrays of magnets to create a great air flow. This results in their distinctive powerful bass and natural extended highs. The LCD-XC headphone is a reference-grade headphone made for professional recording, mixing mastering, and high-resolution Hi-Fi listening.
The treble is an spacious and clear sound without artificial coloring or coloration. Vocals also sound great, with a rich, deep midrange and a natural, crisp and clear treble.