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 edges that trail vocals and instruments for a stunning musical clarity.
They also usually require a headphone amplifier in order to properly drive the drivers. This is a small cost to purchase headphones that will reveal details and subtleties in your music you did not know existed.
1. Dekoni Blue HE400SE
The Blue is the 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 require too much bass and prefer a more warm headphone that is natural. The vocals are smooth and feminine. (Listen to Feel Good by Dominique Fils Aime). It has a good balance between high and low frequencies, making it a great choice for long listening sessions.
The planar magnetic structure promotes accurate sound positioning, transparency, and a large soundstage. This lets music breathe, giving you the feeling like you are in a concert. The treble range is crisp and not abrasive and provides a clear and clear sound.
Bass is also impressive for a budget-friendly headphone. It's tight and punchy, yet it doesn't distort even when listening to loud music. Its fidelity also is excellent, with good midrange and detail retrieval.
2. Audeze LCD-2
Audeze headphones are known for their booming sound and open-back design. They're also extremely heavy and bulky and aren't well-insulated and will not be suitable for everyone. They're an excellent choice when you're looking for headphones with a lively high-frequency.
With a custom-designed planar magnetic driver in the ear cups, these headphones produce an unbeatable sound with no distortion. They can even reach low frequencies that conventional dynamic drivers struggle with. This is one of the most well-known planar magnetic headphones in the audiophile community.
The LCD-2 was the first headphone that put Audeze on the map. It is the most complete audio quality in its class. It has a rich, full-bodied bass with honest transparency and near-zero distortion over 10Hz. It also has a natural sounding treble that is balanced for sibilant tones, and it dips appropriately at around 9khz to account for concha interaction.
The LCD 2 Classics retain the iconic design and sound quality of the original LCD-2 but are more affordable. These headphones pair well with tube amplifiers and have a higher resistance than most open-back headphones. You'll need an amp for your headphone in order to use these headphones. They're not the most air-conditioned, and you could notice your ears becoming warm after wearing them for a long period of time.
3. HIFIMAN Ananda Nano
The HIFIMAN Ananda Nano features the classic egg-shaped housing and window shade open back design of its predecessor and brings it up to date with a plethora of technological upgrades. The Ananda Nano is equipped with the latest NEO ultranano diaphragm which is 75% less thick than the predecessor's. It also comes with stealth magnets to provide greater clarity.
The midrange is wide and airy with plenty of clarity, and a natural tone and will be awe-inspiring to listeners. This is also a bright headphone with a little edge to its sound which helps it stand out and add personality. However, it's not harsh at all and doesn't suffer from any bloating or overemphasis.
HIFIMAN's low-end is lean in texture but does not compromise performance or dynamics in any way, and the treble is crisp and clear without being overly bright or harsh. The Ananda Nano has a treble that is a bit more extended and gives the impression of clarity, space and depth even at high volumes.
The headphone is easy-to-drive and its drivers' acoustic clarity will allow you to make the most of your favourite sources. Don't believe the urban legend that these headphones require too much current or power. In actuality I've been able use them for lengthy 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 put them out of reach of most music fans especially those with other priorities in their life. If you're willing to conduct some research, it's possible to find headphones that won't break your budget. This is the case with the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C closed-back model that uses planar magnetic technology and is priced at a competitive $299 USD.
While the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C does not have the features you'd expect from a higher-end pair of headphones, it doesn't mean it's lacking in terms of quality or performance. They're awe-inspiring and can be adjusted to your preferences by a few tweaks to the audio source you connect to them.
As with most headphones for over-ear use like the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C come with a high impedance rating and will need some assistance from your DAC or portable music player in order to drive their sound properly. The company provides a range of cords inside the box that include a three-meter cord that is coiled and two straight cables.
The 106mm planar driver in the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C produces a rich soundstage that is full of detail and has a sense depth. On tracks like Phil Collins' In The Air Tonight the headphones are able to give you the feeling like you're in the back of an orchestra. The treble is crisp and clear, while the mid-range is smooth and warm without becoming overly bassy.
5. Audio Technica ATH-M50X
The Audio Technica ATH-50X headphones are closed-back headphones that come with a pair of ear cups with a large size. They are comfortable to wear over the ear. They're designed to function as an ideal studio headphone for recording mixing, as well as critical listening, so they have a full, rich sound that pleases bass lovers and also provides clarity for picking out the subtle elements in your music.
The earcups have an ear-socket that is soft and faux leather that is comfortable for your ears and head. They also seal well enough to reduce outside sound. The headband is padded and fits around your head. However, some users found it uncomfortable due to its stiffness. They have a good soundstage, however certain high-end elements can be lost in the booming bass response.
These headphones have an exciting sound pattern, which is ideal for electronic music and other genres that are based on a beat. They provide a boost to the bass, which makes kick drums lively and powerful, as well as an intense brightness in the treble, which highlights every note in the guitar melody or riff.
The ATH-M50X is one of the most popular headphones among musicians and audiophiles, but it's not ideal for every scenario. It doesn't have the same flat frequency response or even articulation that higher-end headphones have such as the Beyerdynamics DT 990 Pro, and can be a bit warm in the lower frequency for certain.
6. Audeze LCD-XC
The LCD-XC is the first planar magnetic closed-back headphone from Audeze, is a closed back planar headphone. It is massive and heavy with fully wooden ear cups and metal frames around. It is the heaviest headphone on this list and one of the most heavy closed back models in the world.
The Audeze LCD XC has quickly gained a reputation for being the ultimate tool among recording musicians, engineers and audiophiles because of its neutrality and transparency. The closed-back design of Audeze LCD-XC offers all the advantages planar magnetic headphones offer, such as enhanced isolation and less noise. This allows for a private listening experience. Your favorite songs will explode from the background, and take on its own life.
They feature a unique planar magnetic technology, which uses space-age materials, and an ultra-thin and 4X larger diaphragm than standard headphones. This allows for faster response times, reduced distortion, and a higher resolution. Their unique driver design shifts an ultra-thin, large driver between the arrays of magnets to provide great air movement, creating their distinctive bass sound and a natural extended treble. The LCD-XC is an uncompromising reference-grade headphone that is designed for professional mixing, tracking, mastering, and high-resolution listening for personal use when connected to the portable source device or a high-end amplifier.
The treble is extremely clear and clear, devoid of any artificial or colored sound. Vocals also sound great, with a rich deep midrange and a natural, clear, and clean treble.