The Best Planar Magnetic Headphones

Planar magnetic Drivers magnetic headphones, also known as orthodynamics, create sound using a thin diaphragm encased between multiple magnets. They offer a clear, controlled audio experience which is able to capture the entire trailing edge of vocals and instruments for amazing musical precision.

They usually require a headphone amplifier to drive the drivers properly. It's a small price to pay for headphones that can reveal the details and nuances in your music that you did not know existed.

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 it's an excellent option for those who prefer natural, warm sounding headphone planar and don't like too much bass. Vocals sound feminine and smooth (listen to Feel Good by Dominique Fils-Aime). It is balanced between high and low frequencies, which makes it a good choice for long listening sessions.

The planar magnetic structure promotes the precise placement of sound, as well as transparency, and a huge soundstage. This allows music to breathe and give you the sensation like you are in an orchestra. The treble range is crisp and not abrasive, giving you a detailed and clear sound.

Bass is also impressive for a price-conscious headphone. It's punchy and tight and doesn't sway even when listening to loud tracks. Its fidelity is also excellent with great mid-range energy and excellent detail retrieval.

2. Audeze LCD-2

Audeze headphones are well-known for their booming sound and open-back design. They're also bulky and heavy and aren't well-insulated and won't be comfortable for all listeners. However, they're an excellent option if you're looking to purchase headphones that will deliver an intense dynamic high-frequency and punch.

Featuring a large custom-designed planar magnetic driver in 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 planar magnet headphones.

Audeze's LCD-2 was their first headphone. It has the highest sound quality in its category. It has a deep bass, full-bodied sound with real transparency and virtually no distortion over 10Hz. It also has a natural sounding treble with appropriate levels for sibilant tones, and it dips appropriately at around 9khz to account for 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 pair with tube amps and they have an impedance that is higher than other open-back models, so you'll require an amplifier for your headphones. They aren't very air-conditioned and can cause your ears to become warm after wearing them long periods of time.

3. HIFIMAN Ananda Nano

The HIFIMAN Ananda Nano takes the classic egg-shaped housing and window shade design with an open back of its predecessor planar magnetic Drivers and brings it up to date with a wide array of technological improvements. The Ananda Nano features a new NEO ultranano diaphragm, which is 75% less thick than the predecessor's. It also features stealth magnets that offer superior clarity.

The mid-range is spacious and airy and has plenty of clarity and a warm tone to it that will amaze listeners with its accuracy. It's also a bright headphone, with a slight edge to its presentation that makes it stand out and add personality. It's not harsh and does not have any bloating.

HIFIMAN’s low-end has a lean texture however it doesn't sacrifice any power or dynamics. The treble is clear and clear, without being too bright or harsh. Unlike some headphones that can sound sluggish and closed-in, the treble of the Ananda Nano has excellent extension and can create a sense and clarity even when playing at high volumes.

The headphones are easy to operate, and its drivers' acoustic clarity will help you get the most from your preferred sources. Don't believe the myths about these headphones needing tons of power or a lot of current - that's just urban myth. I have used 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 make them out of the reach for a majority of music lovers particularly those with other things to do in their lives. If you're willing to spend some time looking for the right pair, it's possible to find a top pair that won't cost you a fortune. Monolith by Monoprice's 1070C is a closed back model with planar magnetic technology that retails at $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 quality or performance. These headphones sound impressive and can be adjusted to your personal preferences by some tweaks from the source of music you use them with.

As with most headphones for over-ear use that are available, the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C has a high impedance rating and will require some help from your DAC or portable music player in order to get their sound to work properly. The company includes a variety of cords included in the box which includes a 3 meter coiled cable 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. On tracks such as Phil Collins' In The Air Tonight the headphones are able to provide the sensation of being in the back row of an orchestra. The treble is clear and clear, and the mid-range is smooth and warm 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 fit comfortably over your ears. The Audio Technica ATH-50X is a closed-back headphone that comes with Ear cups that are big enough to comfortably rest over your ears.

The earcups are covered in a soft faux leather that's comfortable on your ears and head, and they seal tightly enough to minimize the sound of outside. The headband is cushioned and fits comfortably around your head. However, some users found it uncomfortable because it was stiff. They have a great soundstage, but certain high-end details may be lost in the powerful bass response.

These headphones have an exciting sound pattern, which is great for electronic music and other genres that depend on a beat. The headphones feature a powerful 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 among the most sought-after headphones among musicians and audiophiles, but it's not ideal for every scenario. It doesn't have the flat frequency response, or even articulation as higher-end headphones like the Beyerdynamics 990 Pro, and can be a little too warm in the lower frequency for certain.

6. Audeze LCD-XC

The LCD-XC, the very first planar magnetic closed-back headphone from Audeze, is a closed-back headphone with a planar design. It is a large and heavy headphone that has wooden ear cups. It is the largest model on the list, and is among the most powerful closed-back models available.

The Audeze LCD XC has quickly earned a reputation as the ultimate recording tool for musicians, engineers, and audiophiles due to its clarity and neutrality. The closed-back design of the Audeze LCDXC gives you all the advantages magnetic headphones with a planar design, such as greater isolation and less ambient noise. This provides an intimate listening experience. Your favorite music will erupt from the background, and take on a life of its own.

They feature a unique innovative planar magnetic technology that makes use of space-age materials and an ultra-thin diaphragm 4X larger than standard headphones for quick response times, significantly reduced distortion, and a higher resolution. Their unique driver design places an ultra-thin, large driver between the arrays of magnets to create incredible air movement. This creates their distinctive powerful bass, and natural, extended highs. The LCD-XC is a true high-quality headphone made for professional tracking, mixing, mastering, and high-resolution personal Hi-Fi listening connected to an external source device that can be carried around or a high-end amplifier.

The treble is extremely clear and clear, without any artificial or colored sound. Vocals sound fantastic with a full deep midrange and a natural, crisp, planar magnetic Drivers and clean treble.