20 Myths About Planar Magnetic Headphones: Busted

The Best Planar Magnetic Headphones

Planar magnetic headphones (also called orthodynamic headphones) use an insulated diaphragm that is sandwiched between multiple magnets to create sound. They provide a clear and controlled audio experience that captures all the trailing edges of instruments and vocals for incredible musical accuracy.

They also typically require a headphone amplifier to properly control the drivers. This is a small cost to pay for headphones that can reveal the details and subtleties in your music that you didn't even know existed.

1. Dekoni Blue HE400SE

The Blue is the version of T50RP MK3 with a more neutral sound. It's not as neutral as the Philips Fidelio X2HR but still a good choice for those who don't want 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 great balance between the low and high frequencies which can be enjoyable for long listening sessions.

The planar magnetic structure encourages accurate sound positioning with the ability to project sound in a wide and transparent area. This lets the music breathe and gives you the sensation of being in an auditorium. The treble is clear and detailed, with a clear and non-fatiguing sound.

Its bass is also very impressive for a budget headphone. It's incredibly clear and powerful but doesn't cause distortion when listening to high-end tracks. Its fidelity is also top-notch with excellent midrange and detail retrieval.

2. Audeze LCD-2

Audeze headphones are known for their powerful sound and open-back design. They're also very bulky and heavy, and they do not have a good isolation, so they aren't suitable for everyone. However, they're a great choice if you're looking for headphones that can deliver powerful dynamic the climax and punch.

The headphones are equipped with a massive planar magnetic driver which is custom-designed inside the ear cups. They produce pure, undistorted sound. They can even reach low frequencies that other more conventional dynamic drivers struggle with. This is one of the most popular audiophile headphones that is a planar magnet.

Audeze's LCD-2 was their first headphone. It is the most complete audio quality in its class. It has a full bass, headphonesshop full-bodied sound with real transparency and near-zero distortion above 10Hz. It has a natural-sounding treble with the appropriate levels for sibilant sounds. It drops to 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 cheaper. They're an excellent combination with tube amplifiers, and they have a higher impedance than most other open-back headphones. Therefore, you'll need an amplifier for your headphones. They aren't very breathable and may cause your ears to get hot after wearing them for long periods of time.

3. HIFIMAN HE1000se: Supreme Planar Magnetic Over-Ear Headphones Ananda Nano

The HIFIMAN Ananda Nano takes the classic egg-shaped housing and window shade design with an open back of its predecessor, and brings it up to date with an impressive array of technological upgrades. The Ananda Nano has a brand-new NEO supernano diaphragm that's 75% smaller than the predecessor's as well as stealth magnets that offer superior clarity.

The mid-range is airy and spacious and has plenty of clarity and a warm tone to it that will impress listeners with its accuracy. It's a slightly brighter headphone that has an edge to its presentation. It helps it standout and adds a sense of character. It's not too harsh and does not suffer from any constriction.

The low-end of the HIFIMAN has a slender texture however it doesn't sacrifice any power or dynamism. The treble is clear and clear 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 volume.

The headphone is easy-to-drive and its drivers' acoustic clarity will help you get the most out of your favourite sources. Do not believe the myth that these headphones require excessive power or current. In fact I've been able enjoy them for long gaming sessions and two seven-hour periods at work and they remained comfortable.

4. Audio Technica ATH-M1070

The majority of music lovers, particularly those with other priorities in life, might not be in a position to afford planar headphones. If you're willing to conduct some research it is possible to find headphones that won't break your bank. This is the case with the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C, a closed-back model that uses planar magnetic technology and is priced competitively at $299 USD.

Monolith by Monoprice's 1070C headphone may not have all the features that you'd expect from a more expensive set, but they're still of high quality and perform well. The headphones sound great and can be tuned to your preference with some tweaks from the source of music you use them with.

Like many over-ear headphones like the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C come with an impedance rating of high and will require a little help from your DAC or portable music player in order to get their sound to work properly. The company includes a variety of cords in the box that include a three-meter coiled cable and two straight cables.

The 106mm planar driver of the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C delivers a rich soundstage that is full of detail and has a sense of depth. The headphones can make you feel as if being at the back of an orchestra while listening to music such as Phil Collins' In The Air Tonight. The treble sounds crisp and clear while the mid-range is warm and smooth, without being too bassy.

5. Audio Technica ATH-M50X

The Audio Technica ATH-50X headphones are closed-back headphones that have two ear cups with a large dimension. They are comfortable over the ears. The Audio Technica ATH-M50X is a closed-back headphone with a pair of ear cups that are large enough to fit comfortably over your ears.

The ear cups are encased with a soft faux leather that is comfortable on your ears and head and seals tightly enough to reduce the sound of outside. The headband is padded and can be worn around your head. However, some users found it uncomfortable due to its stiffness. They have a wide soundstage, and a decent amount of isolation, though some of the high-end detail could be lost in their strong bass response.

These headphones have an exciting sound pattern, which is great for electronic music and other genres that are based on a pulsing. They have a boost in the bass, which makes kick drums punchy and powerful, as well as a sharp brightness in the treble, which highlights every note in a guitar or vocal melody.

The ATH-M50X is among the most popular headphones among audiophiles and musicians, but it's not the best choice for every situation. It doesn't offer the same flat frequency response or articulation as higher-end headphones like the Beyerdynamics DT 990 Pro, and could be a bit too warm in the lower frequencies for certain.

6. Audeze LCD-XC

The LCD-XC, the first closed-back magnetic planar headphone made by Audeze, is a fully closed-back planar headphone. It is a huge and heavy headphone, with wooden ear cups. It is the most hefty model on the list, and is among the most heavy closed-back models you can find.

The Audeze LCD XC has quickly gained a reputation for being the most effective tool for recording engineers, HeadphonesShop musicians and audiophiles because of its neutrality and transparency. The closed-back design of the Audeze LCD-XC provides all the benefits that magnetic headphones that are planar including greater isolation and less ambient noise. This provides a private listening experience. Your music of choice will explode out of the background, and take on its own life.

They have an exclusive, innovative planar magnetic technology which makes use of space-age materials as well as an ultra-thin diaphragms that are 4 times larger than normal headphones to provide rapid response times, drastically reduced distortion and better resolution. Their unique driver design places an ultra-thin, large driver in between two arrays of magnets to create incredible air movement. This results in their distinctive strong bass and natural, extended highs. The LCD-XC headphone is a reference-grade headphone that's designed for professional mixing, recording, mastering and high-resolution Hi-Fi listening.

The treble is extremely detailed and open, free of any artificial or colored sound. Vocals are also excellent, with a rich and deep midrange, as well as a natural, crisp and clear treble that gives an authentic sense of intimacy.