Planar magnetic headphones (also known as orthodynamic headphones) utilize a thin conductive diaphragm sandwiched between multiple magnets to produce sound. They offer a clear, controlled audio experience which can capture all the trailing edge of instruments and vocals for incredible musical precision.
They also usually require a headphone amplifier in order to effectively control the drivers. It's a small price to pay for a set of headphones that will reveal new details and nuances you didn't even know existed in your music.
1. Dekoni Blue HE400SE
The Blue is a redefinition of the T50RP MK3 and aims for an energizing, neutral sound for the home. It's not as neutral as the Philips FidelioX2HR but is still a great option for those who don't want too much bass and prefer a warm headphone that sounds natural. The vocals are smooth and feminine. (Listen to Feel Good by Dominique Fils Aime). It has a nice balance of low and high frequencies which can be enjoyable for long listening sessions.
The planar magnetic structure allows for accurate sound positioning, transparency, and a large soundstage. This allows music to breathe, giving you the feeling of being in a concert. The treble spectrum is clear and not abrasive, giving you a detailed and crisp sound.
Bass is also impressive for a price-conscious headphone. It's punchy and tight and doesn't sway even when listening to a lot of music. Its fidelity is also excellent, with good midrange and detail retrieval.
2. Audeze LCD-2
Nearly everyone who's heard of Audeze headphones is aware of their top-of-the-line open-back design and their powerful sound. They're also extremely heavy and bulky and do not have a good isolation, so they won't be comfortable for everyone. They're an excellent choice for those who want an audio device that has a pulsating climax.
With a massive custom-designed planar magnet inside the ear cups, these headphones provide pristine distortion-free sound. They are able to even reach low frequencies that conventional dynamic drivers struggle with. This is among audiophiles' most popular headphones that is a planar magnet.
The LCD-2 was the first headphone to put Audeze on the map. It has the highest sound quality in its category. It has a full-bodied, rich bass with a transparent transparency and virtually zero distortion above 10Hz. It also has a natural treble with appropriate levels for sibilant tones, and it dips at about 9khz to accommodate concha interaction.
The LCD 2 Classics retain the iconic design and sound quality of the original LCD-2, but they're much more affordable. They work well with tube amps and offer more 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 feel your ears becoming hot after wearing them for a long period of time.
3. HIFIMAN Ananda Nano
The HIFIMAN Nano brings the classic egg-shaped design and open back window shade of its predecessor to date, with a variety of remarkable technological upgrades. The Ananda Nano features the latest NEO ultranano diaphragm, which is 75% smaller than the predecessor's. It also features stealth magnets that offer superior clarity.
The mid-range is a bit spacious and airy with lots of resolution, a natural tone and will awe listeners. It's a little brighter headphone that has some edge to its design. It helps it standout and adds some personality. It's not too harsh and doesn't have any bloating.
The low-end of the HIFIMAN is very lean in texture but does not compromise 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 is extended and provides the impression of space, clarity and depth even at high volume.
The headphone is simple to operate, and the acoustic transparency of its drivers will allow you to get the most out of your favorite music sources. Don't believe the urban myth that these headphones require too much current or power. In reality, I've been able to take advantage of them for lengthy gaming sessions as well as two seven-hour work sessions and they remained comfortable.
4. Audio Technica ATH-M1070
The price of headphones with a planar design can put them out of the range of a lot of music lovers particularly those with other things to do in their lives. But if you're willing to spend some time researching the right pair, it's possible to find a great pair that won't cost you a fortune. Monolith by Monoprice's 1070C is a closed-back model that features magnetic planar technology priced at $299 USD.
Although the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C does not come with the features you'd expect from a higher-end pair of headphones, that doesn't mean it's not lacking in terms of quality or performance. These headphones are impressive and can be adapted to your preference with a little tweaking of the audio source that you connect to them.
The Monolith by Monoprice headphones have a high impedance and require some help from your DAC/portable music player to ensure that the sound is pushed correctly. Thankfully, the company has multiple cord options in the box that come with the headphones, including a three-meter coiled cable with a threaded 1/4 inch adapter and two straight cables.
The Monolith by Monoprice headphones 1070C have an 106mm drive that creates a detailed, rich soundstage with a sense depth. On tracks like Phil Collins' In The Air Tonight the headphones can provide the impression like you're in the back row of an orchestra. The treble is crisp and clear, while the mid-range is smooth and warm without becoming too bassy.
5. Audio Technica ATH-M50X
The Audio Technica ATH-50X headphones are closed-back headphones that have a pair of ear cups with a large size. They are comfortable to wear over the ear. They're designed to function as a studio headphone for tracking mixing, analyzing, and critical listening. They come with a full, deep sound that satisfies bass lovers and offers clarity that is useful to pick out the fine aspects of your music.
The earcups are covered in a soft faux leather that feels comfortable on your ears and head, and they seal tightly enough to block out the sound of outside. They have a padded headband that wraps around your head to provide comfort, but it could be a bit stiff and put pressure on the top of your head, which some listeners felt uncomfortable. They have a great soundstage, however some high-end details can be lost in the booming bass response.
The headphones have a thrilling sound profile, which is great for electronic music and other genres that are based on a beat. The headphones feature a powerful bass boost that makes kick drums punchy, and a bright treble that accentuates every note in a vocal melody or guitar riff.
The ATH-M50X is one of the most sought-after headphones among audiophiles and musicians, but it's not ideal for every situation. It doesn't provide the flat frequency response and even the articulation that is found in higher-end headphones like the Beyerdynamic 990 PRO, and can also be a bit too warm in the low range for some.
6. Audeze LCD-XC
The LCD-XC is an open-back planar magnet ic headphone and the first ever from Audeze. It is large and heavy, with full wooden earcups and a the metal frame around. It is the most hefty model on the list, and is one of the most powerful closed-back models you can find.
The Audeze LCDXC has become the most popular instrument for recording engineers, musicians and audiophiles all over the world because of its impressive neutrality and transparency. The closed-back design of Audeze LCD-XC provides all the advantages that planar magnetic headphones offer like greater isolation and less ambient noise. This gives you a private listening experience. Your music of choice will explode from the background, taking on its own life.
They feature a unique innovative planar magnetic design that utilizes space-age materials and ultra-thin diaphragm 4X larger than standard headphones for quick response times, significantly reduced distortion and higher resolution. Their unique driver design shifts an ultra-thin, large driver between magnet arrays for incredible air movement, resulting in their distinctive, powerful bass and a natural extended treble. The LCD-XC is an uncompromising, reference grade headphone designed for professional tracking, mixing, mastering, and high-resolution listening for personal use when connected to an external source device that can be carried around or a high-end amplifier.
The treble is very clear and clear, devoid of any artificial or colored sound. Vocals are also excellent, with a deep and rich midrange and natural, crisp and clean treble, which gives an authentic feeling of intimacy.
