When it comes to headphones, audiophiles demand nothing but the finest sound quality. Enter planar magnetic headphones, a breed apart. Their secret weapon? Planar magnetic drivers that deliver audio nirvana, meeting and exceeding user expectations.
Planar Magnetic vs. Dynamic Headphones
You might wonder how Planar Magnetic Headphones compare to traditional dynamic driver headphones. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Sound Accuracy: Planar Magnetic headphones offer superior sound accuracy due to their diaphragm’s uniform movement.
- Bass Response: Dynamic headphones often have more pronounced bass, while Planar Magnetics provide tight and controlled bass.
- Soundstage: Planar Magnetic headphones generally offer a more expansive soundstage, creating a wider and more immersive listening experience.
- Efficiency: Dynamic headphones are usually more efficient and easier to drive without amplification.
- Get budget with these Open Back Headphones for Gaming
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Best Planar Magnetic Headphones
Headset Model | Driver Size | Cable length | Weight | Check on Amazon |
---|---|---|---|---|
Audeze LCD-2 Classic | 106 mm | 1.9m | 544g | Check Price |
Audeze lcd-5 | 90 mm | 2.5m | 420g | Check Price |
Dan Clark Audio Stealth | 51m x 76m | 1.8m | 415g | Check Price |
Meze Audio LIRIC | 92m x 63m | 1.5m x 3m | 390 g | Check Price |
Audeze LCD-X | 106 mm | 1.9m | 612g | Check Price |
Moondrop Venus | 100mm | 3.5m | 615g | Check Price |
HIFIMAN Sundara | N/A | 1.5m | 372g | Check Price |
Monolith M1060 Over Ear | 106mm | 1.8m | 500g | Check Price |
Best overall: Audeze LCD-2 Classic
The LCD-2 Classic by Audeze offers superb audio quality at a reasonable price. With its rich sound, wide soundstage, and good layering, it caters to audiophiles and creators alike.
- Remarkable sound quality with rich bass and lush vocals
- Ideal for sound engineers and content creators
- Affordability without compromising audio excellence
- Durable construction
- Improved packaging with a protective travel case
- Initial EQ adjustment may be needed for optimal performance
- Aesthetically less flashy with all-black design
While the LCD-2 Classic may not reach the absolute pinnacle of planar performance, it stands as the ideal choice for those seeking an excellent balance between exceptional audio quality and affordability. This headphone revisits the roots of the LCD-2, foregoing the Fazor waveguide system found in the current generation and simplifying certain design aspects. The result is a headphone perfectly suited for value-conscious audiophiles.
Product Information:
The LCD-2 Classic employs the same driver as the LCD-2, ensuring a similarly impressive sound profile. Expect deep, well-extended bass, lush vocals and instrumentals, and airy, expansive treble. Although the soundstage is moderately wide, the headphone excels in layering, enabling listeners to discern every note and harmony, regardless of their position within the audio mix. This quality makes it an excellent choice for sound engineers and content creators who require meticulous audio clarity.
Audeze LCD-2 Classic
Design & Build:
To achieve affordability, some adjustments have been made to the LCD-2 Classic’s construction. Wooden rings, a feature of the standard LCD-2, have been replaced with basic black nylon. While this design might appear less exciting, it enhances durability and complements the predominantly metal build. Moreover, the headphones now come with a hard-back pelican-style travel case, providing added protection during transit.
Sound Quality:
Out of the box, users might notice peculiar mid-range peaks, described as “off” or “glaring.” Fortunately, these issues can be effortlessly addressed with EQ software, aligning the LCD-2 Classic’s sound with its pricier counterpart. A bit of initial effort yields remarkable sound quality.
Final Verdict:
For audiophiles seeking outstanding audio quality without breaking the bank, the Audeze LCD-2 Classic stands as an excellent choice. While it may require some initial tweaking, its rich sound, wide soundstage, and superior layering make it a compelling option for creators and enthusiasts ali
Best over-ear: Audeze lcd-5
The Audeze LCD-5 stands as the epitome of Planar Magnetic design, offering audiophiles a luxurious headphone experience with top-tier materials. Despite its high cost, the immersive sound quality makes it a worthwhile investment.
- Exceptional sound quality
- Premium build and materials
- Wide natural soundstage
- Impeccable detail
- Versatile performance across music genres
- Boring appearance
- Requires EQ to sound its best
The Audeze LCD-5 is often regarded as the pinnacle of Planar Magnetic headphone design, an object of desire for audiophiles, albeit one that only a fortunate few will possess. This headphone is a testament to luxury, meticulously crafted with a blend of wood, metal, carbon fiber, and leather. Its design, build quality, and packaging coalesce seamlessly, making it a true luxury product. Audeze has artfully retained its design legacy while incorporating new materials, ensuring that the LCD-5 exudes the cherished Audeze aesthetic.
Product Information:
The LCD-5 incorporates the latest technological advancements, making it a headphone that beckons even if your budget falls short (with a price tag around $5000 in the US market). It’s an experience worth seeking out, even if ownership remains a dream.
Audeze lcd-5
Design & Build:
Crafted with precision, the LCD-5 boasts an opulent design with its exquisite blend of wood, metal, carbon fiber, and leather. Audeze has masterfully maintained its design heritage, and the headphones exude the beloved Audeze DNA in their aesthetic.
Sound Quality:
Testing the LCD-5 is a jaw-dropping experience. Its immersive and captivating sound quality encourages listeners to explore their entire music library. With a wide, natural soundstage and exceptional detail, these headphones excel across all genres. While they come with a hefty price tag, the LCD-5 represents an endgame-level investment for audiophiles seeking the best.
Final Verdict:
The Audeze LCD-5 is the ultimate expression of Planar Magnetic headphone design, offering a luxurious auditory experience. Despite the substantial investment required, its immersive sound quality and meticulous craftsmanship make it a worthwhile choice for those in pursuit of audio excellence.
True audiophile: Dan Clark Audio Stealth
The Dan Clark Audio Stealth is a high-end headphone designed by audiophiles, featuring fourth-generation V-planar drivers and an Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System for exceptional sound quality. It offers a classic Harman Curve-inspired sound profile and a wide, airy soundstage.
- Audiophile-grade sound quality
- Fourth-generation V-planar drivers with low distortion
- Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System for enhanced clarity
- Balanced, detailed bass
- Wide, airy soundstage for a closed-back design
- High price point at $3,999
For audiophiles seeking the pinnacle of headphone craftsmanship, the Dan Clark Audio Stealth emerges as an enticing choice. Crafted by audiophiles for audiophiles, it incorporates the latest innovations from a renowned boutique audio expert. What sets the Stealth apart is its closed-back design, making it ideal for immersive music experiences that demand isolation from the outside world.
Product Information:
The Stealth boasts the fourth generation of Dan Clark Audio’s revered V-planar drivers, now 20% larger than their predecessors, resulting in minimal distortion and exceptional detail. To further enhance these drivers, the headphone integrates DCA’s Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System. This system not only reduces phase distortion, enhancing clarity, but also improves treble performance without introducing harshness or sibilance.
Dan Clark Audio Stealth
Design & Build:
While adhering closely to the classic Harman Curve sound profile, the Stealth delivers a balanced and detailed bass response that harmonizes with other frequencies. It manages to overcome the conventional perception of closed-back headphones as sonically compressed, offering a wide and airy soundstage.
Sound Quality:
The Stealth remains true to the classic Harman Curve in its sound profile, delivering rich and detailed bass without overpowering other frequency ranges. It excels in revealing intricate musical details and achieves a broad, spacious soundstage, defying the closed-back headphone stereotype of compressed sound.
Final Verdict:
While the Dan Clark Audio Stealth may come at a premium price, it stands as an audiophile’s dream headphone. Boasting cutting-edge technology, meticulous craftsmanship, and adherence to a classic sound profile, it promises a luxurious and immersive musical journey. For those with discerning tastes and the means to invest, the Stealth represents an exquisite choice.
Best closed-back: Meze Audio LIRIC
The Meze Audio LIRIC stands as a premier closed-back planar dynamic headphone for audiophiles. Utilizing a custom-made MZ4 driver and the Phase XTM system, it overcomes soundstage limitations, delivering impressive sound quality.
- Innovative Phase XTM system for an expansive soundstage
- Remarkable adaptability to various audio sources and EQ adjustments
- Lightweight and durable design
- Stylish and comfortable earcups
- Efficient wired connectivity for pristine sound
- Lack of wireless functionality
- Slightly bulkier design
The landscape of closed-back planar dynamic headphones, particularly within the top-tier segment, is relatively scarce. However, the Meze Audio LIRIC emerges as a standout choice, boasting an array of cutting-edge technologies that position it as the ultimate closed-back headphone for discerning audiophiles. Meze has addressed the fundamental challenge faced by closed-back headphones—the limitation in soundstage—by introducing its innovative Phase XTM system.
Product Information:
The LIRIC harnesses a bespoke MZ4 driver, a scaled-down adaptation of the voice coil employed in Meze’s flagship Empyrean headphone (valued at $2,999). This driver is meticulously tuned to excel within a closed-back shell, making it a standout performer in this category. One remarkable feat achieved by the LIRIC is the expansion of its soundstage, challenging the preconceived constraints associated with closed-back headphones, regardless of driver style.
Meze Audio LIRIC
Design & Build:
The LIRIC’s driver resides within a vented and purpose-built acoustic chamber, resulting in a profoundly deep soundstage that retains its imaging precision. Despite being a closed headphone, the bass remains controlled without excessive energy, though it can be tailored to suit preferences. The mid-range showcases vocal richness, while the treble maintains a refreshing, non-fatiguing character. The LIRIC demonstrates remarkable versatility, adapting to different sources and EQ settings with ease.
Sound Quality:
The LIRIC delivers an unadulterated listening experience that thrives on wired connections. It proves efficient with almost any audio source, and its adaptability shines through, making it a compelling choice for discerning audiophiles seeking both portability and superb sound quality.
Final Verdict:
The Meze Audio LIRIC transcends the limitations of closed-back planar dynamic headphones, offering audiophiles a remarkable listening experience. With its innovative technologies, customized driver, and impressive build quality, it stands as an exceptional choice. While wireless convenience may be absent, the LIRIC’s commitment to unadulterated sound quality ensures that it remains a compelling option for discerning listeners.
Best Headphones: Audeze LCD-X
The Audeze LCD-X is a wired planar magnetic headphone renowned for both regular and professional use. With its impressive specs, ergonomic design, and premium build, it justifies its high price.
- Exceptional sound quality with extended frequency response
- Premium build quality and ergonomic design
- Suitable for both regular and professional use
- Meticulous craftsmanship and luxurious materials
- High price point
The Audeze LCD-X stands as a prominent over-ear planar magnetic headphone designed for both everyday and professional applications. With an efficiency of 103 dB and an impedance of 20 ohms, it delivers top-tier sound quality. Featuring 106 mm diaphragms equipped with Fazor elements and double-side arrays, it elevates the frequency response from 12Hz-20kHz to an extended 50 kHz, resulting in superior sound resolution.
Product Information:
Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, the LCD-X boasts an ergonomic design that exudes luxury. The earcups are adorned with sumptuous leather, ensuring a level of comfort that complements its premium sound quality. These attributes collectively establish the LCD-X as the standout choice among planar magnetic headphones.
Audeze LCD-X
Design & Build:
Despite its substantial price tag, the LCD-X offers a suite of premium features that justify the investment. Its advanced technology, including light diaphragms, enhances sound quality significantly. Furthermore, the device’s build quality and aesthetics are of the highest caliber, exemplifying the commitment to excellence in craftsmanship.
Sound Quality:
The LCD-X excels in delivering an exceptional auditory experience, setting a benchmark for sound quality. Its efficient drivers and innovative design contribute to an immersive and precise soundstage, making it ideal for both audiophiles and professionals seeking top-notch audio performance.
Final Verdict:
The Audeze LCD-X emerges as a formidable contender among planar magnetic headphones. Its exceptional sound quality, ergonomic design, and premium build materials justify its premium pricing. Whether for professional applications or audiophile pursuits, the LCD-X delivers a captivating and immersive listening experience, earning its place as a top choice in the world of headphones.
Best for gaming: Moondrop Venus
The Moondrop Labs Venus stands out for its audiophile-grade sound quality, offering exceptional treble and situational awareness. With an open-back design and exquisite aesthetics, it excels in gaming and music.
- Exceptional imaging and soundstage for gaming
- Striking design and premium build quality
- Open-back design for engaging audio experiences
- Rich sub-bass and clarity
- Versatile and adaptable to EQ adjustments
- Not suitable for gaming on the go
- Requires amplification for optimal performance
- May not deliver the same bass impact as closed-back options
The Moondrop Labs Venus is a distinctive choice in the realm of gaming headphones, breaking free from the conventional gaming headset formula. It lacks features like head-tracking or an adjustable boom mic, assuming gamers already have dedicated livestreaming mics. Instead, it captivates with qualities that appeal to audiophiles, including a sparkling yet non-fatiguing treble that allows each musical note to resonate, enhancing situational awareness during gameplay.
Product Information:
This over-ear headphone marks Moondrop Labs’ sophomore venture into the realm of over-ear audio devices. Moondrop Labs, hailing from Chengdu, China, is renowned for its audiophile-centric offerings. The Venus boasts a bold design and tuning aimed at bridging the gap between gamers and their gaming adventures. Its meticulously crafted earcups feature a milled faceplate reminiscent of a BioShock aesthetic, lending a touch of elegance to live streams. The headphones, while substantial, offer a comfortable fit that strikes the perfect balance between snugness and freedom.
Moondrop Venus
Design & Build:
Key to its allure, the Venus excels in imaging and soundstage, supported by a specialized waveguide that smooths out audio peaks, ensuring every audio cue is distinct. Its resolving and spacious soundstage allows for impeccable sound localization, making it ideal for tracking sounds in the midst of busy tracks or frenzied multiplayer matches.
Sound Quality:
As an open-backed headset, the Venus provides remarkable audio but is less suitable for on-the-go gaming. It thrives when paired with an amplifier and might not deliver the same punch as certain closed-back planar gaming headsets. However, its planar drivers perform exceptionally well, offering rich sub-bass and intricate texturing, showcasing a penchant for clarity. While it leans towards neutrality, it welcomes EQ adjustments if you desire a more robust audio profile.
Final Verdict:
For those seeking a gaming headset that bridges the gap between audiophile-grade sound quality and gaming immersion, the Moondrop Labs Venus emerges as a compelling choice. Its treble excellence, open-back design, and stunning aesthetics make it an excellent companion for both gaming and music enjoyment, showcasing a balance of clarity and versatility.
Best budget: HIFIMAN Sundara
The HIFIMAN Sundara stands out as a budget-friendly planar magnetic headphone, offering impressive soundstage and detail, making it a great value choice in the sub-$500 range.
- Outstanding value for the price
- Spacious soundstage and exceptional detail
- Balanced sound profile
- Ideal for home listening
- Limited portability due to non-swiveling earcups
- Lack of travel case
Budget can be a relative concept in the world of audio, where high-end headphones can easily reach the $2,000-$3,000 range. However, for those seeking remarkable value without breaking the bank, the Sundara headphones by HIFIMAN stand as a shining example. Priced at a modest $349, these headphones have become a go-to recommendation for newcomers to hi-fi audio, and for good reason. The Sundara headphones offer an expansive soundstage and an astonishing level of detail, earning them a reputation as “giant killers” within the industry.
Product Information:
The Sundara headphones excel in delivering audio quality that surpasses their price tag. They strike a balance between bass and treble extension, providing a pleasing listening experience without leaning toward a bass-heavy profile. While they offer a slim profile when worn, it’s worth noting that the earcups don’t swivel flat against your chest, and there’s no included travel case. Consequently, they are better suited for home listening than for on-the-go use.
HIFIMAN Sundara
Design & Build:
For those in search of a more portable alternative, the discontinued Audeze LCD-1 offers a compelling choice. Priced at $399.99, the LCD-1 addresses the portability limitations of the Sundara, featuring a more compact and stylish design, swiveling earcups, and a travel case. However, it comes with some trade-offs, including slightly less detail and a more plasticky build.
Sound Quality:
The Sundara headphones impress with their sound quality, offering a spacious soundstage and intricate detail. They achieve a balance between different frequency ranges, providing an enjoyable listening experience. While they excel in a home environment, they may not be the best option for on-the-go use due to their design.
Final Verdict:
For those seeking remarkable audio quality without breaking the bank, the Sundara headphones by HIFIMAN offer an outstanding value proposition. Their ability to deliver a spacious soundstage and exceptional detail at a $349 price point makes them a top choice for budget-conscious audiophiles.
Most Portable : Avantone Pro Planar
The Avantone Pro Planar offers lightweight on-ear comfort with an open-back design for clear audio. Despite its less impressive aesthetics, its rich features make it a top open-back planar headphone.
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Open-back design for immersive sound
- Durable construction
- Convenient carrying bag for portability
- Aesthetics may not be visually striking
For those in search of an on-ear planar magnetic headphone, the Avantone Pro Planar deserves your attention. This wired headphone combines lightweight design with an open-back configuration, promising exceptional clarity and vibrant sound. Moreover, it boasts a robust build and ensures comfortable wear, making it a compelling option for audio enthusiasts.
Product Information:
The Avantone Pro Planar is a standout choice among open-back planar headphones. While its visual aesthetics might not impress everyone, its feature set shines. The headphones are thoughtfully designed for durability, with a headband crafted from premium quality plastic and metal components. The head strap is wrapped in leather, providing comfort for prolonged listening sessions, and the earpads offer a cozy fit. Additionally, a carrying bag is included, facilitating easy portability.
Avantone Pro Planar
Design & Build:
While the Avantone Pro Planar might not win any beauty contests, it excels in functionality and comfort. The lightweight design enhances wearability, and the blend of premium materials ensures long-lasting performance. Its robust build quality and comfortable features make it a reliable choice for extended listening sessions.
Sound Quality:
Thanks to its open-back design, the Avantone Pro Planar delivers clear and vibrant audio, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles. The planar magnetic technology enhances sound quality, promising an immersive listening experience. The headphones prioritize audio performance over aesthetics.
Final Verdict:
If you prioritize functionality and exceptional sound quality over visual aesthetics, the Avantone Pro Planar is an outstanding choice among open-back planar headphones. Its lightweight design, durability, and comfort ensure a satisfying listening experience, making it a top pick in its category.
Best Sound Quality: Monolith M1060 Over Ear Planar
The Monolith M1060 stands out as a budget-friendly planar magnetic headphone with premium aesthetics. Its wide driver, open-back design, and broad frequency response promise high-quality audio
- Striking and premium design
- Open-back design for enhanced sound quality
- Wide frequency response for clear audio
- Comfortable faux leather ear cushions
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Stock connection cable may not meet some users’ expectations
The Monolith M1060 claims its place as an exceptional budget-friendly option among planar magnetic headphones. While its impressive appearance is undeniable, it also offers a range of features that contribute to a satisfying audio experience. With its 106mm wide driver and open-back design, it aims to deliver top-notch sound quality to its users.
Product Information:
The Monolith M1060 headphones boast a striking design that rivals more expensive models. Its open-back construction harnesses the power of planar magnetic drivers to provide users with outstanding audio quality. Moreover, it sports an impressive frequency response range from 10Hz to 50kHz, ensuring audio reproduction that is both clear and free from distortion.
To enhance user comfort during extended listening sessions, the headphones feature faux leather ear cushions and a padded headband, ensuring a luxurious and fatigue-free experience.
Monolith M1060 Over Ear
Design & Build:
The Monolith M1060 shines in terms of design, presenting a premium and visually appealing exterior. Its open-back design, combined with advanced planar magnetic technology, demonstrates its commitment to superior audio performance.
Sound Quality:
With its broad frequency response and planar magnetic driver, the Monolith M1060 aims to deliver an audio experience that is both clear and immersive, making it a standout choice in its price range.
Final Verdict:
For those seeking budget-friendly planar magnetic headphones that deliver both striking aesthetics and excellent sound quality, the Monolith M1060 is a compelling choice. Its impressive design, combined with advanced audio technology, makes it an attractive option for those who appreciate both form and function in their headphones.
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What sets planar magnetic headphones apart from traditional headphones?
Planar magnetic headphones offer faster response times, reduced distortion, and a wider frequency range, resulting in superior sound quality compared to traditional dynamic driver headphones.
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Are planar magnetic headphones suitable for all music genres?
Yes, planar magnetic headphones are versatile and excel in reproducing various music genres, from classical to rock and electronic.
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Do planar magnetic headphones require a dedicated amplifier?
While planar magnetic headphones can be driven by portable devices, using a dedicated amplifier often enhances their performance, especially for high-impedance models.
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How should I care for my planar magnetic headphones?
To maintain the longevity of your headphones, store them in a protective case when not in use, clean the ear pads regularly, and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures and moisture.
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Can planar magnetic headphones be used for gaming and watching movies?
Absolutely! Planar magnetic headphones provide immersive audio experiences for gaming and cinematic enjoyment, offering clear and detailed soundscapes.