The Best Planar Magnetic Headphones

Planar magnetic headphones (also known as orthodynamic headphones) utilize a diaphragm with a thin, conductive diaphragm that between multiple magnets to create sound. They provide a crisp and controlled audio experience that captures all the trailing edge of instruments and vocals for incredible musical precision.

They usually require a headphone amplifier in order to drive the drivers properly. This is a small cost to pay for a set of headphones that will reveal new nuances and nuances that you never knew existed in your music.

1. Dekoni Blue HE400SE

The Blue is a redefinition of the T50RP MK3 and is aimed at more neutral and bright house sounds. It's not quite as neutral as the Philips FidelioX2HR but is still a great option for those who don't require too bass and prefer a warm headphones that sound natural. Vocals sound feminine and silky (listen to the track Feel Good by Dominique Fils-Aime). It has a good balance between high and low frequencies, making it enjoyable for long listening sessions.

The planar magnetic structure helps to ensure the precise placement of sound, as well as transparency, and a huge soundstage. This allows music to breathe, giving you the feeling of being in a concert. The treble spectrum is clear and not abrasive providing you with a clear and crisp sound.

Its bass is impressive for a low-cost headphone. It's tight and punchy, yet it doesn't distort even when you listen to loud tracks. Its fidelity is also superb with a good midrange energy and great detail retrieval.

2. Audeze LCD-2

Almost everyone who's familiar with Audeze headphones is aware their premium open-back design and powerful sound. They're also very heavy and bulky and aren't well-insulated which means they will not be suitable for everyone. They're a great option when you're looking for headphones with a lively climax.

With a custom-designed planar magnetic driver inside the ear cups, these headphones deliver perfect sound that is free of distortion. They can be used to reach low frequencies, which other dynamic drivers have trouble reaching. This is among audiophiles' most popular headphones that is a planar magnet.

Audeze's LCD-2 was their first headphone. It has the highest overall sound quality for its price. It has a deep bass, full-bodied sound with real transparency and almost zero distortion above 10Hz. It also has a natural treble that is balanced for sibilant tones, and it dips at about 9khz in order to account for concha interaction.

The LCD 2 Classics retain the iconic design and sound quality of the original LCD-2 but are cheaper. These headphones are an ideal pair with tube amps and they have an impedance that is higher than other open-back models, so you'll need to use an amplifier for your headphone. They're not the most comfortable, and you could feel your ears becoming hot after wearing for long periods of time.

3. HIFIMAN Ananda Nano

The HIFIMAN Nano brings the classic egg-shaped design and open back window shade of its predecessor up to date, with a variety of remarkable technological improvements. The Ananda Nano features a new NEO supernano diaphragm which is 75% smaller than the original version's, and also stealth magnets that offer superior clarity.

The midrange feels airy and spacious and has plenty of clarity and a natural sound to it. It will impress listeners with its accuracy. This is also a slightly bright headphone with a little edge to its design which helps it stand out and add personality. But, it's not abrasive in any way and does not suffer from excessive bloating or overemphasis.

The low-end of HIFIMAN's headphones has a slim texture, but it doesn't sacrifice any power or dynamism. The treble is crisp and clear without being too bright or harsh. The Ananda Nano has a treble that is extended and provides a sense of clarity, space and depth even at high volume.

The headphones are easy to use and the acoustic clarity of its drivers will allow you to bring out the best from your favorite music sources. Don't be fooled by the stories about these headphones needing tons of power or excessive current - that's just urban legend. In actuality I've been able take advantage of them for lengthy gaming sessions as well as two seven-hour periods at work, and they were still comfortable.

4. Audio Technica ATH-M1070

The price of planar headphones can make them out of the range of most music fans especially those with other things to do in their lives. However, if you're willing spend some time looking for the perfect pair, it's possible to find a great set that won't cost a fortune. This is the case with the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C, a closed-back model that makes use of planar magnetic technology. It is priced at a competitive $299 USD.

Monolith by Monoprice's 1070C headphones may not include all the features that you'd expect from a premium set, but they're still of high quality and perform well. These headphones sound amazing and can be tuned to your preferences with some tweaking of the source of music you use them with.

The Monolith by Monoprice headphones are high-impedance and require some help from your DAC/portable player to operate the sound effectively. Thankfully, the company provides multiple cord options in the box with the headphones including a three-meter cord that is coiled, with an adapter with threaded 1/4 inches and two straight cables.

The 106mm planar driver of the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C creates a full soundstage that is full of detail and offers a sense of depth. On tracks like Phil Collins' In The Air Tonight, the headphones can provide the sensation of sitting in the back row of an orchestra. The treble sound is crisp and clear, while the mid-range sound warm and smooth, without getting too bassy.

5. Audio Technica ATH-M50X

The Audio Technica ATH-M50X are closed-back headphones that feature a surprisingly large pair of earcups that fit comfortably over your ears. They're designed to be a studio headphone that can be used for tracking mixing, as well as critical listening, which is why they offer a full and rich sound that pleases bass lovers and provides clarity that's useful to discern the subtle elements in your music.

The ear cups feature a soft faux-leather covering that is comfortable for your head and ears. They also have a strong seal that helps reduce outside sound. They come with a headband that is padded that wraps around your head for a comfortable fit, but it could be a bit rigid and place pressure on the top of your head, which some listeners found uncomfortable. They offer a large soundstage and planar Driver a good amount of isolation, though some of the high-end details could be lost in their strong bass response.

These headphones feature a lively sound that's perfect for electronic music and other pulse-driven genres. They have a strong bass boost that makes kick-drums powerful, and have a bright treble that accentuates every note in a vocal melody or guitar riff.

The ATH M50X is a popular headphone for audiophiles and musicians. However, it's not suitable for all situations. It doesn't provide the flat frequency response or even the articulation of premium headphones like the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, and it could also be a bit warm in the low-end for certain.

6. Audeze LCD-XC

The LCD-XC, the first headset planar magnetic closed-back headphone from Audeze, is a fully closed-back planar magnetic headphones planar headphone. It is large and Planar Driver heavy with full wooden ear cups and metal framework around. It is the largest headphone on the list and one of the heaviest closed back models anywhere.

The Audeze LCD-XC has become the ultimate tool for musicians, recording engineers and audiophiles around the world due to its powerful neutrality and clarity. Its closed-back design gives the advantages of planar headphones such as greater isolation and reduced ambient noise to provide an intimate and immersive listening experience. Your favorite songs will explode from the background, and take its own life.

They are equipped with a unique planar magnetic design, which makes use of space-age materials, as well as an ultra-thin, 4X larger diaphragm than standard headphones. This will result in more responsive times, lower distortion, and higher resolution. Their unique driver design shifts a large, ultra-thin driver between the arrays of magnets to provide amazing air movement, which results in their distinctive, powerful bass and a natural extended treble. The LCD-XC is an uncompromising reference-grade headphone that is designed for professional mixing, tracking mastering, high-resolution listening for personal use when connected to a portable source device or a premium amplifier.

The treble has a very spacious and clear sound, without any artificial coloration or coloring. Vocals are also great, with a rich and deep midrange and natural, crisp and clean treble, which gives an authentic feeling of intimacy.