The Best Planar Magnetic Headphones

Linsoul 7HZ Timeless: Planar HiFi In-Ear Headphones magnetic headphones (also called orthodynamic headphones) use a diaphragm with a thin, conductive diaphragm that between multiple magnets to produce sound. They provide a crisp sound that is controlled and captures all the trailing edge of instruments and vocals for incredible musical precision.

They also usually require a headphone amplifier to effectively control the drivers. This is a small cost to pay for a pair of headphones that can show new details and nuances you never knew existed in your music.

1. Dekoni Blue HE400SE

The Blue is the version of T50RP MK3 with a more neutral sound. It's not quite as neutral as the Philips Fidelio X2HR but is still a great option for those who don't require too bass and prefer a warmer headphone that sounds natural. The vocals are soft and feminine. (Listen to Feel Good by Dominique Fils Aime). It has a great balance of high and low frequencies that makes it fun for long listening sessions.

The planar magnetic structure promotes precise 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 crisp and detailed with a clear and non-fatiguing sound.

Bass is amazing for a budget-friendly headphone. It is tight and punchy but it doesn't alter when listening to loud tracks. Its fidelity is also top-notch, with good midrange and detail retrieval.

2. Audeze LCD-2

Audeze headphones are renowned for their powerful sound and open-back design. They're also very heavy and bulky and aren't well-insulated and will not be suitable for all listeners. However, they're a great option for those looking for a headphone that can produce powerful dynamic high-frequency and punch.

The headphones are equipped with a massive planar magnetic driver Planar which is specifically designed inside the ear cups. They provide undistorted, crystal clear sound. They can even achieve low frequencies that conventional dynamic drivers struggle with. This is among the most popular headphones with a planar magnetic design in the audiophile world.

Audeze's LCD-2 was their first headphone. It has the highest audio quality of its class. It has a full-bodied, deep bass, with a transparent transparency and Driver Planar virtually no distortion above 10Hz. It also has a natural-sounding treble that is balanced for sibilant tone, and it dips appropriately at around 9khz to accommodate concha interaction.

The LCD 2 Classics are a great alternative to the original LCD-2. They have the same design and sound, but at significantly lower cost. They work well with tube amps and offer a higher resistance than most open-back headphones. You'll need a headphone amp to use them. These headphones are not very breathable and may cause your ears to become warm after wearing them long periods of time.

3. HIFIMAN Ananda Nano

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

The mid-range is a bit spacious and airy, with plenty of clarity, a natural sound and will be awe-inspiring to listeners. It's a slightly brighter and more luminous headphone, with a slight edge in its presentation. It helps it standout and adds some character. It's not harsh in any way and does not suffer from excess or bloating.

The low-end of the HIFIMAN has a slender texture, but it doesn't sacrifice any power or dynamics. The treble is clear and clear without being too bright or harsh. In contrast to some headphones that sound a bit tinny and closed-in the Ananda Nano's treble has an impressive extension and can create a sense and clarity even when playing at high volumes.

The headphone is simple to drive and the acoustic transparency of its drivers will allow you get the most out of your favourite sources. Don't believe the urban legend that these headphones require too much power or current. I've used them for two seven-hour work days and long gaming sessions, and they're still comfortable.

4. Audio Technica ATH-M1070

The price of planar headphones could put them out of the reach of a lot of music lovers, especially those who have other things to do in their lives. But if you're willing to spend some time looking for the right pair, it's possible to find a fantastic set that doesn't cost you a fortune. This is the case with the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C closed-back model which uses planar magnetic technology and is priced competitively 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 performance or quality. These headphones sound impressive and can be tuned to your preference with a little tweaking from the source of music you use them with.

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

The 106mm planar driver of the Monolith by Monoprice 1070C delivers a rich soundstage that is full of details and has a sense depth. The headphones give you a sense of 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 sound soft and smooth, without becoming 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 are comfortable over your ears. They're made to be a studio headphone that can be used for tracking mixing, analyzing, and critical listening, so they offer a full and rich bass that pleases the most discerning of listeners and offers clarity that is useful for picking out the subtle details in your music.

The ear cups are encased with a soft faux-leather that feels comfortable on your head and ears and they are sealed enough to minimize outside noise. They come with a headband that is padded that fits 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 found uncomfortable. They have a great soundstage, but certain high-end elements can be lost in the booming bass response.

These headphones feature a lively sound profile that's great for electronic music and other pulse-driven genres. The headphones have a powerful bass boost that makes kick drums lively, and bright treble that emphasizes every note in a melody for vocals or guitar riff.

The ATH M50X is a well-loved headphone among musicians and audiophiles. However it's not the best choice for all situations. It doesn't have the same flat frequency response or even articulation as higher-end headphones like the Beyerdynamics DT 990 Pro, and may be a little too warm in the lower frequencies for certain.

6. Audeze LCD-XC

The LCD-XC is a closed-back planar magnetic headphone and the first ever from Audeze. It is massive and heavy, sporting full wooden earcups and a the metal frame around. It is the largest headphone on this list and one of the most heavy closed back models available anywhere.

The Audeze LCD XC has quickly earned a reputation as the most effective tool for recording musicians, engineers and audiophiles because of its clarity and neutrality. The closed-back design of Audeze LCD-XC offers all the benefits that magnetic headphones that are planar including enhanced isolation and less noise. This provides a private listening experience. Your favorite tunes will burst from the background, taking on a life of its own.

They feature unique planar magnetic technology that uses space-age materials, and an ultra-thin, four times larger diaphragm than standard headphones. This allows for more responsive times, lower distortion, and higher resolution. Their unique driver design puts an extremely thin, large driver between magnet arrays to create a great air flow. This results in their distinctive powerful bass and natural extended highs. The LCD-XC is a true, 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 an amplifier of the highest quality.

The treble is extremely detailed and clear, without any artificial or colored sound. Vocals sound fantastic, with a rich deep midrange and a natural, clear, and clean treble.