Top 5 Closed-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
While it is true that headphones with a planar magnetic driver are more expensive than their dynamic driver counterparts, this doesn't mean that they are better. It depends on the quality of the brand and how their products are constructed.
HIFIMAN has updated their HE1000V2 model with stealth magnets tech and offers an improved sound quality over the previous generation. You will hear more clarity and detail in classical music.
OPPO PM-3
OPPO has established its reputation with DVD and Blu-ray players, but now it is moving into portable headphone markets. The PM-3s were designed to compete in the highly competitive hybrid category of headphones that can be used both at home as well as traveling. In this regard, they're one of the few that use magnetic drivers with a planar design that you can take out and out.
Planar magnetic headsets have a very distinctive sound signature - they tend to be flat, have great transient response and detail, and are usually extremely neutral. The OPPO PM-3s are simple to listen to and offer a great level of detail. They're also incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear.
The earcups are adorned with a stunning black leather covering that makes them look different from other closed-back headphones. The earcups are curved down to your ears and the headband is made of the same material. The earcups are designed to be foldable and fit into a carry case that's included with the headphone.
They have an impedance of around 26 ohms and are considered to be sensitive at 102dB. This is a great power handling and should work with most mobile devices. They're not quite as efficient as the Audio Technica MSR7s for instance but they're more than good enough to do the job.
The upper midrange is a bit warm, and the treble seems to have been rolled off. They're not as muddy and slow, but they offer a good level of detail in the midrange that is difficult to beat at this price.
The OPPO PM-3s come with a stylish fitted box and a robust stylish, sleek carry case that is made from "selvedge denim" made from vintage shuttle looms made by a specialist manufacturer for a number of high-end boutique clothing brands. They're also equipped with a number of cables, including three for Android and Apple devices as well as a domestic cable.
The HIFIMAN He1000V2
The HE1000V2 is HiFiMAN's latest version of HiFiMAN's most popular HE Series. It features a thin nano-tech diaphragm, and two magnets that are asymmetrical to provide superior audio quality. Its design also uses a window shade grille that protects the driver from damage while allowing enough space for sound waves to travel through, creating the most precise sound signature. This is a major improvement over the previous version that used a bulky layer of magnets that resulted in transmission interference.
The HiFiMAN® premium headphone is a beacon of sophistication and elegance. The combination of cool metal elements with sumptuous leather and wood veneers creates a an opulent feel that very few headphones can match. Its acoustics do not disappoint with their expansive soundstage and natural tone. The treble produces a bright vibrant, sparkling, and clear sound without being harsh or too sharp. Its clarity allows it to be able to discern cymbals' room reverb and other subtle details.
Each note is taken care of. More hints ensures that the bass isn't overpowering or boomy. Its precise timing allows it to handle complex basslines in genres such as EDM and Hip Hop. The midrange has a neutral and linear sound that is characterized by a noticeable speed of leading transients. This makes it a fantastic accompaniment for vocals, with the ability to reproduce voices and acoustic instruments to great precision.
The HE1000V2 doesn't drive as easily as the Focal Utopia. This is true even when you're using an amplifier that can be carried around like the Chord Hugo. It requires a quality source to be fully optimized and that's why it's a good idea to utilize an external DAC to get the most out of it. The HE1000V2 gets unclean when it is not driven properly and loses clarity.
Despite its high price, the HiFiMAN HE1000V2 offers an incredible value-for-money. Its combination of spatial imaging, reference resolution and a powerful bass makes it a great option for music lovers who want to enjoy the entire soundscape. The HE1000V2's audio is a tribute to HiFiMAN's commitment to audio excellence and its light weight design and comfortable feel make it ideal for long listening sessions.
Meze Liric
The Meze Liric planar magnetic closed-back headphone is a big wide soundstage. It is lightweight and comfortable enough to last for long listening sessions. The earpads are made out of leatherette, which makes them more comfortable than common cloth alternatives. The copper-accented frame is a premium design that is designed to keep the heat away from the ear of the person listening. This is ideal for long listening sessions. The cross-shaped pad that sits on the top of your head can also help reduce the buildup of heat. The headband is also shaped to prevent the pads from hitting your ears when wearing glasses. The earcups have a slight angle to better fit your ears. This will prevent them from sliding around when you move your head. The Meze Liric is a great choice for music lovers who are active and want to enjoy their favorite tunes while on the move.
Meze's collaboration with Rinaro Isodynamics continues with the Liric. It was designed to add a new flavor to the 99 Classics Series while also competing with some of the most popular closed-back headphones available. The first Liric model was a huge success, and this second-generation version offers an even higher level of refined Meze's industrial design capabilities.
It is also more affordable than the open-back Empyrean and Elite models. This makes it a budget-friendly option for anyone looking to experience the benefits of a the planar magnetic headphone without breaking the bank.
They have high sensitivity and low impedance, meaning that they can drive most modern sources without issue. They also have a closed back, which means they will block out some of the background noise. It's not the best solution in all situations as you may still hear sounds from your surroundings.
The Meze Liric has a warm rich, rich sound with a strong emphasis on lower frequencies. This makes songs more enjoyable and accentuates the details of the music. They sound good and are not too clinical or synthetic. The upper mids and highs are too smooth for my taste however, it's not a problem.
Audeze LCD-XC
The LCD-XC planar magnetic closed-back headphone offers a high-performance for the price. It has a large and well-defined soundstage, which has excellent separation from left to right and in depth. It also has good imaging and micro-detail retrieval. The high-frequency response permits accurate music playback. It is a great option for audiophiles seeking headphones that provide high-end performance and portability.
The Audeze LCD-XC has an exclusive planar magnetic design, which is characterized by its flat diaphragm that is suspended between two magnets. This design creates a uniform, powerful magnetic field around the driver, which reduces distortion and offers excellent precision. The headphone's sealed ear cups offer excellent isolation and block out ambient noise. The LCD-XC's 106mm 20 ohm dual-sided magnet planar magnetic drivers are very efficient, which means that the headphone is able to deliver great sound even with an extremely low power source.
This headphone has a good build and is comfortable for long listening sessions. The ear cups are padded and perfectly fit the ears. The headband is made from powder-coated split steel, and it has a vented leather strap to help distribute the weight evenly. The headphone weighs 677g, which can become a bit heavy after a few hours. However, the headband and earpads are padded to ensure your comfort.
Although the LCD-XC is an impressive headphone, it does have some drawbacks that make it less than perfect for some audiophiles. It has a very open upper-treble, which can be too bright for some listeners. It's also a bit more tinny in the lower midrange which could be a problem for certain listeners.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the LCD-XC is still a excellent headphone for listening to music and production. The headphone's neutral bass response is a great addition to its overall balance. It has a broad and deep stage, great separation between left and right and outstanding imaging. It also offers a beautiful performance of vocals and piano.