Top 5 Closed-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
It is true that planar magnet headphones are generally more expensive than dynamic driver headphones, but that doesn't mean they aren't necessarily superior. It is all based on the history of the brand and the way they have developed their products.
HIFIMAN's HE1000V2 has been redesigned with stealth magnets technology. It offers a better sonic performance than the previous generation. You will hear more clarity and more detail in classical music.
OPPO PM-3
OPPO has built its reputation on Blu-ray and DVD players but now it's jumping into the market for portable headphones. The PM-3s were designed to compete in the highly competitive hybrid category of headphones that can be used at home and while on the go. In this, they're one of the few headphones that use magnetic drivers in a planar configuration that you can take out and go out.
Planar magnetic headphones have a distinctive sound signature. They are typically flat and have great quality, transient response, and are generally extremely neutral. The OPPO PM-3s are characterized by a soft sound that's easy to listen to and has a high level of definition. They're also lightweight and comfortable to wear.
The earcups are adorned with a stunning black leather covering that makes them look different to other closed-back headphones. The earcups are curved down to your ears and the headband is made of the same material. The earcups fold to fit inside the carry case included with the headphones.
They have an impedance of around 26 ohms and are rated as sensitive at 102dB. They have a very high power handling, and should work with the majority of mobile devices. They are not as efficient as Audio Technica MSR7s, for instance but they still do a great job.
The upper midrange is a bit warm, and the treble seems to have been rolled off. They're not as muddy or sluggish, but they do offer a good quality of detail in the midrange that is hard to beat for this price.
A specialist manufacturer of premium boutique brands, OPPO offers the PM-3s, which come with a stylish and fitted case as well as a robust stylish carry case. Both are made from "selvedge jeans" on vintage shuttle-looms. The OPPO PM-3s are equipped with a range of cables which include three cables for Android devices and Apple devices, as well as an extension cable for home use.
HIFIMAN He1000V2
The HE1000 V2 is the most recent version of HiFiMAN's most popular HE series. It features a thin nano-tech-designed diaphragm as well as dual magnets that are asymmetrical to provide superior audio quality. The design utilizes a window shade to protect the driver and allow sound waves to travel. This creates an improved sound signature. This is a significant improvement over the previous model that had an extremely thick layer of magnets, which caused transmission interference.
The HiFiMAN H1000V2 is a top-quality headphone that radiates sophisticated style and elegance. The combination of cool metal elements with luxurious leather and wood veneers gives a luxurious feel that few headphones can match. Its acoustics are no exception, with its impressive wide soundstage and natural timbre. The Treble is bright, distinct, and sparkly without being too sharp or harsh. Its clarity makes it possible to resolve cymbals' room reverb and other subtle nuances.
Each note is taken care of. This ensures that the bass isn't too loud or booming. Its precise timing allows it to handle complex basslines in genres such as EDM and Hip Hop. The midrange has a smooth and neutral sound with perceptibly fast leading transients. This makes it an excellent companion for vocals, and has the ability to reproduce voices and acoustic instruments to great accuracy.
The HE1000V2 isn't as easy to drive as the Focal Utopia. This is true even when using a portable amp like the Chord Hugo. It requires a high-quality source to be optimized, which is the reason it's best to utilize an external DAC to get the most value from it. If it's not driven properly the HE1000V2 is sounded muddy and loses some of the detail.
The HiFiMAN is a fantastic value for money, despite its premium cost. Its combination of spatial imaging, reference resolution and a powerful bass makes it a great choice for music lovers who want to enjoy the full soundscape. HiFiMAN's dedication to quality audio is evident in the HE1000V2 sound. Its light design and comfort make it ideal for long listening sessions.
Meze Liric
The Meze Liric is an excellent closed-back planar magnetic headphone with large and rich sound stage. It's lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions. The earpads are constructed from leatherette, which is more comfortable than the more typical cloth alternatives. The copper-accented frame is a high-end design that's designed to keep heat from the listener's ear. This is ideal for long listening sessions. They also feature the cross-shaped pad which will help to reduce the amount of heat that builds up on the top of the head. The headband is designed to ensure that the pads don't fall on your ears while wearing glasses. The ear cups are designed with a slight angle to better fit your ears. This will prevent them from sliding when you move your neck. The Meze Liric is a great choice for music lovers who are active and enjoy their favourite tunes moving around.
Meze's collaboration with Rinaro Isodynamics continues with the Liric. The Liric was designed to provide an entirely new style for the 99 Classics series while also contesting some of the top premium closed-back headphones on the market. The first Liric model was a huge success and this second-generation version provides an even greater level of refinement to Meze's industrial designs capabilities.
It's also less expensive when compared to open-back Empyrean or Elite models. This makes it a budget-friendly alternative for those looking to experience the benefits of a the planar magnetic headphone without breaking the bank.
They have a high sensitivity and low impedance, which means they should be able to drive most modern sources without issue. They have a closed-back which blocks out any background noise. However, this isn't the perfect solution for all situations because you'll hear some sounds of your surroundings.
The Meze Liric is characterized by an intense, warm tone that emphasizes lower frequencies. This makes songs more enjoyable and emphasizes the details in the music. They sound great and aren't too dull or synthetic. The upper mids and highs are too smooth for me, but it is not a major issue.
Audeze LCD-XC
The LCD-XC planar-magnetic closed-back headphone has a great sound quality for its price. It has a wide and well-defined soundstage with great separation from left to right and in depth. It also has excellent imaging capability and micro-detail retrieval. The high-frequency response is precise and precise, which allows for accurate playing back of music. It is a great option for audiophiles seeking headphones that combine high-end performance and portability.
The Audeze LCD-XC is a standout model with a unique planar design, distinguished by its flat diaphragm that is suspended between two magnets. This design creates a consistent, powerful magnetic field around the driver, which minimizes distortion and provides superb accuracy. The ear cups that are sealed provide the best isolation and block out all ambient noise. The LCD-XC's 106mm 20 Ohm dual-sided magnet planar magnetic drivers are highly efficient, which means that the headphone is able to deliver great sound even with an extremely low power source.
This headphone has a very well-constructed design and is comfortable for long listening sessions. Its ear cups are well-padded and perfectly fit the ears. The headband is constructed of powder-coated steel and has a vented leather pressure strap to help distribute the weight evenly. The 677g weight of the headphone can be a little heavy after a couple of hours, but the headband and ear pads are padded to ensure a comfortable fit.
The LCD-XC headphone is stunning, but it does have some limitations that make it not ideal for audiophiles who aren't. It has a very open upper-treble, which can be too bright for certain listeners. It can also be a little tinny in the lower midrange which can cause problems for some listeners.
Despite these minor shortcomings, the LCDXC is an excellent headphone for music production and critical listening. The headphone's neutral bass response is a great addition to its overall balance. It features a stunning stage in both depth and width, great separation from left to right, and outstanding imaging and micro-detail retrieval. It also offers a great presentation of piano and vocals.