10 Best Planar Magnetic Headphones
HiFiMan Sundara
Despite their moderate price, the HiFiMan Sundara exhibit the technical detail, transparency, and flat response that most users want from this high-end technology. They’re highly comfortable and especially durable for audiophile cans.
- Open-back construction
- Breathable earpads
- Relatively lightweight
SendyAudio Aiva
Unlike most, the SendyAudio Aiva aren’t engineered with a neutral sound profile, but rather designed for enjoying and immersing yourself in your favorite tunes. The combination of suspension-style headband and rich wooden housings make this an especially good-looking pair.
- Bright and sparkling treble
- Punchy and high-contrast low-end
- Ideal for pop and electronic music
HiFiMan HE400i
The modern update of the decade-old HiFiMan HE400i brings a durable and lightweight construction as well as premium materials to the table. They’re almost impossible to beat at their low price, and have the flat response curve that the technology is known for.
- Respond well to equalization
- Excellent instrument separation
- Ideal for studio work
Audeze LCD-1
Tipping the scales at just 250 grams, the Audeze LCD-1 are light enough to wear for long periods without discomfort, and their folding earcups and firm-sided travel case add portability. A 16-ohm impedance makes them the rare choice that can be driven by a smartphone.
- Genuine lambskin
- Open-back design
- 3-year warranty
Dan Clark Aeon Flow 2
Dan Clark Aeon Flow 2 on Walmart
The heavily upgraded Dan Clark Aeon Flow 2 feature a closed-back design, advanced drivers, plenty of vocal presence, and a natural profile that responds well to dynamics. Unlike most others in their price range, they fold up for easy transport.
- Comfortable yet secure fit
- Four sets of tuned earpads
- Relatively expensive
Sivga P-II
Utilizing an advanced, ultra-thin diaphragm, the Sivga P-II offer a rich and warm lower register and smooth, velvety mid-range, along with somewhat muted highs that can help minimize fatigue. Their premium imaging gives the impression of realistic, three-dimensional audio.
- Padded suspension headband
- Solid walnut enclosures
- Reasonable price
Audeze LCD-X
The Audeze LCD-X feature 106-millimeter-wide diaphragms loaded with double-sided magnetic arrays. They are somewhat pricey, but they’re often used as the standard by which others are judged, and sound great with both mid-range and super-high-end audio equipment.
- 103-decibel sensitivity level
- An impedance of 20 ohms
- Made in the usa
Audeze LCD-2 Closed
Audeze LCD-2 Closed on Walmart
The well-tuned acoustics of the Audeze LCD-2 Closed deliver a significant bass response, a bit of roll-off in the upper register, and a defined vocal range, making them one of the best choices around for listening to hip-hop and EDM at high volumes.
- Good passive isolation
- Make instruments sound realistic
- Very bulky construction
Monolith M1070
The 106-millimeter drivers inside the Monolith M1070 do a good job with most genres of music by providing a slightly embellished bass and highs. The headband as well as the sets of leatherette and velour earpads are fleshed out with plush memory foam.
- Wide soundstage
- Warm overall sound
- Relatively heavy
HiFiMan Ananda BT
There aren’t many like the HiFiMan Ananda BT , which boast a Bluetooth receiver as well as high-resolution DACs and amplifiers inside. Coupled with support for the aptX HD, HWA, and LDAC codecs, these might be as close as you can come to truly lossless wireless sound.
- Detachable microphone boom
- Emphasized low end
- Not very portable
