Top 5 Closed-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
While it is true that headphones with a planar magnetic driver are more expensive than their dynamic counterparts, this doesn't mean that they are superior. It all depends on the pedigree of the brand and the way they have designed their products.
HIFIMAN has revamped their HE1000V2 with stealth magnetic tech and offers an enhanced sonic performance compared to the previous generation. You will hear more clarity and detail in classical music.
OPPO PM-3
OPPO builds its reputation on Blu-ray and DVD players but now it's jumping into the market for portable headphones. The PM-3s are aimed squarely at the keenly contested hybrid market for headphones that work both at home and on the move. They're one of only a few headphones that utilize planar magnet drivers and can be worn anywhere.
Planar magnetic headphones have a distinct sound signature. They tend to be flat and have excellent transient response, detail, and are generally extremely neutral. The OPPO PM-3s are very easy to listen to, and offer a great level of detail. They're also very light and comfortable.
The earcups have a beautiful black leather covering, which makes them appear different to other closed-back headphones. The earcups sport a sloping design that curves down over your ears, and the headband is made from the same material. The earcups are designed to be foldable and can be tucked into a case included with the headphone.
They have an impedance of approximately 26 ohms. They are rated as sensitive at 102dB. This means they have excellent power handling and should work with all mobile devices. They're not quite as efficient as the Audio Technica MSR7s for instance but they're adequate enough to do the job.
The upper midrange is a bit warm and the treble has been rolled off. Nevertheless, they're not as smooth and sluggish as other headphones at this price point and the mid-range provides an exceptionally high level of clarity that's difficult to beat at this price.
The OPPO PM-3s are supplied with a stylish fitted box and a robust stylish, sleek carry case that is made from "selvedge denim" on old shuttle looms, which is a specialist supplier to number of premium boutique clothing brands. They're also supplied with a few cables that include three cables for Android and Apple devices, as well as a domestic cable.
HIFIMAN He1000V2
The HE1000V2 is HiFiMAN's latest version of HiFiMAN's flagship HE Series. It has a tiny nano-tech designed diaphragm and dual magnets that are asymmetrical to provide superior sound quality. Its design uses an opaque window to shield the driver, while allowing sound waves to pass. This creates a more pristine signature. This is a major improvement over the previous generation that had a heavy layer of magnets that created transmission interference.
The HiFiMAN HE1000V2 is a premium headphones that exudes refined style and elegance. Its combination of elegant metal elements, luxurious leather and wood veneers that are delicate conveys a luxurious feel that few headphones are capable of matching. The acoustics aren't any less impressive, with its impressive wide soundstage and natural timbre. The treble produces a bright, sparkling, and prominent sound without being harsh or too sharp. Its clarity lets it remove cymbals' reverb from the room and other subtle details.
Bass is deep and powerful Each note is handled with care. This makes sure that the bass isn't too loud or booming. Its precise timing allows it to handle complex basslines in genres like EDM and Hip Hop. The midrange is an unidirectional and linear sound that is characterized by a noticeable speed of leading transients. This makes it a fantastic companion for vocals, and has the ability to reproduce voices and acoustic instruments to great accuracy.
The HE1000V2 does not drive as smoothly as the Focal Utopia. This is the case even when using an amplifier that can be carried around like the Chord Hugo. To get the most out of this amp, you require a high-quality audio source. When it's not being driven enough the HE1000V2 can sound dull and lacks a lot of detail.
Despite its premium pricing, the HiFiMAN HE1000V2 offers an incredible value-for-money. Its combination of reference resolution, spatial imaging, and powerful bass make it an excellent choice for music lovers who want to experience the full soundscape. www.headphonesshop.uk is tribute to HiFiMAN's commitment to quality audio, and its lightweight design and comfortable feel makes it perfect for long listening sessions.
Meze Liric
The Meze Liric is an excellent closed-back planar magnetic headphone with large and rich soundstage. It is light and comfortable enough for long listening sessions. The earpads are constructed out of leatherette, which makes them more comfortable than traditional cloth options. The copper-accented frame is a high-end design that's designed to keep the ear of the listener cool. This is ideal for long listening sessions. The cross-shaped pad that sits on the top of your head can also help reduce heat buildup. The headband is designed so that the pads do not fall on your ears while wearing glasses. The earcups have an angle that is slightly higher to fit your ears. This will stop them from sliding around as you move your head. The Meze Liric is a great choice for those who love music and are active and enjoy their music on the move.
Meze continues its partnership with Rinaro with the Liric. It was created to add an exciting new flavour to the 99 Classics Series while also competing with the most popular closed-back headphones on the market. The first Liric model was a huge hit, and this second-generation version provides an even greater level of improvement to Meze's industrial design capabilities.
It's also more affordable in comparison to the open-back Empyrean or Elite models. This makes it an affordable option for those who want to experience the benefits of planar magnetic headphone without breaking the bank.
They are built with low impedance and high sensitivity, therefore they should be able drive the majority of modern sources without problems. They feature a closed-back design, which will block out some ambient noise. It's not a perfect solution in all situations since you could still hear sounds from your surroundings.
The Meze Liric has a warm, rich tone with an emphasis on lower frequencies. This makes music more enjoyable and emphasizes the subtleties of the music. They sound good and are not too clinical or synthetic. The upper mids and highs are a little too smooth for my taste however, it's not a major issue.
Audeze LCD-XC
The LCD-XC closed-back magnetic planar headphone offers a high-performance for the price. It has a large soundstage with excellent left to right and depth separation. It is extremely clear and has micro-detail retrieval. The high-frequency response permits accurate music playback. Audiophiles who want headphones that have top-quality sound quality and portability will appreciate this model.
The Audeze LCD-XC is a standout model with a unique planar design, which is distinguished by its flat diaphragm that is suspended between two magnets. This design creates an even powerful magnetic field around the driver, which reduces distortion and provides superb precision. The headphone's sealed ear cups offer excellent isolation and block out any ambient noise. The LCD-XC's 20mm, 106mm OHM dual-sided magnetic planar magnetic drivers are very efficient, meaning that the headphone is able to produce great sound with an extremely low power source.
This headphone has a very solid construction and is comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. The earcups are padded and fit the ears perfectly. The headband is constructed of a powder-coated split spring steel, and is fitted with an elongated protein leather pressure strap that is able to distribute the weight evenly across your scalp and ears. The headphone's 677g weight could be a bit heavy after a couple of hours however, the earpads and headband are well-padded to ensure your comfort.
Although the LCD-XC is an impressive headphone, it has some limitations that make it less than perfect for some audiophiles. It has a soaring upper-treble which can be too bright for some listeners. It could also be slightly slack in the lower midrange which can be problematic for certain 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 welcome addition to its overall balance. It has a fantastic stage in both depth and width, great left-to-right separation, and exceptional imaging and micro-detail retrieval. It also has a very attractive presentation of the piano and vocals.