Top 5 Closed-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
It is true that planar magnet headphones tend to be more expensive than dynamic driver headphones, but that does not mean they are necessarily better. It is all based on the history of the brand and how they've designed their products.
HIFIMAN has revamped their HE1000V2 model with stealth magnets technology and provides improved sound quality over the previous generation. You can hear more detail and clarity 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 are targeted at the highly contested hybrid market for headphones that are suitable for both home and on the move. They're one of only a few headphones that have planar magnet drivers that can be used anywhere.
Planar magnetic headphones have a distinct sound signature. They tend to be flat and have excellent quality, transient response, and are generally extremely neutral. The OPPO PM-3s have a relaxed sound that's easy to listen to and has a high level of definition. They're also light and comfortable to wear.
The earcups have a beautiful black leather covering that makes them appear different to other closed-back headphones. The earcups have a curvature to your ears, and the headband is made of the same material. The earcups are designed to be foldable and can be tucked into a carry case that's included with the headphone.
They have a hefty impedance of 26 Ohms and are certified to be sensitive to 102 decibels. They have a very high power handling and are compatible with the majority of mobile devices. They're not as powerful as Audio Technica MSR7s, for instance, but still perform admirably.
I find the midrange in the upper part of these headphones to be on the warm side, and the treble is somewhat lost. They're not as noisy or slow, but they deliver a high quality of detail in the mid-range that's hard to beat for 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. The OPPO PM-3s are also supplied with a number of cables that include three cables for Android devices and Apple devices and a home cable.
HIFIMAN H1000V2
The HE1000 V2 is the latest iteration in HiFiMAN's flagship HE series. It has a thin diaphragm constructed with nano-technology and dual magnetics that are asymmetrical to ensure better sound. The design utilizes an opaque window to shield the driver, while allowing sound waves to pass. This creates a more pristine signature. This is a significant improvement over the previous model that used a bulky layer of magnets that created transmission interference.
The HiFiMAN® HE1000V2 premium headphone exudes sophistication and class. The combination of cool metal elements with sumptuous leather and wood veneers gives an opulent feel that very few headphones can match. Its acoustics are no exception, with its impressive wide soundstage and natural sound quality. The treble has a bright vibrant, sparkling, and clear sound without being harsh or too sharp. Its clarity makes it possible to remove cymbals' reverb from the room and other subtle nuances.
Each note is handled with care. This ensures the bass isn't excessively loud or booming. Its precise timing enables it to handle complex bass lines in genres like EDM and hip hop. The midrange is a neutral and linear, with perceptively rapid leading transients. It's a great accompaniment for vocals since it reproduces the sound of acoustic instruments and voices with great accuracy.
The HE1000V2 does not drive as smoothly as the Focal Utopia. This is the case even when you're using an amplifier that can be carried around like the Chord Hugo. It requires a quality source to be optimized, which is why it's a good idea to utilize an external DAC to get the most out of it. The HE1000V2 can be muddy when under-driven and loses details.
The HiFiMAN provides incredible value for money, despite its premium cost. planar magnetic vs dynamic of reference resolution, spatial imaging and a booming bass makes it a great option for music lovers who want to enjoy the entire soundscape. HiFiMAN's dedication to quality audio is evident in the HE1000V2 sound. Its lightweight design and comfort also makes it ideal for long listening sessions.
Meze Liric
The Meze Liric is an excellent closed-back magnetic headphone that has a a rich and expansive soundstage. It is lightweight, and comfortable for long listening sessions. The ear pads made of leather are a more comfortable alternative to the standard earpads made of cloth. The copper-accented metal frame appears premium and is designed to shield heat from the ears of the listener which is useful during long listening sessions. The cross-shaped pad that sits on the top of your head can also help reduce heat buildup. The headband has been shaped so that the pads don't hit your ears when wearing glasses. The earcups have an angle that's slightly lower to better fit your ears. This will prevent 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 want to enjoy their music moving around.
Meze continues its collaboration with Rinaro with the Liric. It was designed to add an entirely new flavor to the 99 Classics Series while also competing with some of the most sought-after closed-back headphones currently available. The first Liric was a huge success and this second-generation model offers even more refinement of Meze's industrial design capabilities.
It is also more affordable compared to the open-back Empyrean or Elite models. This makes it a more affordable alternative for those looking to experience the benefits of magnetic headphones that planar without breaking the bank.
They have high sensitivity and a low impedance, which means they should be able to drive most modern sources with no problem. They also have a closed back, which means they can block out a portion of the noise from outside. It's not the best solution in all situations as you may still hear sounds coming from the surrounding.
The Meze Liric has a warm, rich tone with a strong emphasis on the lower frequencies. This makes songs more enjoyable and emphasizes the details of the music. They also have a good clarity and don't sound synthesized or clinical. The upper mids, and highs sound a bit too soft to my ears. But, it's not an issue.
Audeze LCD-XC
The LCD-XC planar magnetic closed-back headphone is a top-quality product for the price. It has a large and well-defined soundstage, with excellent separation from left to right and in-depth. It also has excellent imaging capability and micro-detail retrieval. The high-frequency response allows for precise music playback. It is a great option for audiophiles seeking headphones that offer both high-end quality and portability.
The Audeze LCD-XC is distinguished by a planar magnetic design, which has a flat diaphragm suspended in between two magnets. This design produces strong, uniform magnetic field around the driver, which minimizes distortions and provides superb accuracy. The ear cups that are sealed provide the best isolation and block out ambient noise. The LCD-XC has two-sided magnetic driver drivers for planar magnetic which measure at 106mm and 20 ohm. This means that the headphone can provide excellent sound even when using a low-power source.
The headphone is extremely comfortable and well-constructed. It is also comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. The earcups are cushioned, and they are perfectly sized. The headband is constructed of a powder-coated split steel and has an elongated protein leather pressure strap that distributes the weight evenly on your scalp and ear. The headphone weighs 677g which can be a bit heavy after a while. However the headband and earpads are padded to ensure your comfort.
The LCD-XC headphone is stunning, but it does have some limitations that make it unsuitable for some audiophiles. It has an airy upper-treble that can be too bright for some listeners. It is also a bit less pronounced in the lower middle, which can be problematic for certain listeners.
Despite these minor flaws, the LCD-XC is still a excellent headphone for listening to music or production. The headphone's neutral bass response is a great addition to its overall balance. It has a great stage width and depth, excellent left-to-right separation, and exceptional imaging and micro-detail retrieval. It also has a very beautiful presentation of piano and vocals.