Top 5 Closed-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
While it is true that planar magnetic headphones tend to be more expensive than their dynamic counterparts, this does not necessarily mean they are superior. It is all based on the history of the brand and the way they have developed their products.
HIFIMAN has revamped their HE1000V2 with stealth magnetic technology, and it offers enhanced sonic performance compared to the previous generation. You can 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 portable headphone market. The PM-3s are aimed squarely at the highly contested hybrid headphone market that can work both at home and on the move. In this regard, they're among of the few that utilize magnetic drivers in a planar configuration that are able to be taken out and out.
Planar magnetic headphones have a distinct 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 detail. They're also lightweight and comfortable to wear.
The earcups have a beautiful black leather cover, which makes them look different to other closed-back headphones. The earcups sport an sloping design that curves downwards over your ears, and the headband is made from the same material. The earcups are designed to be foldable and fit inside a carry case included with the headphone.
They have a hefty impedance of 26 Ohms and are certified to be sensitive to 102 decibels. They have a high power handling, and will work with the majority of mobile devices. They're not as powerful as the Audio Technica MSR7s for instance but they're more than good enough to finish the job.
The upper midrange can be a bit warm, and the treble seems to have been rolled off. They're not as noisy or slow, but they provide a great level of detail in the midrange that is difficult to beat at this price.
The OPPO PM-3s are supplied with a sleek fitted box and a robust, smart-looking carry case made out of "selvedge denim" on vintage shuttle looms made by a specialist manufacturer for a number of high-end boutique clothing brands. They also come with a variety of cables which include three cables for Android and Apple devices as well as an ordinary cable.
HiFIMAN He1000V2
The HE1000 V2 is the most recent iteration in HiFiMAN's flagship HE series. It features a diaphragm that is thin constructed with nano-technology and dual magnetics that are asymmetrical to ensure superior sound. Its design uses a window shade to protect the driver while allowing sound waves to travel. This creates an even more precise sound signature. This is a significant improvement over the previous version that had a heavy layer of magnets that created transmission interference.
The HiFiMAN HE1000V2 is a high-end headphone that exudes sophisticated style and sophistication. Its blend of cool metal elements, sumptuous leather, and delicate wood veneers manifests a sense of luxury that very few headphones are capable of matching. Its acoustics do not disappoint with their large soundstage and natural tone. The treble has a bright vibrant, sparkling, and clear sound without being harsh or too sharp. Its clarity allows you to hear subtle details like cymbals reverberating in the room.
Each note is taken care of. This ensures that the bass doesn't get too loud or booming. Its precise timing enables it to handle the most complex bass lines in genres such as EDM and hip hop. The midrange is a neutral and linear 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.
Unlike the Focal Utopia, the HE1000V2 isn't particularly easy to drive, even if you use a portable amplifier such as Chord Hugo or Mojo. To get the best out of this amp, you'll require a top-quality audio source. The HE1000V2 can be muddy when under-driven and loses details.
Despite its premium pricing The HiFiMAN HE1000V2 is incredible value for money. Its combination with reference resolution spatial image, a powerful sound and a powerful bass make it an ideal option for music lovers who are looking to enjoy the complete soundscape. HiFiMAN's commitment to audio excellence is evident in the HE1000V2 sound. Its light design and comfort also makes it ideal for long listening sessions.
Meze Liric
The Meze Liric planar magnetic closed-back headphone has a rich wide soundstage. It's lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions. The ear pads are made out of leatherette, which makes them more comfortable than the more traditional cloth alternatives. The copper-accented frames are a luxurious design that's designed to block heat from the listener's ear. This is ideal for long listening sessions. The cross-shaped pad that sits on top of the head can help reduce the buildup of heat. The headband also has a shape to prevent the pads from hitting your ears while wearing glasses. The earcups are slightly angled to fit your ears more snugly. This will prevent them from sliding as you move your neck. The Meze Audio Liric is an excellent choice for those who love music and want to experience their favorite songs on the go.
Meze continues its collaboration with Rinaro with the Liric. It was designed to provide a fresh flavor to the 99 Classics series while also challenging some of the top premium closed-back headphones available that are available. The first Liric model was a huge success, and the second-generation model offers an even higher level of refined Meze's industrial design capabilities.
It's also more affordable when compared to open-back Empyrean or Elite models. This makes it a good option for anyone who wants to experience the benefits of planar magnetic headphones without breaking the bank.
They have high sensitivity and a low impedance, which means that they will be able to drive modern audio sources without issue. They also have a closed back, which means they can block out some of the background noise. This isn't an ideal solution for all situations since you could still hear sounds from your surroundings.
The Meze Liric has a warm rich, rich sound with a focus on lower frequencies. This makes songs more enjoyable and enhances the musical details. They sound good and don't sound too sterile or artificial. The upper mids and the highs are a bit too smooth for my ears. However, this isn't a deal-breaker.
Audeze LCD-XC
The LCD-XC closed-back magnetic planar headphone is a top-quality product for its price. It has a wide and well-defined soundstage, with great separation from left to right and in depth. It is a great imaging device and micro-detail retrieval. The high-frequency response enables precise music playback. It is a great option for audiophiles looking for headphones that offer both premium quality and portability.
headphonesshop LCD-XC is distinguished by its planar magnetic design with a flat diaphragm suspended in between two magnets. This design creates a consistent, powerful magnetic field around the driver, which reduces distortion and gives excellent accuracy. The earcups that are sealed provide excellent isolation and block out any ambient noise. The LCD-XC features dual-sided magnet driver drivers with planar magnetic design which measure at 106mm and 20 ohm. This means that the headphone can produce great sound even with a low power source.
This headphone has a very good build and is comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. The ear cups are padded and perfectly fit the ears. The headband is made from a powder-coated split spring steel and has a vented protein leather pressure strap that spreads the weight evenly over your scalp and ears. The headphone weighs 677g which can become a bit heavy after a while. However the earpads and headband are well-padded for comfort.
The LCD-XC headphone is impressive, but it has some limitations which make it less than ideal for audiophiles who aren't. It has a soaring upper-treble that can be too bright for some listeners. It's also a bit more tinny in the lower midrange, which can be problematic for certain listeners.
Despite these minor flaws the LCD-XC is a extremely enjoyable headphone for listening to music and production. The headphone's neutral bass response is a wonderful addition to its overall balance. It has a broad and deep stage, excellent separation between left and right and outstanding imaging. It also offers a great performance of piano and vocals.