For Whom Is Closed-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones And Why You Should Take A Look
Top 5 Closed-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
While it is true that planar magnetic headphones tend to cost more than their dynamic counterparts, this doesn't mean that they are better. It is all based on the history of the brand and how they have designed their products.
HIFIMAN has revamped their HE1000V2 with stealth magnetic technology, and it offers improved sound quality over the previous model. You will hear more clarity and more detail in classical music.
OPPO PM-3
OPPO has earned its name through Blu-ray and DVD players, but it has jumped into the market of portable headphones. The PM-3s are designed to compete in the highly competitive hybrid segment of headphones that can be used both at home and while traveling. In this regard, they're among of the few that utilize magnetic drivers in a planar driver configuration that you can take out and go out.
Planar magnetic headsets possess a distinctive sound signature - they tend to be flat, have great transient response and clarity and are generally neutral. The OPPO PM-3s have a soft sound that is easy to listen to and have a high degree of clarity. They're also light and comfortable.
The earcups are encased in a gorgeous black leather, which gives them a look that's quite different from other headphones with a closed back. The earcups are curved down towards your ears, and the headband also 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 an impedance of approximately 26 ohms, and are considered to be 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 has been rolled off. However, they're not as sluggish and muddy as other headphones at this price point and the midrange offers an exceptionally high level of clarity that's difficult to beat at this price.
The OPPO PM-3s come with a sleek fitted box as well as a sturdy, smart-looking carry case made from "selvedge denim" on old shuttle looms made by a specialist supplier to number of premium boutique clothing brands. They also come with a number of cables that include three cables for Android and Apple devices as well as an American cable.
The HIFIMAN HE1000V2
The HE1000 V2 is the most recent version of HiFiMAN's flagship HE series. It features a thin diaphragm made with nano-tech and dual Asymmetrical magnetics to provide superior sound. It also features a window shade grille that shields the driver from damage while giving enough space for sound waves to pass through, creating a more pristine sound signature. This is a significant improvement over the previous generation that had an extensive layer of magnets, which caused transmission interference.
The HiFiMAN® premium headphone is a beacon of sophistication and elegance. Its blend of elegant metal elements, luxurious leather, and delicate wood veneers manifests a sense of luxury that very few headphones can match. Its acoustics are no exception, with its impressive wide soundstage and natural sound quality. The the treble is clear, bright and dazzling without being too sharp or harsh. Its clarity lets you hear the smallest details such as the cymbals that echo around the room.
Bass is deep and powerful and each note is handled with care. This makes sure that the bass isn't too loud or booming. Its precise timing makes it able to handle complex bass lines in genres such as EDM and hip hop. The midrange is an unidirectional and linear sound with perceptibly fast leading transients. It's a great companion for vocals since it reproduces voices and acoustic instrument with great accuracy.
The HE1000V2 does not drive as smoothly as the Focal Utopia. This is true even when 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 use an external DAC to maximize the performance of it. When it's not being driven enough the HE1000V2 is sounded muddy and loses some of the detail.
The HiFiMAN is a fantastic value for money despite its high price. Its combination of reference resolution, spatial imaging, and powerful bass make it a fantastic choice for music lovers who want to experience the entire soundscape. HiFiMAN's commitment to sound quality is evident in the HE1000V2 sound. Its slim design and comfort make it perfect for long listening sessions.
Meze Liric
The Meze Liric is an excellent closed-back magnetic headphone that has a large and rich sound stage. It is light and comfortable for long listening sessions. The leatherette ear pads provide an alternative that is more comfortable than the typical ear pads made of cloth. The copper-accented frames are a luxurious design that's designed to keep heat from the listener's ear. This is beneficial for long listening sessions. They also have a cross-shaped pad that will help reduce heat build up on the top of the head. The headband has been designed so that the pads do not get in your ears when wearing glasses. The ear cups are slightly bent to fit your ears more snugly. This will stop them from sliding as you move your neck. The Meze Audio Liric is a great option for active music lovers who want to experience their favorite songs while on the move.
Meze's collaboration with Rinaro Isodynamics continues with the Liric. It was designed to bring a new flavor to the 99 Classics Series while also competing with the most sought-after closed-back headphones available. The first Liric was a huge success, and the second model offers even more refinement of Meze's industrial design capabilities.
It is also more affordable than the open-back Empyrean and Elite models. This makes it a budget-friendly alternative for those looking to experience the benefits of a magnetic headphones that headset planar without breaking the bank.
They have high sensitivity and a low impedance, which means they can drive modern audio sources without issue. They also have a closed back, which means they can block out a portion of the background noise. It's not a perfect solution in all situations since you could still hear sounds from the surroundings.
The Meze Liric is characterized by a rich, warm tone that emphasizes lower frequencies. This makes music more enjoyable and emphasizes the specifics of the music. They also have a great clarity and don't sound overly artificial or symphonic. The upper mids and highs are a little too slick for my tastes, but it is not a deal breaker.
Audeze LCD-XC
The LCD-XC planar magnetic closed-back headphone is a top-quality product for its price. It has a spacious and well-defined soundstage, which has excellent separation from left to right and in depth. It also features good imaging and micro-detail retrieval. The high-frequency response is precise and precise, allowing for precise playing back of music. Audiophiles looking for headphones with top-quality sound quality and portability will love this model.
The Audeze LCD-XC is a standout model with a unique planar design, distinguished by its diaphragm with a flat surface that is suspended between two magnets. This design produces uniform, powerful magnetic fields around the driver, which minimizes distortions and provides superb accuracy. The ear cups of the headphone are also sealed to provide superior Planar Magnetic Headphones isolation, blocking out any ambient noise. The LCD-XC's 106mm, 20 ohm dual-sided magnet planar magnetic drivers are extremely efficient, which means that the headphone is able to deliver great sound even with a low power source.
This headphone is very comfortable and well-constructed. It is also comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. The earcups are cushioned, and they are perfect. The headband is made from a powder-coated split spring steel and uses an elongated protein leather pressure strap that spreads the weight evenly over your scalp and ear. The headphone weighs 677g which can be a bit heavy after a while. However the earpads and headband are well-padded to ensure comfort.
The LCD-XC headphone is impressive, however it has some limitations which make it not ideal for some audiophiles. It has a soaring upper-treble which can be too bright for some listeners. It's also a little lean in the lower midrange, which can be problematic for certain listeners.
Despite these minor issues, the LCDXC is a great headphone for music production and critical listening. The headphone's neutral bass response is a welcome addition to its overall balance. It has a great stage size and depth, superb separation from left to right, and outstanding imaging and micro-detail retrieval. It also offers a great presentation of piano and vocals.
