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 mean that they are superior. It's all about the brand's pedigree and the way in which their products are made.

HIFIMAN has revamped their HE1000V2 with stealth magnetic technology and provides improved sound quality over the previous generation. You will hear more clarity and depth in classical music.

OPPO PM-3

OPPO has built its reputation on DVD and Blu-ray players but now it's jumping into the portable headphone market. The PM-3s are targeted at the keenly contested hybrid segment for headphones that work both at home and closed-back planar magnetic headphones when on the move. They're one of only a few headphones that have planar headphones magnet drivers and can be taken anywhere.

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 have a soft sound that is easy to listen to and has a high level of definition. They are also extremely lightweight and comfortable.

The earcups feature a gorgeous black leather covering, which makes them look different from other closed-back headphones. The earcups have an sloping design that curves down over your ears and the headband is made of the same material. The earcups can be folded to fit inside the carry case included with the headphones.

They have a pretty large impedance of 26 ohms and are rated to be sensitive at 102 dB. This is a great power handling and should work with most mobile devices. They're not quite as efficient as the Audio Technica MSR7s, for instance but they're adequate enough to finish the job.

I find the midrange in the upper part of these headphones to be a little too warm and the treble can be somewhat lost. They're not as muddy and sluggish, but they do deliver a high level of clarity in the mid-range that's difficult to beat at this price.

A specialist supplier of premium boutique brands, OPPO offers the PM-3s, which come with a stylish and fitted case and a sturdy, smart looking carry case. Both are made from "selvedge jeans" on vintage shuttle-looms. The OPPO PM-3s come supplied with a number of cables, including three for Android devices and Apple devices, as well as an extension cable for home use.

The HIFIMAN H1000V2

The HE1000V2 is the most recent version of HiFiMAN's flagship HE Series. It has a thin diaphragm made with nano-tech and dual Asymmetrical magnetics to provide the best sound. The design utilizes a window shade to protect the driver and allow sound waves to pass. This results in an improved sound signature. This is a significant improvement over the previous generation that used a bulky layer of magnets, which created transmission interference.

The HiFiMAN® premium headphone radiates sophistication and elegance. Its combination of cool metal elements, sumptuous leather, and delicate wood veneers conveys a luxurious feel that few headphones can match. Its acoustics do not disappoint with their large soundstage and natural tone. The treble has a bright and sparkling sound that isn't too sharp. Its clarity makes it possible to remove cymbals' reverb from the room and other subtle details.

Bass is deep and powerful and each note is handled with care. This ensures the bass isn't overpowering or boomy. Its precise timing makes it able to handle complex basslines in genres such as EDM and Hip Hop. The midrange is neutral and linear and has perceptibly rapid leading transients. This makes it an excellent companion for vocals, and has the ability to reproduce vocals and acoustic instruments with great precision.

Unlike the Focal Utopia, the HE1000V2 isn't a simple device to drive, even if you use an amplifier that is portable, such as Chord Hugo or Mojo. To get the best out of this amp, you require a high-quality audio source. 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 pricey cost. Its combination of reference resolution, spatial imaging, and powerful bass make it an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the full spectrum of sound. HiFiMAN's commitment to sound quality is evident in the HE1000V2 sound. Its slim design and comfort makes it ideal for long listening sessions.

Meze Liric

The Meze Liric is an excellent closed-back magnetic headphone that has a an expansive and rich sound stage. It is lightweight and comfortable enough for long listening sessions. The ear pads made of leather are a more comfortable alternative to the typical ear pads made of cloth. The copper-accented frame is a high-end design that is specifically designed to keep the heat away from the ear of the person listening. This is beneficial for long listening sessions. They also come with the cross-shaped pad which will help to reduce the amount of heat that builds up on the top of the head. The headband has been designed to ensure that the pads do not get in your ears when wearing glasses. The ear cups are slightly inclined to ensure that your ears are more comfortable. This will stop them from sliding when you move your neck. The Meze Liric is a great option for music lovers who are active and want to enjoy their music on the move.

Meze continues its partnership with Rinaro with the Liric. It was designed to provide a new flavor for the 99 Classics series while also challenging some of the best flagship closed-back headphones that are available. The first Liric model was a huge success, and the second-generation model offers even more improvement to Meze's industrial design capabilities.

It is also more affordable compared to the open-back Empyrean or Elite models. This makes it an attractive option for anyone who wants to experience the advantages of planar magnetic headphones without breaking the bank.

They have a high sensitivity and low impedance, which means that they can drive the majority of modern devices without issue. They come with a closed-back, which will block out some ambient noise. However, this isn't a perfect solution for all scenarios however, since you'll still hear some sounds around you.

The Meze Liric has a warm, rich tone with a strong emphasis on lower frequencies. This makes songs more enjoyable and enhances the details of the music. They sound great and are not too clinical or synthetic. The upper mids and highs are too smooth for me, but it is not a deal breaker.

Audeze LCD-XC

The LCD-XC planar magnetic closed-back headphone offers a high-performance for its price. It has a wide and well-defined soundstage with great separation from left to right and in-depth. It also features excellent image and micro-detail retrieval. The high-frequency response allows for precise playback of music. Audiophiles who require headphones that have top-quality sound quality and portability will love this model.

The Audeze LCD-XC features a unique planar design, distinguished by its diaphragm with a flat surface that is suspended between two magnets. This design creates an even powerful magnetic field around the driver, which reduces distortion and gives excellent accuracy. The headphone's ear cups are also sealed to provide superior isolation, blocking out ambient noise. The LCD-XC's 106mm, 20 Ohm dual-sided magnet planar earphones magnetic drivers are extremely efficient, meaning that the headphone can to create great sound using the use of a low-power source.

This headphone is 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 powder-coated split spring steel and has a vented leather pressure strap that spreads the weight evenly over your scalp and ear. The headphone's 677g weight could be a bit heavy after a couple of hours however the ear pads and headband are padded to ensure a comfortable fit.

The LCD-XC headphone is impressive, but it has some limitations which make it unsuitable for certain audiophiles. It has a very soaring upper-treble that may be too bright for some listeners. It's also a bit lean in the lower midrange, which can be problematic for some listeners.

Despite these minor drawbacks the LCD-XC is 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 fantastic stage in both depth and width, great left-to-right separation, and exceptional imaging and micro-detail retrieval. It also offers an excellent presentation of vocals and piano.