Top 5 Closed-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
It is true that planar magnet headphones are generally more expensive than dynamic driver headphones, however this does not mean they are necessarily better. It depends on the quality of the brand and how their products are designed.
HIFIMAN has updated their HE1000V2 model with stealth magnets technology, and it offers improved sound quality over the previous generation. You will hear more detail and clarity in classical music.
OPPO PM-3
OPPO has built its reputation with DVD and Blu-ray players, but now it is stepping into the portable headphone market. The PM-3s are aimed squarely at the highly-contested hybrid headphone market that can are suitable for use at home as well as on the move. In this, they're one of the few headphones that use magnetic drivers with a planar design that you can really take out and go out.
Planar magnetic headphones have a distinct sound signature. They tend to be flat and have great detail, transient response, and are generally extremely neutral. The OPPO PM-3s are easy to listen to, and offer a great quality of detail. They are also extremely light and comfortable.
The earcups are wrapped in a beautiful black leather, giving an appearance that is different from other headphones with a closed back. The earcups are curved down to your ears, and the headband also is made of the same material. The earcups are designed to fold and can be tucked inside a carry case included with the headphone.
They have an impedance of around 26 ohms and are classified as being sensitive at 102dB. They have a high power handling and are compatible with the majority of mobile devices. They're not as powerful as the Audio Technica MSR7s for instance however they're adequate enough to finish the job.
The upper midrange can be a bit warm, and the treble seems to have been removed. They're not as muddy or slow, but they deliver a high level of detail in the mid-range that's difficult to beat at this price.
The OPPO PM-3s come with a stylish fitted box and a robust elegant carry case constructed out of "selvedge denim" on old shuttle looms, which is a specialist supplier to variety of boutique fashion brands. They're also equipped with a few cables that include three cables for Android and Apple devices, as well as an American cable.
HiFIMAN H1000V2
The HE1000 V2 is the latest version of HiFiMAN's flagship HE series. It has a tiny nano-tech diaphragm, and two magnets that are asymmetrical for better audio quality. simply click for source features windowshade grills that shields the driver from damage while allowing enough space for sound waves to travel through, resulting in a more pristine sound signature. This is a significant improvement over the previous generation which had an extensive layer of magnets, which caused transmission interference.
The HiFiMAN® HE1000V2 premium headphone radiates sophistication and elegance. The combination of cool metal elements with luscious wood veneers and leather creates an opulent feel that very few headphones can match. The acoustics of the model are also exceptional, with its impressive wide soundstage and natural tone. The treble is bright, prominent, and sparkly without being harsh or sharp. Its clarity allows you to hear subtle details like cymbals reverberating in the room.
Bass is powerful and deep and each note is handled with attention to detail. This ensures the bass isn't overpowering or boomy. Its precise timing enables it to handle complex bass lines in genres such as EDM and hip hop. The midrange is a neutral and linear, with perceptively rapid leading transients. This makes it an excellent companion for vocals, and has the ability to reproduce vocals and acoustic instruments 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. To get the most value of this amplifier, you'll require a top-quality audio source. When it's not being driven enough the HE1000V2 can sound dull and lacks a lot of detail.
Despite its pricey pricing, the HiFiMAN HE1000V2 offers an incredible value-for-money. Its combination of spatial imaging, reference resolution, and powerful bass make it an excellent choice for music lovers who want to experience the full spectrum of sound. HiFiMAN's commitment to audio excellence is evident in the HE1000V2 sound. Its light design and comfort make 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 sound stage. It is lightweight, and comfortable for long listening sessions. The earpads are made out of leatherette, which makes them more comfortable than the more common cloth alternatives. The copper-accented frame looks premium and is designed to shield heat from the ears of the listener which is beneficial for longer listening sessions. They also have a cross-shaped pad that will help to reduce the amount of heat that builds up on the top of the head. The headband is also shaped to stop the pads from hitting your ears while wearing glasses. The ear cups are slightly inclined to ensure that your ears are more comfortable. This stops them from sliding as you move your neck. The Meze Liric is a great option for music lovers who are active and want to listen to their favorite tunes while moving around.
Meze's collaboration with Rinaro Isodynamics continues with the Liric. It was developed to offer an entirely new style for the 99 Classics series while also challenging some of the top premium closed-back headphones available on the market. The first Liric model was a huge success and this second-generation version provides even more improvement to Meze's industrial design capabilities.
It's also cheaper than the open-back Empyrean and Elite models. This makes it a more affordable option for anyone looking to experience the benefits of a planar magnetic headphone without breaking the bank.
They are built with a low impedance and high sensitivity, which means they should be able to drive most modern sources without any problems. They feature a closed-back design that blocks out some ambient noise. However, this isn't a perfect solution for all scenarios however, since you'll still hear some of the sounds around you.
The Meze Liric is characterized by a rich, warm tone that emphasizes lower frequencies. This makes songs more enjoyable and emphasizes the details in the music. They also have a great clarity and don't sound too artificial or symphonic. The upper mids and highs are too smooth for me however, it's not a deal breaker.
Audeze LCD-XC
The LCD-XC is a closed-back magnetic headphone that delivers outstanding performance for the price. It has a wide and well-defined soundstage, with excellent separation from left to right and in-depth. It also has a very excellent image and micro-detail retrieval. The high-frequency response is very precise and precise, which allows for accurate playback of music. It is a great option for audiophiles looking for headphones that provide high-end quality and portability.
The Audeze LCD-XC has an exclusive planar magnetic design, which is distinguished by its diaphragm with a flat surface that is suspended between two magnets. This design produces strong, uniform magnetic field around the driver which reduces distortions and gives excellent precision. The ear cups of the headphone are also sealed to provide better isolation, preventing ambient noise. The LCD-XC has dual-sided magnet driver drivers with planar magnetic design which measure 20 ohm and 106mm. This means that the headphone can provide excellent sound even with a low power source.
This headphone has a well-constructed design and is comfortable for long listening sessions. The ear cups are padded and fit the ears perfectly. The headband is made of powder-coated split steel and uses a vented leather strap to distribute the weight evenly. The 677g weight of the headphone could be a bit heavy after a couple of hours however, the earpads and headband are padded to ensure a comfortable fit.
The LCD-XC headphone is impressive, however it has some limitations which make it unsuitable for audiophiles who aren't. It has a very airy upper-treble that can be too bright for some listeners. It's also a little more tinny in the lower midrange which could be a problem for certain listeners.
Despite these minor issues, the LCDXC is an excellent headphone for music production as well as critical listening. The neutral bass response of the headphone is a great addition. It features a stunning stage in both depth and width, great left-to-right separation, as well as exceptional imaging and micro-detail retrieval. It also has a attractive presentation of piano and vocals.