Best Planar Magnetic Headphones

Planar magnetic headphones have become popular recently for their exceptional sound quality. In this post, we have listed some of the best planar magnetic headphones

Planar magnetic headphones include two large powerful magnets. In between the two magnets, it includes a voice coil or diaphragm which is highly lightweight and thin.

This leads to accurate and precise sound representation. We decided to try and test multiple planar magnetic headphones.

After numerous hearing sessions and sound tests, we have listed the best planar magnetic headphones that you should consider in 2020.

Top 3 Best Planar Magnetic Headphones

1. Hifiman Susvara

best-planar-magnetic-headphones

What We Like

  • Soundstage is good
  • Premium sound quality
  • Wide frequency response

What Is Missing

  • Bass is low

2. Audeze LCD-4

best-planar-magnetic-headphones

What We Like

  • Bass is good
  • Wide frequency response
  • Premium sound signature

What Is Missing

  • Heavyweight

3. Hifiman HE1000se

best-planar-magnetic-headphones

What We Like

  • Imaging is good
  • Wide sound stage
  • Premium sound signature

What Is Missing

  • Bass is a bit low

Best Planar Magnetic Headphones

  • 1. Hifiman Susvara
  • 2. Audeze LCD-4
  • 3. Hifiman HE1000se
  • 4. Audeze LCD-3
  • 5. Hifiman Arya
  • 6. Aeon Flow 2
  • 7. Sendy Aiva

1. Hifiman Susvara: Best Planar Magnetic Headphones

Hifman Susvara

best-planar-magnetic-headphones

Key Highlights

  • Soundstage is good
  • Premium sound quality
  • Wide frequency response

Hifiman Susvara is one of the best headphones released by Hifiman.

These planar headphones come with a premium box which makes it easy to store these headphones. In addition, there are two cables included with these headphones.

These Susvara headphones come with three years of warranty which is decent enough.

The build quality along with the metal grills are premium and sturdy which makes these headphones durable.

These headphones require a lot of power due to which you need a heavy-duty amp to experience the best sound quality.

The earcups are well-padded and foamed due to which you can wear these headphones for long hours without any discomfort.

Sound Quality

The bass on these headphones is loud and punchy which makes these headphones one of the best planar magnetic headphones.

The mids on these headphones are articulate and clear with every detail.

The sound stage of these headphones is precise and it provides the largest range of depth which makes the hearing experience premium.

Every small detail which would go unnoticed on other headphones would be visible on these headphones.

The highs on these headphones are sharp without being ear tingling which makes these headphones one of the best planar magnetic headphones.

Pros

  • Soundstage is good
  • 3 years of warranty
  • Premium build quality
  • Ear cups are comfortable
  • Wide frequency response
  • Premium sound quality

Cons

  • Bass is low
  • Amp needed

2. Audeze LCD-4: Best Planar Headphones

Audeze LCD-4

best-planar-magnetic-headphones

Key Highlights

  • Bass is good
  • Wide frequency response
  • Premium sound signature

Audeze LCD-4s comes with thick earpads to keep your ears comforted while hearing with these headphones.

The build quality of these headphones is premium however the headphones are heavy which can be a let down for some users.

The headband of these headphones is comfortable. The Adeze LCD-4s come with a carry case which makes it easy to store and carry these headphones.

Instruments on these headphones are evident and can be heard clearly.

Sound Quality

The bass response of these headphones is flat and clean. Imaging on these headphones is premium and provides a pleasant experience.

The treble on these headphones is refined however they are not forward.

The mids on the LCD-4s are articulate and detailed which makes these headphones one of the best planar magnetic headphones.

The frequency response of these headphones is 5 Hz to 50,000 Hz which is impressive.

The sound stage on these headphones is wide which makes these headphones one of the best planar magnetic headphones.

The wooden finish of these headphones makes these headphones appear elegant and plush.

For the best performance, it would be advisable to use these headphones with an amp.

The planar magnetic technology delivers a crisp and accurate sound.

Pros

  • Bass is good
  • Travel case included
  • Earcups are comfortable
  • Build quality is premium
  • Wide frequency response
  • Premium sound signature

Cons

  • Heavyweight
  • Amp needed

3. Hifiman HE1000se: Best Hifiman Headphones

Hifman HE1000se

best-planar-magnetic-headphones

Key Highlights

  • Imaging is good
  • Wide sound stage
  • Premium sound signature

Hifiman 1000se headphones are known for their lightweight weighing only 440grams. These headphones feel premium and solid because of their build quality.

The headband is made of metal which is lightweight. The headphones include wooden materials that make these headphones appear premium.

The case that comes along with these headphones makes it easy to carry these headphones everywhere you go. Additionally, they come with 3 extra 3.5mm cables.

These headphones are by far the most detailed headphones compared to the others.

The HE1000se’s provide you with every detail while hearing music. At times it also depicts the negative aspects in case the song is not recorded properly.

The sound signature is pleasant and enjoyable due to which you can wear these headphones for long hours comfortably.

The sound signature is well rounded with a major focus on the mid-range and the high notes.

A common thing about these headphones is that it will show you the negative aspects of the music without you actively looking for it.

Sound Quality

The treble response of these headphones is detailed, refined and premium due to which you can hear every detail of the music which makes these headphones one of the best planar magnetic headphones.

The mid-range of these headphones is articulate, smooth and accurate.

The bass on these headphones is well balanced without being the main highlight of these headphones.

Imaging on these headphones is phenomenal. The sound stage of these headphones is remarkable which makes these headphones one of the best planar magnetic headphones.

These Hifiman headphones provide an accurate representation of the song which very few headphones are able to offer.

If you are looking for an accurate representation of the music, then these headphones should be your ideal pick.

Pros

  • Case included
  • Imaging is good
  • Wide sound stage
  • Mids are detailed
  • Build quality is good
  • Premium sound signature

Cons

  • Amp needed
  • Bass is a bit low

4. Audeze LCD-3: Best Planar Magnetic Headphones

Audeze LCD-3

best-planar-magnetic-headphones

Key Highlights

  • Wide soundstage
  • Imaging is phenomenal
  • Frequency response is wide

Audeze LCD-3 planar headphones are one of the best planar magnetic headphones for the sound quality they provide.

In addition, the company claims to have used space-age materials to engineer an extremely thin diaphragm which is four times larger than traditional headphones.

This leads to quick response times, high resolution, superior imaging and drastically reduces distortion.

Audeze’s unique planar magnetic technology renders accurate and precise sound along with every detail of the music.

The magnets which are double-sided in these planar headphones provide a uniform driving force crossways to the entire diaphragm to ensure zero distortion.

The earpads of the headphones are well padded which keep you well comforted while wearing these headphones.

The build quality of these headphones is premium with an elegant wooden finish.

These Audezes can be used without an amp however to get the best hearing experience, it would be ideal to plug these headphones to an amp.

Sound Quality

The bass on these headphones is well balanced and pleasant without being the main highlight of the headphones.

The mid-range on these headphones is neutral with clarity however they get overpowered by the treble at times.

Vocals on these headphones are accurate and precise.

The treble on these headphones is bright and detailed which can sound intense at times.

Imaging on these headphones is phenomenal with few dips.

The frequency response of these headphones is 10 Hz – 50, 000 Hz which is impressive.

The sound stage of these headphones is wide which makes these headphones one of the best planar magnetic headphones.

Pros

  • Case included
  • Premium sound
  • Wide soundstage
  • Build quality is premium
  • Wide frequency response

Cons

  • Amp needed
  • Better variants at this price point

5. Hifiman Arya: Best Planar Headphones

Hifman Arya

best-planar-magnetic-headphones

Key Highlights

  • Premium sound quality
  • Imaging is phenomenal
  • Frequency response is wide

Hifiman Arya is one of the most popular headphones in the Audiophile community because of its premium sound.

The build quality of these headphones is sturdy however they dont feel premium.

These headphones are lightweight due to which you can wear these headphones for long hours comfortably.

The ear cups of these headphones are comfortable and well padded.

These headphones have been used for gaming as well.

If you are looking for gaming headphones check our post on the best open back headphones for gaming and best closed back headphones for gaming.

Sound Quality

The bass response of these headphones is well balanced and smooth. Imaging on these headphones is phenomenal.

The mid-range of these headphones is clear and detailed which makes the hearing experience enjoyable.

Furthermore, the mid-range sound forward and transparent without sounding shallow.

The treble response of these headphones is detailed and accurate which makes these headphones one of the best planar magnetic headphones.

These Arya headphones need an amp to provide the best sound quality.

The frequency response of these headphones is 8 Hz to 65, 000 Hz which is stunning.

The sound stage on these headphones is wide and premium.

These headphones have the best of all features which is why these headphones are one of the best planar magnetic headphones.

Pros

  • Wide soundstage
  • Mid-range is good
  • Premium sound quality
  • Imaging is phenomenal
  • Frequency response is wide
  • Detailed and accurate sound

Cons

  • Amp needed
  • Build quality could have been better

6. Aeon Flow 2: Closed Back Planar Magnetic Headphones

Aeon Flow 2

best-planar-magnetic-headphones

Key Highlights

  • Bass is good
  • Noise isolation
  • Imaging is good

Aeon Flow 2 is a closed back planar magnetic headphones which is lightweight and comfortable.

The Flow 2 headphones are foldable due to which you can carry these headphones everywhere with you along with the case that comes with these headphones.

These Flow 2 headphones come with tuning pads which can be used to reduce hearing fatigue.

These headphones are one of the most comfortable headphones which makes these headphones one of the best planar magnetic headphones.

Imaging on these headphones are premium.

The soundstage of these headphones is wide however it cannot be compared to open back headphones.

Sound Quality

The bass on these headphones is strong and punchy which makes the hearing experience lively.

The mids on these headphones is clear and accurate.

The high notes on these headphones sound sharp and clear without causing any hearing fatigue.

The tuning pads help in reducing the sharp sound of the treble.

These headphones are one of the few lightweight headphones that are closed-back headphones along with a comfortable fit thereby making it one of the best planar magnetic headphones.

The noise isolation on these headphones is remarkable which provides a premium hearing experience.

Pros

  • Bass is good
  • Tuning pads
  • Case included
  • Noise isolation
  • Imaging is good
  • Premium build quality

Cons

  • Amp needed
  • Soundstage is decent

7. Sendy Aiva: Cheapest Planar Magnetic Headphones

Sendy Aiva

best-planar-magnetic-headphones

Key Highlights

  • Soundstage is good
  • Imaging is premium
  • Wide frequency response

Sendy Aiva comes with a premium build quality along with a comfortable fit.

The case that comes along with these headphones makes it easy to carry these headphones everywhere you go.

These headphones would need an amp to provide the best hearing experience.

Sound Quality

The bass on these headphones is strong and powerful which makes these headphones one of the best planar magnetic headphones.

The mids on these headphones are decent and clear.

The high notes on these headphones are smooth and clear without causing hearing fatigue.

The sound stage of these headphones is decent. Imaging on these headphones are premium.

The frequency response of these headphones is 5 Hz – 50,000 Hz which is impressive.

Overall, the headphones provide premium audio with durable build quality.

Quick Recap On Best Planar Magnetic Headphones

  • 1. Hifiman Susvara
  • 2. Audeze LCD-4
  • 3. Hifiman HE1000se
  • 4. Audeze LCD-3
  • 5. Hifiman Arya
  • 6. Aeon Flow 2
  • 7. Sendy Aiva

Conclusion

This was an in-depth review of the best planar magnetic headphones that you should consider in 2020. Amongst the numerous options available we found these to be the 7 best planar magnetic headphones in 2020.

As per our evaluation we found the Hifiman Susvara to be the best planar magnetic headphones.

Let us know your views about the best planar magnetic headphones in the comment section.

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