Best Planar Magnetic Headphones
Planar magnetic headphones are designed to deliver detailed sound and enhance your listening experience. They use a diaphragm between two magnets that moves very fast to create sound. Many people enjoy listening to music or playing competitive games using planar magnetic headphones. Although the performance is great, they also have some advantages and disadvantages. Now it’s up to you how you use them for your purposes.
Here are some of the best planar magnetic headphones, with their features and functions explained.
Compare at a Glance
| Product | Price | Type | Weight | Impedance | Frequency Response | Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audeze LCD-5 | $4,500 | Open-back | 420 grams | 14 ohms | 5Hz – 50kHz | 90dB |
| Audeze LCD-2 Classic | $799 | Open-back | 550 grams | 70 ohms | 10Hz – 50kHz | 101dB |
| Meze Audio LIRIC | $2,000 | Closed-back | 391 grams | 30 ohms | 4Hz – 92kHz | 100dB |
| Moondrop VENUS | $599.99 | Open-back headphones | 600 grams | 18 ohms | 6Hz – 80kHz | 100dB |
| 7Hz Timeless AE | $259 | Closed-back earphones | 5.5 grams (each earpiece) | 14.8 ohms | 5Hz – 40kHz | 104dB |
Audeze LCD-5
Pick #1
Audeze LCD-5 is a superb headphone possessing the best sound quality and is also known as an audiophile headphone. Listening to something through the Audeze LCD-5 is a pleasure throughout the time.
Why Should You Buy the Audeze LCD-5?
- Good build quality
- Not difficult to drive
Why Should You Avoid the Audeze LCD-5?
- The clamping force is very high
- The price is very high
Specifications
- Price: $4,500
- Weight: 420 grams
- Impedance: 14 ohms
- Type: Open-back
- Frequency Response: 5Hz – 50kHz
- Sensitivity: 90dB
The materials that are used in it, such as acetate, aluminum, and magnesium, make it lightweight at about 420 grams and increase rigidity. This decreases extra resonances that are not required and internal reflections.
The cable used in Audeze consists of strands of high-purity copper that decrease resistance and capacitance along the way the signal travels.
As they are very expensive headphones, the performance is also in line with their price, such as sound quality and bass performance. Its bass weight is not as heavy and is more comfortable than the previous models of Audeze.
Audeze LCD-2 Classic
Pick #2
Audeze LCD-2 Classic is really well-made and has excellent build quality. The earpads are huge, ultra-soft leather with great space for the ears. They are quite comfortable, especially with the large angled earpads, and the headband strap setup does a very good job of dispersing the weight overall.
Why Should You Buy the Audeze LCD-2 Classic?
- Great performance
- Great durability due to long-lasting construction materials
Why Should You Avoid the Audeze LCD-2 Classic?
- EQ is a must-have for achieving great sound
Specifications
- Price: $799
- Sensitivity: 101dB
- Type: Open-back
- Frequency Response: 10Hz – 50kHz
- Weight: 550 grams
- Impedance: 70 ohms
It comes with 4-pin mini XLR or pentagon connections. The 1.5-meter-long cable is flexible, and I really like the twist design for comfort.
The LCD-2 is heavy, weighing about 612 grams, so you feel the vertical pressure on your neck. You can use it for long listening sessions of about 2–5 hours without any problem.
Meze Audio LIRIC
Pick #3
Meze Audio LIRIC is a closed-back planar magnetic headphone from Meze Audio. Meze Audio is a Romanian brand. They make beautiful headphones in a wide price range.
Why Should You Buy the Meze Audio LIRIC?
- Lightweight headphone
- Great soundstage
- Provides isolation
Why Should You Avoid the Meze Audio LIRIC?
- Expensive
- A wireless option is not available
Specifications
- Price: $2,000
- Frequency Response: 4Hz – 92kHz
- Type: Closed-back
- Sensitivity: 100dB
- Weight: 391 grams
- Impedance: 30 ohms
It is made up of long-lasting metals such as aluminum and magnesium that provide protection. The earcups are black leather and often copper-accented, and its headband provides comfort to the users. The weight of these headphones is about 391 grams.
The LIRIC uses a 3.5-millimeter connection on the outside edge, which is great. It’s universal, which means you can buy a lot of different cables online in case you want something custom, but basically, you have two identical cables. One is 1.2 meters long, and the other is 3 meters long.
The travel case is not the most slender, but it does a great job of protecting the headphones, which is its primary function. It’s lined with beautiful velvet-like suede stuff. It’s just very soft and provides a comfort zone.
Moondrop VENUS
Pick #4
The Venus is competing with some fancy headphones and is the best planar magnetic headphone for gaming. They have some foam and some velvety material. Moondrop Venus has a 3.5-millimeter adapter with a more braided, twisty cable that looks nice.
Why Should You Buy the Moondrop VENUS?
- The looks of it are amazing and distinguish it from others
- Performance is technical and great
Why Should You Avoid the Moondrop VENUS?
- For its performance, it must be used in quiet places
Specifications
- Price: $599.99
- Sensitivity: 100dB
- Frequency Response: 6Hz – 80kHz
- Type: Open-back headphones
- Weight: 600 grams
- Impedance: 18 ohms
There is also a split in the middle of the cable to go to the two inputs. It is 100% solid metal. The entire side of the earcup is metal, and the texture is actually like it’s sharp.
The different textures on the headband go for elastic instead of a cushion. I find that it works pretty well for me. I know that some people with small heads have complaints about the style of the headband.
These are open-back, so don’t expect any sort of isolation. Its earpads are removable and consist of a 100mm driver, unlike dynamic-driver headphones. In planar magnetic headphones, the magnets go along the entire plane of the diaphragm that produces sound.
7Hz Timeless AE
Pick #5
The 7Hz Timeless is a fantastic IEM from 2022 with a big planar and bold design. This is an exceptional product and has great sound, which is the best part of the listening experience. It is known for its great bass and fantastic resolution.
Why Should You Buy the 7Hz Timeless AE?
- The bass performance is great
- The sound is balanced with great detail
Why Should You Avoid the 7Hz Timeless AE?
- The soundstage is not great
Specifications
- Price: $259
- Weight: 5.5 grams (each earpiece)
- Frequency Response: 5Hz – 40kHz
- Impedance: 14.8 ohms
- Sensitivity: 104dB
- Type: Closed-back earphones
The AE in this version stands for Angel and is a collaborator who turns Timeless into a rather different and even better overall Timeless in the audio world.
$259 isn’t crazy expensive, but for people just coming into the space, it is going to seem like a lot of money. You will get 11 pairs of silicone tips, a thick, heavy-duty cable, and a really nice sort of leather box, which is a hard shell in the box.
The hard shell fits the things in and looks pretty cool. You also get three interchangeable tips for the cable. It has a great setup and an interesting design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are planar magnetic headphones?
Planar magnetic headphones use a diaphragm positioned between two magnets. The diaphragm moves very fast to create sound.
Are planar magnetic headphones good for music?
Yes. Planar magnetic headphones provide clear sound details and can increase the listening experience. They are commonly used for listening to music.
Are planar magnetic headphones good for gaming?
They can be used for competitive gaming. The Moondrop VENUS is included in this list as a planar magnetic headphone for gaming.
Are planar magnetic headphones expensive?
The price varies depending on the model. The headphones and earphones in this list range from $259 for the 7Hz Timeless AE to $4,500 for the Audeze LCD-5.
What is the difference between open-back and closed-back planar magnetic headphones?
Open-back headphones do not provide the same isolation as closed-back headphones. The Moondrop VENUS and Audeze LCD-5 are open-back models, while the Meze Audio LIRIC is a closed-back planar magnetic headphone.
Which planar magnetic headphone is under $1,000?
The Audeze LCD-2 Classic is listed as a planar magnetic headphone under $1,000, with a price of $799.
Which planar magnetic headphone is best for gaming?
The Moondrop VENUS is presented as the best planar magnetic headphone for gaming in this list. It has an open-back design and is recommended for use in quiet places.
Are planar magnetic headphones easy to drive?
It depends on the model. The Audeze LCD-5 is described as not difficult to drive.
Conclusion
Planar magnetic headphones provide clear sound details and are available in different designs and price ranges. The Audeze LCD-5 offers excellent sound quality and build quality, while the Audeze LCD-2 Classic provides great performance under $1,000. The Meze Audio LIRIC is a closed-back option that provides isolation, while the Moondrop VENUS is presented as an option for gaming. The 7Hz Timeless AE offers great bass performance and highly detailed sound at a lower price.
The right planar magnetic headphone depends on your budget, preferred design, listening environment, and how you plan to use it.