The Best Planar Headphones
The best planar headphone have premium design and top-quality audio. They also require no specialized amplifier to unleash their full potential and are extremely mobile.
Planar magnetic headphones, unlike traditional dynamic drivers, use thin membranes engraved with conductors strung across arrays of magnets to manipulate soundwaves at incredible speeds. This results in an uncluttered and clear audio profile that takes well to EQ tweaking.
Sundara Headphones by HiFiMAN
The Sundara are open-back headphones that have great sound reproduction. They are made by HiFiMAN and utilize magnetic drivers that are planar to provide crisp and clear sound with a fast transient response. They come with a frequency range from 6Hz to 75kHz and an impedance of 32 ohms. These headphones are ideal for audiophiles who love to listen to jazz, classical music, and other genres.
They have a stunning soundstage and stunning spatial imaging that completely immerses you in the music. The Sundara has a deep, full bass response. It's not as powerful as other headphones, however it packs a good amount of power. It also has a great treble response that is not too bright or veiled.
In terms of clarity in terms of clarity, the Sundara is one of the most clear headphones at this price. Its tone is neutral and has some hint of planar timbre. It also has excellent placement definition and good midrange clarity. It lacks some low-end rumble. Equalization could help remedy this.
Comparatively to the HIFIMAN HE400se The Sundara has a better control over its dynamic range and is more accurate in its response to treble. They have a larger soundstage that is passive, making them an ideal choice for home listening.
The Sundara is a classy style that features large ear cups with faux leather padding and a premium appearance. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable, with an elastic band that fits well on the head. They also come with a flat cable that's easy to wrap around your neck. These headphones don't block out outside noise, so they aren't an ideal choice for commuters. They require a lot of power to operate and aren't suitable for portable devices.
The HIFIMAN sundara is a neutral headphone with an equivocal sound. However, it's not the most comfortable headphone to wear for long periods. It's not as comfortable as the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X but it has a more rounded, less veiled the treble response. Its bass is more powerful than the DT 900 but does not alter or overpower. The treble response is smooth and detailed.
HIFIMAN HE400SE
HiFiMAN is a top brand of personal audio products that are known for bringing cutting-edge technology to the market. The company is most well-known for their highly acclaimed planar magnetic headphones, which feature state-of-the-art driver technology. Their most recent product is the HE400SE, an update on the adored HE400s model that has gotten the attention of audio enthusiasts. This headphone is upgraded with a Stealth Magnet that is designed to minimize wave-diffraction turbulence. It also ensures pure sound output.
The HE400SE is a low-cost option that brings the same high-quality sound that HiFiMAN is famous for. It's comfortable, light-weight and provides a decent amount of sound isolation through passive sources. The headband has been redesigned to provide an ergonomic shape, and the cups are constructed of durable, lightweight materials. The ear pads feel soft and comfortable. The HE400SE also comes with a cord that can be removed to make it easy to connect.
As you'd think, the HE400SE is capable of producing an excellent bass response. The sub-bass is rumbled nicely and low frequencies sound great. Drums and other instruments for percussion have a pleasant tone. The HE400SE offers natural vocals and superb midrange clarity. Male voices are clear and clear without sounding thin or brittle.
The HE400SE is not without its limitations. Its imaging capabilities are somewhat limited, and the soundstage is not as spacious as other headphones. For example, its sister model that is the HiFiMan Ananda, has better layering and separation of instruments and has a more 3D sound.
The HE400SE is a solid entry into the world of planar magnetic headphones and is a great choice for music lovers on a budget. It's a bit more expensive than some of its rivals, but it delivers a sound that other headphones in this class can't match. Moreover, it's also worth noting that the HE400SE is able to compete with premium planars, such as the Audeze Clementine DLX and Monolith M570 for less than half the cost of the earlier.
Sivga P-II
Sivga P-II is an open back planar headphone that has a stunning aesthetic design, and provides a high-quality sound performance. It has a 97mm*76mm magnetic diaphragm on each side, and produces an impressive output, with excellent detail retrieval. It has a powerful low end, natural vocals that sound lifelike and a detailed smooth high-end section.
It took three years to develop this premium product, which is the result of tuning, research and ingenuity. It utilizes natural walnut as a headphone holder and adheres to traditional methods of making sure that every detail is meticulously created.
The P-II is made with high-quality materials, and uses the latest technology to deliver the best audio quality. The soft earpads are made of protein-leather, and have a light clamping force. This makes it comfortable to listen for long durations. The frame made of wood is strong and feels high-end. It has a nice feel to it. The cable is made from 6N single-crystal Copper, which is soft, tangle-resistant and doesn't make any noise.
The SIVGA has a balanced upper midrange that is not drab or bright. It is also not susceptible to issues like muddiness or mixing. Female vocals sound extremely intimate and smooth. Pianos and instruments have an incredibly rich tone and sweat without being harsh.
This is a fantastic option for those looking for an excellent open-back headphone at a reasonable cost. It also provides exceptional sound quality. The SIVGA P-II boasts an impressive impedance of 32ohm, and the sensitivity is 98dB, which means it can be driven by Portable Players with sufficient power like the FiiO M11 Pro or the iBasso DX220. It also has a high dynamic range and has a rich, warm and lively sound.
The SIVGA P-II is a great bass response and a wide soundstage. The bass is strong and deep, and has an excellent extension. It has a rich and deep midrange that is perfect for listening classical music.
HiFiMAN Deva Pro
The Deva Pro is a new headphone by HiFiMAN that brings the company's high-end tech to a more affordable experience. It has a diaphragm, which is 80% thinner than their previous models, which allows for a faster response to transients and superior audio quality. The headphones are very comfortable and are a major selling point for planars. They can be worn for long periods of time without feeling fatigued.
The earpads are made from a soft and durable material that prevents sweat buildup during prolonged listening sessions. The headband is also very adjustable and can be adjusted to suit your head shape. The soundstage of the Deva Pro is spacious and detailed with a nice flow. Its mids are particularly impressive, as they provide excellent vocal projection and a relaxed and smooth tone. However the bass is less tight and accurate than other planars.
Comparatively to other HiFiMAN planars, the Deva Pro sounds warmer and more natural, even though it lacks as much detail in the analytical sense. The mids are its most impressive feature, bringing all the instruments and voices together into a huge soundstage. The bass is strong and full however, it is sometimes lacking the physical rumble that some headphones provide.
The Deva Pro is good at managing bass however it could be more precise in its tuning. Overall the sound of the Deva Pro is amazing and is a worthy alternative to expensive models.
HiFiMAN has simplified the look of their products today, and Deva Pro is not an exception. They are available in a sleek black, silver and silver color scheme and their packaging is designed to be minimalist. They also include an Bluemini R2R adapter that makes them an authentic hybrid headphone.
planar headphones is the latest headphone from HiFiMAN's line to feature their "Stealth Magnet" design, which reduces distortion by reducing turbulence caused by wave diffraction. The new design utilizes round magnets that are placed to not interrupt sound waves. It's possible that this has a subtle influence on the sound, and users have reported that it improves both the high-frequency and mid-range detail.