Best Planar Magnetic Headphones

Product Strengths

• Well-balanced, clear, and detailed sound suitable for a wide range of music genres
• Exceptional micro and macro-dynamic performance
• Bass response has a quick, impactful 'slam' and is technically impressive
• Comfortable for long listening sessions due to quality materials and design
• Substantial build quality, using high-quality materials like aluminum and Alcantara

Product Considerations

• Treble can be a bit blunted and dark in the stock tuning, potentially requiring EQ adjustment for some listeners
• Click-stops on the headband adjustment could be firmer for a high-end product
• Headband fit may not be ideal for all head sizes
• Recessed HD800 connector may limit aftermarket cable options

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs HIFIMAN Susvara: Solitaire P has more bass and a wider soundstage, but the Susvara is slightly more detailed and comfortable
• Vs Abyss 1266TC: Solitaire P's bass is similar, though not exactly the same, with detail levels close, though trailing slightly behind—Solitaire P is more comfortable
• Vs Meze ELITE: Solitaire P is more detailed and technically accomplished, though the Meze has more treble presence and is more comfortable

Takeaway: The T+A Solitaire P offers high-end sound quality, comfortable wear for extended listening, and exceptional detail and dynamics. With its balanced sound signature and impressive build, it's a top-tier choice for serious audiophiles.

Product Strengths

• Delivers a fast, open, and transparent performance, with sonic realism and fidelity to the source
• Articulate bass, with an excellent combination of impact and pitch definition, that some might feel is elevated in level but tastefully done
• Well-defined, nuanced, and revealing mids and highs, especially relative to the norms for its price class
• High levels of transparency and depth, with a huge void between all musical notes allowing for listening to individual notes even in crowded passages
• Easy to drive with an ordinary portable digital audio player (DAP), unusual for a planar-magnetic headphone

Product Considerations

• Design is considered unoriginal and plain-looking by some reviewers, resembling cheaper headphones
• Normal heads will have a hard time finding a nice sturdy fit, and the reviewer uses the yokes at default zero position with a larger head than usual
• Cable textile material at the 3.5mm termination that goes into the headphones is peeling already after one month of use according to one reviewer
• Not detail monsters and will not deliver Sennheiser HD800-like details

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Audeze LCD-2 (original): ERA-1 is much faster, stable in terms of frequency response, has better slam and transient response, and is closer to a reference sound
• Vs Sennheiser HD660S: ERA-1 sounds more open, deeper, and more natural—with overall more information
• Vs Focal Elear/Elex (with Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin pads): ERA-1 is technically better with clearer sound, better separation, dynamics, and detail
• Vs HiFiMan HE-560 (modded): ERA-1 is technically a better performer
• Vs beyerdynamic Amiron: ERA-1 is more articulated with a blacker background and better separation
• Vs Sennheiser HD600: The ERA-1 is technically better, with superior detail retrieval and imaging along with deeper, fuller, and tighter bass

Takeaway: The Quad ERA-1 is a planar headphone that delivers great sound. It is easy to use and enjoyable for listening.

Product Strengths

• Excellent resolution and detail retrieval, making it a clear step up from mid-fi headphones
• Wide and open soundstage with nuanced imaging, as well as excellent instrument separation
• Comfortable design, with well-distributed weight, large earcups, and comfortable earpads
• The Arya Organic is easier to drive than previous Arya versions and sounds better with various equipment, responding well to a decent system
• Balanced and neutral sound signature, though some find the treble slightly bright

Product Considerations

• Noted to lack dynamic weight and bass slam, which might disappoint bass enthusiasts
• Treble response can be fatiguing depending on the music and is somewhat peaky
• The 5kHz hump stretches vocals and make them timbrally thin at times
• Some reviewers express concern about the delicacy of the headphones and caution against dropping them
• The open-back design makes them unsuitable for noisy environments or situations where sound leakage is a concern

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The Arya is sharper, clearer, and better resolved than the HiFiMan Ananda, with a more open soundstage, but the Ananda has more bass grunt
• Both have large soundstages and effortless resolution, but the Arya has a more excited tuning while the Sennheiser HD800S is smoother
• The Arya has a larger soundstage, but the Focal Clear has better punch and slam

Takeaway: The HiFiMan Arya is a technically impressive headphone that provides excellent sound clarity, a wide soundstage, and a comfortable listening experience. If you appreciate a neutral sound with great detail and aren't looking for heavy bass, the Arya could be a good choice.

Product Strengths

• Excellent resolution and imaging capabilities
• Features a nanometer thickness diaphragm and Stealth Magnet design that improves transient response and lowers harmonic distortion
• Easy to drive, it is among the most efficient open-back planar magnetic headphones on the market right now
• Features a tight, textured, and clean bass response
• Good detail retrieval and vocal clarity

Product Considerations

• Treble might be too much for some listeners
• May not be the most lively in macro-dynamics
• Reviewers note a slightly dry timbre
• Lean, slightly cold mid-range
• The included 3-meter cable is not useful for desktop use

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Similar to the Meze 109, but a planar
• Sounded a little bit more hifi than the Austrian Audio Hi-X 65
• Has a more warm, natural feel than the original Ananda
• Easiest to drive when compared to the Edition XS
• Superior in technical performance when compared to the Hifiman Sundara

Takeaway: The Ananda Nano is a well-tuned headphone with superior resolution and marvelous timbre, particularly good for electronic music and those who care about vocal clarity. It's a planar alternative that’s incredibly fast and detailed, with excellent imaging and soundstage.

Product Strengths

• Exceptional sound quality and performance with planar magnetic drivers
• Comfortable for long listening sessions, due to features like the leather suspension strap, soft ear pads, and weight distribution
• Good imaging and soundstage, contributing to an enjoyable listening experience
• Versatile for mixing, general listening, high-res listening, and game audio

Product Considerations

• Some note a roll-off in the sub-bass frequencies, which may not satisfy bass enthusiasts
• The stock cable is frequently criticized for being of low quality
• Multiple reviews mention potential quality control issues, particularly with the headband extension and overall construction

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The Sundara has a more pronounced bass presence, while the beyerdynamic DT 990 has a flatter soundstage
• The Sundara wins in terms of overall sound quality, compared to the AirPods Max
• Sounds fuller with more depth in the bass, compared to the HiFiMan HE400se
• Has better clarity, while the Sennheiser HD600 has a smoother sound and more natural tone

Takeaway: The Sundara is a great entry into planar magnetic headphones. With its good sound and comfortable design, it works well for many different uses.

Product Strengths

• Good build quality for the price
• Comfortable, especially with the updated headband design
• Decent detail retrieval and resolution throughout the frequency range
• A good entry point for trying planar drivers
• Good imaging and instrument separation

Product Considerations

• Stock cable is of very low quality and microphonic, replacement is recommended
• Sub-bass is lacking, and the bass response may not satisfy bass enthusiasts
• Treble can get fatiguing with potential peaks
• Pads flatten out quickly
• An amplifier is needed to shine

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs HIFIMAN Sundara: HE400se has a brighter sound, while the Sundara is smoother with a warmer quality, and the Sundara is significantly better overall and worth the upgrade
• Vs HIFIMAN HD560S: HE400se has a smoother treble presentation

Takeaway: The HE400se provides a taste of planar sound at an affordable price and is great for those wanting to experiment with modifications. The HE400se is definitely worth it for anyone looking for open back headphones with great sound.

Product Strengths

• Top-notch build quality, with premium materials and a comfortable design
• Excellent sound quality with a balanced presentation—no outstanding weaknesses across the frequency spectrum
• Two sets of earpads are included (Duo and Alcantara) for sound customization
• The design has a strong aesthetic, and the magnetic pad swapping system is easy to use
• Wider soundstage and more three-dimensional imaging

Product Considerations

• Sensitivity has dropped compared to the original Empyrean and Elites, requiring slightly more power to drive
• There might be a little bit of extra emphasis around the three to four kilohertz mark, which can make them a little bit fatiguing—a little bit bitey in the treble
• Not the largest soundstage that can be experienced at this price point
• The open design leaks sound and doesn't offer much in the way of isolation
• Those particularly sensitive might hear some spikiness in the lower treble region

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Original Meze Empyrean: Empyrean II has a more neutral tuning, is more defined, and has better detail separation
• Vs Meze Elite: Empyrean II offers stronger bass extension and more of the engaging emotional delivery
• Vs Meze Elite: The Elite seems more expansive than Empyrean 2, though not by a lot
• Vs HIFIMAN HE1000SE: The HE1000SE sound is more spacious, the bass is snappier, and the amount of detail is slightly above the Elite and Empyrean

Takeaway: The Empyrean II is an enjoyable headphone, improving on the original with a more accurate and versatile sound that maintains the core Empyrean identity. The comfort, build quality, and well-balanced sound make it a great choice for a high-end listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Offers a combination of dynamic driver, planar magnetic, and electrostatic qualities, providing impressive bass, speed, treble reach, and broad frequency resolution
• Exceptional clarity and resolution across the frequency spectrum
• Has a natural and immersive sound, very refined, with exceptional staging, positioning, layering, relative spacing, and image stability
• Very comfortable, lightweight (415g), and foldable for portability
• The Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) delivers smooth, accurate, and detailed high frequencies, while minimizing unwanted distortions

Product Considerations

• Requires a good seal to be effective, and the seal can be easily broken by movement or glasses
• The Stealths require a bit of power to sound their best, marginal efficiency at 86-89dB
• Less sensitive than other headphones, requiring higher volume settings and more powerful amplification
• Revealing of poor recordings and distortion in the system
• Can lack slam or macro contrast

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The Stealth is more comfortable, better built, more isolating, has amazing quality control, and is more resolving and fun, while sounding more accurate due to the AMTS, compared to the Dan Clark Audio Ether 2
• The Stealth has better balance, with the Focal Stellia having too much bass, smoother treble, and better instrument separation, though the Stellia has better punchiness
• The Stealth is lighter, has better instrument separation, and better tuning without needing EQ, compared to the Audeze LCD-XC
• The Stealth gives a more tonal 'normal' presentation, wins for instrument separation, and has excellent design, compared to the ZMF Verite

Takeaway: The Dan Clark Audio Stealth headphones combine excellent sound quality with a comfortable, portable design, making them a good choice for audiophiles who want a high-end listening experience at home or on the go. It is a good all-arounder that does everything well with its design.

Product Strengths

• Excellent, well-balanced tuning, especially for a closed-back headphone
• Good bass response, being tight, punchy, and hard-hitting with quality and fidelity, but not overly bassy
• Comfortable to wear, using the self-adjusting headband and comfortable pads from the E3 model
• Shares a lot of similarities with the E3, but at a lower price point
• Good soundstaging, with decent width and depth for a closed-back headphone

Product Considerations

• The Piano Gloss Black finish is prone to fingerprints, smudges, and scratches, making it difficult to keep clean
• Soundstage could be wider compared to some competitors
• Detail retrieval is good but not a standout feature and may not be at the level expected for the price, particularly when compared to higher-end headphones
• Highs can be a little spicy, and the treble can be a bit more exciting, but less refined than E3
• Pads are glued on, which may make pad replacement more difficult, while being an upside for better seal to the baffle

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs. Dan Clark Audio E3: Is 90% of the headphone that the E3 is at half the cost
• Vs. Sennheiser HD6XX: The low-end is miles better, mids are almost equally delicious, but the highs are where the HD6XX seems a tad cleaner
• Vs. ZMF Auteur Classic: The Dan Clark Audio Noire X is the more technical and more neutral ride

Takeaway: The Noire X is a comfortable, well-tuned, and versatile closed-back headphone that is a great choice for those wanting a smooth and enjoyable listening experience. It offers a lot of value and is a strong contender in its price range.

Product Strengths

• Excellent soundstage and imaging, creating a spacious listening experience
• Detailed and clear sound reproduction, especially for a headphone in its price range
• Good bass presence and depth
• Comfortable design with improved headband compared to older HiFiMan models, though this is disputed
• Generally easy to drive, though it may benefit from a dedicated amp

Product Considerations

• Headband comfort can be subjective; some find the padding insufficient or experience pressure points
• Build quality, specifically the plastic parts, may feel cheap or less premium
• Upper treble can be bright, potentially causing fatigue or sibilance for some listeners, though others dispute this
• Open-back design is not suitable for all listening situations due to sound leakage
• Some find the midrange to be recessed or lacking warmth, this may depend on the source and amp pairing

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs HiFiMan Sundara: Edition XS has better bass and soundstaging
• Vs HiFiMan Ananda: Edition XS offers similar performance for a lower price, but Ananda has better balanced upper mids and treble
• Vs Audeze LCD-X: Edition XS is cooler in the midrange, while LCD-X is warmer
• Vs Sennheiser HD660S2: Edition XS has a far superior soundstage, imaging, and detail level
• Vs FiiO FT3: The Edition XS is more precise and detailed, with a more neutral sound signature
• Vs Focal Elex/Elear: Edition XS excels at soundstage and imaging, but Elex excels in dynamics

Takeaway: The HiFiMan Edition XS offers great sound quality, particularly its spacious soundstage and imaging, at an attractive price. It is a solid choice for audiophiles seeking a detailed and open listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Outstanding sound quality with clarity, texture, and detail
• Natural sound provides a you-are-there presence
• Improved microdynamics make them quick and fast
• Easier to drive than the original Susvara due to a changed metal trace on the diaphragm
• Very comfortable, with good weight distribution
• Driver is exposed, making it vulnerable to damage

Product Considerations

• Can be unforgiving on poor recordings
• Lacks soundstage depth and layering compared to some competitors

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Mesa Elite: The Mesa Elite offers greater bass weight and depth in the soundstage
• Vs Audeze LCD-5: The LCD-5 provides more insight into the music, but the Susvara Unveiled excels in reproducing the attack and energy of plucked strings and in bass reproduction
• Vs Focal Utopia 2022: The Utopia balances everything well—tonality, punch, detail, staging—however both have a little edginess from the treble
• Vs HiFiMan HE1000 Unveiled: The HE1000 is brighter and seems a little faster and more detailed, but the Susvara Unveiled is smoother
• Vs Original Susvara: The Unveiled model is more agile and lively, with added energy, clarity, and upper-treble extension, and the original is more laid back

Takeaway: The Susvara Unveiled provides detail and resolution that one has likely never heard before, making them astonishing headphones. If the priority is a reference-style tuning for orchestral music with excellent balance, scale, and tonal response, these headphones can provide a massive sonic treat.

Product Strengths

• Musical sound signature that is fun to listen to, making the experience pleasurable without covering up flaws in recordings
• Soundstage is expansive and three-dimensional, behaving more like an open-back than a closed-back headphone
• Excellent comfort with effective clamp pressure and gushy, cushy, supple pads allowing for all-day wearability
• Bass presence is excellent and extends nicely into the sub-bass with slam when needed
• New 5th generation driver delivers a smooth, rich, and detailed experience
• Proprietary connectors for the headphone cable mean that a separate cable may need to be purchased for use with other devices

Product Considerations

• Aesthetics may not appeal to everyone, particularly the honeycomb pattern and blue text on the earcups
• Significant amping is required to achieve its full potential, not ideal for portable use without a dedicated amplifier
• Treble is completely unveiled and may get splashy or fatiguing on the wrong set of ears, so auditioning is recommended
• Headphone pads are glued in and not easily replaceable

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Dan Clark Audio Stealth—E3 sounds significantly better with better image separation and clarity
• Vs Dan Clark Audio Expanse—E3 offers better separation between sounds, micro-contrast, and detail, Expanse has more tactile bass
• Vs Dan Clark Audio ETHER C Flow—E3 is an upgrade with a mellower, sweeter midrange, and tighter bottom end
• Vs Meze Elite—E3 is as fast in detail retrieval

Takeaway: The Dan Clark Audio E3 is a well-rounded closed-back headphone that provides a fun and engaging listening experience with great comfort. It is a solid choice for those seeking a musical sound signature and excellent detail retrieval in a closed-back design.

Product Strengths

• Excellent sound quality with crisp and clean audio, precise detail, and well-balanced output
• Impressive battery life, up to 80 hours of playtime on a single charge and fast charging capabilities
• Comfortable for long listening sessions, especially with the cooling gel earpads
• Planar magnetic drivers with Audeze technologies allow for low distortion and accurate sound reproduction
• Good sound isolation for a closed-back headphone and Bluetooth multipoint connectivity for seamless device switching

Product Considerations

• The build quality can feel cheap for a $400 product, with many plastic components
• Limited EQ presets in the Edifier Connect app, a customizable EQ is missing
• The multifunction button can be unreliable, there is no audio passthrough via USB and has to be turned on even with a wired connection
• The bass response may be lacking for those who prefer EDM or hip-hop
• Upper mids sound nasal and shouty, and has a splashy feeling

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Similar planar magnetic system driver to the Drop THX Panda, and supports two device multi-point connectivity
• The Stax Spirit S3 outperforms the Sony WH-1000XM5, especially if ANC is not a primary need, the Sony has problems of instrumental flavoring and opaqueness that S3 does not
• The Stax Spirit S3 sounds less clean and pure than the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, lacks touch controls, but the Stax Spirit S3 is better tuned

Takeaway: The Edifier Stax Spirit S3 headphones are a solid choice for those seeking great sound quality with wireless convenience and long battery life. With its planar magnetic drivers, comfortable design, and audiophile-grade sound, it is a good choice from Edifier.

Product Strengths

• Exceptional natural sound, with naturalness of tone and timbre, and an overall accurate rendering of music
• Detail retrieval is among the best, allowing listeners to discover new things in familiar recordings
• The design is comfortable, especially for long listening sessions; the weight is well-distributed, and the earpads are soft
• Impressive technical performance, with speed and dynamics described as fantastic; noted as both a technically impressive and a fun, lively headphone
• The soundstage is wide, spacious, and precise, with excellent imaging and instrument separation; the depth of the soundstage is also highlighted

Product Considerations

• Requires a very powerful amplifier to perform at its best; many reviewers recommend using speaker amplifiers or high-powered headphone amplifiers
• The stock cable could be better
• Revealing nature can highlight flaws in poorly recorded music
• One review notes the headphone weighs 450g
• Some note the slightly brighter sound signature and a small peak around 7kHz, potentially causing slight sibilance on certain recordings

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs. Audeze LCD-4: Considered better overall due to a more balanced tonality, larger stage, and lighter weight, although the LCD-4 might have slightly better slam/punch
• Vs. Final Audio D8000 Pro: Offers better technical performance, detail retrieval, a larger soundstage, and is more comfortable
• Vs. HiFiMan HE1000se: Has a more realistic tonal balance and lacks the HE1000se's treble peak, although the HE1000se is easier to drive
• Vs. ZMF Verite: Is better for detail retrieval and instrument separation, but the Verite might be more natural sounding and have better slam
• Vs. Focal Utopia: Has more detail retrieval and better space and stage characteristics, although the Utopia might slam harder and is a more 'normal' headphone
• Vs. Audeze LCD5: Delivers better performance when it comes to detail retrieval and overall image clarity

Takeaway: The HiFiMan Susvara is a top-tier headphone known for its exceptionally natural sound, detail retrieval, and comfortable design, making it enjoyable for hours of listening. For those seeking a flagship headphone that delivers the best sonic experience possible, the Susvara could be a worthwhile investment.