The Best Planar Headphones
The most effective planar headphones combine premium design with top-tier audio. They are also extremely portable and do not require an amplifier that is specifically designed to fully utilize their potential.
Planar magnetic headphones, as opposed to traditional dynamic drivers, use thin membranes imprinted with conductors that are strung across arrays magnets to alter sound waves at amazing speeds. This creates a crisp, clear audio quality that is suitable for EQ tuning.
Sundara Headphones from HiFiMAN
The Sundara are open-back headphones that have excellent sound reproduction. They are manufactured by HiFiMAN and use magnetic drivers that are planar to provide crisp and clear sound with a fast transient response. They have a frequency range of 6Hz to 75kHz, and an impedance of 32 ohms. These headphones are perfect for audiophiles who like to listen to classical, jazz and other genres.
They have a great soundstage and stunning spatial imaging that engulfs you in the music. The Sundara also has a good bass response that is rich and well-textured. It's not as powerful as other headphones, but it packs an impressive punch. It also has a great treble response that is not too bright or veiled.
The Sundara is a great headphone for clarity. Its tone is neutral with a hint of a planar timbre. It also has excellent placement definition and good midrange detail. However, it is lacking some low-end rumble or impact. This can be fixed with equalization.
Sundara is more precise and has a greater dynamic range than the HIFIMAN HE400se. They also have a wider passive soundstage, which makes them a good option for listening at home.
The Sundara has a premium-looking style with large round ear cups and faux leather padding. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable, with an elastic band that fits comfortably on the head. They also have an elongated cable that is easy to wrap around your neck. These headphones do not block out outside noise therefore they are not a good choice for commuters. These headphones require a lot power to function, which is why they're not ideal 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 does have a slightly flatter and less veiled treble response. Its bass is more powerful than the DT 900 but does not alter or overpower. The treble is also well-defined and smooth.
HIFIMAN HE400SE
HiFiMAN is one of the most popular personal audio brands that pride themselves on bringing the latest technologies to the market. The company is renowned for its planar magnetic headphones featuring the latest driver technology. The HE400SE is an update to the well-loved HE400s which has caught the attention of audiophiles. This headphone has an improved Stealth Magnet that is designed to reduce the amount of turbulence that waves cause. It also ensures pure sound output.
The HE400SE is a budget-friendly alternative that offers the same great sound quality that HiFiMAN is known for. It is comfortable, light and offers a good deal of passive sound insulation. The headband is redesigned for an ergonomic fit and the cups are constructed of durable, lightweight materials. The ear pads are soft and comfortable on ears. The HE400SE comes with a an earbud-like cable that can be detached for simple connectivity.
As you'd expect, the HE400SE can produce an excellent bass response. The sub-bass has a nice rumble and the low frequencies are well reproduced. Drums and other instruments have a pleasant tone. The HE400SE provides natural vocals with excellent midrange clarity. Male voices are crisp and clear, without sounding thin or brittle.
However, the HE400SE does have some limitations. Its imaging abilities are limited, and its soundstage doesn't seem as spacious as other headphones. For example, its sister model that is the HiFiMan Ananda, has better separation and layering of instruments and has a more 3D sound.
The HE400SE is a solid entry in the world of planar magnet headphones. It's a great choice for music lovers who are on a tight budget. It is a bit more expensive than its competitors, however it delivers the kind of sound that other headphones in this class cannot match. Additionally, it's worth noting that the HE400SE can compete with top-of-the-line planars like the Audeze Clementine DLX and Monolith M570 for less than half the price of the earlier.
Sivga P-II
The Sivga Planar P-II has an elegant open back design, and great sound. It houses a large dual-sided magnetic planar diaphragm driver unit on both side, and delivers a powerful sound with stunning detail retrieval. It has a powerful low end, natural vocals that sound like life and a smooth detailed high-end section.
It is a high-end product that took three years of dedication and research, tuning, and ingenuity to make it a reality. It makes use of natural solid walnut for the headphone holder, and is based on traditional workmanship to ensure that every aspect is carefully made.
With high-end materials and most advanced technology using the highest-quality materials and the latest technology, the P-II provides the highest possible audio quality. Its earpads are covered with protein leather and feature a light clamping force, making it comfortable for long listening sessions. The wood frame is sturdy and feels high-end. It has a pleasant 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 well-balanced upper midrange that is not drab or bright. It is also not prone to issues such as muddiness or mixing. Female vocals sound very soft and smooth, whereas instruments like pianos are very full-bodied and sweat in tonality, without showing any remarkable harshness.
This is a great option for those seeking a high-quality open-back headphones at a low price. It also provides exceptional quality of sound. The SIVGA features a 32ohm impedance and a sensitivity level of 98dB. It can therefore be driven by Portable Players of sufficient power like the FiiO M11 Pro, or the iBasso DX220. It features a wide dynamic range, and a full and vivid 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 to classical music.
HiFiMAN Deva Pro
The Deva Pro is a new headphone from HiFiMAN that brings the company's high-end tech to a lower-cost experience. It features a supernano-diaphragm which is 80% smaller than other models. This allows for faster transient response as well as better audio quality. The headphones are also very comfortable to wear, which is a major benefit for those who purchase headphones, since they can be worn for longer durations without feeling fatigued.
The earpads feature a soft, durable fabric that helps prevent sweat accumulation throughout long listening sessions. The headband can also be adjusted to your specific head shape. The soundstage of the Deva Pro is wide and detailed with a smooth flow. Its mids are especially impressive, offering excellent vocal projection and a relaxed and smooth sound. The bass is a little less accurate and tight than other planars.
The Deva Pro is warmer and more natural than other HiFiMAN Planars. However, headphones planar is lacking some analytical depth. The mids are the most striking feature, bringing all the instruments and voices into a huge soundstage. The bass is strong and full, but often lacks the physical rumble that is found in other headphones.
While the Deva Pro does a good job at managing the bass however, it could be more precise in its tuning. Overall, it sounds good and is definitely an appropriate alternative to more expensive models.
HiFiMAN has simplified the look for all of their products, and the Deva Pro is no exception. They are available in an elegant black, silver and silver color scheme and their packaging has been designed to be simple. They also come with a Bluemini R2R adapter that makes them truly a hybrid headphone.
The Deva Pro, the latest in the HiFiMAN series of headphones, features their "Stealth Magnet" which reduces distortion through reducing wave diffraction. The new design features rounded magnets positioned so that they don't interrupt the sound waves. It's like this has a subtle influence on the sound, and some users have reported that it improves both the high-frequency and mid-range detail.