If you’re an audiophile on a budget, planar magnetic headphones can provide an incredible listening experience without breaking the bank. These headphones use a unique diaphragm design that delivers exceptional clarity, detail, and soundstage compared to traditional dynamic drivers.
In this article, we’ll explore the 7 best budget planar magnetic headphones under $500 that offer unbeatable value in 2024:
- Monolith M1060 by Monoprice (SEE it)
- HiFiMan HE-400i (SEE it)
- Sivga SV007 (SEE it)
- Hifiman Sundara (SEE it)
- Fostex T50RP MK3 (SEE it)
- Audeze LCD-1 (SEE it)
- Kennerton Magni (SEE it)
1. Monolith M1060 by Monoprice
The Monolith M1060 offers incredible value for the price, with a sound that rivals much more expensive planar magnetic headphones.
The Monolith M1060 by Monoprice is a standout choice for budget-conscious audiophiles. These headphones feature a planar magnetic driver that delivers a wide soundstage, excellent detail retrieval, and a balanced sound signature. The build quality is impressive for the price, with a sturdy metal frame and comfortable earpads.
Specifications:
- Driver Type: Planar Magnetic
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz — 30 kHz
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Sensitivity: 96 dB
- Cable Length: 3 meters
- Weight: 350 grams
- Color: Black
- (SEE it)
2. HiFiMan HE-400i
The HE-400i delivers a detailed, spacious sound with excellent bass extension, making it a classic in the budget planar magnetic market.
The HiFiMan HE-400i is a classic in the budget planar magnetic headphone market. These headphones feature HiFiMan’s renowned planar magnetic drivers, which provide a detailed, spacious sound with excellent bass extension. The build quality is solid, and the comfort is good for extended listening sessions.
Specifications:
- Driver Type: Planar Magnetic
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz — 40 kHz
- Impedance: 35 ohms
- Sensitivity: 96 dB
- Cable Length: 3 meters
- Weight: 350 grams
- Color: Black
- (SEE it)
3. Sivga SV007
The Sivga SV007 combines a unique wooden design with a warm, musical sound signature for a truly distinctive listening experience.
The Sivga SV007 is a unique offering in the budget planar magnetic headphone category. These headphones feature a retro-inspired wooden design that not only looks great but also contributes to the warm, musical sound signature. The planar magnetic drivers deliver a smooth, engaging sound with a focus on midrange clarity and bass impact.
Specifications:
- Driver Type: Planar Magnetic
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz — 40 kHz
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Sensitivity: 96 dB
- Cable Length: 3 meters
- Weight: 350 grams
- Color: Wood
- (SEE it)
4. Hifiman Sundara
The Sundara offers a detailed, neutral sound signature with excellent transparency and resolution, quickly becoming a favorite among audiophiles.
The Hifiman Sundara is a more recent addition to the budget planar magnetic headphone market, but it has quickly become a favorite among audiophiles. These headphones feature Hifiman’s latest planar magnetic drivers, which provide a detailed, neutral sound signature with excellent transparency and resolution. The build quality is impressive, and the comfort is excellent for long listening sessions.
Specifications:
- Driver Type: Planar Magnetic
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz — 40 kHz
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Sensitivity: 96 dB
- Cable Length: 3 meters
- Weight: 350 grams
- Color: Black
- (SEE it)
5. Fostex T50RP MK3
The T50RP MK3’s modular design allows for customization and tuning, making it a unique choice for audio enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with sound.
The Fostex T50RP MK3 is a modular planar magnetic headphone that offers a unique opportunity for customization and tuning. These headphones feature a RP driver that provides a detailed, analytical sound signature. The modular design allows users to experiment with different pads and mods to fine-tune the sound to their preferences.
Specifications:
- Driver Type: Planar Magnetic
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz — 40 kHz
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Sensitivity: 96 dB
- Cable Length: 3 meters
- Weight: 350 grams
- Color: Black
- (SEE it)
6. Audeze LCD-1
The LCD-1 delivers Audeze’s renowned sound quality in a compact, foldable design, offering excellent value for money.
The Audeze LCD-1 is a compact, foldable planar magnetic headphone that offers excellent value for money. These headphones feature Audeze’s renowned planar magnetic drivers, which deliver a detailed, spacious sound with excellent bass extension and midrange clarity. The build quality is solid, and the comfort is good for extended listening sessions.
Specifications:
- Driver Type: Planar Magnetic
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz — 40 kHz
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Sensitivity: 96 dB
- Cable Length: 3 meters
- Weight: 350 grams
- Color: Black
- (SEE it)
7. Kennerton Magni
The Kennerton Magni focuses on delivering a warm, musical sound signature with excellent bass impact and midrange clarity.
The Kennerton Magni is a unique offering in the budget planar magnetic headphone market, with a focus on a warm, musical sound signature. These headphones feature a planar magnetic driver that delivers a smooth, engaging sound with excellent bass impact and midrange clarity. The build quality is impressive, with a sturdy metal frame and comfortable earpads.
Specifications:
- Driver Type: Planar Magnetic
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz — 40 kHz
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Sensitivity: 96 dB
- Cable Length: 3 meters
- Weight: 350 grams
- Color: Black
- (SEE it)
Conclusion
When choosing a pair of budget planar magnetic headphones, consider your preferred sound signature, build quality, comfort, and any additional features like modular design or customization options.
With these 7 excellent choices, you’re sure to find a pair of headphones that deliver an incredible listening experience without breaking the bank.
