Open-Back Headphones

From Audeze

The LCD-1 has been meticulously engineered for reference quality sound that will appeal to even the most discerning audiophile ear. Featuring Audeze’s renowned planar magnetic technology within an open-circumaural, foldable and light-weight design, the LCD-1 delivers premium audio in a comfortable and travel-friendly package perfect for mixing, mastering and audiophile listening.

Features:

• Enhanced transparency and sound stage - Open Circumaural Design
• Incredibly wide dynamic range - 90mm Over-Ear Planar Drivers
• Unparalleled sonic detail and accuracy - Ultra-thin Uniforce™ Diaphragms
• Powerful sound and efficiency - Fluxor™ Magnets
• Deep rich bass with low audible distortion - Fazor Wave Guides
• Light-weight construction with robust memory foam ear pads and headband for extended comfort during long listening sessions
• Robust foldable design, perfect for mixing on the go
• 3.5mm premium braided cable for tangle-free connection, with reversible headphone connectors for ease of setup
• 1/4'' adapter included
• Memory foam, genuine lambskin leather earpads
• Designed and built in the USA with imported and US made parts

• 2m 3.5mm to dual 3.5mm cable with reversible connectors
  
• 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter
• Zippered travel case
  
• Certificate of Authenticity

Inner Fidelity

"I’m rather stunned at what Audeze has accomplished. I’ve been repeatedly saying I look forward to more headphones in the sub-$500 USD category that benefit from advancements in driver tech and our understanding of headphone target curves, and this is the first one I’ve heard that really knocks it out of the park."

Tech Radar

"The LCD-1s’ overall presentation, no matter the material you’re listening to nor the volume at which you’re listening, is composed, engaging and entirely believable. Listen to music you’ve never heard before and you’ll never doubt you’re being given the full picture. Listen to music you’ve heard a thousand times before and there’s every chance the Audezes will find some nuance in there you’ve never really heard before."

Headphonia

"Not only the Audeze LCD-1’s sound is great but the whole package is. Design, size, comfort, price and sound: everything works in favour of this headphone."

From Audeze

The LCD-3 is a time machine that puts you in the room with your favorite artists and musicians. It’s luxuriously spacious, with powerful bass, a rich and engaging midrange, and a top-end that draws you into the music. Its rich, vibrant sound has scale and authority derived from a deep, ambient soundstage with exciting detail and dynamics. The LCD-3 is said to be the best in the world and its natural timbre, especially through the midrange, has been described as a thing of beauty.

Designed, Engineered and Handcrafted in the USA

The LCD-3 is thoroughly engineered for long-term comfort and spacious, realistic sound. We closely match our planar transducers, and match our beautiful factory-made wood rings by grain and color. We use tropical West African Zebrano hardwood -- known as Zebra wood -- not listed in the CITES Appendices. We also match the earpads by leather texture and color. The new LCD steel & leather suspension headband provides comfort for hours of listening pleasure. Choose between genuine leather or leather-free earpads that are filled with carefully selected acoustical foam for best fit and sound. Pair the LCD-3 with a quality headphone amplifier or integrated amp for best sound.

You’ll be proud of how the LCD-3 looks and sounds. It’s imbued with sophisticated looks and beautiful hand-made rings. The quality of the entire structure guarantees years of trouble-free listening. Our cutting-edge designs and circuit technologies have created an astonishingly beautiful sounding headphone.

• 1.9m 1/4in to dual 4-pin mini-XLR cable
• Professional travel case

From Audeze

The very definition of Uncompromised Audio. Representing more than 40 years of research and development in planar magnetic technology, the LCD-4 stands in a class of its own. Its proprietary Nano-Scale Uniforce diaphragm and Double Fluxor™ magnet array deliver an unprecedented level of detail and immersion that you have to hear to believe. Be warned - experiencing the LCD-4 may spoil every other headphone for you.

Power

Our Double Fluxor™ Magnetic Array set the record as the most powerful open magnetic circuit ever created, ensuring that our Flagship drivers are able to reproduce any audio signal with unrivaled accuracy and power.

Precision

The Nano-scale diaphragms used in the LCD Flagship series are some of the thinnest in the world, providing extremely fast and accurate transient responses which capture every musical detail with precision and near zero distortion.

The Pinnacle of Audio Technology

The culmination of decades of research and development. Featuring our Nano-scale diaphragms, Fluxor™ magnet arrays, and Uniforce™ voice coils, our Flagship series truly represents the pinnacle of HiFi audio technology.

• LCD-4 planar magnetic headphones
• 1.9m 1/4'' to dual 4-pin mini-XLR Premium LCD cable
• Professional travel case
• User guide and warranty card
• White gloves

From Audeze

The LCD-4z is by far Audeze’s most advanced headphone featuring innovative planar magnetic technology that delivers startling dynamics and incredibly open and spacious sound. It features our most advanced diaphragm design; our exclusive nano-scale film actually weighs less than the air it displaces! Benefits include much faster response times for better imaging, and the flattest, deepest, most accurate bass response of any headphone available.

Featuring a new look and greater efficiency, the design and sound of the LCD-4z is sure to thrill! Engineered with a new magnesium housing to produce a light-weight, visually appealing headphone, the LCD-4z maintains the sound signature of LCD-4. We have taken the award-winning design of our top-of-the-line LCD-4 and engineered it with a special 15 ohm voice-coil making it significantly easier to drive than the original LCD-4. The LCD-4z features a dark sleek aesthetic with gold accents. The magnesium rings of the LCD-4z are designed to be strong, lightweight, and non-resonant for a very clean output.

Near weightless nano-scale diaphragm

The LCD-4z features our most advanced diaphragm design; our exclusive nano-scale film actually weighs less than the air it displaces! Benefits include faster response for better transient/impulse response, imaging, and the flattest, deepest, most accurate bass response of any headphone available.

Audeze nearly doubles the magnetic force

Double Fluxor™ Magnet Arrays bring the magnetic flux to 1.5 Tesla, nearly doubling the power driving the diaphragm for improved transient response and far greater resolution.

Precise Imaging

Patented Fazor Element waveguide reduces diffraction of soundwaves resulting in improved treble response, transparency and imaging.

Near zero distortion

Combining our Fluxor™ magnet arrays, nano-scale diaphragm, Fazors, Uniforce voice coil, and other features, the LCD-4 and LCD-4z give you even lower distortion and greater accuracy - usually 1/10th the distortion of conventional headphones.

Designed, engineered, and handcrafted in our California factory

The LCD-4z headphone is thoroughly engineered and meticulously hand-built using the finest materials combined with cutting-edge planar magnetic technology. We closely match transducers to within +/- 1 dB. The quality of the entire structure guarantees years of trouble-free listening. Our cutting-edge designs and circuit technologies have created a breathtakingly beautiful sounding headphone.

• 1/4in to dual 4-pin mini-XLR Premium LCD Headphone Cable
• Professional travel case

From Audeze
The LCDi4 represents the pinnacle of both audio quality and technological innovation. This groundbreaking in-ear headphone features the same Nano-Scale Uniforce diaphragm found in our LCD-4 and 4z, paired with our powerful Fluxor magnet array to offer one of the most responsive, detailed, engaging, and immersive listening experiences in the world. The i4 will transform everything you thought you knew about in-ear headphones as you hear your favorite music as though for the first time.

Power
Our Double Fluxor™ Magnetic Array set the record as the most powerful open magnetic circuit ever created, ensuring that our Flagship drivers are able to reproduce any audio signal with unrivaled accuracy and power.

Precision
The Nano-scale diaphragms used in the LCD Flagship series are some of the thinnest in the world, providing extremely fast and accurate transient responses which capture every musical detail with precision and near zero distortion.

The Pinnacle of Audio Technology
The culmination of decades of research and development. Featuring our Nano-scale diaphragms, Fluxor™ magnet arrays, and Uniforce™ voice coils, our Flagship series truly represents the pinnacle of HiFi audio technology.

• 1.2m OCC silver-plated, premium braided cable
• CIPHER Lightning cable and Bluetooth module
• Nylon travel case
• Selection of ear hooks and ear tips for a customized fit
• User guide and warranty
• Certificate of authenticity
  

From Dan Clark Audio

AEON Flow 2 Open is our all-new high-value planar headphone. AEON Flow 2 utilizes an all-new driver based on our acclaimed ETHER 2 driver design for greatly improved sound quality, and sports a collapsing gimbal so it folds into a compact case, making it much more travel friendly. AEON Flow 2 comes with our 2 year warranty, and is designed, built and tested in San Diego, California.

AEON 2 features the latest engineering innovations from our team, married with smart industrial design and a price that will make you smile.

• Efficiency: 94dB/mW 
• Weight (without cable): 321g
• Detachable 2m premium dual-entry cable with 3.5mm and 1/4" termination
• Impedance: 13 ohms

• DUMMER (Distinctly Un-Magical) cable with an integrated dual 1/4" and 3.5mm plug
• Compact case for travel or storage.

Our Take
Light as a feather and resolving as heck, the ETHER 2 is next level. Dan Clark took everything great about the ETHER and upgraded it in every conceivable way. Supremely dynamic, you'll feel the music deep in your body. If you're looking for planar magnetics under two gees, ETHER 2 is one of our top picks.

From Dan Clark Audio (MrSpeakers):
ETHER 2 is an all-new top of the line open-back planar magnetic headphone with a new driver, motor, baffle, and headband all designed to synergistically blend stunningly lifelike sound with the industry-leading comfort and reliability that are the hallmarks of MrSpeakers' products. ETHER 2 has an entirely new motor designed around the concept of TrueFlow technology. Instead of designing TrueFlow into the motor, we designed the motor around the TrueFlow technology to realize a major improvement in linearity, dynamics, and detail. And we didn’t stop there.

To make the most of the increased resolution of the motor we developed an all-new diaphragm that’s 70% less aluminum trace weight than the original ETHER driver. As a result, ETHER 2 delivers incredible clarity, powerful, fast bass, liquid mids, and a smooth, balanced top end that’s incredibly resolving yet not at all bright to deliver a coherent, dynamic and remarkably balanced performance.

Shedding Weight, Not Strength
ETHER 2 is light. Really light, almost 90 grams or 3.75 ounces lighter than our comfortable ETHER Flow headphones. Amazingly, this weight drop didn’t involve switching from metal to plastic components, which would compromise sound and reduce product life. Nope.

ETHER 2 sports an all-metal headphone cup and headband, with a carbon fiber driver baffle, so it’s built to last, in style. At under 290g, ETHER 2 is not only the lightest full size planar magnetic headphone on the market and it may be the lightest top-of-the-line headphone from any high-end vendor.

Ultralightweight design with a new ergonomic ear pad and an enhanced webbed head-strap combine to make ETHER 2 the new standard in high-performance headphone comfort and ergonomics.

Get Wired with VIVO!
We didn’t stop at upgrades to the headphone, either. While our original DUM (Distinctly Un-Magical) cable was a great performer, it was a bit stiffer and more microphonic than we wanted, so we set out to upgrade the cable.

Meet VIVO, our new flagship cable! For sound quality, this fully-custom cable design incorporates silver plated OFHC copper and top-quality connectors available in 6’ and 10’ 1/4” and 4-pin XLR terminations, and portable-friendly 3.5’ 2.5, 3.5, and 4.4mm cables. VIVO projects a wide open and holographic soundstage with precise imaging and tons of smooth detail.

And VIVO feels as good as it looks, and sounds. VIVO has a remarkably supple feel and is so light you’ll hardly notice it’s there and careful construction means it’s non-microphonic for comfortable and “quiet” listening.

• Hard, elegant carrying case with storage for one cable
• 3 cables
• 1.2m with 3.5mm stereo jack for connection to audiophile portable devices
• 3m with 6.35mm stereo jack connector
• 3m with XLR 4 pin symmetrical connector

• Rigid carrying case with magnet locking system
• 9.8ft (3m) OFC cable (1 x Neutrik® 01/4“ (6.35mm) stereo Jack Neutrik® 2 x shielded 3⁄8“ (9.5mm) Lemo® connectors with self-locking bayonet system)

Updated model with more headband extension. In stock, ships immediately.

From HEDD
HEDD is proud to introduce the first full range Air Motion Transformer headphones to audiophiles and recording artists worldwide. The Air Motion Transformer (AMT) is an electrodynamic transducer that allows to move air significantly faster than common voice coil, magnetostatic (planar) or electrostatic systems. Their traditional piston-like movement is overcome by a folded diaphragm that squeezes out air four times faster: A breakthrough for capturing more details in a musical recording.

30 years ago HEDD CEO and Chief Engineer Klaus Heinz designed the first compact and marketable AMT tweeter based on Oskar Heil’s original Air Motion Transformer invention. Since then he has increased its sonic quality in several fundamental revisions. The 2019 version of the AMT can be heard in HEDD´s innovative Series ONE studio monitor line.

Recently Heinz has focused on developing a full range Air Motion Transformer to break new grounds for this superior transducer principle. In order to reproduce the complete audible frequency band (and beyond), the HEDDphone® incorporates VVT® (pat. pending). VVT® introduces a new diaphragm geometry that expands the AMT principle to a linear full range (10Hz–40kHz) headphone transducer. It replaces the fixed geometric structure of conventional AMT drivers as the folds vary both in width and depth.

The HEDDphone® introduces a fourth transducer technology. It brings the enormous dynamic capabilities and the superior sonic resolution of the AMT principle to the world of top-end headphones. HEDDphone® excels where it really matters: in accurate, untamed, and touching music reproduction.

• Concept: open over-ear headphone with Air Motion
  Transformer and VVT® Technology
• Frequency Response: 10Hz–40kHz
• Efficiency: 87dB SPL for 1mW
• Impedance: 42 Ω
• Connector: Mini XLR
• Weight: 718g
• Warranty: 2 years

From HIFIMAN

HIFIMAN sets a new standard for sound quality in wireless headphones with the Ananda BT, which provides stunning portable sound from any mobile device.

Using the latest in Bluetooth technology, HIFIMAN Ananda BT delivers a level of audio quality never before heard in any Bluetooth headphone, with true high-end sound even over wireless. The Ananda BT uses an internal 24-bit/192kHz DAC, and its wireless protocols support over 900kbps allowing 24-bit/96kHz audio over Bluetooth.

The Ananda BT also has a USB connection for charging and to be able to run a digital signal up to 24-bit/192-kHz into the Ananda. The best of both worlds. The Ananda BT comes with its own carrying case and charging cable.

Audiophile-grade HIFIMAN ANANDA-BT, with HD Bluetooth technology, offers up to 24bit / 192khz (USB), 24bit / 96khz (Bluetooth), and a high-quality DAC with a powerful balanced amplifier.

HIFIMAN’s NEO "supernano" Diaphragm (NsD)

The new NsD is 80% thinner than previous designs, resulting in fast response and detailed image with lush, full range sonics.

High-Resolution Bluetooth Streaming

The HIFIMAN ANANDA-BT supports APTX-HD, HWA and LDAC lossless HD Bluetooth codecs.

HIFIMAN Portable Player Heritage

HIFIMAN’s audio heritage dates back to 2010 when it introduced the world’s first high-fidelity portable player: HM-801. Since then, HIFIMAN has brought to market a wide selection of headphones and players that are enjoyed by audiophiles and music-lovers across the globe.

Integrated High-Performance Amplification

ANANDA-BT features an internal, custom-designed amplifier that is the perfect match for currently available HD Bluetooth codecs.

Ergonomic Design and Comfortable to Wear

• Hybrid Headband Design for comfortable long-term listening.
  
• Window Shade Grill Design significantly reduces sonic reflections for crystal-clear sound
  
• Asymmetrical Ear Cups

A Wide Range of Applications

• Wireless: Seamless Bluetooth connection to computers, tablets, and smartphones.
• Wired: Connect ANANDA-BT to a computer with a USB-Type C cable for unequalled sound quality from your favorite audio files.
• Plug & Play Microphone: Gamers, podcasters, and vloggers will sound better than ever with the included plug & play microphone.

• Frequency Response : 8Hz-55kHz
• Sensitivity : 103dB
• Impedance : 35 Ohms
• Weight : 460g (495g, including the microphone and cable)
• Full Charging Time : 2.7 Hours
• Playtime : 10 Hours

• HIFIMAN Ananda BT
• Detachable Microphone
• Carrying Case
• Charging Cable

• Frequency Response : 8Hz-55kHz
• Impedance : 25Ω
• Sensitivity : 103dB
• Weight : 399g

• HIFIMAN Ananda 
• Detachable 3.5mm Headphone Cable
• 1/4" Adapter

Hear.Reviews

"The Ananda has been an instant hit for me.  A beautifully balanced headphone sonically, with a depth of bass extension which is highly addictive and subtly different to my experience with dynamics."

PC Magazine

" Their planar magnetic drivers and open design provide a superb sense of space and detail throughout the frequency range. In my testing, it felt like I was hearing some tracks I've listened to for years for the very first time. Simply put, the headphones sound astonishingly good, and join an elite five-star club—and obviously earn our Editors' choice award, as well."

Headfonia

"The Ananda is an incredibly nice headphone with an excellent price-quality ratio and it’s certainly one of the headphones you should listen to if you’re on the market for a set in the $1K price range."

From HIFIMAN

Arya is the culmination of HIFIMAN's work. Never has a company brought this kind of Planar performance at this price point. Fast, wide soundstage and mind-blowing detail make the Arya a must-listen. HifiMan Arya features a driver based on the HE1000 V2 headphones, one of the best drivers on the market in our opinion, which raises the sonic characteristics to a considerably higher level than similarly priced products.

“Our HE1000 series is an audiophile favorite. In particular, the 1000 V2 continues to be one of our best-selling models to date,” said Dr. Fang Bian, Founder and CEO, HIFIMAN Electronics. “Our experience working and reworking the technology until we reached sonic perfection gave us the ability to adapt many of the same technical features in a headphone that is accessible to a wider audience of music lovers.”

With an ergonomic design to comfortably fit most listeners, the Arya incorporates such HIFIMAN features such as the patented “window shade” system that reduces reflections to widen the soundstage. A super-thin diaphragm guarantees faster response and the bare minimum of distortion.

As with all new HIFIMAN products, the Arya features 3.5mm headphone connectors that are angled at 10°, thereby lessening the pressure points associated with straight-angled connectors. These pressure points sometimes stress the connection, but the new design ensures a solid, reliable, and long-lasting link between the headphone and the cable.

Nanometer Thickness Diaphragm

A breakthrough core technology developed by HIFIMAN, it’s the first of its kind in headphone applications. Working with this advanced material is extremely challenging, but the successful incorporation of this film as the Arya’s planar driver is the cornerstone of its remarkable sound.

Advanced Asymmetrical Magnetic Circuit

Years of research into planar driver optimizations led HIFIMAN to utilize an asymmetrical design with smaller magnets on the side facing the ear. This reduced interference in sound wave transmissions from the diaphragm.

Metal and High-Grade Plastic Construction

HIFIMAN designed the Arya’s high-quality metal headband with extra strength and a special high-grade plastic for lightweight comfort and rugged durability.

Bold, Black Aesthetic

With its class HE1000-style shape and striking good looks of its all-black exterior, the Arya is a statement of both aesthetics and sonic excellence.

• Frequency Response : 8Hz-65kHz
• Impedance : 35Ω
• Sensitivity : 90dB
• Weight : 404g (14.3oz)

• HiFiMAN ARYA

Bloom Audio

"From the packaging, to the design, to the sound, nothing about the Arya gets in the way of your music. With a good playlist and a set of Aryas, you’ve got front row seats to your own private concert."

Inner Fidelity

"That huge soundstage with precise instrument placement and loads of spatial detail really can be quite addicting."

From HiFiMAN

The HE1000 V2 Planar Magnetic Open-Back Headphones from Hifiman have been updated from their previous model HE1000 headphones and offer redesigned earpads that are thick with an asymmetrical shape, a stronger cable, and polyester earpad surfaces instead of velour material to increase sound transparency for use in the home, studio, with portable devices, and more.

Featuring diaphragms so thin they are measured in nanometer thickness, the result is a pair of headphones that have a frequency response of 8 Hz to 65 kHz and an impedance of 35 Ohms. Their updated headband design will accommodate a wider range of head sizes, and their overall weight at 14.8 oz has been reduced from the original HE1000's 16.9 oz. Their planar driver is the cornerstone of their remarkable sound.

The headphones have an updated earcup design that is trimmed down in size for a slimmer, sleeker look; they are now 11mm in thickness, a significant reduction in size from the original model's 14mm measurement. The earpads have become thicker with an asymmetrical shape that follows the form of the earcups. They are supplied with a cable that is made stronger with the improved materials of crystalline copper and crystalline silver wire, and built with a wide frequency range, low signal loss, and enhanced emphasis on their low-end for quality audio reproduction. A detachable 1/4" cable, 1/8" cable, and a 4-pin XLR cable are also included.

Highlights:

From HiFiMAN

• Frequency Response: 7Hz -90kHz
• Bias Voltage: 550V-650V
• Weight: 365g (12.9oz)