Best 9 Planar Magnetic Headphones in 2023

Category: Open-Back/ Over-Ear
Impedance: 70 ohms
Sensitivity: 101 dB

The Audeze LCD-2 was one of the first headphones that put Audeze on the spot in the headphone world. Less than a decade later, the Audeze LCD-2 Classic is launched to the market as a cheaper and more accessible headphone.

The Audeze LCD-2 Classic ships in a standard grey cardboard box with foam inserts that secure the headphone. In the box, you get the headphones, the cable with a 6.3mm jack, a USB key and a certificate of authenticity card. There is no case included, this is quite unfortunate, but you can buy the case separately if you would like to move with this headphone around.

Audeze headphones have an utilitarian style with most of their headphones. The LCD-2 Classic is no exception. The headphone is an open-back, over-ear headphone with a very good built quality. They lack the wood rings that are associated with other flagship models from Audeze, but this does not make them lack the high-end feel to them. The headband features two components, one is the protein leather material, and the upper headband arch made of steel. The headband lays on the head very well spreading its weight perfectly. The headband also features small holes in it to give it a breathable feel.

The earpads, which also feature a synthetic leather cover, are well padded with memory foam to provide better comfort. They are deep so the ears will not touch the driver and are thinner to give them an angled design. The earcup housings are made of crystal infused nylon, which it feels very hard and should be durable for a long time. The endcaps of the earcups are made of metal and feature Audeze’s design as with many of their headphones.

The Audeze LCD-2 Classic is on the heavier side. However, they are well padded to maximize the comfort. The big earpads are soft so you can hardly notice the weight of the headphone for several hours. However, after some time you can feel the weight of the headphones. The LCD-2 Classic is much comfortable than the LCD-2, but Audeze still has to work and lower the headphone’s weight to improve the comfort.

In our tests, we found no issue with clamping pressure or the sizes of the earcups, which were just fine. The new headband design on the LCD-2C is great and lowers the weight of the headphone by a very small percentage. Most suspension headbands in our tests are quite comfortable, and this headband was no exception. The headband is attached to the earcups with metal yokes that go through a small box that houses the locking mechanism, this design features in almost all Audeze headphones. The downside of this design is you only have to work with the steps provided, and you cannot fine-tune the things better.

Overall, the sound signature of the Audeze LCD-2 Classic comes out very smooth, well balanced, and warm. Starting with the bass, it comes out tight and sounds very powerful. Though in comparison to the LCD-2, the bass is a little less, it is overall richer, well balanced, and very well extended. The midrange comes out as balanced although there is more emphasis on the low midrange, which makes vocals a bit off and sometimes hard to understand the lyrics. While the LCD-2 did not have much treble, planar magnetic driver technology has evolved since then, and the LCD-2 Classics have more treble. It is not the best treble, and it has a slightly rough and grainy texture, but well extended.

Category: Closed-Back/ Over-Ear
Impedance: 14 ohms
Sensitivity: 93 dB

MrSpeakers over the last few years has grown from modifying the T50RP to a renowned manufacturer of planar magnetic headphones. Over their last years, Mrspeakers offerings have increased to wide range of planar magnetic headphones with better prices and improved sound quality.

The Mr. Speakers Aeon Flow Closed comes in a black box and inside you get a black carrying case that would provide a portable advantage to this headphone. Inside the carrying case, there is a pouch that holds the cable and the headphone. The cable included, which are called DUMMER cable, are terminated by a 3.5mm jack and a 1/4 adapter screwed by default. The cable is solid and seems to be a little heavy but not as thick as other cables from their flagship headphones. To help with headphone tuning, these headphones also come with three tuning pads, and you finally get a certificate of authenticity from MrSpeakers.

The Aeon Flow is an over-ear, closed-back, planar magnetic headphone. The build quality is great and features a unique teardrop shape in the design. The materials of the Aeon Flow Closed are top notch. The headband features a good quality pleather material. The headband design is a hammock style and is attached to steel wires that allow it to adjust either up or down. The earcups of the headphone are well padded with memory foam, and a high-quality pleather provides a soft cover. The pads are replaceable, and pad replacements can be bought from Mrspeakers website. The earcups housing are made of carbon fiber, which is of high quality and works to make the overall weight of the headphone much lower.

The comfort of the Aeon Flow Closed is very good. The earpads are large, and the unique teardrop shape of this headphone provides ample room to fit different ear sizes. The protein leather earpads provide a very soft, comfortable, and plush surface that rests very well on the skin. The earpads might get a little warm especially in warm climatic regions, but overall they work fine.

The Aeon Flow Closed is light, and the pleather headband works very well to distribute the weight evenly. The headband provides a very comfortable clamp, and the overall fit is very good. The adjustments of the headband to fit your head size are great, pull the earpads over your ears, and the headphone adjusts appropriately.

When it comes to the sound of this headphone, the Aeon Flow Closed comes off as one of the best sounding closed-back headphones around. Starting off with the bass, it comes out as very well balanced with a tight response though its a bit lacking. The bass does not muddy the other sound frequencies, and the transition to the mids is very good. The midrange is also well balanced, rich, and detailed. Vocals, both male and female, have good depth and excellent body. The vocals in the mids bring out the high levels of transparency the Aeon Flow Closed can achieve. The treble of this headphone come out naturally, with more air and has a good extension.

Also, the Aeon Flow Closed is very good at isolating ambient noise into the headphone and sound from getting out. Because of this you will not disturb people next to you nor will noise from the TV, dishwasher, etc, be a disturbance.

Category: Semi-Open-Back/ Over-Ear
Impedance: 50 ohms
Sensitivity: 92 dB

For most people looking to experience an orthodynamic headphone, the Fostex T50RP MK3 is one of the cheapest planar magnetic headphones around. The Fostex T50RP MK3 has long been famed for its build quality and modularity of the parts.The Fostex T50 MK3 comes from a long family of planar headphones and looks very similar to the Fostex T50, which dates back to 2002.

The Fostex T50RP MK3 comes in a cardboard box and inside the headphone sits wrapped in bubble wrap. Included in the package, there are two cables, a black 10ft 6.3mm cable, and a 4ft 3.5mm orange cable. Also included in the package there is a spec sheet and a warranty card.

The Fostex T50RP MK3 is a semi-open-back, over-the-ear headphone. Most people who have bought the MK3 have praised the its build quality, and in our test we were not surprise because of this. The headphone feels very solid in the hand. You will also be surprised by its weight which at 315g is very good number for a planar magnetic headphone. The earcups are made from plastic but of good quality. The headband is different from the previous T50RP models. It is better and features a small padding that overall improve the comfort. The headband is fitted on aluminum metal wires that are attached to the earcups. The wires provide a mechanism through which the headband can be adjusted.

Both the right and left earcups are marked on earcups. On the left earcup, the 3.5mm terminal is located. The earpads of the Fostex T50RP MK3 are a disappointment. The padding is very thin, and the openings for the ears are very small. Despite being an over-ear headphone, the earpads make it look more as an on-ear headphone. However, the good news is that the earpads are replaceable. So, if you are looking to get this headphone, you should be prepared to replace the earpads.

The comfort of these planar magnetic headphones is good, but modifications on the earpads go a long way to improve its comfort. For an earpad replacement, there are several options available in the market. For a budget option, the Brainwavz HM5 Velour Memory Foam pads will work fine. But, if you are looking for a more premium option, the Shure 1540 replacement pads (HPAEC1540) which are memory foam padded are very good. There are also other good earpads replacements that would work fine with this headphone. Apart from getting comfortable earpads, you should also be aware that the different pads will alter the overall sound signature of the headphone.

The comfort on top of the headband is great. The headband is well padded, and after a few hours of using the headphone, there are no hotspots at all. The headphone feels secure on the head and also very light on the head. The clamp force is felt but not strong or overpowering.

Before we get into how this headphone sounds, it is good to mention the tests on sound were performed with the original pads of this headphone.

Also, no modification was done to any part of the headphone. In due time, and after extensive usage with and without modification, an article will be published with an extensive guide on the Fostex T50 MK3 review.

Starting the bass which is one of my favorite part of this headphone. The bass is more extended and comes out with impact. If like the mid-bass (the best part to bring out most instrumental music and drums), the Fostex T50RP MK3 handles this part very well. If you are a bass-head, you will be pleased with the bass on this headphone. The midrange is well defined, detailed and come out naturally, which is pleasing to hear. The treble can be sharp and a little harsh on some tracks at a high volume. However, the treble is exciting, clean, and transparent. The treble is a little forward than the mid-range, but they never bleed into the mids. Instruments come out very good, and vocals can be a little laid back.

Category: Open-Back/ Over-Ear
Impedance: 37 ohms
Sensitivity: 94 dB

HiFiMAN has been in the headphone game for quite some time now and are leaders in the planar magnetic space. Their headphones range from affordable and cheap planar headphones to high-end planar headphones in the market. The sound of most HiFiMAN headphones has been great. The build quality of some of their headphones has however been not what you would expect from a headphone under $500. With the HiFiMAN Sundara, at the current price, HiFiMAN has tried to bring out their best in the mid-fi headphones.

So, how does the HiFiMAN Sundara fair? Let’s find out.

The HiFiMAN Sundara comes in a black box that is fitted inside with foam to hold the headphone. The package is minimalistic and apart from the headphone, a 1.5m cable and a 6.3mm adapter there are no other accessories included. In the box, you will also get an owner’s guide and a warranty card of the headphone. There is no case included for the headphone, but the box can act as a temporary storage before you try out a headphone stand or a portable storage case.

The HiFiMAN Sundara is an over-ear, open-back headphone. The overall design of the headphone is great and a huge improvement from the likes of the HiFiMAN HE 400S and 400i. The materials used for the HiFiMAN Sundara are good, the majority of this headphone’s materials are steel, and a few plastic parts are present. First, let’s start with headband. It features a steel band on top and a protein leather suspension that rests on the head. Joining the headband to the earcups are steel bands. The yokes that are attached to the earcups enable an up and down swinging motion.

The earcups are angled, and though they are not as thick, a breathable mesh material on top gives them a comfortable feel. The earcup’s housing is made of metal and are circular. The outside part of the earcups features a metal mesh that gives a better aesthetic look to the headphone. The overall style and finish of the HiFiMAN Sundara is just superb.

The HiFiMAN Sundara is a comfortable pair of headphones. The earcups though not as thick, are well constructed and of good quality. The earcups have enough room that fits the ears very well. The earcups are also replaceable, so you do not have to worry about them wearing out over time. The headband is also comfortable and rests on the head without creating hotspots over time. The headband can be adjusted to fit different head sizes by simply moving the earcups up or down to fit your head size. The clamping force is moderate and good enough to be worn over a longer period.

The weight of the headphone is just right, not too heavy as associated with planar magnetic headphones. At 372g, the HiFiMAN Sundara is a relatively lightweight headphone, which adds to the overall comfort level of the headphone.

The bass response is better than the 400i or even better than the 400S. It is well extended as with most planars and has a good level. Though the bass response is good, it lacks the thump or rumble and may come out as insufficient for bass-heavy music genres like EDM or Hip-hop. The midrange response is even and very balanced. In this case, both vocals and lead instruments come out well-balanced. The treble is smooth, detailed, and clean, but might be affected by sibilance a little or sound overly bright in some tracks.

Category: Open-Back/ Over-Ear
Impedance: 22 ohms
Sensitivity: 98 dB

Third, from the HE-400x series, the HiFiMAN HE400S in 2015 became the cheapest planar magnetic headphone among the HiFiMAN headphone offerings. The idea behind the HE-400S was to offer a high quality-sounding headphone at an affordable price.

The package of the HiFiMAN HE400S as simple as it comes. The headphone ships in a box made of cardboard, it has a solid feel and can also be used to keep the headphones secure. Inside the box, you get the HiFiMAN HE400S which is fitted in foam, the cable (1.5m), a 6.3mm to 3.5mm adapter, a warranty card (in Chinese), a HiFiMAN card and an owner’s guide.

The HiFiMAN HE400S is an open-back, over-the-ear headphone. The build of the headphone is good, but the materials used in the construction leave less to be desired. Except for the headband being metal and a protein leather headstrap, majority of the materials of the HE400S is made plastic. The headband of the HiFiMAN HE400S is similar in style to the headband of the HE-400i (which is only under $300) and the HE-560. The headband features a great adjustment mechanism and has a number of settings to fit different head sizes. The metal band also holds together the earcups and provides headphone clamping.

Plastic is used in the construction of the earcup’s housing and metal grills protect the headphone drivers from the sides. The plastic comes in a glossy silver color, which enhances the appearance of the HE400S. I have read numerous reviews criticizing the quality of materials used on the HiFiMAN HE400S. Though I agree some parts such as the yokes connecting the headband to the earcups need to be stronger, overall, the plastic used seems of good quality and works to lower the overall weight of the headphone.

The HiFiMAN HE400S is a very comfortable headphone. This partly due to the weight and the design of the earcups and pads. The earpads are padded with memory foam and covered with velour. The velour offers a breathable surface, which keeps the earpads from getting hot over time. The earpad openings are also large enough to accommodate most ears. Also for those interested in modding the earpads, Focus A pads are good and not only offer improved comfort but also improved performance on the sound, especially the bass.

Finally, for comfort, let us see the weight, headband, and clamping force of the headphone. The headband is comfortable, and the pleather suspension headstrap does an outstanding job of distributing the weight of the headphone evenly without creating hotspots even after long sessions. There are six adjustment options on the headphone, which should accommodate most head sizes. The clamping force is not strong enough to cause pain but just enough that the headphone will not fall off when using them.

The HiFiMAN HE400S is an excellent sounding headphone. The headphone has been described by most as an entry-level headphone, but it has proved to deliver good sound as other planar headphones. The bass response is similar to the HD650, but the HE400S has a tighter bass response. The mid-bass is slightly emphasized over the sub-bass which gives out a punchy sensation to the overall bass response. The midrange of the HiFiMAN HE400S is among the best in its sound signature. The midrange strikes a good balance without sounding thick and has a good presence. The focus on the vocals is good enough details and good separation of instruments. The treble is slightly laid-back, a little on the warm side, but comes out smoothly maintaining the clarity and details.

For those looking to mod the HiFiMAN HE400S. Changing the velour stock pads that come with the HE400S can significantly boost the sonic part of the headphone especially the bass. Focus pads are a great alternative and feel comfortable. Also trying the Angled HM5 pads increases the sub-bass and mid-bass response. The treble remains quite similar, but there is a reduction in the soundstage.

Category: Open-Back/ Over-Ear
Impedance: 26 ohms
Sensitivity: 102 dB

In 2014, Oppo Digital, a relatively new company in the planar magnetic headphones niche released the Oppo PM-1 and later the PM-2 which was a cheaper model with the same sound of the PM-1.  Though the Oppo Digital team recently announced their exit on the market, their Hi-Fi product offerings will continue, but only for a limited period.

But, enough of the history, let’s delve into the review of the Oppo PM-3.

The Oppo Pm-3 comes in a cardboard that houses that houses a small box with an android or apple cable and a black box with the headphone. Opening the box that carries the headphone, there is a nice zippered denim hard carrying case. The hard case houses the small fabric pouch with the headphone cable (3m with a 3.5mm to 6.3mm converter) and the PM-3. At check out when shopping for this headphone, you only get the choice between the 1.2m Android or Apple cable.

The Oppo PM-3 is a closed-back, over-the-ear headphone. The headphone’s materials feature plastic, pleather, and metals in its design. The construction of the headphone is great, solidly built with high standards. The PM-3 is available in different colors, which include, Black, White, Red, and Blue. The headband is padded with foam and a protein leather that covers it up. The structure of the headband features a steel metal strip that gives it the shape. Aluminum gimbals connect the headband to the earcups. The gimbals allow the earcups to turn sideways for easy storage in the case.

The earcup’s housing are made of plastic and metal on the back to provide the seal and also protect the headphone drivers. The earpads are well padded, and a protein leather offers a soft surface. Though the protein leather seems high quality, after a period of usage, the pleather starts peeling away. This is a huge disadvantage of the PM-3 because there are no replacements offered. Instead, you will have to the headphone to Oppo for repairs, which incur additional fees for the same cheap earpads that would also need replacements after another period of time!

At 320g, the Oppo PM-3 is a very light orthodynamic headphone. The weight coupled with the headphone’s comfy construction makes the PM-3 a comfortable headphone. The headband provides enough adjustments to fit most head sizes and is well padded, but after some period, you can feel the pressure from the weight.

The earpads are incredibly comfortable, but that is if your ears fit the earpad’s opening provided. The openings have been a point of controversy with claims they are actually smaller than the specifications supplied by Oppo. The earpads are also not deep enough, which might cause irritation and get a little warm after a period of usage. The clamp pressure is great creating no pressure on the sides of the head.
Isolation from ambient noise is really good. Although when wearing the headphone in very noisy environments the headphone leaks a little, they are efficient and offer satisfying levels. Leakage of audio from the headphone is very minimal making the headphone great to use in quiet places without distracting other people.

The overall sound of the Oppo Pm-3 comes out as more of a neutral headphone. The bass is on the neutral side and has a slight boost in the sub-bass region that adds just the right amount of rumble to it. The midrange is also very well done and comes out as detailed and smooth especially when listening to acoustic music. Both male and female vocals come out natural and have good details. The treble on the PM-3 is a little recessed making the headphone sound a bit laid back. The treble response is, however, not fatiguing, and clear letting you feel the music.

Category: Open-Back/ Over-Ear
Impedance: 14 ohms
Sensitivity: 92 dB

When the Aeon first launched, the closed-back version was the first to hit the market. The Aeon Closed grew in popularity, and it was no surprise that MRSpeakers team decided to make an open-back version of the Aeon. The similarly priced Aeon Flow Open comes in a different sound signature due to its open-back nature.

The Aeon Flow Open comes in an identical package similar to the Aeon Flow Closed. Accessories are also alike with no differences to point out. Inside the box, you get a hard zippered carrying case which is big, but also portable. Inside you get the headphone, a Dummer cable with a 6.3mm converter, a plastic carrying bag and a pair of three tuning pads. There is also a certificate of authenticity, a small black cloth, and a user guide.

The MRSpeakers Aeon Flow Open is an over-the-ear, open-back design headphone. Apart from the grill design that provides an open design, there are no visual differences between the open and closed-back headphones. The build quality of the Aeon Flow Open is great. The teardrop design is unique and also attractive. The Aeon Open uses different materials to achieve the solid build. The headband features a combination of NiTinol, a memory metal steel wire and a leather head strap that sits on the head.

The earcups casing are made of plastic, they feel very high quality, and the finish is quite good. The grills on the sides of the headphone are made of steel. The earpads are soft and padded with memory foam. A protein leather cover on the earpads provides a soft and premium feeling to the headphone. Connecting the earcups to the headband are the aluminum cast gimbal arms, and they allow the earcups to tilt up and down.

The comfort of the Aeon Open is great. The design of the headphone, materials used and the weight all contribute to a good and comfortable fit. The headband leather strap sits very nicely on the head without creating hotspots. The clamping force is also great and does not create pressure points but helps the headphone sit securely in place. At 320g, the Aeon Flow Open is much lighter than the Aeon closed which weighs 330g. The earpads are wide, and the memory foam pads provide good comfort levels. The depth of the earpads is also good, and the ear hardly touches the earcup.

The overall sound of the Aeon Flow Open is a little on the warm sound. The bass of the headphone is powerful for an open-back headphone, and the bass extension is great. The mids are a little bit on the warmer side, and the transition from the bass to the midrange gives the headphone a fun and engaging sound. The treble is clear and comes out with details.

Though the Aeon Flow Open and Closed look alike, the sound quality between these two headphones is different, I found the Aeon Flow Open as the superior headphone in offering the best sound. The Aeon Open offers better details, a good midrange, and transparency. While the bass of the Aeon Closed is clearly more prominent, The Aeon Closed bass extends lower and is more textured.

Category: closed-back/ On-Ear
Impedance: 20 ohms
Sensitivity: 100 dB

For the world’s first on-ear planar magnetic headphones, Audeze did quite an outstanding job with the Audeze sine. On-ear headphones exist mainly for their small size and portable nature. For this reason, On-Ear cans have never appealed to most headphone enthusiasts and audiophiles as headphones that offer great sound. Well, this is about to change, and the Audeze SINE might be the game changer in this category.

The Audeze SINE comes in a white box that has the picture of the headphone pictured dominantly. Inside the box, the Audeze SINE is held in place in a black that also has a groove in the center with the cables. Also included in the package apart from the headphone and two cables is a black carrying pouch and a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter. Unluckily for a portable headphone, the Audeze SINE does not come with a carrying case. Though the black carrying pouch can be used in travel, it does not offer enough protection against accidents. If you need a carrying case, the EL-8 Travel Case can also fit the SINE.

The Audeze SINE is an on-ear, closed-back planar magnetic headphone. The design of the headphone is great and was done by DesignWorks, a BMW Group company. The build prominently features metal and pleather while the use of plastic is very minimal. Starting with the headband is well padded and covered with leather for improved comfort. To give the headband a firm feel, it features an aluminum construction that gives it the shape. Connecting the headband to the earcups is aluminum adjustment arms that also allow the earcups to swing sideways and even up and down.

The earcup’s housing is made of metal and features a unique design shape of the SINE series. The earcups are well padded and covered with pleather. The padding is ample, but overall the shape is not great. The earpads can swing in different directions which make it easier to store the headphone or adjust them appropriately while on the head.

When it comes to comfort, On-ear headphones are never comfortable for long hours. The feeling of having the ears pressed down over a long period gets exhausting and pretty unbearable. While the Audeze SINE is not the most comfortable portable on-ear headphones around, the headphone receives a better than average score for its comfort. The headband is great, and the padding works very fine without causing hotspots on the head. The clamping force is also not too bad.

The bass, which is what planars are known for, in the Audeze SINE comes out as clear and punchy. For bass and overall sound boost, the Cipher cable can be used. The midrange, guitars, and instruments sound natural while vocals sound correct and clear and have a little bit of warmth to them. The treble is a bit rolled off, a little on the dark side and less airy.

Category: Open-Back/ Over-Ear
Impedance: 200 ohms
Sensitivity: 97 dB

The Audeze LCD-4 is one of the flagship models from Audeze. The LCD-4 not only features a great invention and research, but it is by far one of the most thrilling headphones you can listen to. The only real downside of this headphone would be the price. At close to $4000, the LCD-4 is way outside most people’s budget.

So, is the high price tag worth it? Let’s find out.

The Audeze LCD-4 comes in a black case, which is very robust and well padded. Inside the headphone’s case, there is a pair of white gloves to handle the headphone (seriously), along 3m cable that features a 6.3mm termination, an owner certificate, a flash drive that contains the headphone’s manual in PDF and the LCD-4 headphone.

The LCD-4 is an over-ear, full-size, open-back headphone and looks like its predecessor the LCD-3 with only minor differences in the design. From just a look at this headphone, you can notice the LCD-4 is a beast. The headphone is not very flexible, it does not fold, and the earcups do not rotate as much. However, this is to be expected from such a big headphone.

The headphone is made from high-quality materials that make it a very sturdy headphone. The headphone is made from metal, wood, and leather. The earcup’s housings are made from wood, ebony wood, which makes this headphone gorgeous. To complete the earcup’s housing, shiny chrome metal grills make up the solid build. The earpads are thick and very soft. The earpads are angled nicely, and there is a little gap between them and the earcup’s housing to make sure there is no pressure build-up. The headband features a carbon fiber top and a leather head-strap. Joining the headband to the earcups are very solid metal yokes and a very great adjustment mechanism.

Apart from the exceptional build quality, the Audeze LCD-4 also features the thinnest diaphragm of all planar magnetic headphones. According to Tyll Hertsens of Innerfidelity in a conversation with Sankar, CEO, and co-founder of Audeze, the LCD-4 diaphragm is sub-0.5 microns thick. The thin diameter allows for very low distortions in the sound quality.

While the Audeze LCD-4 features among one of the heaviest headphones we have tested, the comfort level of this headphone is very good enough to be worn for several hours without any signs of fatigue. Thick and soft angled earpads coupled with a great and clamp-free headband make it a very comfortable headphone. The headband also features enough flexibility to fit a wide range different head shapes and sizes. The headphone does get heavier when used for long sessions. However, overall, the comfort and fit of the LCD-4 is very high.

So how does the Audeze LCD-4 sound?

The Audeze LCD-4 pretty much nails it in the reproduction of the bass. Overall, the bass is tight, well extended, and clean. For an open-back headphone, the bass comes out with good quantity and impact. According to Audeze, the bass extends down to 5Hz, and after listening to the LCD-4, I tend to agree with their claims. The transition from the bass to the midrange also comes out as very natural. The midrange and how the LCD-4 reproduces this part makes it one of the best in this area. Instruments are well textured, detailed, and lifelike. In my opinion, the LCD-4 manages to paint the picture of the sound very well.

The treble of the LCD-4 seems to be the discussion when it comes to talking about this headphone. Everyone has a preference on the amount of treble they prefer. I find the treble of the LCD-4 to be natural and pleasant. It is not present like the other frequencies, maybe a little recessed but detailed and fun.