Planar Magnetics, are they all overpriced?

I feel like the HE400i and the HE-560 are reasonably priced for what they deliver. They aren't steals, but they recognisably bring the planar advantage in terms of that nice tight slam. Not so much the HE-400S. I don't get the same sense of planar magic and I feel like you can get a better built and more ergonomic open headphone for around the same price.

 

Agree. Very nice headphone.

 

Have to agree with this, except for the part about the 400s because I haven't heard that yet. They're not steals, but I do consider them to definitely be among the better deals out on the market.

And I'm not sure if it was discussed here, but wasn't there discussion about how changing the pads for the 400S improved things?

 

Is the current HE-400 a lot better than the old one? I had the old model and thought the midrange was funky.

 

The HE-400 never changed. A different model called the HE-400i was released with a different sound signature. Most people who loved the original 400 did not like the 400i because it had a completely different sound signature, especially in regards to the bass. There's also the HE-400s, which is yet another model and sounds different from the other two 400 series models.

 

I think that Audeze's SINE is priced in line with the performance it delivers. Throw in the Cipher cable and I'd say the combo is a bargain overall, albeit a modest one.

 

@Hands you got girly man ears, mine cannot fit at all in the PM

 

Heh, that's a cute picture. They're just like, "What? Move along."

 

I was thinking about the PM-3 but after reading the above comments I doubt they will fit. The Philips X2 was also too small. They should stop using kids as models for headphone size. When it comes to the price of planars it's gone off the deep end as far as I'm concerned. I expect perfection out of something that costs 52000 nkr (100nkr = 11.8 $). The price of LCD-2 isn't completely bonkers but still 12900 nkr. But theres a reason they expect to get away with it. I remember a norwegian amplifier manufacturer that released a model costing about 150000 nkr. They didn't sell that much but when they jacked the the price up to 500000 they sold more. Exclusivity sells apparently. I would have liked to see an improved HE-6 sold at a good price (perhaps the same as HD800).

 

PM3 ≠ PM1 / PM2 / PMx2

 

The PM-3 was the perfect price spot for me. Plus the efficiency. The others are too expensive in Norway. PM-2 = 8200 nkr. I wanted an efficient "around the ear" planar with close to neutral fr.

 

Perhaps in-ears might be the best choice for this group?

Rob

 

I owned the PM-3 and while they fit me more like on-ears, they were still very comfortable because of the ample padding. Granted I have a small head.

 

Thx for the reply. I spend a lot of hours working with music on laptop and iPad and definetly prefer around the ear. I own an iem and have tried other on ear stuff. I might consider a used LCD-X if I can find one. Closed dynamic is an option but I would prefer a planar.

 

Are you talking about their regular prices or their sale prices? The HE-400i's regular price is 499 USD, and they went down to 299 during 2 different promotions I believe. One was for Black Friday in November last year. The HE-560 is normally 899, but I'm not sure exactly how much was discounted (maybe down to 599).

I think the 400i is great at 299. It's about the same as when the HD600 goes on sale. It's a low price to get a taste of that planar sound. At 499 however, it starts looking pricey (to me) and I think I'd rather grab an HD650 and have change leftover. They're not the most comparable, dynamic vs planar and all that, but it just seems like the 650 offers more value in the long run if you're planning on upgrading your source, amp, and dac in the future. The prices may be different in Australia, though. I'm just talking about prices in the US.

By the way, I love your videos. They're clean and honest. Keep up the excellent work!

 

Well Razordog has a ready supply of near-new HE560s selling for <$650, which is a good price for it IMO

 

I would say that Magnepan makes some damned good planars for the money, especially considering they're made right in Mur'ca.

I also like the fast that they don't give a shite about making them any kind of efficient. That's a position I can stand by, tests amp manufacturers.