Avantone Planar vs Audeze LCD-1: Battle Of The $400 Neutral/Professional Headphones

[@substrate001]

I spoke to the designer of the Avantone Planar for about 30 minutes, Hella nice guy. A lot of what is described here is *_exactly_* what he was going for, sound-wise... The "Y" cable allows you to have someone sitting beside you at the mixing desk, and if you have 2 pairs of Planars, you get the same feed to both sets, by sharing the cable. The dampenig material behind the driver was heavily researched to provide the same appx. resistance to the rear wave as the front wave, creating a somewhat "balanced" approach. It is a tetra/dodecahedral cellular poly material, but that's all the detail I was able to get on that particular point. I bought these and I love them. They are so easy to listen to, and instantly let you hear changes to your mixes. Highly recommended.

[@NoThemeReviews]

That’s great!

[@mendicantbias5211]

Who is the guy who designed them? I'd really be interested in that

[@donvittoriosierra]

It would probably be interesting to compare similarly priced "flat" tuned headphones with different technologies. I for one am interested in the ollo s4x vs avantone planar comparison.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Yeah me too. The 4x is too expensive at the moment. The plan is to get it next year.

[@mehulmandlik184]

Nice review. Generally, which headphone technology is best for achieving a wide and deep soundstage - dynamic/planar or electrostatic ? Amongst all headphones u have tested till date, which u felt has the best soundstaging capabilities ?

[@NoThemeReviews]

I don’t think any particular driver technology is better at those than any other. What’s relevant are tuning, driver size, resonance, earpads, and proper power input. The widest I’ve heard is the HD800s. But the x55 is quite wide too even though it is a closed back. Imaging and placement is excellent on the 800s, x55, Clear, Phoenix, just to name a few. In fact, the cheap Sony MDR-MA100 has some of the best imaging of any headphone I’ve heard-and completely destroys everything I’ve heard from Audeze, Sennheiser, Hifiman, Denon. The idea that one driver type is the best or a particular manufacturer or price bracket delivers the best performance is totally wrong.

[@mehulmandlik184]

@@NoThemeReviews Understood. Thanks buddy :)

[@samgh7166]

Thanks for the video. After buying Ath-r70x, I am now in love with neutral headphones. I really like what I have seen and heard about planar so far. Should I buy this too? How does it compare to ATH-R70x? The good news is that planar red is available in Germany and I can easily get one.

[@NoThemeReviews]

I really wouldn't call the R70x neutral. I can understand why you like it...the headphone is really hard NOT to like. As you know, I don't tell people to buy stuff (I think there are plenty of reviewers who do that far too much). All I can say is that the Planar is one of the surprising finds of 2020. I have no idea where Avantone got the drivers, if they developed them in-house, but I definitely enjoy my music differently with these. The Planar is so easy to listen to that it is one of my favorite headphones to use. But that's just my personal preference, and you should not let that influence you in the slightest. If its sound signature appeals to you, then I really cannot think of any negatives for this headphone.

[@samgh7166]

@@NoThemeReviews how would you describe the sound of ATH-R70x? Based on your videos about Avantone Planar, the planar should match my taste and I am really looking forward to testing them, at least, once myself. Like your work because it has no BS and I share your opinions about audeze hype. I was once hyped myself and bought audeze LCD-2 classic(open). It's a good headphone but not as good as most of youtubers described it and it should not be 800 $/€.

[@NoThemeReviews]

@@samgh7166 I'm working on the R70x video right now. I think there are certainly similarities between the Planar and R70x. Both have similar sub-bass response (rolled off), but the R70x has noticeably longer decay. Mid-bass on the R70x is a little blunted. The mids are more forward, probably by a step, on the R70x. There's a slight emphasis on sibilance, but grain is close to neutral. I think the treble is just north of neutral on the R70x. So...overall, the R70x is neutral-ish. I can see why someone would want to use it for professional work, particularly in light of the wide soundstage and above-average imaging. It is a good headphone, but I don't think $350 is a fair price considering its plastic build and proprietary cable. I'd price it closer to $250-300, which would be a good balance to the Phoenix's fun sound signature.

[@samgh7166]

@@NoThemeReviews good news, looking eagerly forward to your video on R70x. On its price, I agree with you 100%. Currently, it's priced better at least here in germany. I bought mein for 250€.

[@NoThemeReviews]

@@samgh7166 Lol, I hit the nail on the head!

[@stereofidelic67]

Just picked up a pair of these pre-loved (practically un-used) for just £275! I'm using them in conjunction with a Dragonfly black DAC as I listen to most of my hi-res music through my MacBook. At 32 Ohms impedance they do draw more power, so the Dragonfly was certainly also a good purchase. They sound super clear and visceral compared even to my old and fallen apart Audeze LCD-1s. I was looking for a similar priced replacement for the LCD-1s as I love the planar sound. I've more than happy with what these do!

[@InvisibleIink]

Ground into the dust! Tonka truck crushes Mazda Miata! I loved the truth and sometimes bombastic words that delivered it. I do have to ask; are there any Audeze headphones you enjoy enough to recommend? Cheers and thanks for this review. It was so damn good.

[@explodingheavens]

Thanks for review, I like these for non-peaky highs, specially 10k+, flat bass is ok, we can use bass boost in Amp after all. Industrial ■ design is unique too, not to mention good price. Quite sad tho that until it comes here it changes from 400dollars to 500euros, but it's still good for its price. Max SPL of >130dB is welcome too. Hope the next gen get nxt lvl bass response, as a basshead the planars seems too weak for me, maybe add a button to elevate bass 😊 Lol, if something like that comes, I would buy it 120%.

[@davidquinn9676]

Avantone vs. Monolith 1070 or 1570? The Monoliths are supposed to have a huge 106mm diaphragm so I would be interested in a comparison.

[@YogeshKumaryog]

Can you please compare Avantone Planar against Modhouse Argon T50RP mk3???

[@Spyrozzz]

Very nice comparison ! Are planning a comparison of the Avantone Planar with the sundara and with the Austrian Audio Hi-X55 and the fostex t60rp ? Three of them are planars around 350 to 400 $ and Austrian Audio Hi-X55 are one best headphones for detail speed and separation under 500 or maybe 1000 $.

[@stanstaniboy7655]

The T60RP is really messed up in the mids. It's bad stuff. I have one and I am currently selling it. It has a peak at 1k that gives voices this almost nasal(ish) tone. It then drops off a good 8db around 3khz and rises again at around 5. End result is an almost nasal tone, with a lack of presence/clarity which then ends in sibilance. Bass extension isn't all that great (drops at around 50hz), soundstage is narrow, detail retrieval is below the HD 600. It excels in speed, but that's all there is to it.

[@Spyrozzz]

@@stanstaniboy7655 So no relaxing with this headphone .

[@jeremymanton5320]

I was about to pull the trigger on a Sundara when I saw this review. Now I’m wondering if this is a better option. I’d sure love a comparison against the Sundara...

[@ChrisKeyman]

What did you do finally ?

[@christianlaurent5807]

Great Review, well documented and logically explained. I would appreciate to get your advice on using the Avantone Planar knowing that I’m mainly record vocals, acoustic instruments and hand percussions… for folk jazzy non agressive music.

[@NoThemeReviews]

I think the Planar is perfectly neutral for mids. It has a smooth presentation. I'm not an artist, so I don't know how else to answer your question.

[@christianlaurent5807]

@@NoThemeReviews Thanks its already very kind to have answered have a nice day and make some other reviews thaey are always interesting

[@stevensturgillschesstv4821]

Interesting very well done review. Cheers

[@danielphd290]

Great review. But I need to point out that the images of you manipulating the headphones endlessly make me nervous...

[@NoThemeReviews]

Lol. One of these days I will go too far.

[@benjaminlowengard]

It bugs me a littel that you talk about one headphone feature while holding the other- I'm so happy with my AKGs and monoprice phones that i dont' need new ones anyhow... @@NoThemeReviews

[@NoThemeReviews]

@@benjaminlowengard I'm sorry it bugs you. But, for practical reasons, it makes no sense for me to concentrate on visuals when the whole point of the channel is to describe what I hear. I can either keep a static image on screen the whole time--which is hardly interesting--or I can show physical comparisons so people have a better idea about the size, shape, and comfort of a headphone. Honestly, it's not that different from someone staring into the camera and talking for 20 mins about sound, or you talking on the phone while watching TV.

[@benjaminlowengard]

@@NoThemeReviews well, You tube IS a VISUAL format. You talk about one headphone while fidgeting with the other one - i thought it was confusing. I read a and watch a lot of reviews, this was a 10 minute piece - I'm glad you had it sectioned. I jumped around.

[@NoThemeReviews]

@@benjaminlowengard I appreciate your input. My goal is to concentrate on the sound, features, and comparisons. It is not, has not, and likely will not be to record B-roll for every possible permutation of my script. That is time-consuming and provides little benefit. I can either focus on providing as much detail as I can about the product, or taking videos and editing. I can't do both as I have a full-time job and do this as a hobby.

[@BC-cp5vr]

You may not see this, but, between the planar and the Phoenix, what would be your choice?

[@NoThemeReviews]

Planar

[@BunnyslippersEUC]

I listened the high end Audeze headphones and I wasn't hyped. I was very disappointed. There are planars I liked: cheap the Sundara and expensive the Meze Empyrean.

[@NoThemeReviews]

To each their own. Audeze makes very good products generally, but everything they sell is priced well above their worth and overhyped.

[@cbomb1723]

I seem to be very sensitive to velour pads. The stock pads on the X2HR and the 650/6XX/58X/600 drive me crazy. Would the Avantone cause me similar issues? Given the shape, I suspect finding a different pad would be tricky.

[@NoThemeReviews]

I can’t say if you’ll have issues with the pads. It’s my understanding that the Acoustic Research ARH1 pads are the same size. I ordered a pair to test, and will know sometime in the next month.

[@cbomb1723]

@@NoThemeReviews ah ok, I look forward to your review of the AHR1 pads then. I have been enjoying your comparisons. Thanks very much for your reply.

[@haustreviance]

I love how shady you are to Audeze

[@SharkWithADrill]

Could you compare the planar to the 1070 or 1570?

[@NoThemeReviews]

Yup, sure can.

[@SharkWithADrill]

@@NoThemeReviews YES FINALLY Been wanting to get a nice big planar alongside the Mk2 Argons

[@S.G54321]

@@NoThemeReviews Would absolutely love this comparison 👍. Maybe also a small comparison of the Audeze LCD-2F and Planar could be put in....

[@alvarg]

hey man, I'm really sensitive to treble and sibilance, would this be a good choice for me?

[@NoThemeReviews]

I think so, as I don't like accentuated sibilance. But your hearing is likely different from mine. What I can say is that Planar doesn't hype sibilance, and keeps it neutral.

[@RetroPlus]

Would the avantone planars work and sound great through a focusrite scarlet audio interface?

[@NoThemeReviews]

I can’t tell you if it’ll sound “great” to you. The two principal issues are the interface’s output impedance and power output. If you don’t want to buy an amp, then the MP1 is a good alternative headphone

[@RetroPlus]

@@NoThemeReviews I'm just wondering if the output of the scarlet 2i2 is going to allow the headphones to sound their best, as in not be limited by the amplifier

[@NoThemeReviews]

I’m fairly confident the interface doesn’t have enough power for planar headphones to render peak performance. But contact Avantone and maybe they can offer more insight

[@RetroPlus]

@@NoThemeReviews Thank you

[@yogibear2584]

Ever heard the avantone mp -1? Do you prefer the planar over the x55 and sundara?

[@NoThemeReviews]

Yes, Avantone sent me the MP1 to review. It's different from the Planar. I do prefer the Planar over the x55 and Sundara.

[@yogibear2584]

@@NoThemeReviews awesome thanks for the reply what did you you think to the avantone mp1?? I found it very good for monitoring lower frequencies thought the bass although quite clearly elevated was very very good like listening to bass in a well treated room, and found the mixcube mode when switched on had a hugely different amount of effect on sound depending on the source ( have you found that also?) but was very good at flattening that mid bass bumb to flatten out the response slightly rather then make it mid focused like the cube..... Whilst lacking a bit of detail thought they were very unique, a good tool for certain things and at times very fun.

[@ChrisKeyman]

@@NoThemeReviews hello, Do you prefer the planar over the Mp-1 ? Do you think is good choice the planar over the lcd1 for music production?

[@NoThemeReviews]

@@ChrisKeyman I'm not a music producer/mixer. I can't tell you whether one is better than the other. You should ask professionals in A/V forums. Don't get advice from audiophiles as you'll not get information that is relevant to the professional market.

[@richardchen7593]

I heard Planar has some QC issues, so in terms of the "neutral" sound, is there any alternatives for the Planar?

[@NoThemeReviews]

OLLO S4X and Avantone MP1

[@richardchen7593]

@@NoThemeReviews Thank you for your comment! I have tried Planar and you are indeed like you said, one of the best neutral out there, so one more question is that how is the Planar compare with the 1990pro

[@NoThemeReviews]

@@richardchen7593 They're different. The 1990 has a treble spike that is noticeably more than the Planar. The 1990 also tends to distort sub-bass at high volumes with some tracks like Mountains. I think the sub-bass is more present on the 1990, but the separation between sub-bass and mid-bass is about average.

[@richardchen7593]

@@NoThemeReviews waht about the soundstage?

[@NoThemeReviews]

I think they’re similar.

[@Tealc2323]

I hope more planars like LCD-1 will be created in the future. Light and compact. I don't care how good headphones sound if they are so bulky, heavy and ugly.

[@epicmike3915]

How heavy are these? I wear headphones for hours. I couldn't use several planars because the weight is unbearable after like 30 mins.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Comfort is a very subjective experience. The Planar is heavy, but no more so than an LCD-2. I think the weight is distributed rather well, and the large earcups provide sufficient mitigation for long-term use.

[@epicmike3915]

@@NoThemeReviews Thanks no theme you're one of the few people that actually really. I unsuscribed from a lot of shills. Z reviews Joshua Valor, Dms and so on.

[@NoThemeReviews]

@@epicmike3915 I'm glad I can be of help.

[@jimis3167]

You have the 1more triple driver over-ear??

[@NoThemeReviews]

Yes

[@jimis3167]

@@NoThemeReviews When you'll review them???? Are they comfortable these pads they have??

[@jimis3167]

@Petrus Camacho I have exactly the same imprression, I got them too..

[@jonfairway8235]

If these headphones are this good , it will wipe out all the top end HP's .. Do they have a big enough supply chain for 300,000 orders ?

[@jerrypelletier4667]

Open air headphones are not usable for Voice Talent during a live session. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 ohm, headphone of choice.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Very true.

[@trellusg]

It’s true, I don’t care - I love the lightweight form factor of the LCD-1, and they’re easy to drive and easy to carry. Of course, the irony is I tend to carry the heavier, better EL-8 with me when I travel so I guess that’s the real skinny on how I really look at the LCD-1. 😂

[@grumpy8413]

Do not buy these headphone if you want a set that are anywhere near close to a flat sound, they are far from it. The have a very high pronounced mid range that will wreck your mix if you use them for reference. I am an experienced sound engineer with a lot of experience. For instance I had a nice kik drum sound that was warm with a nice punch on my Alesis M1 Active MK2 monitors that have a good reputation, also my low cost AKG K511 that give a very close sound to my speakers, that are a lot cheaper than the the Avantone, The nice sounding kik went Dok Dok in the aventone in comparison to the nice duf duf. So in its box it went for a full refund. So if you want them for listening to music on your phone or ipad, you can eq them and they will work fine. If you want them for a studio reference then do not waste your money

[@sonicthehedgehog989]

I don't like the LCD 1. I do remember that I bought it after the initial review posts. And never did such a thing again.

[@sonicthehedgehog989]

@Dex4Sure compared to other studio headphones I didn't like it. It lacked detail and it lacked in speed and separation. Plus the build quality is around the level of beats.

[@sonicthehedgehog989]

@Dex4Sure yes. Actually if you check the introductory video of the avantone planar on this channel you will see what I said. But I'll try to summarize. It has a very natural timbre and possess the same magic that I heard with the hifiman arya, except that the frequency response is fantastic on the planar. Basically you hear layers and layers of sound with fantastic depths. I do think it's a steal for the price. As it stands head to head with high end headphones. But again no headphone is perfect. If you like ultra insane details thrown at you look elsewhere. Cause this headphone will present the details but in a natural way not an aggressive way. I bought new pads for it that looks like the arya pads in order to test them and I'm very pleased with the results.

[@sonicthehedgehog989]

@Dex4Sure you are welcome.

[@gabsriel]

Maybe Drop Panda ? Edit : anyway, why do you always talk about about Audeze ? I think that a lot of people does not care about Audeze afterall...

[@NoThemeReviews]

I don’t always talk about Audeze. The last few videos were specific requests a subscriber had made for a long time. Nevertheless, the LCD1 is so overly hyped as a “cheap” so-called “professional” headphone that I think it’s important to remind people how deceitful Audeze is. Actually, when I compare Audeze to other headphones it invariably underscores that brand name usually doesn’t mean much-which itself is a worthwhile point to underscore often.

[@gabsriel]

@@NoThemeReviews Yes I know, I follow you channel since the beginning :-) it's just that it (still) gives the visibility Audeze does not deserve. Maybe it's because I'm not american (Audeze dos not particularly target Europe), but I really do not care about Audeze in general, the LCD-1 in particular. Do you see what I mean ? Bringing to us serious reviews of this Avantone, the Austrian ones, the Vokyl (etc.) is far more valuable and enjoyable and makes you one of the best. But comparing them to the Audeze stuff, I still not get it (as it's everything but a reference point to me, as Sennheiser would be as an exemple).

[@NoThemeReviews]

I understand. But there aren’t that many “audiophile” professional headphones with neutral sound. I can only compare what I have.

[@gabsriel]

@@NoThemeReviews Of course. I hope you channel will grow so that you will have more comparisons possible :-)

[@casualmime2792]

I mean LCD 1s are gaming headphones. Their professional headphones are the LCD X lol.

[@NoThemeReviews]

THAT is the first time I’ve ever seen the LCD1 mentioned as a gaming headphone. If that’s the case, someone burned $400.

[@LakerTriangle]

Man you really hate Audeze....I still want the LCD-X's - looking for a fun planar.

[@NoThemeReviews]

It’s not an issue of love or hate. I enjoy most of their products. But Audeze lies, cheats, and swindles customers. Its shameless, unmitigated bald-faced lies rival those of Audioquest. I think people should know in advance who they are doing business with.

[@LakerTriangle]

@@NoThemeReviews ok - but I would say most people never even read their site..I haven't. My opinion of the LCD series is purely based off reviews - that's for pretty much every headphone since I've never been to a show. I would bet most people never consider their marketing as part of the decision making process - they use YT and watch every video they can find.

[@NoThemeReviews]

I don’t necessarily disagree. But the Audeze marketing has a lot of influence on the reviews you mentioned. It’s nearly impossible to find actual comparisons, and I think it’s rather odd how many reviewers give flamboyantly glowing reviews for a product they barely understand.

[@l21n18]

@@NoThemeReviews how barely understand

[@l21n18]

@@NoThemeReviews what lies exactly?