Planar magnetic headphones are all the rage right now among audio enthusiasts. This state-of-the-art headphone technology consist of two main components: a magnet array and a diaphragm with an electronic circuit. Because of the incredibly low weight of these components, planar magnetic diaphragms deliver fantastic responsiveness, wide frequency response, excellent durability, and flat impedance over the entire dynamic range. Their downside? Price.

But as technology progresses, even audiophile-grade planar magnetic headphones are becoming relatively affordable. Currently, the Audeze SINE on-ear planar magnetic headphones deliver the best back for the back, as we’ve found out during our testing. By the end of this review, you should have a good idea why so many people believe that the planar magnetic technology is the next big things when it comes to portable audio.

Build and Design

Designed by Designworks, a BMW group subsidiary, the Audeze SINE headphones feature a cutting-edge industrial design that combines a durable aluminum frame with a very comfortable floating headband. The design is understated and, in our opinion, quite well executed.

One important goal of the design team behind these headphones was to create a pair of headphones that would be both portable and suitable for extended listening. Usually, high-end headphones sacrifice one of these two features for the other, but not the Audeze SINE.

The headphones can be folded flat and stored in the provided hard-shell carrying case, where they stay protected from damage. All hinges are reinforced and made to last.

Sound Quality

When it comes to planar magnetic headphones, the sound quality matters the most. Using space-age technology developed by NASA, Audeze created a near weightless diaphragm that’s four times larger than normal headphones, featuring Uniforce voice-coil technology, Fluxor Magnet Arrays, and Fazor Elements that guide sound waves to avoid resonance.

If all these technical terms sound a bit too geeky for you, feel free to forget them. Because once you hit the play button, the sound of your music will speak for itself in terms you will immediately understand. The sheer effortlessness of how the Audeze SINE headphones handle even the subtlest nuances and details.

The closed-back construction of the headphones isolates outside noise at least just as well as other closed-back headphones. Sound leakage isn’t an issue, making the headphones great even for use in the office environment.

What’s in the Box?

The headphones come with a luxurious hard-shell carrying case for storage and travel.