I recently bought the Avantone Planar Black headphones and they immediately became my headphones of choice for my audio work as well as just listening for pleasure! I have six pair of headphones here, including two pair of Stax Lambda Pro electrostatic "Earspeakers", and I find myself always grabbing the Avantone Planar Black headphones! They are extremely comfortable and are so good that you find yourself revisiting some of your favorite music just to enjoy it through them. Highly recommended!
Synthesizer dude here... Thank you for reviewing these! I'm trying to find a headphone for synth modding and music recording. I recently bought the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X, they're detail oriented and a great overall headphone, but I didn't very much like how the bass frequency rolls off them on a synthesizer. Not a lot of people have reviewed this headphone, and so getting a review for EXACTLY what I'm intending to buy means a lot 😄
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 than standard headphones, so the Dragonfly was an essential extra 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!
They’re a very decent set of headphones. I can’t comment on how they compare with others at this price, but I’ve been very impressed by them. Glad to have helped.
Follow up question! I have two sets of headphones- Sennheiser HD 380 PROs, which I've been using for years and suspect are like your Beyerdynamic 880 Pros, and a pair of Shure SRH 1540s which I've had for about a year but haven't clicked with. Do you think the Avantone Planars would be a step up from the Shures? I'm in a situation where I'm forced to use headphones for most work, and I'm having trouble making the transition from proper monitors to headphones. Do you think the Planars would be helpful? Thanks! -Rich
@@pthelo I've never tried the Shure's but they're similarly priced. After doing a bit of research into the Avantone's I've noticed people who like the higher end stuff think they're remarkably good value, so perhaps. But I honestly couldn't give an opinion sorry.
@@StarskyCarr NO need for sorries, my friend! You've been most helpful directing me in my quest now, and in other quests with your other content. I appreciate the time and effort you put into these videos, I am thankful for the quality and relevance of the information provided, and I rejoice in all your success!
That was a fascinating review, thanks. What is the bleed out like of sound? I share my 'studio' with my wife a lot of the time and my AKG's are very loud outside.
Great review Starsky, I do also have Sony that are almost from Toutânkhamon’s period but still working well. I don’t have the DT-880 pro but the DT-1770 pro 250. Since what you describe with the Sony sounds coherent which what I heard, I’ll be confident with your advice. Since I'm on the market for headphones, 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. Thanks a lot , all the best and stay safe😷
They’ll be great for monitoring and mixing, but beware of spillage into the mic from the headphones if using for recording. - maybe like me you’d be better to use the others for recording and these for mixing.
@@StarskyCarr Thanks so much, of course, I should have mentioned that for "tracking/recording I do use other closed headphones..those would be for monitoring/editing/mixing..Have a nice evening Grazie mille
These are really good, but I think I still prefer my Monolith M1060 (another, much cheaper set of planar cans). Those are unfortunately discontinued by Monoprice, but worth to hunt for!
I'm a headphone geek and was wondering about these phones, along with Austrian Audios' HiX55. I need another headphone like a hole in my head, my other phones include the Focal Clears and a HD660s. Don't have a set of planars though, and after this review I just might have to pick these up. Thanks no thanks!
very nice review. there are also Electrostatic Headphones around (bob katz was very fond of them) from Staxx. But extremely pricy. Electrostatic loudspeakers were used for a long time at the bbc for monitoring because their flat response but they are huge and not very practic
Thanks.. nice to hear that my views don’t stand alone :) always a concern that you hit the wrong note when reviewing something!! I can only say what I experience so good to know I’m not on my own. thanks.
Have you heard of Ollo S4X headphones? They're about £350 I think. A mate bought a pair and was saying how accurate but still enjoyable to listen to they were. I'll admit I was sceptical, until I borrowed his pair for a couple of days. They're certainly as accurate as my Focal monitors in a partially treated room are. I A/B'd some mixes that I know very well with my speakers and then the headphones and I couldn't honestly tell any difference. Even the low end seemed to translate well, which has always been my problem when trying to do any critical tweaks on phones without double checking with speakers. I now desperately want a pair, as it'll mean I can mix accurately without typically needing decent levels through the monitors at any time of the day or night.
From what I've read, these compare quite favorably against the Ollo S4X's. The two have a very similarly neutral sound signature and are known for having a very natural sound presentation as well, nothing is overly accentuated. Anyways, the point is that both are a good buy.
Interesting test, thank you. About differences of hearing between 2 people for 1 synth model, that's true there can be some slight differences between 1 synth to the other but if a realy precise comparison is needed you also have to take into account the age of the people: Your hearing, my hearing, is not the same as when we were 15. It's physiological, medical, unfortunately, even if we've tried to avoid hearing damages during our life. (With hearing damages it could be worse obviously) That's the game, we have to deal with and compensate somehow.
No need. I get plenty of level, but do have to turn things up higher than with older and cheaper headphones I have. As I said in this I was initially disappointed by the levels, but then never had to put through a preamp either. So while quieter than others, they’re not so quiet that they need a boost. ... if any of that makes sense?!!
@@StarskyCarr Thanks so much for your reply. I was wondering if you could answer another question I have about amps. Would the following amp power output drive these headphones to their full capacity/potential? Fx Audio dac-x6 mkii Output Power: 940mW@16Ω 900mW@32Ω 700mW@64Ω 450mW@120Ω 200mW@300Ω
They work OK. I can only use them after I set up an aux channel on my Soundcraft iu24 and eq the chanel with the graphic equaliser that boosts the low end where these headphone really suffer to very low. I also send the signal through a Bellari headphone amp. For reference I use Tears for Fears Woman in Chains that has superb production.
yup classic 70s inspired design, looks amazing in red, and yes I think the designer was probably a big fan of Dieter Rams, so these are perfect to sit into your Arne Jacobsen egg chair, listening to early disco classic on a Braun TG Reel to Reel 😜
I recently bought the Avantone Planar Black headphones and they immediately became my headphones of choice for my audio work as well as just listening for pleasure! I have six pair of headphones here, including two pair of Stax Lambda Pro electrostatic "Earspeakers", and I find myself always grabbing the Avantone Planar Black headphones! They are extremely comfortable and are so good that you find yourself revisiting some of your favorite music just to enjoy it through them. Highly recommended!
Synthesizer dude here... Thank you for reviewing these! I'm trying to find a headphone for synth modding and music recording. I recently bought the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X, they're detail oriented and a great overall headphone, but I didn't very much like how the bass frequency rolls off them on a synthesizer.
Not a lot of people have reviewed this headphone, and so getting a review for EXACTLY what I'm intending to buy means a lot 😄
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 than standard headphones, so the Dragonfly was an essential extra 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!
Thank you SO MUCH for this video, Starsky. Your timing is perfect and your review made me feel confident in the choice. Thanks!
They’re a very decent set of headphones. I can’t comment on how they compare with others at this price, but I’ve been very impressed by them. Glad to have helped.
Follow up question! I have two sets of headphones- Sennheiser HD 380 PROs, which I've been using for years and suspect are like your Beyerdynamic 880 Pros, and a pair of Shure SRH 1540s which I've had for about a year but haven't clicked with. Do you think the Avantone Planars would be a step up from the Shures? I'm in a situation where I'm forced to use headphones for most work, and I'm having trouble making the transition from proper monitors to headphones. Do you think the Planars would be helpful? Thanks! -Rich
@@pthelo I've never tried the Shure's but they're similarly priced. After doing a bit of research into the Avantone's I've noticed people who like the higher end stuff think they're remarkably good value, so perhaps. But I honestly couldn't give an opinion sorry.
@@StarskyCarr NO need for sorries, my friend! You've been most helpful directing me in my quest now, and in other quests with your other content. I appreciate the time and effort you put into these videos, I am thankful for the quality and relevance of the information provided, and I rejoice in all your success!
Hey @@StarskyCarr! The Planar Reds arrived today! I'm A/B/C testing the headphones now. Thanks again!
Nice video mate; sounds like these reproduce pure vintage recordings as they sounded back when they were recorded.
That was a fascinating review, thanks. What is the bleed out like of sound? I share my 'studio' with my wife a lot of the time and my AKG's are very loud outside.
Haha I’ll have to test with someone else - you can’t push the 2 earpieces together like on most.
Wow. A planar magnetic driver going down to 30 Hz. Impressive. Very impressive.
Hi..Do you think they are very good for mixing? I was wondering this avantone or the Ollo S4x. What is your oppinion? Thank you and great video..
Yes I’d say they’re great for mixing. As with anything you have to learn the sound but everything is really clear in these.
@@StarskyCarr thank you.. 😉
Echo & the Bunnymen love!
Great review Starsky, I do also have Sony that are almost from Toutânkhamon’s period but still working well. I don’t have the DT-880 pro but the DT-1770 pro 250. Since what you describe with the Sony sounds coherent which what I heard, I’ll be confident with your advice. Since I'm on the market for headphones, 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. Thanks a lot , all the best and stay safe😷
They’ll be great for monitoring and mixing, but beware of spillage into the mic from the headphones if using for recording. - maybe like me you’d be better to use the others for recording and these for mixing.
@@StarskyCarr Thanks so much, of course, I should have mentioned that for "tracking/recording I do use other closed headphones..those would be for monitoring/editing/mixing..Have a nice evening Grazie mille
These are really good, but I think I still prefer my Monolith M1060 (another, much cheaper set of planar cans). Those are unfortunately discontinued by Monoprice, but worth to hunt for!
I'm a headphone geek and was wondering about these phones, along with Austrian Audios' HiX55. I need another headphone like a hole in my head, my other phones include the Focal Clears and a HD660s. Don't have a set of planars though, and after this review I just might have to pick these up. Thanks no thanks!
I had these and the Hifiman Sundara, Would def recommend checking out the Sundara as well. I ended up returning the Planar.
I bought the black pair; my right channel now doesn’t work and I suspect a broken connection, hopefully can be fixed.
very nice review. there are also Electrostatic Headphones around (bob katz was very fond of them) from Staxx. But extremely pricy. Electrostatic loudspeakers were used for a long time at the bbc for monitoring because their flat response but they are huge and not very practic
Nice info 😀
I have a pair of the Reds and I hafta say your review mirrors my experience with them. Haven't touched my 1990 Pros since I got 'em. :)
Thanks.. nice to hear that my views don’t stand alone :) always a concern that you hit the wrong note when reviewing something!! I can only say what I experience so good to know I’m not on my own. thanks.
Have you heard of Ollo S4X headphones? They're about £350 I think. A mate bought a pair and was saying how accurate but still enjoyable to listen to they were.
I'll admit I was sceptical, until I borrowed his pair for a couple of days. They're certainly as accurate as my Focal monitors in a partially treated room are. I A/B'd some mixes that I know very well with my speakers and then the headphones and I couldn't honestly tell any difference. Even the low end seemed to translate well, which has always been my problem when trying to do any critical tweaks on phones without double checking with speakers. I now desperately want a pair, as it'll mean I can mix accurately without typically needing decent levels through the monitors at any time of the day or night.
Not heard them... but haven’t really invested in expensive headphone. These have opened my eyes/ears to the potential.
From what I've read, these compare quite favorably against the Ollo S4X's. The two have a very similarly neutral sound signature and are known for having a very natural sound presentation as well, nothing is overly accentuated. Anyways, the point is that both are a good buy.
Interesting test, thank you.
About differences of hearing between 2 people for 1 synth model, that's true there can be some slight differences between 1 synth to the other but if a realy precise comparison is needed you also have to take into account the age of the people: Your hearing, my hearing, is not the same as when we were 15.
It's physiological, medical, unfortunately, even if we've tried to avoid hearing damages during our life.
(With hearing damages it could be worse obviously)
That's the game, we have to deal with and compensate somehow.
Ohms? I’ve theee pair of Beyer DT’s 16ohm, 32ohm and 80ohm. 16’S for computer iPod etc, 32 for synths and 80s for mixing desks.
DT 880 Pro 250 Ohm
You don’t use a pre-amp?
No need. I get plenty of level, but do have to turn things up higher than with older and cheaper headphones I have. As I said in this I was initially disappointed by the levels, but then never had to put through a preamp either. So while quieter than others, they’re not so quiet that they need a boost. ... if any of that makes sense?!!
@@StarskyCarr cheers mate. Will have a think about picking up a pair
Hi, do you know if a balanced cable would work with this headphone?
Balanced and TRS are the same so yes it should be fine.
@@StarskyCarr Thanks so much for your reply. I was wondering if you could answer another question I have about amps. Would the following amp power output drive these headphones to their full capacity/potential?
Fx Audio dac-x6 mkii Output Power:
940mW@16Ω
900mW@32Ω
700mW@64Ω
450mW@120Ω
200mW@300Ω
They work OK. I can only use them after I set up an aux channel on my Soundcraft iu24 and eq the chanel with the graphic equaliser that boosts the low end where these headphone really suffer to very low. I also send the signal through a Bellari headphone amp. For reference I use Tears for Fears Woman in Chains that has superb production.
These headphones are indeed sexy
If I hadn't alrady gotten the HifiMan Sundara, I'd have considered checking these out...
awful design... looks like something from the 70's or from ikea.. :S
goes well with those synths fromthe 70's and 80's. If it works it's good
yup classic 70s inspired design, looks amazing in red, and yes I think the designer was probably a big fan of Dieter Rams, so these are perfect to sit into your Arne Jacobsen egg chair, listening to early disco classic on a Braun TG Reel to Reel 😜
I love that look personally though it is pretty different to normal looking headphones