Oppo launches PM-3 Classic planar magnetic headphones

Oppo claims the PM-3s are the world's lightest closed-back headphones to use planar magnetic drivers.

Just to recap, instead of having a magnet attracting and repelling a voice coil and moving a cone, a planar magnetic driver has a thin diaphragm, held between magnets. This diaphragm is printed with semiconductors, and when pushed and pulled by the magnets, the whole diaphragm moves with its surface evenly driven.

The idea is to offer greater accuracy and stability, and cut down on distortion. The Classics use a brand-new 55mm circular driver which is tuned "to have deep, tight bass and a touch of excitement".

We've already tested (and loved) the luxurious, £1100 Oppo PM-1 headphones, but they're much more suited to home use.

The PM-3s have been designed with portability in mind and we can't wait to take them for a spin...

MORE: Oppo PM-1 review

See all our Oppo reviews

Andy Madden

Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.