Planar Magnetic: What's The Only Thing Nobody Has Discussed

Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones

Planar magnetic headphones (also known as orthodynamic or isodynamic) have earned themselves a name in the audiophile community for offering stunning clarity and a strong bass.

They also let some of the sound to the outside, which is why they require a closed listening environment and may be disruptive to people around you. They can, however, provide excellent sound quality at a an affordable price.

Closed or open back?

Planar magnetic headphones are popular by audiophiles and it's clear why. The best models can offer stunning clarity and incredible clarity without sounding distorted. But these headphones can also be expensive and often require a headphone amplifier in order to drive them. Additionally their open-back designs can bleed sound and let in surrounding noise. If you're in market for a pair of planar headphones, it's best to think about your listening habits and preferences before purchasing.

A good place to start is to determine if you'll use headphones for casual listening or audiophile quality audio. You'll also need to consider your comfort requirements and whether you prefer an open-back or Planar Headphones closed back design.

Traditionally, planar magnetic headphones had an advantage over dynamic drivers in the bass department, since they could reproduce frequencies as low as to 20hz while dynamic driver headphones would roll off at around 50hz. This difference has decreased in the past few years as manufacturers have improved the diaphragms of their headphones and made the rest lighter.

Many affordable planar magnetic headsets concentrate on clarity and mids and highs instead of the bass that is deep. These headphones might not have as much punch and rumble, which can be a problem to certain listeners.

One exception is the HiFiMAN Venus headphones, which are closed-back and feature an earpiece with a single-sided diaphragm. This means they don't reach quite as low but they still offer a rich sub-bass and engaging texturing.

The kind of headphones you choose will ultimately be based on your listening habits as well as your budget. If you're planning to listen to music on your laptop while at home, an open-back pair will be the best option. A closed-back model is better to use while on the move. Likewise, if you'll use your headphones to play games, an open-back model like the Audeze LCD-2 Classics might be better than a closed-back option like the HiFiMan Susvara 2020. If you're a music lover then any of these headphones will offer the full audio spectrum and the exceptional clarity you're after.

Bass response

Planar magnetic headphones produce sound using a distinct technique than traditional dynamic driver in ear monitors (IEM). Instead of one magnet pushing the diaphragm, these headphones employ two magnetic fields sandwiched between an electric film. This results in a more wide and more natural sound wavefront with less distortion. This also allows for a quicker response time and a greater frequency range than traditional dynamic drivers.

The difference is apparent in the bass response. High-end dynamic headphones can go beyond 20hz, while the majority of headset planar headphones are able to go deeper and with less distortion. This makes a huge difference for audiophiles and lets them get the best in ear monitoring experience.

Imaging is another method that planar headphones can improve sound quality. Dynamic drivers only vibrate the portion of diaphragm that is connected to the voice coil. This may cause minor distortions that alter the audio reproduction. In contrast, planar drivers are able to produce a fuller soundstage because the entire diaphragm oscillates in response to the audio signal. This lets the headphones accurately reproduce the position, stereo balance, and transparency of instruments as it was meant by the audio producer.

Open-back planars like the HIFIMAN Anaanda and Monoprice M1070 do not create a sound barrier. Anyone in your vicinity will be hearing your music. This is an acceptable price for the amazing detail and clarity that you'll be able to enjoy.

Because they have two magnetic fields that are opposite, planar headphones do leak a little more than traditional open-back dynamic headphones. This can be a problem for those who prefer to listen to in a quiet environment, or are worried about causing disturbance to other people. If you are worried about leakage, there are some alternatives to help with this issue, such as ear pads that wrap around the ears to provide isolation.

Sensitivity

Contrary to traditional dynamic drivers which feature a dome or speaker cone behind which the voice coil is vibrating, headphones with planar design have extremely thin membranes imprinted with conductors, and strung across magnetic arrays that move them at lightning speed. This allows them to deliver high-frequency response that many moving-coil headphones struggle with, as well as a bass that's crisp and deep to the lowest frequencies.

The cheapest planar magnetic over-ear headphones may excel at listening to low-frequency music however, they aren't equipped with the acoustic precision that would make them perfect for mixing or hifi listening. The flatness of the diaphragms makes it difficult to drive them in a symmetrical way as a headphone with a moving coil. To get a pair that has great treble, you'll need to spend more than 500 dollars.

Boutique audio brands typically provide models that are affordable and sound fantastic. One example is the Meze Elite, a pair of closed-back headphones which utilize a single-sided magnetic array to give you a full-bodied listening experience. They boast a 90dB sensitivity and 35ohm impedance which can be used with most consumer devices. They are also available with a stunning array of exotic woods and composites which means they look as high-end as they sound.

More expensive models such as the HiFiMAN HE-560s can be up to 30% lighter than their counterparts, thanks to an exclusive magnet structure as well as a host of other innovative design choices. This includes a patented shape that reduces the diffraction of waves, which means they can be driven more efficiently while causing less distortion than standard double-sided designs.

The HE-560s cost more because of the same innovations. However, if you're willing to spend a little extra, you can enjoy a wide range of musical emotions including the low-frequency rumble that comes from a thunder storm to the shimmering the cymbals of your favorite track. A quality set of planars can alter your music by delivering a stunning sound. But it's important to choose the right model to meet your needs and budget.

Comfort

If you love listening to music switching to a premium pair of headphones can significantly improve your audio experience. The best planar headphones provide a level of detail and clarity that you won't find in lower-end headphones. Whether you choose an over-ear model, such as the HiFiMan Sundara or a portable in-ear model such as the CCA PLA 13, these headphones will give new life to your favourite songs.

However, planar headphones can also be quite heavy due to their large ear cups, and usually require an amplifier for the headphone separately. Many boutique brands have designed headphones to overcome these issues and provide incredible audio in a small package. The OPPO pm-3, for example, is a lightweight closed-back planar magnetic headphone that comes with a selvedge-lined jean carrying case.

Many of the planar magnetic headphones are bulky and uncomfortable for prolonged wear due to their larger earcups. Many models have plenty of padding, and are calibrated to the perfect clamping pressure to ensure a comfortable fitting. The OPPO PM-3 is no exception and comes with ultra-soft earpads and suspension bands that evenly distribute the weight over the head and ear.

Planar magnetic driver systems, unlike dynamic drivers, make use of large diaphragms with flexible diaphragms to produce mid-range and bass sound. They can move much larger volumes of air than their stiffer counterparts without suffering the huge excursions that could damage or alter the sound of traditional dynamic drivers. This leads to smooth, broad frequency response with impressive bass depth and clarity.

Another advantage of planar magnetic headphones is that they have lower distortion and higher effectiveness than other dynamic headphones. This allows them to be used at high volume without sacrificing comfort or detail. While some planar headphones do need an external headphone amp, most are designed to be as efficient as they can and work with nearly every audio source.

Personal preferences and budget constraints will ultimately decide if these headphones with magnetic in-ears are worth the money. The best planar headphones can reproduce incredible bass and detail, without ever slipping into distortion. However they are expensive to drive and require more power. Additionally, they typically feature open-back designs that bleed sound and allow ambient sound.