Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones

Planar magnetic headphones (also known as orthodynamic or isodynamic) have earned themselves a reputation in the audiophile community for providing incredible detail and strong bass.

They also tend leak a lot outwards so they require a quiet listening space. They may disturb others around you. However, they can provide outstanding sound for an affordable price.

Open or closed back?

It's not difficult to comprehend why audiophiles are awestruck by the planar magnetic headphones. The top models are able to deliver incredible detail and presence without sounding distorted. But these headphones can also be costly and usually require a headphone amplifier in order to drive them. They also let sound out and let in ambient noise. So if you're in the search for a pair headphones that are planar, you'll need to think about your preferences and listening habits before purchasing.

Start by deciding whether you will use your headphones for audiophile audio or for casual listening. Then, you'll want to think about your comfort needs and whether you prefer an open-back or closed-back style.

Historically, headphones with planar magnetics had an advantage over dynamic drivers in the bass department as they could reproduce frequencies down to 20hz while dynamic driver headphones would kick off around 50hz. However, this advantage has gotten less noticeable over time as manufacturers have tried to improve the quality of their diaphragms and make the rest of the headphones lighter.

A lot of budget planar magnetic headphones focus on clarity and highs and mids, not the bass that is deep. This means that you might not receive as much rumble and punch from these headphones, which may be a challenge for some listeners.

One exception is the HiFiMAN Venus headphones which are closed-back and have an earpiece with a single-sided diaphragm. They don't have the same bass, but still deliver rich sub-bass notes and a vivacious sound.

The kind of headphones you choose will ultimately depend on your preferences in listening as well as your budget. If you plan to listen to music on your laptop at home, then an open-back model is the best option. A closed-back model will be better to use while on the move. If you're planning to use your headphones for gaming purposes An open-back model like the Audeze LCD-2 Classics may be superior to a model with a closed-back design like the HiFiMan Susvara 2020. These headphones are ideal for those who love music and want to hear the full range of sound and have exceptional clarity.

Bass response

Planar magnetic headphones utilize an entirely different method of producing sound that is not typical for dynamic driver in-ear monitors (IEM). Instead of one magnet pushing the diaphragm, these headphones employ two magnetic fields that are sandwiched between an electric film. This creates a wider and more natural sound wavefront with lower distortion. This enables a faster response time and a wider frequency range than traditional dynamic drivers.

The difference is evident in the bass response. High-end dynamic headphones can go beyond 20hz, while most planar headphones are capable of going further and have less distortion. For audiophiles this is a huge difference and offers the most immersive in-ear listening experience possible.

Another way that headphones with a planar design can enhance the sound quality is through imaging. Dynamic drivers vibrate only the diaphragm part that is attached to the voice coil. This can result in small distortions which change the intended audio reproduction. However, planar drivers can produce an even larger soundstage since the entire diaphragm vibrates in response to an audio signal. This allows the headphones to precisely reproduce the position, stereo balance, and the transparency of instruments as it was meant by the audio producer.

The drawback is that open-back headphones like the HIFIMAN Ananda and Monoprice Monolith M1070 aren't able to block out sound, meaning that anyone near you can hear your music. But it's a small sacrifice for the incredible clarity and detail you'll experience.

Due to their two magnetic fields opposing each other the planar headphones leak a bit more than traditional open-back dynamic headphones. This could be a problem for those who wish to listen to music in quiet environments, or are worried about causing disturbance to other people. If you're concerned about leakage, you can address the problem by using ear pads that wrap around your ears to provide more isolation.

Sensitivity

In contrast to traditional dynamic drivers that include a dome or speaker cone in which the voice coil vibrates, planar headphones feature incredibly thin membranes infused with conductors, and connected to magnetic arrays that manipulate them at lightning speed. This allows them to deliver high-frequency response that most moving-coil headphones struggle with, as well as a bass that is clear and deep down to the lowest frequencies.

The cheapest headphones with planar magnetic earbuds may excel at listening to low-frequency music but they're not equipped with the acoustic clarity that makes them ideal for mixing or hifi. That's because the diaphragms' flatness makes them unable to be controlled in a symmetrical manner like a moving-coil headphone. To get a pair with a great treble sound, you'll need to spend more than 500 dollars.

Boutique audio brands, however they typically offer many models that are affordable and have excellent sound. One example is the Meze Elite, a pair of closed-back headphones that use one-sided magnetic arrays to provide an immersive listening experience. They feature a 90dB sensitivity and a resistance of 35ohm which will work with all consumer devices. They also come with a stunning array of exotic woods and materials, making them look as luxurious as they sound.

More expensive models such as the HiFiMAN's HE-560s are up to 30% lighter than their counterparts due to a unique magnet structure and a slew of other innovative design choices. This includes a patented shape that reduces wave diffraction, which means they can be driven more efficiently while producing less distortion than conventional double-sided designs.

Of course, a lot of these same features also make the HE-560s more expensive than their competitors. If you're willing to pay more, you'll be able to enjoy an array of musical experiences. From the low-frequency rumbles of an erupting storm to the glistening of the cymbals in your favorite track. A quality set of planars headphones can alter your music with their outstanding sound. It is crucial to choose the right model according to your budget and preferences.

Comfort

Upgrade to a pair premium headphones if your favorite is listening to music. The top planar magnetic headphones offer a level of detail and clarity that you won't get from lower-end headphones. Whether you choose an over-ear model, such as the HiFiMan Sundara or an in-ear model that is portable such as the CCA PLA 13, these headphones can bring new life to your favorite songs.

Planar magnetic headphones are quite heavy because of their large ear cups. They typically require an additional headphone amplifier. Luckily, many of the boutique headphone brands have designed their headphones to provide exceptional sound quality in a lightweight package. The OPPO PM-3, for example, is a lightweight closed-back magnetic headphone which can be folded flat and comes with a selvedge denim carrying case, planar magnetic earbuds making it simple to carry around.

Due to their large earcups, many planar magnetic headphones can be bulky and uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. The majority of models come with ample padding and a precisely calibrated clamping pressure to ensure a comfortable fit. The OPPO PM-3 does not disappoint, with ultra-soft earpads and suspension bands that evenly disperse weight across the head.

Contrary to dynamic drivers, planar magnetic driver systems use large flexible diaphragms to create mid- and bass sounds. This lets them move larger amounts of air than their more stiff counterparts, without the huge excursions that can damage and alter the sound of traditional dynamic drivers. This gives them an even, smooth response with impressive bass depth and clarity.

Planar magnetic headphones are also more efficient and have less distortion than most dynamic headphones. This makes them ideal for listening at high volume without sacrificing comfort and detail. Certain planar headphones require an external headphone amplifier however most are built to work with any audio source.

Your personal preferences and budgetary constraints will ultimately determine whether planar magnetic in-ear headphones are worth the money. The very best planar magnetic headphones planar headphones are able to reproduce amazing levels of bass and detail without ever tumbling into distortion, however they can be expensive and require more power to drive. They are also typically open-back designs that can let in ambient noise and bleeding noise.