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 incredible detail and strong bass.

They also tend to leak a lot, which is why they require a quiet listening environment. They could disturb people in the vicinity. However, they can provide exceptional sound at affordable prices.

Open or closed back?

It's not hard to understand why audiophiles enjoy planar magnetic headphones. The best models offer stunning clarity and incredible clarity without sounding distorted. They are expensive and require a headphone amplifier to be driven. Their open-back designs also let in ambient noise. If you're in the looking for a pair of planar headphones, it's best to consider your preferences and habits of listening before purchasing.

Start by deciding whether you'll use your headphones for audiophile audio or casual listening. Then, you'll want to think about your personal 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 as low as to 20hz, whereas dynamic driver headphones would cut off around 50hz. However, this distinction has diminished as manufacturers have tried to improve the performance of their diaphragms and make the rest of the headphones lighter.

A lot of budget planar magnetic headphones concentrate on clarity and mids and highs instead of the bass that is deep. These headphones may not have as much punch and rumble, which can cause problems for certain listeners.

One exception is the HiFiMAN Venus over-ear headphones, which are closed-back and use a single-sided diaphragm. They don't get as low yet, but they still offer rich sub-bass notes and a vivacious sound.

In the end, the type of headphones you pick will be based on your music preferences and your budget. If you're listening to music on your laptop at home, an open-back pair of headphones is likely to be the best choice, while a closed back planar magnetic headphones-back option will be suitable for use when you're on the move. Likewise, if you'll use headphones for gaming with an open-back design like the Audeze LCD-2 Classics might be better than a closed-back option like the HiFiMan Susvara 2020. These headphones are perfect for music lovers who want to hear the full range of sound and have exceptional clarity.

Response to bass

Planar magnetic headphones produce sound using a distinct technique than traditional dynamic driver in ear monitors (IEM). Instead of a single magnet pushing the diaphragm, these headphones use two magnetic fields sandwiched between an electrified movie. This results in an audio that is more natural and has less distortion. This also allows for a faster response time and a greater frequency range than traditional dynamic drivers.

The differences in bass response are evident. While high-end dynamic driver headphones can go up to 20hz and beyond, the majority of planar headphones can be used with less distortion and superior clarity. For audiophiles this is a huge difference and gives you the best listening experience possible.

Another method by which headphones with a planar design can enhance the audio quality is through imaging. Dynamic drivers only vibrate the diaphragm portion that is attached to the voice coil. This can result in small distortions that alter the audio reproduction. However, Headphone Planar Magnetic planar drivers can create more of a soundstage because the entire diaphragm is vibrating in response to the audio signal. This lets the headphones accurately reproduce the stereo balance, and transparency of instruments in the way intended by the audio producer.

Open-back planars like the HIFIMAN Anaanda and Monoprice Monolith M1070 don't create a sound barrier. Everyone in your area will be capable of hearing your music. This is an acceptable price for the incredible clarity and clarity you'll be able to enjoy.

Because they have two opposing magnetic fields, planar headphones do leak a bit more than traditional open-back dynamic headphones. This is a huge issue for people who want to listen to music in a quiet environment or are worried about causing a disturbance to those surrounding them. If you're worried about leakage, you can reduce the problem by using ear pads which wrap around your ears to provide extra isolation.

Sensitivity

Unlike traditional dynamic drivers that have a dome or speaker cone in which the voice coil is vibrating, planar headphones feature incredibly thin membranes imprinted with conductors, and connected to magnetic arrays that can move at lightning speed. This allows them to deliver high-frequency response that most moving-coil headphones struggle with, and a bass that is clear and deep down to lowest frequencies.

But while they excel at low frequencies, most affordable over-ear magnetic headphones are often lacking in acoustic precision, which would make them ideal for mixing or high-fidelity listening. The flatness of the diaphragms make it impossible to drive them in a way that is symmetrical like a moving coil headphone. In order to get great high-quality treble output from a pair of planars, it's often necessary to spend more than $500.

Boutique audio brands tend to provide models that are affordable and sound great. One example is the Meze Elite, a pair of closed-back headphones that utilize a an array of magnetics that is single-sided to provide an immersive listening experience. They feature a sensitivity of 90dB and 35ohm impedance which should work well with most consumer-grade devices. They are available in a variety of exotic woods, composites, and other materials that make them look as stunning as they sound.

More expensive models such as the HiFiMAN's HE-560s are 30 percent lighter than their competitors due to a unique magnet structure and a slew of other innovative design choices. This includes a patent-pending shape that minimizes wave diffraction, 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. If you're willing to pay more, you can enjoy an array of musical experiences. From the low-frequency rumbles of an erupting storm to the glistening of the cymbals that you hear in your favorite tracks. The quality of the sound produced by a great set of planars is simply outstanding and can transform your music. However, it is essential to choose the best model for your needs and budget.

Comfort

If you enjoy listening to music, upgrading to a pair of premium headphones can greatly improve your audio experience. The best planar headphones provide a level of clarity and clarity that you won't get from lower-end headphones. No matter if you go with an over-ear model, such as the HiFiMan Sundara or a portable in-ear model like the CCA PLA 13, these headphones can bring new life to your favorite songs.

However, these headphones can be heavy due to their larger ear cups, and usually require an amplifier for the Headphone Planar Magnetic separately. Many boutique brands have developed headphones to address these issues and provide incredible sound in a lightweight package. The OPPO PM-3, for example is a light closed-back magnetic headphone that folds flat and comes with a selvedge denim carrying case, making it easy to take with you on the go.

Many planar magnetic headphones are bulky and uncomfortable for prolonged wear due to their large earcups. The majority of models come with ample padding, and are calibrated to the perfect clamping pressure to ensure a snug fit. The OPPO PM-3 does not disappoint with ultra-soft earpads and suspension bands that evenly disperse weight evenly across the head.

In contrast to dynamic drivers Planar magnetic driver systems utilize large diaphragms with flexible diaphragms to create mid and bass sounds. They can move larger amounts of air than their stiffer counterparts without experiencing the massive excursions that can damage and warp conventional dynamic drivers. This leads to an extremely smooth and Headphone Planar Magnetic broad frequency response, and an impressive bass depth.

Planar magnetic headphones are also more efficient and have less distortion than other dynamic headphones. They can be used at high volume without sacrificing comfort or clarity. Certain planar headphones require an external headphone amplifier, however, most are designed to work with any audio source.

Personal preferences and budget constraints will determine if the planar magnetic in-ear headphones you are considering are worth the investment. The top planar headphones can reproduce incredible levels of bass and detail without ever tipping into distortion, but they are expensive and require more power to drive. They are also typically open-back designs, which may let in ambient noise and bleed noise.