Planar Magnetic Headphones

Planar magnetic headphones create uniform soundwaves using a thin, flat membrane suspended between magnets. This provides a better understanding of soundstage, more clarity and a distinct sound distinct from standard dynamic driver headphones.

Audiophiles may find them more expensive and difficult to drive however, the cost is worth it. You can buy headphones for less than $400, like the budget-friendly Hifiman headphones HE-400i and Monoprice Monolith M1070.

Soundstage

With their huge drivers they can create soundstages that are extremely wide. These large soundscapes allow you to hear more details and create an immersive listening experience. You can better identify the instruments and vocals that are in the mix. This makes them an excellent option for mixing or studio use.

In addition to their outstanding soundstage, the planar magnetic headphones are also known for their outstanding bass performance. Their huge drivers are able to move more air, allowing them to reproduce deep bass notes with astonishing clarity and accuracy. This is a significant upgrade from the dull, muddy bass you get with most dynamic driver headphones.

The headphones of the planar magnetic type are unique in that they utilize a flat diaphragm sandwiched with a conductive pattern between two arrays of magnetic material. When an electrical charge is passed through the conductive pattern it creates magnetic field which causes the diaphragm to vibrate and create sound waves. The diaphragm's motion is controlled by the magnetic field, and it is evenly spread across the entire area. This produces an isodynamic field, which ensures that the diaphragm's movement is constant throughout the entire frequency range.

Since the distortion generated by a dynamic driver is caused by the voice coil moving between and out of contact with the diaphragm. planar closed back headphones magnetic headphones exhibit significantly less distortion than their dynamic counterparts. This means you can listen to music as the artist intended, even at a loud volume.

One downside of these headphones is that they leak a bit more than traditional open-back headphone models. The huge diaphragms of these headphones can move a massive amount of air. Some of that air escapes through the open back. If you are listening in a quiet setting this should not be a problem.

The decision between planar magnetic and dynamic headphones is based on your listening preferences and budget. Planar magnetic headphones are the best option for those who value accuracy, clarity, and low distortion.

Detail

Planar magnetic headphones have gained a lot of traction among audiophiles in recent years. They are renowned for their soaring sound and use flat diaphragms which are able to move at an incredible speed to produce deep bass and superior high frequencies. The conductor trace of planar magnetic headphones is attached to the flat surface of diaphragm and is able to react to magnetic fields produced by two opposing magnetic poles. This allows them to reproduce frequencies with larger variations than other headphones, without experiencing distortion to the driver planar or damage to the diaphragm when they are used at high volume.

The flat diaphragm can also produce a wider and more planar soundwavefront than dynamic drivers which have a more centered and spherical soundwavefront (although some high-end dynamic driver headsets, such as the Focal Utopia can be extended to 20Hz). The broader and more expansive soundstage of planar headphones gives them an especially remarkable ability to bring out the specifics in recordings. This is especially evident with instruments, where the detail and accuracy that planar magnetic headphones offer let you hear every individual string, woodwind note, and piano key clearly, as they were intended by the composer.

A good pair of headphones will also reproduce the sounds that surround you. Some headphones let sound leak through the earcup's back, depending on whether they're closed-back or open-back. In most cases, this isn't an issue, but in some it can cause disruption to others who are nearby while you're listening. In this instance you should choose headphones that limit leakage or have an optional grille that you can use in public spaces.

No matter what kind of headphone you choose it is crucial to find the right pair to fit your lifestyle and listening preferences. There are many styles, sizes and prices of planar magnetic headphone that will suit your music preferences.

Comfort

A planar magnetic headphones uses thin diaphragms with conductors strung across an array of magnets to manipulate sound waves. The wider wavefront produces more natural and immersive sounds with incredible clarity, speed, and accuracy. However, they tend to be heavy and require a dedicated amplifier to reach their full potential.

In recent years, many specialist HiFi audio brands have brought this old technology back. This allows listeners to experience new levels in audio quality. Although they might not appear as sleek and contemporary as high-end models, they are known for their rich bass, intimate sound, and exceptional stage depth.

These headphones are comfortable and comfortable to wear despite their dimensions and unique design. The earcups will seal in your ears and keep out any background noise and allow you to concentrate on your music, however they don't clamp onto the neck and planar Closed back headphones head like some over-ear designs can. Some listeners are also attracted to the light-weight design and earpads that are comfortable.

Another disadvantage of planar magnetic headphones is their typically high price. Although you can find budget-friendly dynamic headphones, a lot of planar models require a dedicated DAC and amplifier to make the most of them. This is because they are more complicated than their dynamic counterparts and usually require a lot of power to move the two magnets around.

Although there are some budget-friendly choices (such as the HIFIMAN Deva or AUdeze Venus), most planar headphones fall in the high-end range with some of the best choices costing over $400. This is a significant investment, especially if you only listen to music on the go or spend a lot of your time playing games but for those who wish to hear music at its most crystal clear and realism, they provide an exceptional listening experience.

Despite their amazing sound however, the main drawback of the majority of headphones with planar design is their leakage. Dual magnets rotate in both directions, causing the headphones to leak sound. This can disturb people who are nearby or let outside noises to enter. Some models are more prone to this than others, but it is a concern for most listeners who are looking to listen to the sound of these headphones in an unobtrusive setting.

Noise isolation

To qualify as a pair of headphones to be called "headphones" they must be able to separate your ears from the environment. A quality pair of planar headphones should have ergonomic design and the best materials to prevent sound from escaping your ears. This will lessen the sound that you hear and offer a more immersive experience.

As a rule the planar magnetic headphones tend to be larger and heavier than their counterparts with dynamic sound. This is due to the fact that the driver uses a greater surface area to produce sound and requires a larger earcup. Boutique HiFi audio brands like to design earcups using exotic woods and composites.

Planar magnetic headphones function by regulating electrical current through an electrified film sandwiched between two magnets. The magnetic field on either side of the film causes it to vibrate, which creates sound waves. The fact that the entire diaphragm being driven to vibrate by a magnetic field instead of just a small area connected to a coil for voice means they are much less susceptible to distortion at high volumes.

However, a lot of newer headphones with planar magnetics are a bit weak in bass and don't offer the same amount of "slam" or "punch" that you'd get from a modern high end pair of dynamic drivers. It's all about balancing the trade-offs and the comparison of different headphones.

It's a good idea to search for a pair of planar magnetic headphones and read reviews from both professional audio sites and users on the subreddit r/headphones. That's how you can be sure that the headphones you select will offer the performance that's right for your needs and preferences. After you've made this decision then all you have to do is to determine a suitable price/performance ratio. The Monoprice M1060 headphones are a great example, as they combine a stunning sound quality with a sleek and stealthy design and comfortable pads that compete with headphones costing much more than the M1060.