Planar Magnetic Headphones

Planar magnetic drivers are renowned in the world of headphones for their ability to minimize distortion and deliver punchy basses. This makes them a top choice for audiophiles looking for the most immersive listening experience.

The FT5 is a pair of wireless planar magnet headphones that have all the hallmarks of a premium product. The FT5 features a beautiful design, a variety of connectivity options, and detailed energetic sound.

Size and weight

Contrary to dynamic headphones which use one magnet per speaker, planar magnetic drivers use two magnets, sandwiched between an electrified film. This design allows the sound waves to be more agile than their dynamic counterparts, allowing the diaphragm to move swiftly and change from full to flat in response to the audio signal leading to a more precise and precise sound. However, it requires more power, which can make these headphones a bit more expensive.

Additionally, they are often heavier and bulkier due to the fact that they have larger drivers. However, they are able to produce frequencies up to 20Hz, with minimal roll-off. This is a major advantage over the bass response of high-end closed back planar magnetic headphones and open dynamic drivers, which usually have a very noticeable roll-off at lower frequencies below 60Hz.

Due to the shape of their diaphragms, planar magnetic headphones have a unique sound that a lot of listeners like. They sound natural and balanced, with clear, crisp bass and clear, crisp treble. They are also better at image clarity, structure, and distinction when compared to dynamic headphones. Their sound may be a little 'plucked,' especially when they are playing at higher volumes.

In addition, due to the bidirectional motion of their diaphragms, they tend to leak a lot more sound into the air than regular open-back headphones do. They must be utilized in a quiet space where you are able to shield yourself from the noise outside your headphone. For instance, they won't perform well in gaming environments where you need to hear your teammates shout out to you or to get a quick response from your computer. Modern high-end planar magnet headphones, like the HiFiMAN Aanda, can provide a great compromise between these factors, while still being comfortable and lightweight enough to wear for extended periods.

Soundstage

Planar magnetic headphones, also referred to as orthodynamic or Isodynamic, are made of a flat or circular diaphragm with a pattern of embedded conductors which react to the magnetic field created by magnets either side. The electrical signals that are sent to the driver of a headphone causes it to vibrate and produce audio. The flat diaphragm allows for a wider soundstage compared to dynamic headphones.

They also have a smoother response to frequency and less distortion than traditional dynamic headsets. The lower distortion results in more accurate and natural sound. This is particularly relevant to bass frequencies. Many high-end planar headphones that are closed-back or open-back can boost their bass response to 20Hz. This is more than the majority of dynamic drivers.

The flat shape of the diaphragm can help them to be more transparent, so you can hear more detail from the music you're listening to. This makes them perfect for listening with a critical eye for professional audio work, or even for home use when you wish to enjoy the music in the full glory.

Planar magnetic headphones can perform better than dynamic headphones, however they are still more costly due to their drivers requiring greater precision. This can lead to increased manufacturing costs and less predictable performance from unit to unit.

The more complex design of a planar magnetic Headphone magnetic driver also requires a bigger housing which increases the total cost of the headphone. It also requires a higher-powered amplifier to generate the two magnetic fields required to move the diaphragm. This can add up to an immense amount of expense, and could be a factor in deciding whether you choose to purchase a pair of planar magnetic headphones or a different type.

Transient response

Planar magnetic drivers don't employ a voice coil instead, they use magnets to move the entire flat diaphragm. This enables headphones to respond quicker and more precisely and provide a more pleasant audio experience.

They also have less distortion than dynamic headphones. This is due to the conductive material and the magnets on the planar driver cover a wider area. This means that vibrations are less likely with dynamic headphones, which have a smaller voice coil, and can cause distortion when played at higher volume.

However, it also means that planar headphones typically require more power to drive than dynamic headphones with similar impedance. Manufacturers have made huge efforts to improve their designs, which includes the use of single-sided arrays on some models as well as the reduction of the thicknesses of diaphragms. This means that you can purchase a pair of headphones like the HIFIMAN Ananda or GS-X mini that can be powered by an iPhone and still deliver outstanding audio performance.

In terms of soundstage, some listeners have reported that even though headphones with a planar magnetic design are more precise, they do not have the image depth and fidelity of dynamic drivers. This is evident when listening to headphones that are of the highest quality like the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Susvara. Future headphones are likely to enhance this feature by using exclusive materials. This will allow listeners to get the best of both worlds.

Noise isolation

If you're in search of headphones to block out distracting background noise while listening to music or podcasts Look no further than the AUX ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones. The 55mm planar magnet drivers deliver an unbeatable, balanced sound that has minimal distortion. They also come with a built-in active noise cancellation feature that filters out ambient sounds and allows you to be fully immersed in your music.

Planar magnetic headphones are among the best headphones for audiophiles. They offer amazing clarity and detail without sounding harsh or shrill, and often have a greater frequency response than dynamic driver headphones. They can reproduce full bass notes and have excellent transient response. They are also more comfortable than dynamic headphones.

The best planar magnetic cans are expensive, even compared to other premium headphones. This is due to the complexity of the drivers and the heritage of the companies that manufacture these headphones. You can find excellent magnetic headsets with planar design at affordable prices if you shop around.

You can also opt for open-back planar magnet headphones such as the HIFIMAN M1060 and the Monoprice Monolith M1060. The Ananda and the M1060 are both excellent choices for those who are on a budget and want to enjoy their music in a quiet setting. Both have sleek, stealthy designs and are very comfortable to wear. However, they're not able to separate well from noise around them, so you may hear conversations, or other sounds from your surroundings.

Edifier Venus is a budget-friendly alternative that is an unique combination of planar magnet drivers and dynamic technologies. It's not as sophisticated as the high-end Audeze models, but still provides impressive performance. It is also very versatile and works well for audiophile gaming as well as casual listening. It's important to note that this is an open-back design that can leak sound.

Comfort

Planar magnetic headphones are most popular in the world of audiophile headphones. Planar headphones use an ultra-thin, flat diaphragm between two magnets, which is different from the usual dynamic drivers that are found in most in-ear and over-ear headphones. This helps them to overcome the limitations of dynamic driver headphones.

Planar headphones have a superior sound quality, with better image structure, clarity and distinction. They also have a distinct sonic signature, characterized by clear treble and powerful bass. You'll have to compromise on price to get this sound.

For instance, headphones with a planar design, tend to be heavier than other types. This is because a bigger magnet is required to achieve the same level of performance. This is what makes them more difficult to sit comfortably on the head or neck when worn for extended periods of time. Manufacturers have tried to reduce the weight by using lighter materials such as aluminum and titanium. In addition, planar magnetic headphone the shape of the diaphragm has been improved to make it thinner and reduce its weight.

There are a number quality-oriented manufacturers that make wireless headphones that are light and comfortable. HiFiMAN HE400se is a fantastic choice. It is equipped with a single-sided magnet array and has excellent sound quality at a the price of a bargain.

Monoprice M1060 is yet another great wireless planar headset. It comes with a sleek and elegant stealth design, metal headband, and premium comfort pads. It also works with a high-resolution DAC which makes it ideal for those who wish to elevate their music experience the next level.