Planar Magnetic Headphones Explained

Planar headphones like the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFIMAN Susvara have a vanishingly low distortion and Planar Headphones a lightning-fast transient response and a wide, accurate frequency response. However, these headphones also require a separate headphone amplifier to drive them properly.

They are heavier, bigger, and require more power to drive. This is why many people prefer closed-back designs, which block out sound better and are more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

What is a planar magnetic headphone?

The average headphone-whether on-ear or over-ear, utilizes a dynamic driver to produce sound. The drivers are domes or cones that are behind which a coil oscillates to create sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones use an entirely different kind of driver, that utilizes two magnets encased in an electrified material to produce audio. These headphones are heavier and bulkier than traditional models, but they're made to last for long listening sessions.

Planar magnetic headphones can be quite expensive compared to dynamic driver headphones, as they require more sophisticated and advanced technology to function. They are a fantastic option for audiophiles who appreciate precision and clarity. They can also provide the most expansive, rich listening experience that's not available in other headphones.

One of the most impressive things about headphones with planar magnetic design is their bass quality. The soundstage is wide enough to accommodate the deep low notes as well as the rumble and other features of these headphones. They are also great for handling articulation, tinny tones and mixing music.

Despite their incredible bass response, planar magnetic headphones can sometimes have trouble maintaining clarity and distinction capabilities in the upper mid and high frequency. They also have an unbalanced sound due to their distinctive 'plucked'-like' character.

If you're interested in exploring the world of planar magnet planar headphones, I recommend a pair like the Hifiman HE-400i and the Monoprice Monolith M1070. You'll also require a powerful amplifier/DAC to allow these headphones to function well, so take a look at the Monolith Hi-Res DAC Headphone Amp if your looking for an ideal starting point.

What is a planar magnetic driver?

In the world of audiophile headphones, planar magnetic drivers rule. The top models provide incredible detail and powerful presence that can completely transform your listening experience and bring new life to your music collection. Planar magnetic driver headphones may not be for everyone. They are usually more expensive and require an amplifier to work properly. They're also larger and heavier, and their open-back designs permit surrounding noise to enter. This makes them less mobile.

Many people think that planar magnetic headphones do not produce bass. But they do. The flat diaphragm sits between magnet arrays and has a conductor pattern. When an electrical signal is sent from your audio source to the driver and the magnetic fields are in contact with the traces and create the sound waves.

The conductive traces on the diaphragm are thin and spread out, which means they can interact with magnets much more evenly than dynamic drivers. This results in a more precise and even transfer of the audio signal, with less distortion. This is why planar-magnetic headphones are generally more precise and detailed, especially in the lower frequencies where other headphone types are unable to reproduce accurate sound.

Despite their superior performance in the low frequencies, most planar magnetic headphones do not excel in the highs or bass. This is due to their design requires an intricate and expensive assembly that isn't possible to do cheaply or quickly. This is why the majority of budget-friendly over-ear magnetic headphones are likely to be more affluent in bass and focus more on clarity in the mids and highs. However, that doesn't mean an affordable pair of planar headphones won't provide you with an excellent music-listening experience however it's something to keep in mind prior to purchasing one.

What is a planar magnetic diaphragm?

Planar magnetic headphones are incredibly popular in the audiophile market due to the fact that they deliver stunning levels detail and clarity. This is due to the fact that they employ different drivers than the more standard dynamic drivers that are used in the majority of headphones and speaker systems.

Planar magnetic headphones such as the HIFIMAN Sundara, for example make use of a new kind of driver that makes use of diaphragms with ultra-thin wiring to create sound waves. These diaphragms are then suspended in the middle of two magnets that are flat. When an electrical signal passes through these wires, the magnets cause the diaphragm to shake and create sound.

This kind of diaphragm comes with a much higher degree of flexibility and responsiveness than cone-shaped or dome-shaped diaphragms found in a lot of dynamic headphones. These can be damaged by a large force of excursion that can cause distortion. Planar magnetic headphones are characterized by low distortion, a fast transient response and a wide frequency range.

Due to their larger size and more complex motor design the planar headphones tend to be heavier and heavier than their dynamic counterparts. Additionally, they generally require more power, and will need an external amplifier to ensure optimal performance.

Another thing that sets planar magnetic headphones apart from the competition is their imaging which is the exact reproduction of the location and stereo balance of instruments within a soundstage. This is a huge benefit for those looking to find the perfect headphones that will suit their audio preferences.

However, planar headphones this broader wavefront can also mean that planar headphones can leak more sound outwards than other kinds of headphones, which could be a drawback when you're in public. However, this is a minor issue for the majority of listeners, and the majority of open-back planar magnetic headphones like the HIFIMAN Ananda for instance are specifically designed to limit leakage.

What is a planar magnet headphone design?

Many models of audiophile headphones use magnetic drivers with planar design for their incredible audio quality. This includes the most popular models on the market. They are typically a bit more costly than those with dynamic drivers. That's mostly because they often use more complex drivers and may require a headphone amplifier to reach their full potential. The good thing is that you don't necessarily have to spend a lot to benefit from a pair of planar headphones. There are many budget-friendly options like the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara.

The main difference between planar magnetic headphones and traditional dynamic driver headphones is that planar magnetic headphones feature a flat diaphragm, instead of the traditional dome- or cone-shaped diaphragm. The diaphragm has two permanent magnets on either side of it, which interact with the electrical signals sent by your music player or Hi-Fi system. The diaphragm vibrates in response to audio signals.

The diaphragm, which is bigger and moves over its entire surface area, is less likely to cause distortion once it reaches its maximum excursion. This creates an even more detailed and expansive soundstage than can be achieved with dynamic headphones.

However, the planar drivers are also more difficult to manufacture and more complex than their dynamic counterparts, which could lead to some variability between headphones. It's important to read reviews from reputable sources, and to listen to headphones with multiple people prior to purchasing.

Another drawback of planar headphones is that they tend to leak a lot of sound. This means that you'll have to be in a quiet environment when listening to them, or you'll need to block out noise from the surrounding world with your ears or with an enclosure.

What is a typical planar magnetic headphone price?

Planar magnetic headphones are a top option for many audiophiles because of their superior clarity and detail. However they can be expensive, especially compared to dynamic headphones. If you're looking for a great pair of planar headphones but don't want too much, there are options that provide excellent value for your money.

The best planar magnets for budget headphones feature an open-back design and are constructed of light materials that ensure they are comfortable for long-term wear. They have a booming bass response and an impressive soundstage. These headphones are great for people who enjoy listening to music while they do other activities like working out or traveling to work.

In the past, there weren't many options available for audiophiles wanting to enjoy the benefits of a pair of planar headphones without spending a lot. There are now a number of manufacturers that have created an affordable line of planar headphones with outstanding sound quality.

Audeze LCD-2 Classics, for example, are a popular choice for audiophiles looking to experience the benefits a planar headphone without costing a fortune. These headphones are renowned for their ability to have a life-like sound quality and exceptional clarity, thanks to their unique driver layout, which utilizes a thin, lightweight diaphragm, which is suspended between two magnets.

Other budget-friendly options include the Monolith headphones by Moondrop Labs and the HiFiMAN Sundara headphones. Both headphones feature a deep and precise sound signature, and an excellent build quality that competes with the more expensive models. They do not have the same bass extension as the other headphones on this list, which are more expensive. It really comes down to what you're looking for in a pair of headphones - do you prefer clarity and image structure, or do you prefer punchy bass?