Planar Magnetic Headphones

Planar magnetic headphones produce uniform sound waves by using a thin, flat membrane suspended between magnets. This results in a wider soundstage, more detail and a distinct sound signature.

They tend to be more expensive and are harder to drive than dynamic headphones, however they can be worth the investment for audiophiles. You can buy headphones for less than $400. These include the affordable Hifiman HE400i or Monoprice Monolith M1070.

Soundstage

Planar magnetic headphones with large drivers can create a vast soundstage. These large soundscapes allow you to hear more detail and create a more immersive listening experience. You'll be able better identify the position of each instrument and voice in the mix, making them an excellent choice for mixing or studio use.

Planar magnetic headphones are famous for their outstanding bass performance. Their massive drivers can move a great deal of air, which gives them the ability to reproduce deep and full-bodied bass notes with remarkable precision and clarity. This is a significant upgrade from the dull and muddy bass that comes when you use the most dynamic driver headphones.

The headphones of the planar magnetic type are unique in that they use a flat diaphragm sandwiched with a conductive pattern between two magnetic arrays. When an electrical current flows through the conductive trace it creates a magnetic field which causes the diaphragm to move and produce audio waves. The diaphragm's movement is controlled by the magnetic field and it is evenly distributed across the entire surface area. This results in an isodynamic field, which ensures that the movement of the diaphragm is constant throughout the entire frequency range.

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

One drawback of these headphones is that they leak more than typical open-back dynamic headphone planar magnetic models. The large diaphragms in these headphones transport a huge amount of air. Some of this air escapes through the open back. If you are listening in a quiet area this isn't a problem.

Choosing between dynamic and planar magnetic headphones is based on your preferences in listening and your budget. If you value accuracy, clarity, and low distortion, a pair planar magnetic headphones are the best choice for you.

Detail

In recent times, audiophiles are more interested in the planar magnetic headphones. They are known for their large sound, they use diaphragms made of flat material that move with incredible speed and flexibility to create superior high frequencies and a deep bass. The conductor magnetic planar trace that is present on planar magnetic headphones is attached to the diaphragm's flat side and reacts to the magnetic fields produced by two opposing magnetic poles. This allows them reproduce frequencies with greater excursions than other headphones, and without distortion in the driver or damage to the diaphragm when played at high volumes.

This also results in the diaphragm's flat shape creating a larger soundwavefront, which is more planar, rather than the more narrow spherical waves like dynamic drivers (although some newer, high-end dynamic driver headphones like Focal Utopia are able to extend to 20Hz). Planar magnetic headphones offer a wider, more expansive soundstage that allows them to reveal recordings with greater detail. This is especially noticeable when it comes to instruments. The detail and accuracy of headphones with planar magnetic technology allows you to hear every single string or woodwind note as intended by the composer.

A good pair of headphones can also reproduce the sounds of your surroundings. Depending on the design of the earcups and whether they're open-back or closed-back headphones, certain models leak sound from the inside of the ear cup. This isn't an issue in all instances, but it could be a nuisance to those who are near you when you listen. In this case, you should look for headphones that are leak-proof or have an optional grille to use in public areas.

Whatever type of headphone you pick It is essential to choose the right pair to fit your lifestyle and listening preferences. With a wide selection of sizes, styles, and prices, there's sure to be a pair of magnetic planar headphones that can give you the best sound experience for you!

Comfort

A planar headphone is made up of thin diaphragms that are imprinted with conductors that are strung across an array of magnets that alter the sound waves in ways that traditional dynamic headphones can't. The wider wavefront produces more natural and immersive sounds with impressive clarity as well as speed and precision. They are hefty and require a dedicated amp to reach their full potential.

Many specialized HiFi audio headphones have reintroduced this older technology in recent years, allowing listeners to experience a new level of awe-inspiring audio quality thanks to the power of planar drivers. Although they might not appear as sleek and modern as dynamic models, these headphones are well-known for their deep bass, intimate sound, and great stage depth.

Despite their size and unique design, these headphones are surprisingly comfortable and easy to wear. The earcups will seal in your ears and keep out ambient noise which allows you to focus on the music, but they don't clamp onto the neck or head as some other over-ear designs do. Some listeners are also attracted to the light-weight design and earpads that are comfortable.

Another drawback to planar magnetic headphones is their generally high cost. While you can find budget-friendly dynamic headphones, many planar models require an specialized DAC and amplifier to get the most out of them. They are more complex than their dynamic counterparts and require lots of power to move the magnets.

Some of the planar headphones are inexpensive (such as HIFIMAN's Deva or the AUdeze Venus) however, most are considered to be high-end, with some of them priced at more than $400. It's an expensive investment if you listen to music only while moving or play games all the time. But for those who enjoy music at its best, planar headphones offer an excellent listening experience.

The main drawback of planar headphones, despite their great sound quality, is their leakage. The bi-directional motion of the dual magnets can cause them to push sound outward, which can disturb those nearby or let in noises from outside. Some models are more prone to this than others, but it is a problem for the majority of listeners who are looking to listen to the sound of a pair of these headphones in a non-intrusive space.

Noise isolation

A pair of headphones should be able isolate your ears from their environment to qualify as "headphones". To do this, a quality planar magnetic headphone will use the most appropriate construction materials and ergonomic design to prevent sound from escaping through your ears. This will decrease the amount of noise that you hear, and give you a more immersive listening experience.

In general, planar magnet headphones are heavier and more bulky than dynamic headphones. This is because the driver requires a larger surface area to deliver sound which requires a bigger earcup. Boutique HiFi audio brands like to create earpieces using exotic woods and composites.

Planar magnetic headphones function by controlling electrical current through an electrified film that's sandwiched between two magnets. The magnetic field on either side of the film causes the diaphragm to vibrate and creates sound waves. The fact that the entire diaphragm being caused to vibrate by the magnetic field, not only a small portion attached to a voice coil means they are much less prone to distortion when playing at high volume.

A lot of the latest planar magnet headphones have less bass, and lack the "slam or punch" you'd expect from a top-quality pair with dynamic drivers. It's all about balancing the trade-offs and the comparison of different headphones.

It's a good idea to shop around for planar magnetic headphones and read reviews from both professional audio sites and users on the r/headphones Subreddit. You'll be able to ensure that the headphones you choose will satisfy your audio and musical needs. Once you've completed this, all that's left is to find a great price/performance ratio. The Monoprice M1060 over-ear headphones are an excellent example of this, which combines incredible sound quality with a sleek, stealthy design and comfortable pads that compete with the pads of headphones priced much more than the M1060.