Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones

Planar magnetic headphones (also called orthodynamic or isodynamic) have earned a reputation in the audiophile community for offering amazing clarity and high-quality bass.

They also leak lots of sound into the surrounding area, so they require a quiet listening space and could be disruptive to people nearby. However, they can offer excellent sound quality at affordable prices.

Closed or open-back?

It's not hard to understand why audiophiles are awestruck by the planar magnetic headphones. The best models can offer stunning clarity and incredible clarity without sounding like they've been distorted. They are expensive and require a headphone amplifier to drive them. Plus their open-back designs can bleed sound and let in the surrounding noise. If you're in search for a pair planar headphones, you'll want to think about your listening habits and preferences prior to making a purchase.

A good place to start is to determine if you'll be using your headphones for casual listening or audiophile quality audio. You'll also want to consider your comfort level and whether you prefer a closed or open back design.

Planar magnetic headphones have always had a distinct advantage in the bass department over dynamic driver headphones because they can reproduce frequencies as low as around 20hz, while dynamic driver headphones are able to reproduce frequencies at around 50hz. This distinction has diminished in the past few years as manufacturers have redesigned the diaphragms on their headphones and made the rest lighter.

A lot of budget planar magnetic headphones are focused on clarity, highs and mids instead of the bass that is deep. This means that you may not receive as much rumble and power from these headphones, which may be a challenge for some listeners.

HiFiMAN's Venus over-ear headphones aren't the norm. They feature a closed-back design and a diaphragm that is only one-sided. They aren't as deep, but they still offer a rich sub-bass and engaging texturing.

The kind of headphones you pick will ultimately be based on your preferences for listening as well as your budget. If you intend to listen to music on your laptop while at home, then an open-back model is the best option. A closed-back model will be better for use on the go. If you're planning to use your headphones for gaming purposes the open-back version of the Audeze LCD-2 Classics may be superior to a model with a closed-back design, such as the HiFiMan Susvara 2020. These headphones are perfect for music lovers who are looking to experience the full spectrum of audio and enjoy incredible clarity.

Response to bass

Planar magnetic headphones create sound using a different method than traditional dynamic driver in ear monitors (IEM). Instead of one magnet that pushes the diaphragm to create audio, these headphones comprise two magnetic fields that are sandwiched around an electrified film. This produces a more natural sound with less distortion. This also allows for a quicker response time and wider frequency range than traditional dynamic drivers.

The difference is evident in the bass response. High-end dynamic headphones can go beyond 20hz, but most planar headphones can be able to go deeper and have less distortion. This is an enormous benefit for audiophiles and lets them enjoy the best in-ear listening experience.

Another way that planar headphones can improve the sound quality is through imaging. Dynamic drivers only vibrate by the diaphragm connected to the voice coil which can result in small distortions that change the intended audio reproduction. Planar drivers on the other hand will produce an even larger soundstage because their entire diaphragm vibrates when an audio signal is received. This allows headphones to accurately reproduce the stereo balance, transparency and position of instruments as specified by the audio producer.

The drawback is that open-back planar headphones such as the HIFIMAN Ananda and Monoprice Monolith M1070 don't create a sound barrier, so everyone near you can hear your music. This is a small price to pay for the incredible detail and clarity that you'll be able to enjoy.

Since they have two opposing magnetic fields the planar headphones leak more than traditional open-back dynamic headphones. This could be an issue for those who want to listen music in quiet environments or are concerned about disturbing others. If you're worried about leakage, you can mitigate the problem by using ear pads which are wrapped around your ears to provide more isolation.

Sensitivity

Contrary to traditional dynamic drivers which have a speaker cone or dome behind which the voice coil vibrates, planar headphones feature incredibly thin membranes imprinted with conductors and strung across magnetic arrays that can move at a lightning-fast speed. They can deliver a high-frequency response, which is difficult for most moving coil headphones. They also have a clear and deep bass down to the lowest frequency.

Most affordable planar magnetic headphones can excel at low-frequency listening, but they often lack the acoustic precision that would make them perfect for mixing or listening to hifi. The flatness of the diaphragms make it impossible to drive them in a symmetrical way similar to a moving-coil headphone. To get a pair that delivers great treble you'll need to invest more than 500 dollars.

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

More expensive models such as the HiFiMAN's HE-560s are up to 30 percent lighter than the competition, thanks to an exclusive magnet structure as well as a host of other innovative design options. This includes a patent-pending shape that reduces wave diffraction, which means they can be driven more efficiently while producing less distortion than traditional double-sided designs.

The HE-560s are more expensive due to the use of the same innovations. If you're willing more, you'll get to experience an array of musical experiences. From the low-frequency rumbles of thunderstorms to the glistening of the cymbals that you hear in your favorite tracks. The sound quality of a good set of planars is outstanding and can transform your music. But it's important to choose the right model to meet your needs and budget.

Comfort

Upgrade to a premium pair of headphones if your favorite is listening to music. The best planar magnet headphones offer a level of clarity and detail you can't find in cheaper headphones. Choose from an over-ear headphone like the HiFiMan Sundara or a compact in-ear model like the CCA PLA 13 to breathe new life into your favorite songs.

Planar magnetic headphones are also extremely heavy due to their large ear cups. They often require an additional headphone amplifier. Many boutique headphone brands have developed headphones to address these issues and deliver amazing audio in a small package. The OPPO pm-3, for instance is a light closed-back, planar magnet planar headphone that comes with a selvedge-lined jean carrying case.

Many Planar Earphones magnetic headphones are bulky and uncomfortable for prolonged wear due to their large earcups. However, the majority of models provide plenty of padding and a carefully calibrated clamping force to ensure an appropriate fit. The OPPO PM-3 is no exception and comes with ultra-soft earpads and suspension bands that evenly distribute weight evenly across the head and the ear.

Planar magnetic driver systems unlike dynamic drivers utilize large diaphragms that are flexible for mid-range and bass sounds. They can move much larger volumes of air than their more stiff counterparts, without the huge excursions that can damage and alter the sound of traditional dynamic drivers. This leads to an extremely smooth and broad frequency response, with an impressive bass depth.

Planar magnetic headphones are also more efficient and have less distortion than other dynamic headphones. This allows them to be used at a higher volume without sacrificing comfort or clarity. While some planar headphones do require an external headphone amplifier They are designed to be as efficient as they can and work with nearly all audio sources.

The final decision on whether or not planar headphones with magnetic in ear are worth it depends on your personal preferences and budgetary constraints. The top planar headphones are able to reproduce amazing levels of bass and detail without ever tipping into distortion, however they can be costly and require more power to drive. They also often have open-back designs, which can let in ambient noise and bleed noise.