Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones

Planar magnetic headphones (also known as orthodynamic or isodynamic) have earned themselves a reputation in the audiophile community for providing amazing clarity and strong bass.

They also release some of the sound into the surrounding area, so they require a quiet listening area and can disturb those who are around you. They do, however, provide excellent sound quality at a affordable prices.

Open or closed back?

Planar magnetic headphones are a favorite for audiophiles, and it's easy to understand why. The top models can provide incredible detail and powerful presence without sounding distorted. But these headphones can also be expensive and typically require a headphone amplifier to power them. Plus, their open-back designs bleed sound and let in surrounding noise. If you're in the looking for a pair of headphones that are planar, you'll need to carefully consider your preferences and habits of listening before purchasing.

The best place to start is to determine whether you'll be using your headphones for casual listening or audiophile quality audio. It's also important to take into consideration your personal preference and whether you prefer a closed-back or open-back design.

Traditionally, soho1001.ooi.kr planar magnetic headphones had an advantage over dynamic drivers in the bass department as they could reproduce frequencies as low as to 20hz whereas dynamic driver headphones would kick off around 50hz. This distinction has diminished in the past few years as manufacturers have redesigned the diaphragms of their headphones and made them lighter.

Many affordable planar magnetic headsets are focused on clarity, highs and mids instead of the deepest bass. This means you may not receive as much rumble and impact from these headphones, which may be a challenge for some listeners.

HiFiMAN's Venus over-ear headphones are an exception. They have a closed-back design and a diaphragm which is only one-sided. They don't go as low but still provide rich sub-bass notes and a vivacious texture.

The type of headphones you select will ultimately depend on your preferences for listening as well as your budget. If you're planning on listening to music on your laptop at home, an open-back pair of planar headphones will probably be best and a closed-back model is suitable for use in the field. If you're planning to use your headphones for gaming purposes, an open-back version like the Audeze LCD-2 Classics may be more suitable than one with a closed-back design, such as the HiFiMan Susvara 2020. If you're a lover of music, any of these headphones will offer the entire audio spectrum and the exceptional clarity you're after.

Response to bass

Planar magnetic headphones utilize a different technology to produce audio that is different from traditional dynamic driver in-ear monitors (IEM). Instead of one magnet pushing the diaphragm, these headphones utilize two magnetic fields sandwiched between an electrified movie. This results in an audio that is more natural and has less distortion. This enables a faster response time and a greater 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 with less distortion. For audiophiles this is a huge difference and gives you the best listening experience you can get.

Another way in which headphones with a planar design can enhance the audio quality is through imaging. Dynamic drivers vibrate only the diaphragm part that is attached to the voice coil. This can result in small distortions which change the intended audio reproduction. Planar drivers on the other hand will produce an expansive soundstage since their entire diaphragm is vibrating when an audio signal is received. This allows headphones to accurately reproduce the stereo balance, transparency and even the location of instruments in the manner intended by the audio producer.

Open-back planars like the HIFIMAN Anaanda and Monoprice M1070 do not create a sound barrier. Everyone in your area will be capable of hearing your music. But, this is a small cost in comparison to the amazing detail and clarity you'll be able to enjoy.

planar magnetic earbuds headphones are more leaky than open-back dynamic ones due to the fact that they have two magnetic fields that are at odds. This could be a problem for those who want to listen in a quiet space, or are worried about disturbing others. If you're worried about leakage, you can mitigate the problem by using ear pads that wrap around your ears to provide more isolation.

Sensitivity

Unlike traditional dynamic drivers that include a dome or speaker cone that the voice coil is vibrating, planar headphones feature incredibly thin membranes imprinted with conductors, and connected to magnetic arrays that move them at a lightning-fast speed. This allows them to deliver high-frequency responses that moving-coil headphones struggle with, and a bass that's crisp and deep down to lowest frequencies.

But while they excel at low frequencies, most affordable over-ear magnetic headphones often lack in acoustic accuracy that could make them ideal for mixing or high-fidelity listening. The flatness of the diaphragms makes it difficult to drive them in a way that is symmetrical as a headphone with a moving coil. To get the best treble performance from the planars, it's often necessary to spend more than $500.

Boutique audio brands usually offer models that are priced at a reasonable price and sound great. Meze Elite is a pair closed-back headphones with an array of magnets that is single-sided and provides an immersive listening experience. They feature a sensitivity of 90dB and 35ohm impedance that can be used with most consumer audio devices. They are also available in a stunning selection of exotic woods and composites, which means they look as high-end as they sound.

The more expensive models like the HiFiMAN HE-560s are 30% lighter than their counterparts due to an exclusive magnet structure as well as a host of other design innovations. This includes a patent-pending design that helps reduce wave-diffraction. This means that they can be driven more efficiently and cause less distortion than double-sided designs.

The HE-560s cost more because of the same innovations. If you're willing to pay a little more you'll be able to enjoy a wide range of musical sensations, from the low-frequency rumble of a thunder storm to the glistening the cymbals of your favorite track. A quality set of planars can alter your music with their outstanding sound. However, it is essential to choose the right model for your needs and budget.

Comfort

Upgrade to a pair of premium headphones if your favorite is listening to music. The top headphones with planar magnets provide the same level of clarity and detail you can't get from 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 all your favourite songs.

However, these headphones can also be heavy due to their large ear cups and often require an additional headphone amplifier. Many of the top boutique headphone brands have developed headphones to address these issues and deliver incredible sound in a lightweight package. The OPPO PM-3, for example is a compact closed-back magnetic headphone which can be folded flat and comes with a selvedge-denim carrying case, making it easy to carry around.

Due to their larger earcups, many planar magnetic headphones are bulky and uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. The majority of models come with ample padding, and are calibrated to the perfect clamping pressure to ensure a comfortable fit. The OPPO PM-3 does not disappoint with its ultra-soft earpads as well as suspension bands that evenly distribute weight evenly across the head.

Planar magnetic driver systems, unlike dynamic drivers, use large flexible diaphragms for mid-range and bass sounds. They are able to move much more air than their stiffer counterparts, without the huge excursions that damage or warp traditional dynamic driver systems. This leads to smooth, broad frequency response with impressive bass depth and clarity.

Planar magnetic headphones are also more efficient and have less distortion than other dynamic headphones. This makes them perfect for listening at high volumes without sacrificing comfort or detail. Some planar headphones require an external headphone amplifier, however, most are designed to work with any audio source.

Personal preferences and kchurchofchrist.com budget constraints will ultimately decide if planar magnetic in-ear headphones are worth the money. The best headphones for planar provide incredible levels of bass and clarity without ever tumbling into distortion, however they can be expensive and require more power to drive. Additionally, they usually come with open-back designs that allow for bleed of the sound and can allow ambient sound.