Planar Magnetic Headphones

In the world of headphones, planar magnetic drivers are known for their ability to minimize distortion and produce a booming bass. Audiophiles looking for the best listening experience possible will find them to be a great option.

The FT5 features all the features of a top-quality pair of wireless planar magnetic headphones. This includes a gorgeous design, plenty of connectivity options and a rich, energetic sound.

Size and weight

Contrary to dynamic headphones which use one magnet per speaker, planar magnetic drivers use two magnets, sandwiched around an electrified film. This allows the sound waves to be more fluid than their dynamic counterparts which allows the diaphragm to move quickly and change from flat to full response to the audio signal, leading to a more precise and detailed sound. However, this requires more power, which could cause the headphones to be more expensive.

They are also generally heavier and bulkier due to the fact that they use larger motors. They are, however, to produce the highest frequencies of 20Hz without much roll-off. This is a distinct advantage over the bass response of high-end open and closed dynamic drivers, which usually have a noticeable roll-off below 60Hz.

Due to the shape of their diaphragms, planar magnetic driver planar magnetic headphones possess a distinct sound that a lot of listeners appreciate. They sound natural and balanced with clear, clear bass and clean, crisp treble. They are also better at clarity, image structure and distinction compared to dynamic headphones. Their sound can sound a little "plucked," particularly when the volume is higher.

Additionally, due to the bidirectional movement of their diaphragms, they are prone to leak a lot more sound outside than normal open-back headphones do. They should be used in a quiet place where you are able to isolate your headphone from outside noise. They aren't suitable for gaming, where you may need to hear your teammate's voice or receive a quick response from your computer. Luckily, modern high-end magnetic headphones, such as the HiFiMAN Ananda, offer an excellent balance between these factors and can still be quite comfortable and lightweight to wear for long periods of time.

Soundstage

Planar magnetic headphones, also referred to as orthodynamic or Isodynamic have a flat or circular diaphragm with a pattern of embedded conductors that react to the magnetic field created by magnets either side. The electrical signals that are sent to the headphone's driver cause it to vibrate, generating audio. The flat nature of the diaphragm gives them greater soundstages than dynamic headphones, resulting in the sound being evenly spread out in space.

They also have a smoother response to frequency and less distortion than traditional dynamic headsets. The lower distortion creates a more natural sound that is more precise and authentic. This is particularly applicable to low-frequency sounds. Many high-end planar headphones both closed-back and open-back can boost their bass response up to 20Hz. This is better than most dynamic drivers.

They also have greater transparency due to the flat diaphragm. This allows you to hear more details in the music. This makes them perfect for listening with a critical eye, such as professional audio work, or home use when you wish to enjoy the music in the full beauty.

Despite their superior performance to dynamic headphones however, planar magnetic headphones are still more expensive, as they require more precision in the design of their drivers. This can lead to more expensive manufacturing costs and less consistency in performance between units.

The more complex construction also requires a bigger headphone housing, planar magnetic driver which increases the cost. It also requires a more powerful amplifier to drive the two magnetic fields required to move the diaphragm. This can add up to an immense amount of expense, and could be a factor when you opt for a pair of planar magnetic headphones or a different type.

Transient response

planar earphones magnetic drivers do not make use of a voice coil, instead, they utilize magnets to move the entire flat diaphragm. This allows the headphones to respond much more quickly and with more precision, resulting in a smoother audio experience.

They also have lower distortion levels than dynamic headphones. The conductive materials and magnets on a planar headphones cover a greater area. This means that the vibrations are less likely to change the shape of the diaphragm, unlike dynamic headphones with a smaller voice coil which can cause distortion when the volume is higher.

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

In terms of soundstage, some listeners have reported that even though planar magnetic headphones are more precise, they do not have the image quality and fidelity of dynamic drivers. This is most noticeable when listening to headphones of the highest quality, such as the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Susvara. However, it is possible that future headphones featuring special materials will be able to improve upon this and allow listeners to have the best of both worlds.

Noise isolation

The AU-X ANC wireless headphones are the perfect choice if you want to block out distracting background noises while listening to podcasts or music. The 55mm planar magnet drivers offer an unbeatable, balanced sound that has low distortion. They also come with a built-in active noise cancellation that eliminates background noise and allows you to be fully immersed in the music.

Planar magnetic headphones are among the best headphone types for audiophiles. They provide incredible clarity and detail, without sounding harsh or screeching. They also offer greater frequency range than dynamic driver headphones. They can reproduce rich bass notes and have an excellent transient response. They also tend to be more comfortable than dynamic headphones.

However, the top planar headphone magnetic headphones can be expensive, even when compared to other headphones of a premium. This is due to the complex nature of the drivers and the pedigree of the companies that manufacture these headphones. It is a good thing that you can find some excellent headphones with planar magnetics at affordable prices by shopping around.

You can also pick open-back planar magnetic headphones such as the HIFIMAN M1060 and the Monoprice Monolith M1060. The Ananda and the M1060 are both excellent choices for budget audiophiles who prefer to listen to their music in the privacy of their own home. Both pairs feature sleek, stealth-like designs and are very comfortable to wear. They don't really shield you from the surrounding noises which means it's possible to hear other sounds or even people talking.

An affordable alternative is the Edifier Venus, which features an innovative combination of planar magnetic driver and dynamic technology. It's not as advanced as the high-end Audeze models, but still provides amazing performance. It's also extremely versatile, able to be used for both audiophile listening and casual gaming. It's important to remember that this is an open-back headphones that leaks sound.

Comfort

Planar magnetic headphones are among the most sought-after in the world of audiophile headphones. They feature a thin flat diaphragm with a flat surface between two magnets, unlike the typical dynamic drivers used in most in-ear and over-ear headphones. This helps them overcome the limitations of dynamic driver headphones.

In the end, planar headphones tend to have superior sound quality - more clarity, image structure and distinction over other headphones. They also have an unique sonic signature characterized by transparent bass and punchy Treble. You will have to sacrifice on price to enjoy this sound.

Planar headphones, for example are generally heavier than other kinds. This is because they require a larger magnet to attain the same level of performance. It is therefore more difficult to hold them in the head or neck when they are worn for prolonged periods of time. Manufacturers have attempted to reduce the weight by using lighter material, such as aluminum and titanium. The diaphragm design has also been modified to decrease its weight and increase its slenderness.

There are a number quality-oriented manufacturers who offer wireless planar headphones that are both lightweight and comfortable. One great option is the HiFiMAN HE400se which features a single-sided magnetic array that offers exceptional audio quality for a low price tag.

Another top wireless headphone is the Monoprice M1060. The model has sleek and stylish stealth style as well as a headband made of metal 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.