Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones

Planar magnetic headphones, also referred to as Isodynamic or Orthodynamic have earned themselves a name in the world of audiophiles due to their amazing detail and powerful bass.

They also to leak outwards, so they require a quiet listening space. They can disturb other people in the vicinity. However, they can provide exceptional sound quality at a reasonable price.

Closed or open back?

It's easy to see why audiophiles love headphones with magnetic planar design. The best models can provide incredible detail and presence without sounding like they're being distorted. These headphones are expensive and require a headphone amplifier to drive them. Additionally, their open-back designs bleed sound and let in the surrounding noise. If you're in the market for a pair planar headphones, it's important to consider your listening preferences and habits prior to making a decision.

The best place to begin is to determine if you'll use headphones for casual listening or audiophile-grade audio. You should also think about your personal preferences and whether you prefer a closed-back or open-back design.

Planar magnetic headphones have always had an advantage in the bass department compared to dynamic driver headphones, as they can reproduce frequencies down to 20hz, whereas dynamic driver headphones roll off at about 50hz. This advantage has diminished over time as manufacturers have redesigned the diaphragms on their headphones and made the rest lighter.

In the end, the majority of affordable planar magnetic headphones lean away from the deepest bass and focus on clarity in the mids and highs. These headphones may not have as much a punch and rumble, which could cause problems for some listeners.

One exception to this is the HiFiMAN Venus headphones that are closed-back and use a single-sided diaphragm. This means they don't reach quite as low but still have a deep sub-bass and engaging texturing.

Ultimately, the type of headphones you pick will depend on your listening habits and budget. If you're listening to music on your laptop at home and have an open-back pair, an open-back pair planar headphones will probably be best and a closed-back model will be suitable for use in the field. If you'll be using your headphones for gaming, an open-back model like the Audeze LCD-2 Classics might be more suitable than a closed-back one like the HiFiMan Susvara 2020. These headphones are ideal for those who love music and are looking to experience the entire spectrum of sound and magnetic planar enjoy incredible clarity.

Bass response

Planar magnetic headphones create sound using a different method than traditional dynamic driver in ear monitors (IEM). Instead of one magnet that is pushing the diaphragm to produce audio, these headphones comprise two opposing magnetic fields sandwiched around an electrified film. This produces an audio that is more natural and has less distortion. This enables a faster response time and a wider frequency range than conventional dynamic drivers.

The difference is evident in the bass response. While high-end dynamic driver headphones can reach up to 20hz or more, planar headphones can be used with less distortion and greater clarity. This is a major benefit for audiophiles and allows them to have the best in-ear monitoring experience.

Imaging is another way that planar headphones can improve sound quality. Dynamic drivers only vibrate the diaphragm part that is connected to the voice coil. This can cause small distortions that alter the audio reproduction. However, planar drivers can produce more of a soundstage because the entire diaphragm is vibrating in response to an audio signal. This allows the headphones to precisely reproduce the position, stereo balance, and the transparency of instruments in the way intended by the audio producer.

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

Because they have two magnetic fields that are opposite they leak more than traditional open-back dynamic headphones. This can be a problem for those who prefer to listen to in a quiet environment, or are worried about disturbing other people. If you're worried about leakage, there are some alternatives to help with this issue, such as ear pads that wrap around the ears to provide isolation.

Sensitivity

Planar headphones differ from traditional dynamic drivers, with cones or speaker domes behind which the voice coil is moving. They have thin membranes that are printed with conductors. These membranes are strung on magnetic arrays that allow you to manipulate them at lightning speed. This allows them to provide high-frequency response that many moving-coil headphones struggle with, as well as a bass that is clear and deep down to the lowest frequencies.

They are a great choice for low frequencies, most affordable over-ear planar magnetic headphones are usually lacking in acoustic precision, which could make them perfect for mixing or hi-fi listening. This is because the flatness of their diaphragms means that they aren't able to be controlled in a symmetrical manner as a moving coil headphone. To get the best sounding treble from the planars headphones, it's often necessary to spend more than $500.

The boutique audio brands, however they typically offer many models that are affordable and excellent sounding. One example is the Meze Elite, a pair of closed-back headphones which utilize one-sided magnetic arrays to provide a more immersive listening experience. They feature a sensitivity of 90dB and 35ohm impedance that can be used with most consumer audio devices. They also come with a stunning array of exotic woods and composites making them look as luxurious as they sound.

The HiFiMAN HE-560s for example can be up to 30 percent lighter than counterparts due to a unique magnetic structure as well as a myriad of other innovative design choices. This includes a patent-pending design that minimizes wave-diffraction. This means they can be driven more efficiently and cause less distortion than double-sided designs.

Of course, many of these same features also make the HE-560s more expensive than their rivals. However, if you're willing to pay a little more you'll be able to enjoy a wide range of musical emotions including the low-frequency rumble of thunder storm to the glistening drums on your most-loved track. The quality of sound produced by a high-quality set of planars is simply exceptional and can change the way you listen to your music. It is essential to choose the right model according to your budget and preferences.

Comfort

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

Planar magnetic headphones can be extremely heavy due to their larger ear cups. They often require an additional headphone amplifier. Many boutique headphone brands have developed headphones to address these issues and provide incredible audio in a small package. The OPPO pm-3, for example, is a lightweight, closed-back planar magnet headphone that comes with a selvedge-lined jean carrying case.

A lot of planar magnetic headphones are heavy and uncomfortable to wear for long periods because of their larger earcups. 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 ultra-soft earpads and suspension bands that evenly disperse the weight evenly across the head.

Planar magnetic driver systems unlike dynamic drivers, use large flexible diaphragms for mid-range and bass sound. This lets them move much greater volumes of air than their more rigid counterparts, without the huge excursions that damage and warp conventional dynamic drivers. This results in a smooth and wide frequency response and an impressive bass depth.

Planar magnetic headphones are also more efficient and have less distortion than dynamic headphones. They are ideal for listening to music at high volumes without sacrificing comfort and detail. Some headphones require an external headphone amplifier, but most are designed to work with any audio source.

Personal preferences and budget constraints will ultimately decide if planar magnetic in-ear headphones are worth the money. The top planar headphones are able of delivering amazing bass and clarity, without ever falling into distortion. However they are expensive to drive and require more power. Additionally, they typically have open-back designs that let in the sound and can allow ambient sound.