Planar Magnetic Headphones Explained

Planar headphones such as the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFIMAN Susvara have a vanishingly low level of distortion, lightning quick transient response, and a broad precise range of frequencies. These headphones require a headphone amplifier to ensure they are properly powered.

They are heavier, larger and require more power to drive. Closed-back designs are preferred since they isolate sound better and provide greater comfort for wearing long periods.

What is a planar magnetic headphone?

The average headphone-on-ear or over-ear uses a dynamic driver to produce sound. The drivers are domes or cones behind which a coil vibrates to produce sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones are a particular type of driver that utilizes two magnets that are wrapped around an electrified sheet to produce audio. These headphones are a bit heavier and bulkier than conventional models, but they are designed to last for long listening sessions.

Planar magnetic headphones are typically quite expensive compared to their dynamic driver counterparts, since they require more sophisticated and complex technology to function. They are a great option for audiophiles who appreciate precision and clarity. In addition, they can provide a rich and expansive listening experience that's not commonly available in other headphones.

One of the most impressive features about planar magnetic headphones is their bass quality. Because they're large they can expand the soundstage to accommodate the incredibly deep low notes and rumbles that are common to these kinds of headphones. They are also great for handling articulation, tinny tones and mixing music.

Planar magnetic headphones, despite their impressive bass response, can struggle to keep clarity and clarity in the high and upper mid frequencies. They also have an unbalanced sound due to their distinctive 'plucked-like' quality.

If you're interested in exploring the world of planar magnet headphones, I would suggest a pair like the Hifiman's HE-400i and the Monolith M1070. If you're looking to begin using these headphones, you'll require an AMP/DAC that is powerful. Take a look at the Monolith Hi-Res DAC headphone amp.

What is a magnetic driver?

Planar magnetic drivers are the standard in audiophile headphones. The best magnetic planar headphones models can offer you incredible detail and powerful presence, which can change your listening experience and give your music collection a fresh perspective. However, planar magnetic headphones these headphones aren't suitable for everyone - they're typically more expensive than other headphone models and often require an amplifier to function effectively. They're also heavier, bulkier and have open-back designs that let sound out and allow in surrounding noise, making them less portable than some other options.

Many people think that planar magnetic headphones don't produce bass. However, they do. This is due to flat diaphragms with a conductive trace pattern sandwiched between two magnet arrays. When an electrical signal is transmitted from the audio source to your driver, the magnetic field interacts with the traces. This causes an oscillation that creates sound waves.

The conductive traces on the diaphragm are thin and widely spread, so they can react with magnets much more efficiently than dynamic drivers. This enables a more precise and consistent transfer of audio signals, with minimal distortion. This is the reason why planar-magnetic headphones are usually more accurate and precise, particularly in lower frequency ranges in which other types of headphone have difficulty reproducing accurate sound.

The majority of planar magnetic headphones aren't as efficient at highs or bass despite their outstanding performance at low frequencies. This is due to their design demands more intricate and expensive assembly that can't be done cheaply or quickly. The most affordable over-ear magnetic headphones will therefore tend to focus on the mids and higher frequencies and less on bass. This doesn't mean that a pair of budget headphones will not provide a superior listening experience however, it's important to keep this in mind prior to purchasing one.

What is a planar magnetic diaphragm?

In the audiophile headphone market, planar magnetic headphones are extremely sought-after due to their capacity to provide stunning levels of detail and clarity. The reason for this is that they utilize a different type of driver technology than more common dynamic drivers used in most headphones and speakers.

Planar magnetic headphones such as the HIFIMAN Sundara, for example make use of a new kind of driver that uses diaphragms equipped with ultra-thin wires to produce sound waves. These diaphragms will then be suspended between two flat magnets. Magnets cause the diaphragms to vibrate when an electrical signal is transmitted through these wires.

This kind of diaphragm can be much more flexible and responsive than the stiffer dome-shaped or cone-shaped ones that are employed in many dynamic headphones, which can be damaged by massive excursion forces that can cause distortion. In the end, planar magnetic headphones have extremely low distortion, a rapid transient response, and a wide frequency range.

However, due to their larger size and more complex motor design they tend to weigh heavier and heavier than their dynamic counterparts. Additionally, they usually require more power to operate and will require an external amplifier for optimal performance.

Planar magnetic headphones are also distinguished by their imaging, or the precise reproduction and stereo balance of instruments in an audio stage. This is a huge benefit for people who are determined to find the perfect headphone to fit their particular style of sound.

Unfortunately, this broad wavefront can also mean that planar headphones may leak more sound than other types of headphones. This can be a disadvantage when you're in public. This is not a major issue for the majority of listeners. The majority of open-back planar magnet headphones, such as the HIFIMAN Ananda are made to limit the loss of sound.

What is a planar magnetic headphone design?

A lot of audiophile headphones employ planar magnetic drivers to deliver stunning sound quality, which includes some of the most sought-after models available. These headphones tend to be a bit more expensive than ones that utilize dynamic driver technology. This is because they have more sophisticated drivers, and might require a headphone amp to maximize their performance. It's not necessary to invest an enormous amount of money to enjoy the benefits planar headphones offer. There are many budget-friendly options, such as the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara.

The main distinction between planar magnetic headphones and traditional dynamic driver headphones is that planar magnetic headphones feature flat diaphragms instead of the typical dome- or cone-shaped diaphragm. The diaphragm is equipped with two permanent magnets on either side that interact with the electrical signals generated by your Hi-Fi player or music player. The diaphragm will vibrate in response to the audio signal.

Because the diaphragm is larger and moves across its complete surface, it is less prone to distortion than dynamic driver headphones once it reaches the limit of its amplitude. This leads to a more detailed, expansive soundstage than dynamic headphones offer.

However, the planar drivers are also more difficult to make and complicated than their dynamic counterparts, which could lead to some variability between headphones. That's one reason it's important to read reviews by professionals from reputable sources and listen to headphones with multiple people before making the purchase.

Another disadvantage of headphones with planar design is that they can leak sound. This means that you'll have to be in a quiet environment when listening to them, or you'll have to block out noise from the world around you with your ears or planar magnetic headphones by using an enclosure.

What is the cost of a planar magnet headphone?

Planar magnetic headphones are a top choice for a lot of audiophiles due to of their exceptional clarity and detail. They can be costly particularly when compared to dynamic headphones. You can find great options for planar headphones that are affordable.

The most affordable magnetic headphones that planar feature an open-back design. They're constructed of lightweight materials that make them comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. They also have a stunning soundstage and powerful bass response. These headphones are great for those who love listening to music while they do other activities like exercising or commute.

There were not many options for audiophiles who wanted to benefit from the advantages the pair of headphones from a planar design could offer without spending a lot. However, a variety of companies have created a range of budget-friendly planar headphones that deliver exceptional quality of sound and value.

For instance, the Audeze LCD-2 Classics are a popular choice for audiophiles who wish to enjoy the advantages of a headphone that is planar without costing a fortune. They are known for their realistic sound quality and exceptional clarity, thanks to their unique driver layout that utilizes a thin lightweight diaphragm, which is suspended between two magnets.

Other budget-friendly options include the Monolith headphones from Moondrop Labs and the HiFiMAN Sundara headphones. Both headphones feature a deep and detailed sound signature, and the build quality that is comparable to the more expensive models. They do not have the same bass extension as the other headphones in this list that are more expensive. It all comes down to what you're hoping for from headphones. Do you need clarity and image quality or do you prefer loud bass?