Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones

Planar magnetic headphones (also known as orthodynamic or isodynamic) have earned themselves a name in the audiophile community for offering incredible detail and powerful bass.

They also tend to release some of the sound outwards, so they require a quiet listening area and can be disruptive to people who are around you. They can, however, provide exceptional sound quality at affordable prices.

Closed or open back?

It's not difficult to comprehend why audiophiles love the planar magnetic headphones. The top models can deliver stunning clarity and detail without sounding distorted. They are expensive and require a headphone amplifier to drive them. Additionally their open-back designs can bleed sound and let in the surrounding noise. If you're in search for a pair planar headphones, it's best to think about your listening habits and preferences before purchasing.

Start by deciding whether you will use your headphones for audiophile or casual listening. You should also think about your personal preferences and whether you prefer a closed-back or open-back design.

Traditionally, planar magnetic headphones had an advantage over dynamic drivers in the bass department since they could reproduce frequencies down to 20hz whereas dynamic driver headphones would roll off at 50hz. This distinction has diminished over the years as manufacturers have redesigned the diaphragms of their headphones and made the rest lighter.

A majority of the budget-friendly planar magnetic headphones focus on clarity and highs and mids instead of the deepest bass. This means you may not receive as much rumble and impact from these headphones, which could be a challenge for some listeners.

One exception to this is the HiFiMAN Venus headphones which are closed-back and feature an earpiece with a single-sided diaphragm. They don't reach quite as low but they still offer a rich sub-bass, and a surprisingly engaging texturing.

In the end, the type of headphone you pick will depend on your listening habits and budget. If you're planning on listening to music on your laptop at home, an open-back pair of headphones with a planar design will likely be ideal for you, while a closed-back pair will be suitable for use on the go. If you're planning to use your headphones for gaming the open-back version of the Audeze LCD-2 Classics may be better than a model with a closed-back design like the HiFiMan Susvara 2020. These headphones are perfect for music lovers who want to hear 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 is pushing the diaphragm to produce audio, these headphones have two opposing magnetic fields encased around an electrified film. This produces an audio that is more natural and has less distortion. This also allows for a faster response time and a wider frequency range than traditional dynamic drivers.

The difference in bass response is noticeable. High-end dynamic headphones can reach 20hz, but most planar headphones can be capable of going deeper and with less distortion. For audiophiles this is a a dramatic difference and provides the best listening experience possible.

Another way in which planar headphones can improve the sound quality is through imaging. Dynamic drivers only vibrate the portion of the diaphragm attached 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 expansive soundstage since their entire diaphragm vibrates when an audio signal is received. This lets headphones accurately reproduce the stereo balance, transparency and even the location of instruments as intended by the audio producer.

The downside of this is that open-back planar headphones like the HIFIMAN Ananda and Monoprice M1070 do not create a sound barrier, so everyone in your vicinity can hear your music. This is an acceptable price for the incredible detail and clarity that you'll be able experience.

Since they have two magnetic fields opposing each other they leak a bit more than traditional open-back dynamic headphones. This can be a problem for those who want to listen music in quiet environments, or are worried about disturbing others. If you're concerned about leakage, you can address the problem by using earpads that are affixed to your ears to provide additional isolation.

Sensitivity

Planar headphones are distinct from traditional dynamic drivers, with a speaker dome or planar magnetic Earbuds cone behind which the voice coil is vibrating. They have thin membranes which are imprinted with conductors. These membranes are strung on magnetic arrays that allow you to move them at lightning-fast speeds. They have a high frequency response, which is not possible for most moving coil headphones. They also have a crisp and deep bass that goes down to the lowest frequency.

The cheapest headphones with planar magnetic earbuds may excel at listening to low-frequency music however, they aren't equipped with the acoustic accuracy that would make them perfect for mixing or listening to hifi. The reason for this is that the flatness of their diaphragms means they can't be driven in a symmetrical fashion as a moving coil headphone. To find a pair that has great treble, you'll need to spend more than 500 dollars.

The boutique audio brands, however they typically offer many models that are affordable and have excellent sound. One example is the Meze Elite, a pair of closed-back headphones which utilize a single-sided magnetic array to provide an immersive listening experience. They boast a 90dB sensitivity and 35ohm impedance which should work well 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.

More expensive models such as the HiFiMAN HE-560s can be 30 percent lighter than the competition due to an exclusive magnet structure and a slew of other design innovations. This includes a patented shape that minimizes wave diffraction, which means they can be driven more effectively while producing less distortion than traditional double-sided designs.

The HE-560s are more expensive because 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 an erupting storm to the glistening of the cymbals that you hear in your favorite track. A quality set of planars headphones can alter your music with their stunning sound. But it's important to choose the right model to meet your requirements and budget.

Comfort

Upgrade to a premium pair of headphones if you enjoy listening to music. The top headphones with planar magnets provide a level clarity and detail that you can't get from cheap headphones. Choose from an over-ear headphone like the HiFiMan Sundara or a portable in ear model such as the CCA PLA 13 to breathe new life into all your favorite tracks.

However, these headphones can also be heavy due to their large ear cups. They also often require an additional headphone amplifier. Many boutique headphone brands have developed headphones that overcome these limitations and provide incredible audio in a small package. The OPPO pm-3, for instance, is a lightweight, closed-back planar magnet headphone that comes with a selvedge jean-carrying case.

Many of the planar magnetic headphones are bulky and uncomfortable to wear for long periods due to their large earcups. However, most models offer ample padding and are calibrated to the clamping force to ensure a comfortable fit. The OPPO PM-3 does not disappoint with ultra-soft earpads and suspension bands that evenly distribute weight across the head.

Unlike dynamic drivers Planar magnetic drivers utilize large diaphragms with flexible diaphragms to produce bass and mid range sounds. They can move much more air than their stiffer counterparts, but without the massive excursion that can harm or degrade traditional dynamic driver systems. This results in smooth, broad frequency response with incredible bass clarity and depth.

Another advantage of the planar magnetic headphones is their lower distortion and higher efficiency than most dynamic headphones. This allows them to be used at a higher volume without sacrificing comfort or detail. While some headphones require an external headphone amplifier They are designed to be as efficient as possible and work with nearly every audio source.

In the end, deciding if the planar magnetic in-ear headphones are worth it depends on your personal preferences as well as budgetary constraints. The best headphones for planar are able of delivering amazing bass and clarity, without ever falling into distortion. However, they can be expensive to drive and require more power. They also often have open-back designs, which may let in ambient noise and bleed noise.