Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones
Planar magnetic headphones, also referred to as Isodynamic or orthodynamic have earned themselves a name with audiophiles due to their stunning clarity and deep bass.
They also tend to leak outwards, so they require a quiet listening environment. They can disturb other people in the vicinity. However, they can offer exceptional sound at an affordable price.
Open or closed back?
Planar magnetic headphones are a popular choice for audiophiles, and it’s easy to see why. The best models offer stunning clarity and incredible clarity without sounding distorted. These headphones are expensive and require a headphone amplifier to drive them. Their open-back designs also let in ambient noise. If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that are planar it is important to think about your preferences in listening and habits prior to making a decision.
A good place to start is to determine if you’ll be using your headphones for casual listening or audiophile-grade audio. Then, you’ll need to think about your comfort needs and if you prefer an open-back or closed-back design.
Planar magnetic headphones have always had a distinct advantage in the bass department compared to dynamic driver headphones because they can reproduce frequencies to around 20hz, while dynamic driver headphones are able to reproduce frequencies at about 50hz. This distinction has diminished over the years as manufacturers have redesigned the diaphragms of their headphones and made them lighter.
A majority of the budget-friendly planar magnetic headphones concentrate on clarity and highs and mids instead of the deepest bass. These headphones might not have as much punch and rumble, which could cause problems for some listeners.
HiFiMAN’s Venus headphones aren’t the norm. They feature a closed-back design and a diaphragm which is only one-sided. They don’t go as low, but still deliver rich sub-bass notes and a vivacious sound.
The type of headphones you pick will ultimately be based on your preferences in listening as well as your budget. If you plan to listen to music on your laptop at home, then an open-back set is the best choice. A closed-back model is more suitable for use on-the-go. If you intend to use your headphones for gaming An open-back model like the Audeze LCD-2 Classics may be better than a model with a closed-back design, such as the HiFiMan Susvara 2020. If you’re a fan of music and want to listen to music, these headphones will give you the entire audio spectrum and exceptional detail that you’re seeking.
Bass response
Planar magnetic headphones create sound using a distinct technique than traditional dynamic driver in ear monitors (IEM). Instead of a single magnet which pushes the diaphragm to create audio, these headphones have two opposing magnetic fields encased around an electrified film. This results in a more wide and more natural sound wavefront with lower distortion. This results in a faster response time and a greater frequency range than conventional dynamic drivers.
The difference is apparent in the bass response. High-end dynamic headphones can reach 20hz, however most planar headphones can be able to go deeper and with less distortion. For audiophiles, this can make a an enormous difference and offers the most immersive in-ear listening experience you can get.
Imaging is another way that planar headphones can improve the sound quality. Dynamic drivers only vibrate the diaphragm part that is connected to the voice coil. This can result in small distortions which change the intended audio reproduction. However, planar drivers can produce an even larger soundstage since the entire diaphragm vibrates in response to the audio signal. 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 such as the HIFIMAN Anaanda and Monoprice M1070 are not able to isolate sound. Everyone in your area will be capable of hearing your music. However this is a minor sacrifice for the incredible detail and clarity you’ll get to enjoy.
Planar headphones are more leaky than open-back ones due to the fact that they have two magnetic fields that are at odds. This can be a big issue for people who want to listen to music in a quiet environment or who are concerned about causing a disturbance to those around them. If you’re worried about leakage, you can reduce the problem by using earpads that are wrapped around your ears to provide extra isolation.
Sensitivity
Planar headphones are distinct from traditional dynamic drivers which have cones or a speaker dome behind which the voice coil is moving. They have thin membranes that are printed with conductors. The membranes are hung on magnetic arrays to move them at lightning-fast speeds. This allows them to provide high-frequency response that many moving-coil headphones struggle with, and a bass that’s crisp and deep to the lowest frequencies.
The most affordable headphones with planar magnetic earbuds may excel at low-frequency listening however, they aren’t equipped with the acoustic precision that makes them ideal for mixing or listening to hifi. The flatness of the diaphragms makes it impossible to drive them in a way that is symmetrical like a moving coil headphone. To get a pair that delivers great treble you’ll have to spend more than 500 dollars.
Boutique audio brands usually provide models that are affordable and sound great. Meze Elite is a pair closed-back headphones featuring an array of magnets that is single-sided and gives you a rich listening experience. They feature a 90dB sensitivity and a resistance of 35ohm, which should work with most consumer audio devices. They also come in a stunning range of exotic woods and composites so they look as premium as they sound.
The HiFiMAN H-560s, for instance, are up to 30 percent lighter than counterparts due to a unique magnetic structure as well as a myriad of other design innovations. This includes a patent-pending design that minimizes wave-diffraction. This means that they can be driven better and create less distortion than double-sided models.
The HE-560s cost more because of many of the same advancements. If you’re willing to pay more, you’ll get to experience the full spectrum of musical sensations. From the low-frequency rumbles of a thunderstorm to the shimmering of the cymbals that you hear in your favorite tracks. A set of quality planars can change your music with their stunning sound. It is essential to choose the right model according to your budget and needs.
Comfort
Upgrade to a pair premium headphones if you enjoy listening to music. The best planar magnet headphones offer a level of clarity and detail that you can’t find in cheaper headphones. Choose from an over-ear headphone like the HiFiMan Sundara, or a portable in ear model like CCA PLA 13 to breathe new life into all your favourite songs.
However, planar magnetic headphones can also be heavy due to their larger ear cups. They also often require an amplifier for the headphone separately. Fortunately, a lot of boutique headphone manufacturers have designed their headphones around these issues to provide exceptional audio quality in a light package. The OPPO PM-3, for example, is a lightweight closed-back planar magnetic headphone that folds flat and comes with a selvedge-denim carrying case, making it a breeze to take with you on the go.
Many planar magnetic headphones are bulky and uncomfortable to wear for long periods due to 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 its ultra-soft earpads as well as suspension bands that evenly disperse the weight evenly across the head.
Planar magnetic driver systems, unlike dynamic drivers, use large flexible diaphragms for bass and mid-range sounds. They can move larger amounts of air than their more rigid counterparts without suffering the huge excursions that damage and warp conventional dynamic drivers. This results in an even, smooth response that is accompanied by impressive bass depth and clarity.
Another advantage of the planar magnetic headphones is their lower distortion and higher effectiveness than other dynamic headphones. They can be used at a high volume without sacrificing comfort or detail. While some planar headphones do require an external headphone amplifier, most are designed to be as efficient as possible and can work with almost any audio source.
The final decision on whether or not the planar magnetic in-ear headphones are worth it depends on personal preferences and budgetary constraints. The best magnetic planar headphones headphones for planar can reproduce incredible bass and detail, without ever falling into distortion. However they are expensive to drive and planar magnetic earbuds require more power. They are also typically open-back designs that can let in ambient noise and bleeding noise.