Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones

Planar magnetic headphones (also known as orthodynamic or isodynamic) have earned themselves a reputation in the audiophile community for providing stunning clarity and a powerful bass.

They also tend to leak some of the sound to the outside, which is why they require a closed listening space and could cause disturbance to those who are around you. They can, however, offer exceptional sound quality for a an affordable price.

Open or closed back?

It's not hard to understand why audiophiles enjoy headphones with magnetic planar design. The best models offer amazing clarity and a powerful presence without sounding like they've been distorted. But these headphones can also be costly and usually require a headphone amplifier to drive them. The open-back designs also leak sound and let in ambient noise. If you're in the looking for a pair of planar headphones, it's best planar Magnetic headphones to carefully consider your preferences and listening habits before making a purchase.

Start by deciding whether you will use headphones for audiophile or for casual listening. You'll also want to consider your comfort level 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 because they could reproduce frequencies as low as to 20hz, whereas dynamic driver headphones would kick off at around 50hz. However, this advantage has become less pronounced over time as manufacturers have tried to improve the quality of their diaphragms, and make the rest of the headphones lighter.

As a result, many budget planar magnetic headphones lean away from the most bass-rich sound and focus on clarity in the mids and highs. This means you may not receive as much rumble and power from these headphones, which could be a problem for some listeners.

One exception to this is the HiFiMAN Venus over-ear headphone that are closed-back and feature a single-sided diaphragm. This means they do not have the same depth but still provide rich sub-bass and engaging texturing.

In the end, the kind of headphones you pick will depend on your preferences for listening 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 the best choice and a closed-back model will be suitable for use when you're on the move. Also, if you'll be using your headphones to play games with an open-back design like the Audeze LCD-2 Classics might be better than a closed-back option like the HiFiMan Susvara 2020. These headphones are great for music lovers who are looking to experience the entire spectrum of sound and get exceptional detail.

Response to bass

Planar magnetic headphones use a different technology to produce audio that is different from traditional dynamic driver in-ear monitors (IEM). Instead of one magnet pushing the diaphragm, these headphones use two magnetic fields that are sandwiched between an electric film. This results in a more wide sound wavefront that is more natural with less distortion. This also allows for a quicker response time and a greater frequency range than traditional dynamic drivers.

The difference in bass response is noticeable. High-end dynamic headphones can reach 20hz, however most planar headphones are capable of going further and with less distortion. For audiophiles, this can make a an enormous difference and gives you the most immersive in-ear listening experience you can get.

Imaging is another way that planar headphones can enhance sound quality. Dynamic drivers are only able to vibrate the portion of the diaphragm that is attached to the voice coil which can cause small distortions that change the intended audio reproduction. Planar drivers, on the other hand, are able to produce an even larger soundstage since the entire diaphragm vibrates in response to an audio signal. This allows the headphones to accurately reproduce the stereo balance, and the transparency of instruments in the way meant by the audio producer.

Open-back planars, best planar magnetic headphones such as the HIFIMAN Anaanda and Monoprice Monolith M1070 don't isolate sound. Anyone in your vicinity will be capable of hearing your music. This is a small price to pay for the amazing detail and clarity that you'll be able to enjoy.

Because they have two magnetic fields opposing each other, planar headphones do leak a little more than traditional open-back dynamic headphones. This can be a big issue for people who want to listen to music in quiet spaces or are worried about causing disturbance to others around them. If you are concerned about leakage, there are a few options available to mitigate this issue, such as the ear pads that wrap around the ears for additional isolation.

Sensitivity

Contrary to traditional dynamic drivers which feature a speaker cone or dome that the voice coil is vibrating, planar headphones have incredibly thin membranes imprinted with conductors, and connected to magnetic arrays that move them at lightning speed. This allows them to deliver high-frequency responses that moving-coil headphones struggle with, as well as a bass that's crisp and deep down to lowest frequencies.

But while they excel at low frequencies, the cheapest over-ear planar earphone magnetic headphones are usually lacking in acoustic precision, which makes them ideal for mixing or hi-fi listening. That's because their diaphragms are flat, which means they can't be operated in a symmetrical way like a moving-coil headphone. To find a pair with a great treble sound you'll have to spend more than 500 dollars.

However, boutique audio brands they tend to have a wide variety of models that are both affordable and excellent sounding. Meze Elite is a pair closed-back headphones that feature an array of magnets that is single-sided and gives you a rich listening experience. They have a sensitivity of 90dB and 35ohm impedance, which will work with the majority of consumer audio devices. They are available in a variety of exotic woods, composites and other materials to ensure they look as good as they sound.

More expensive models such as the HiFiMAN HE-560s are 30 percent lighter than the competition, thanks to a unique magnet structure and a variety of other design innovations. This includes a unique design that reduces wave diffraction, which means they can be driven more efficiently while producing less distortion than conventional double-sided designs.

Of course, many of these same features make the HE-560s more expensive than their competitors. If you're willing to pay more, you'll be able to enjoy a full range musical emotions. From the low-frequency rumbles that accompany thunderstorms to the glistening of the cymbals in your favorite track. A set of quality planars can alter your music with their outstanding sound. However, it is essential to choose the right model for your needs and budget.

Comfort

If you are a fan of listening to music, upgrading to a pair of premium headphones will greatly enhance your audio experience. The top headphones with planar magnets provide the same level of clarity and detail that you can't find in cheaper headphones. If you opt for an over-ear model such as the HiFiMan Sundara or an in-ear model that is portable like the CCA PLA 13, these headphones will bring new life to your most loved songs.

However, planar headphones can also be heavy due to their large ear cups, and usually require a separate headphone amplifier. Many boutique brands have created headphones that overcome these limitations and deliver amazing sound in a lightweight package. The OPPO pm-3, for instance, is a lightweight closed-back planar magnetic headphone that comes with a selvedge jean-carrying case.

A lot of planar magnetic headphones are bulky and uncomfortable to wear for long periods due to their larger earcups. Many models have plenty of padding, and are calibrated to the perfect clamping pressure to ensure a snug fit. The OPPO PM-3 is no exception with its ultra-soft ear pads and suspension bands that evenly distribute weight across the head and the ear.

Planar magnetic driver systems unlike dynamic drivers, make use of large diaphragms with flexible diaphragms to produce mid-range and bass sound. They can move much greater volumes of air than their more stiff counterparts without suffering the huge excursions that damage and warp conventional dynamic drivers. This gives them a smooth, wide frequency response that is accompanied by impressive bass depth and clarity.

Another benefit of planar magnetic headphones is that they have less distortion and better efficiency than the majority of dynamic headphones. This allows them to be used at a higher volume without sacrificing comfort or detail. Some headphones require an external headphone amplifier however, most are designed to work with any audio source.

The final decision on whether or not the planar magnetic in-ear headphones are worth it depends on your personal preferences as well as budgetary limitations. The top planar headphones are able of delivering incredible bass and detail without ever falling into distortion. However, they can be expensive to drive and require more power. Additionally, they typically come with open-back designs that allow for bleed of sound and allow ambient sound.