What Are Planar Headphones?

You may have seen some models with a planar driver, when you're searching for earphones or headphones. What are they and how do they compare to the dynamic-driver headphones?

They have a bigger sound wavefront when compared to dynamic-driver headsets. This allows for a better image and clarity of stereo sounds.

What is a planar driver?

The planar driver is a type of speaker (or headphone) driver utilized in many of the most well-known headphones today. It's a revolutionary technology that seeks to overcome some of the limitations that come with traditional drivers.

A planar driver is a flat diaphragm that is placed over a conductor. The conductor is covered by powerful magnets on either or both sides. The magnets react to a sound signal by generating magnetic fields that push the diaphragm in a certain direction. This creates an all-directional soundwave which can create an authentic and clear sound when compared to a dynamic driver.

These headphones are made for people who are more critical and require a stronger amplifier to properly drive them. They are thus more expensive than other headphones, however they provide better audio quality and a larger soundstage.

For those who are new to the world of headphones with planar drivers it can be difficult to comprehend the technical terms and jargons that are used in the field. To help you, we've compiled an easy guide to help you understand the fundamentals of what is a planar headphone a planar driver is and how it differs from other types of headphone drivers.

The term "planar" might be confusing but the truth is that it's simple. The main distinction between a planar driver and other types of headphones is that a planar driver has an elongated diaphragm instead of a traditional dome or cone-shaped diaphragm.

Planar drivers also use an exclusive magnet system to produce sound waves. This means that they can create a more accurate and precise sound wave than dynamic drivers, which results in a higher quality audio quality and a larger sound stage than traditional headphones.

Additionally, they tend to have a more relaxed and natural sound than dynamic drivers, which can be appreciated by many listeners. Planar headphones have some disadvantages, such as their weight and size, as well as the need for greater power output compared to other types of headphones. Planar headphones are not suitable for portable use due to these factors however they are an excellent choice for audiophiles looking to experience the latest technology.

What are the benefits of a driver with a planar design?

planar earphone drivers are a hottest technology in the world of high-end headphone. They are well-known for the clarity and accuracy they offer, allowing users to hear the music exactly as it was recorded.

The planar magnetic headphones are unique in that the diaphragm moves directly, in contrast to other types of headphone drivers that rely on middlemen, metal conductors, to move the diaphragm. This is achieved through a thin layer of electrically charged materials, typically made of mylar that is sandwiched between two conductive plates. When an audio signal is played the conductive plate is moved in and out of contact with the diaphragm, causing it to vibrate.

This eliminates mechanical distortions, that would otherwise occur with other headphone designs. This leads to an organic and natural sound reproduction that is free of harshness and unwanted resonant frequencies. The force applied to the diaphragm's surface helps it to be more sensitive to audio signals.

Planar magnetic headphones also have the advantage of providing a superior bass response. The bass response of the planar headphones is more accurate than dynamic driver headphones. This is because planar headphones vibrates the whole diaphragm as it responds to the audio signal.

There are a few disadvantages when using planar magnetic headphones for instance, their higher cost and the fact that they can require a special headphone amplifier or DAC to function however, the benefits outweigh these drawbacks. For instance, with a high-quality headphone amp/DAC such as the Monolith Hi-Res, the sound produced by the planar magnetic headphone could be exceptional.

Check out our selection of planar magnetic headphone below or give us a ring! We'd love to help you find a pair of headphones that will surpass your expectations.

What are the disadvantages of the planar driver?

Planar drivers are more expensive and complex to make, but they have many advantages. They also require more power than dynamic drivers which makes them less portable. This is why you'll see headphones and IEMs with planar drives mostly in the higher-end price range.

A planar driver has the disadvantage of not being as responsive to changes in audio signals, making it more difficult to create a frequency response that is well-matched. This can be corrected with tuning and sound engineering, but it can lead to an audio signature that is slightly different that you are used to.

Planar drivers are not as physically slammable as dynamic driver headphones. This is because the diaphragm's conductor trace doesn't interact with the magnetic field in the same way as the voice coil in dynamic headphones. Despite this, exceptions do exist. The HIFIMAN sundara, for example provides the same clarity of image and structure as the top-end planar headsets but is affordable.

The decision to choose dynamic or planar headphones ultimately depends on your personal preferences. Do you prefer precision, speed and accuracy of planar drivers, or the heft and slam that dynamic drivers offer? There are plenty of options to fit both budgets and tastes.

Planar drivers are an excellent alternative for those seeking to upgrade their headphone or simply want to improve the quality of your music listening experience. They can elevate your listening experience due to their low distortion, outstanding frequency response, and a wide soundstage. With so many options at TTVJ, it's easy to find the perfect headphones for you.

What is the best planar headphone?

When headphones are concerned, there are many factors that go into a great pair. You want them to sit on your head, to be comfortable throughout long listening sessions and to include the features you need. Planar headphones (also known as orthodynamic headphones) offer an experience that is unique in its listening with exceptional clarity and detail. They are constructed with a thin, flat diaphragm sandwiched between two magnets. This makes them an excellent choice for audiophiles who demand high-quality sound.

There are many choices for planar headphones. It is crucial to pick a pair that suits your needs and Planar Magnetic Headphone preferences. The most well-known options are closed-back and open-back headphones, as well as over-ear and in-ear models. It is also important to think about your budget and needs for comfort.

It is possible to start by reading reviews on professional sites like Popular Science, Headphoneia and the r/headphones channel on Reddit. You can also read reviews and feedback from users to get a better idea of how the headphones work in real-world scenarios. Once you've narrowed down your options, try on several pairs and listen to music in various settings to see which best suit your preferences.

While you might be tempted to spend thousands of dollars for a high-end pair of headphones, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available. Some of the top planar headphones are sold for less than $200 and deliver outstanding audio quality. For example, the Audeze LCD-2 Classics are a excellent choice for anyone looking to test out planar headphones at a fair cost.

Dan Clark Audio's AEON 2 closed-back headphones are an excellent choice. These headphones are extremely light and comfortable to wear, making them perfect for long listening sessions. They are the cheapest headphones that we can offer.

Be aware that headphones with a planar design require a special amplifier to work. It's because planar headphones have greater resistance than dynamic driver headsets and require more power to move their diaphragm. If you opt for an amp with a high-quality DAC they can provide an incredible listening experience at only a fraction of the cost of other premium headphones.