HiFiMAN Sundara Closed Back Headphones Review
Planar magnetic headphones have an elongated diaphragm that vibrates in response an electromagnetic signal. These drivers offer a better soundstage and imaging than their dynamic counterparts.
They can be costly, particularly if you are looking for a pair of premium audio brands. But, it could be beneficial for audiophiles interested in hearing their music in a unique way.
Cost
In contrast to dynamic drivers, which have a cone or dome behind which a magnet pulls a coil to vibrate the diaphragm and planar headphones make use of ultra-thin, thin membranes that are imprinted with conductors and strung across a set of powerful magnet arrays that move them at a staggering speed with minimal distortion. These headphones are usually made to provide a blend of high-quality sound and comfort for audiophiles who expect the best audio experience.
Planar headphones are typically more expensive than their dynamic counterparts. This doesn't mean you should stay clear of these headphones, as they have many benefits. They can give you a more precise and nuanced sound with greater clarity and image structure and their bass quality is usually full-bodied. Many audiophiles have reported that upgrading to a pair of planar can alter their music listening experience.
The top planar magnetic headphones also have a greater sensitivity and can expose flaws in recordings or the audio characteristics of your amplifier and DAC that you might have missed with other headphones. This is the reason they are so popular among audiophiles, as they can offer a more accurate representation of the music they listen to. Furthermore, they feature the benefit of having a low impedence which allows them to be used with a wide range of audiophiles and portable devices.
Closed-back planar headphones have an impressive soundstage and are extremely comfortable to wear. The ear cups of closed-back headphones are larger than those of traditional headphones. This lets them be worn more comfortably and block all outside noise. They are also lightweight and easy to carry around. Some headphones can be folded for easy storage. It is still advisable to measure your ears before purchasing the right pair.
Planar magnetic headphones have a better treble response than dynamic headphones. However, it is important to know that some
planar magnetic closed back headphones headphones have more of a linear bass response than their dynamic counterparts. This is due to the fact that planar headphones have a narrower frequency range and do not roll off as well when playing at higher volumes. Certain premium planars, like the Audeze LCD-5 or HiFiMAN Sundara are renowned for their bass response, comparable to dynamic cans in this price range.
Soundstage
If you're in the market for a new pair of headphones, it's important to know the options available. There are two primary driver types: dynamic and planar magnetic. Each has its own pros and cons. The best planar magnet headphones offer a wide soundstage that provides the listener with a full and expansive experience. They also provide accurate and precise audio reproduction. These features make them perfect for home entertainment and listening.
To achieve this, planar headphones utilize a flat diaphragm, which is sandwiched between two arrays of magnets. When electrical signals from your audio source are sent to the headphone’s acoustic transmitter, the magnets cause diaphragms to vibrate and create sound waves. It's similar to how speakers create music. The benefit of the planar magnetic driver is that it gives greater precision and detail than a dynamic driver, and it consumes less power.
Planar magnetic headphones have a drawback in that they leak sound bit more than conventional closed-back or open-back models. This is a problem especially if you're in a noisy area or if you're trying to separate yourself from others. Certain manufacturers employ innovative materials to make it easier to solve this problem. The AUDIVINA model from HIFIMAN is a perfect example of this. It utilizes an exclusive chamber that reduces distortion and leakage, without affecting the natural soundstage's dynamics.
The Dan Clark Audio Stealth closed-back planar magnet headphone offers an exceptional bass extension and a softer high-end. This makes them well-suited to blues and rock, but they can handle more subtle genres too. Conga Kings' "Tumao de Tamborito", for example, features a drum section full of impact. It also highlights every finger's movement on the skins.
Planar magnetic headphones have a more natural soundstage, especially when compared to dynamic models. The diaphragm that is flat is able to respond to the magnetic fields produced by the magnets, since it has conductor lines on it. This is an even more precise method than the pistonic movement of a voice coil, which can cause distortion.
Isolation
Planar magnetic headphones come with a flat diaphragm with a pattern of conductive materials swathed between the magnet arrays. The electrical impulses generated by your audio source cause the magnets to interact with the conductive material, which causes it to vibrate and generate sound waves. This is different from dynamic drivers, which employ domes and cones with coils to generate sound vibrations. This is the reason planar magnetic headphones are often slightly heavier and larger than their dynamic counterparts, and consume a bit more power.
In contrast to traditional headphones that use
planar magnetic headphone magnetic drivers, they produce an incredibly natural and realistic soundstage. They provide a sense of air and space that is especially evident in open-back headphones. However, they don't isolate sound very well and listeners can hear their surroundings in a noisy environment.
Planar magnetic headphones are also renowned for their exceptional bass quality. It is due to their large driver size which allows them to create deep, rich bass notes with a rich sound and texture. This allows for more rounded and a more nuanced listening experience.
Unfortunately, this level of performance is not always affordable at lower costs. The most affordable over-ear magnetic headphones place more emphasis on detail in the highs and mids, instead of bass. The cost of making the magnetic materials is more expensive than that of dynamic headphone drivers.
Another problem with planar headphones is that they leak a lot more than traditional open-back dynamic headphones. This is because they utilize two opposing magnetic fields to move the diaphragm. This can cause a disturbance to those around you and causes the sound to be released from the ear cup.
Selecting the best pair of headphones depends on your personal audio needs and
planar magnetic closed back headphones budget. Closed-back planar magnetic headphones are a great choice for those looking to purchase a set of headphones for long listening sessions. These offer excellent isolation for a more tranquil listening experience, and can be paired with active noise cancellation technology for an even more immersive audio experience. They are also a great choice for
Planar magnetic closed back headphones those who wish to enjoy their music on the go, without worrying about noise or other distractions. Closed-back magnetic headphones are available in a range of styles from sleek and contemporary to classic and timeless.
Comfort
A pair of quality headphones can be the difference between having a great music experience and getting distracted by an uncomfortable fitting or sore spots on your head. The HiFiMAN Sundara closed back planar magnetic headphones are a great pair of headphones that can provide an excellent listening experience in a comfortable package. There are a few aspects you should consider when choosing this model.
Planar magnetic headphones differ from dynamic headphones.