Planar Magnetic EarbudsA good pair of planar magnet headphones will take your mobile listening experience to a new level, whether you're an audiophile, or simply seeking to upgrade. They are great for critical listening for example, in audio production or at home and allowing you to relax and sink into your favorite tunes with comfort and clarity.
Price
The good news is that headphones with a
planar closed back headphones magnetic design can provide a huge amount of clarity without causing distortion. The downside is that they usually have a high cost. Planar magnetic drivers (sometimes called orthodynamic) utilize a thin conductive diaphragm sandwiched between two magnets. They have a greater frequency response than traditional dynamic drivers and can sound surprisingly spacious, although they may not have as deep bass.
In general the majority of cases, magnetic headphone designs that are planar are more expensive than dynamic counterparts due to the fact that they are generally larger and require more power to drive. They also tend to have open-back designs that bleed sound and allow in surrounding noise. This makes them less mobile than their counterparts with a dynamic design and more likely to require an external amplifier to achieve optimal performance.
While the best planar magnetic headphones can cost thousands of dollars There are plenty of choices for audiophiles on a budget willing to compromise. The HIFIMAN Sundara, for example, is a pair of open-back headphones which delivers the speed and precision that an earphone with a planar magnet can offer without breaking the bank.
Audeze LCD-2 Classic is another excellent choice. It offers a combination between bass slam, and nimble technicalities which makes it ideal for listening metal music. The LCD-2 is also one of the few sets of headphones that comes with a pelican-shaped, hard-back travel case, which provides more protection for your investment.
However, if you want the top quality in planar magnetic headphones you should budget at minimum $350. The models of the above-mentioned HIFIMAN Sundara are detail powerhouses and an excellent entry point to the world of high-end headphones.
Design
Planar magnetic headphones are constructed of ultra-thin membranes that are coated with conductors and strung over a magnetic array that manipulates them at incredible speeds to produce sound. They offer extremely low distortion and lightning quick transient response. Audeze the manufacturer states that they also have a a wide and accurate response in terms of frequency.
This technology has proliferated into high-end audiophile models from companies like Audeze and HiFiMAN. But these aren't your grandfather's headphones - they tend to be heavier and larger than traditional dynamic-driver headphones, frequently creating significant discomfort for some listeners following prolonged listening periods. Many boutique audio brands have created smaller designs that are more comfortable.
In addition to their distinctive design, many of these newer models of headphones have better bass response than traditional headphones. While most modern high-end dynamic driver headphones can't handle the bass below 20Hz, magnetic headphones can deliver bass to that level - even with open-back models such as the Audeze LCD-4z and
planar magnetic earbuds HiFiMAN Sundara. In general, however the planar headphones provide better image structure and clarity and allow you to isolate specific instruments from a mix more easily. They also have a distinct 'plucked" sound that some audiophiles prefer.
All of these benefits add up to an expansive, natural soundstage, which lets music come alive and gives it the feeling of space and airiness that dynamic-driver headphones cannot compete with. These headphones are ideal for classical and jazz music, as well as modern instrumentalists. They can handle intricate details and articulations without weighing down the rest. There are two kinds of headphones: open-back and close-back. The latter is more spacious, but less effective at isolating the sound from the surrounding environment and the latter is more private, but it compromises a bit of transparency.
Soundstage
A great planar magnetic headphones will give you an expansive soundstage, which enhances the authenticity of your favourite music. They can reproduce bass notes with the full texture that listeners appreciate. This creates an exciting and satisfying listening environment.
Planar headphones employ unique drivers to create their impressive soundstages. Planar headphones use thin diaphragms instead of the cones and domes that are used by most headphones. These drivers can move much more air than dynamic driver speakers. This results in more clarity and precision at lower frequencies. This is the reason why these headphones are so well-liked by audiophiles and engineers alike.
The huge dimensions of these drivers also creates an enlarge and deeper soundstage than you'll find in most other headphones. In addition to their superior bass quality, a high-quality pair of headphones with a planar design will offer clear and spacious highs and mids. They deliver high-quality audio that is not comparable to other headphones, from cheapest portable models to the most expensive HiFi models on the market.
If you're considering upgrading to planar headphones, it's important to do your homework. You can find reviews on reputable audio websites like Head-Fi or the r/headphones Subreddit. You can also look at impressions of real users via social media. This will help you pick the best headphones for your needs and preferences.
Like all headphones like all headphones, planar magnetic headphones are available in closed-back and open-back styles. Open-back models let sound escape the earcups and into your surroundings, while closed-back headphones block out the sounds inside for privacy. Both have advantages and drawbacks. Most listeners prefer open-back planar headphones because they provide a sensation of realism and airiness to their sound.
Comfort
Planar magnetic headphones can be quite comfortable and often feature earpads that are made from soft, premium materials such as leather or suede. In addition, a lot of more expensive models offer a headband that is both lightweight and comfortable to wear. This ensures that they will remain comfortable for a long time.
One of the main reasons why many audiophiles choose to purchase a pair of planar magnetic headphones is their capacity to give a sense of immersion in their music. They can also bring new life to your favorite songs with their incredible clarity as well as realism and detail. They are not the best choice for listening to your music in public due to their open-back designs that allow outside noise to pass through.
The latest generation of planar drivers can overcome this issue using dual voice coil array that splits the diaphragm's frequency response. This allows the lower frequencies to be handled by the switchback coil, which is situated on the top of the driver and the mid-high frequency to be dealt with directly by the spiral coil that is placed above the ear canal.
In the end, modern headphones are more comfortable and lightweight than their predecessors. Additionally, they are often able to provide better bass and more clarity than dynamic headphones. They are also less susceptible to distortions caused by harmonics than other types. This is due to the movement of the diaphragm moves faster and more uniform than those of a dynamic model, making it less prone to fluctuations in its movement.
Noise isolation
The best planar headphones provide superior noise cancellation over their dynamic driver counterparts. They also have lower impedance, making them easier to use with portable electronics. They also require less power.