Planar Magnetic Headphones
Planar magnetic headphones employ a thin, flat diaphragm hung between magnets to produce uniform soundwaves. This creates a more immersive soundstage, more detail and a distinctive sound signature.
They are generally more expensive and are harder to drive than dynamic headphones, however they can be worth the investment for audiophiles. You can purchase a pair of headphones for less than $400. They include the affordable Hifiman HE400i or Monoprice Monolith M1070.
Soundstage
With their large drivers they can create exceptionally wide soundstages. These expansive soundscapes will allow you to hear more detail and create a more immersive listening environment. You will be able to better identify the position of each instrument and voice in the mix which makes them a great option for mixing or studio use.
In addition to their amazing soundstage, the planar magnetic headphones are also known for their incredible bass performance. Their large drivers can move a lot more air, allowing them to reproduce deep bass notes with incredible clarity and precision. This is a major improvement over the dull, muddy bass that you get from the majority of dynamic driver headphones.
Planar magnetic headphones have an unique design that utilizes a flat diaphragm with a conductive trace pattern sandwiched between two magnetic arrays. When an electrical current flows through the conductive trace it creates a magnetic force that causes the diaphragm's surface to vibrate and produce audio waves. The diaphragm's movement is controlled by the magnetic field, and it is evenly spread across the entire area. This results in an isodynamic (or constant) field that ensures the motion of the dialygm remains constant across the entire frequency range.
Planar magnetic headphones are less distortion-free than dynamic headphones, as the distortion caused by a driver that is dynamic comes from the voice coil's movement through and out of contact between the diaphragm and the voice coil. This means that you will hear the music as the artist intended, even at a loud volume.
One disadvantage of planar magnetic headphones is that they leak a bit more than typical open-back dynamic headphone models. The massive diaphragms inside these headphones transport a huge amount of air. Some of it escapes through the open back. If you're in a quiet setting this isn't a problem.
The decision between dynamic and planar magnetic headphones is based on your listening preferences and budget. If you prioritize accuracy, clarity and low distortion, a pair of planar magnetic headphones will be the best choice for you.
Detail
In recent years, audiophiles have been more attracted to headphones that are planar magnetic. They are known for their spacious sound, they use diaphragms made of flat material that move with amazing agility and speed to produce superior high frequencies and
Planar closed Back headphones rich bass. In contrast to dynamic drivers with stiff, rigid driver voice coils, the conductor trace of planar magnetic headphone drivers is fixed to the flat surface of the diaphragm, and it reacts to the magnetic field created by two magnets that are opposite. This allows the drivers to reproduce frequencies with higher ranges than other headphones, without causing distortion of the driver or damage to the diaphragm in high volume.
This also results in the diaphragm's flat shape creating a larger, more planar sound wavefront instead of a more focused spherical wavefront like dynamic drivers (although some of the latest, high-end dynamic driver headphones like Focal Utopia are able to extend into 20 Hz). The larger and more expansive soundstage of planar headphones provides them with an remarkable ability to bring out the specifics in recordings. This is particularly noticeable with instruments, where the clarity and detail that planar magnetic headphones offer allows you to hear every individual note on a woodwind instrument and piano note clearly, exactly as they were designed by the composer.
A good pair of headphones can also reproduce the sounds around you. Some headphones leak sound through the earcup's back and this is based on the type of headphones they are, whether
closed back planar magnetic headphones-back or open-back. In many cases this isn't a problem but in certain situations it could be disruptive to people around when you're listening. In this case it is recommended to choose headphones that limit leakage or come with an optional grille for use in public spaces.
It is essential to select a headphone that suits your lifestyle and preferences in listening. There are a variety of types, sizes and prices of planar magnetic headphones that can be suited to your preferences for listening.
Comfort
A planar-style magnetic headphones employs thin diaphragms with conductors strung across an array of magnets to manipulate the sound waves. The wider wavefront produces more natural and immersive sounds with remarkable detail as well as speed and precision. They are very heavy and require an amp specifically designed for them to reach their full potential.
In recent years, many special HiFi audio brands have brought this old technology back. This allows listeners to experience new levels in audio quality. These headphones might not look as sleek as the more modern models, but they are renowned for their deep bass, intimate sound and excellent stage depth.
Despite their size and unique shape, these headphones are surprisingly comfortable and easy to wear. The ear cups are designed to seal in your ear and block out ambient noise so you can focus on your music. They don't clamp around your neck or head like some over-ear headphones. The light build and comfortable earpads can be an important factor for many listeners.
Another drawback to planar magnetic headphones is their typically high price. While you can find budget-friendly dynamic headphones, many planar models require a dedicated DAC and amplifier to get the most out of them. They are more complicated than their dynamic counterparts and require a lot of power to move the magnets.
Some of the planar headphones are inexpensive (such as HIFIMAN's Deva and AUdeze's Venus) however, most are considered to be high-end and some costing more than $400. It's a big investment if you play music only while moving or play games all the time. However, for those who enjoy music in its finest form the planar headphones provide the best listening experience.
Despite their amazing sound, the biggest downside to most planar headphones is their leakage. Dual magnets rotate in both directions, which causes the headphones to leak sound. This can disturb people sitting nearby or allow outside noises to enter. Certain models are more susceptible to this than others, but it is a problem for the majority of listeners who would like to enjoy the sound of a pair of these headphones in an unobtrusive space.
Noise isolation
For a pair of headphones to be called "headphones", they must be able to separate your ears from the environment. A high-quality pair of
planar Closed Back headphones magnetic headphones should have ergonomic design and the best materials to stop noise from escaping your ears. This will decrease the amount of sound you hear, giving you an immersive listening experience.
As a general rule they tend to be bigger and heavier than their dynamic counterparts. This is because the driver requires a larger surface area to produce sound and requires a larger earcup. Audio brands that are boutique prefer earcups that look as stunning as they sound. They use exotic woods and composites in their designs.
Planar magnetic headphones regulate electrical current using an electrified film sandwiched between magnets. The magnetic field on either side of the film causes the diaphragm to move and creates sound waves.