Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones
Planar magnetic headphones, also referred as orthodynamic or Isodynamic have earned themselves a name among audiophiles for their incredible clarity and powerful bass.
They also tend to leak a lot of sound to the outside, which is why they require a closed listening space and could disturb those nearby. They can, however, provide exceptional sound quality at an affordable price.
Closed or open-back?
Planar magnetic headphones are popular by audiophiles and
for Sleeping it's easy to understand why. The top models can provide incredible detail and presence without sounding unnatural. However, they can be expensive and often require a headphone amplifier in order to power them. The open-back designs also let in ambient noise. So if you're in the market for
for Sleeping a pair of planar headphones, you'll want to consider your preferences and listening habits prior to making a purchase.
Start by deciding whether you'll be using headphones for audiophile or for casual listening. You should also take into consideration your personal preference and whether you prefer a closed-back or an open-back design.
Planar magnetic headphones have always had a distinct advantage in the bass department compared to dynamic
driver planar headphones, since they can reproduce frequencies to around 20hz. Dynamic driver headphones operate at about 50hz. This distinction has diminished in the past few years as manufacturers have improved the diaphragms of their headphones and made them lighter.
Many affordable planar magnetic headsets are focused on clarity, mids and highs instead of the deepest bass. These headphones might not have as much a punch and rumble, which could cause problems
For Sleeping certain listeners.
HiFiMAN's Venus over-ear headphones aren't the norm. They feature a closed-back design and a diaphragm which is only one-sided. They don't go as low, but still deliver rich sub-bass tones and engaging sound.
The kind of headphones you choose will ultimately depend on your preferences for listening as well as your budget. If you're listening to music on your laptop at home, an open-back pair of headphones with a planar design will likely be the best choice, while a closed-back option is suitable for use on the go. Also, if you'll be using headphones to play games an open-back model such as the Audeze LCD-2 Classics might be more suitable than a closed-back one like the HiFiMan Susvara 2020. If you're a music lover, any of these headphones will provide the full audio spectrum and exceptional detail that you're seeking.
Bass response
Planar magnetic headphones employ a different technique to create audio that is different from traditional dynamic driver in-ear monitors (IEM). Instead of a single magnet that moves the diaphragm and creates audio, these headphones feature two opposing magnetic fields encased around an electrified film. This results in an audio that is more natural and has less distortion. This also allows for a quicker response time and wider frequency range than traditional dynamic drivers.
The difference in bass response is evident. High-end dynamic headphones can go beyond 20hz, while the majority of planar headphones are able to go deeper and with less distortion. This is an enormous benefit for audiophiles, and allows them to get the best in ear listening experience.
Another method by which headphones with a planar design can enhance the audio quality is by imaging. Dynamic drivers only vibrate the the diaphragm that is attached to the voice coil, which can cause minor distortions that change the intended audio reproduction. Planar drivers, on the other hand, can produce a fuller soundstage because the entire diaphragm oscillates in response to the audio signal. This allows headphones to accurately replicate the stereo balance, transparency and even the location of instruments as specified by the audio producer.
The drawback is that open-back planar headphones such as the HIFIMAN Ananda and the Monoprice M1070 don't isolate sound, so anyone within your proximity can hear your music. But it's a small sacrifice for the incredible clarity and detail you'll be able to experience.
Planar headphones leak more than open-back ones due to the fact that they have two magnetic fields that are opposite. This can be a big problem for people who want to listen to music in quiet environments or are worried about causing a disturbance to those who are around them. If you're concerned about leakage, you can address the issue by using earpads that wrap around your ears to provide additional isolation.
Sensitivity
Planar headphones differ from traditional dynamic drivers that have a speaker dome or cone behind which the voice coil is moving. They have thin membranes which are printed with conductors. The membranes are hung on magnetic arrays to manipulate them at lightning speeds. They can deliver a high-frequency response, which is a challenge for most moving coil headphones. They also have a crisp and deep bass down to the lowest frequency.
Most affordable planar magnetic headphones can be excellent for listening at low frequencies however, they aren't equipped with the acoustic precision that would make them perfect for mixing or listening to hifi. This is because the flatness of their diaphragms 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 need to spend more than 500 dollars.
The boutique audio brands, however they tend to have an array of models that are both affordable and have excellent sound. One example is the Meze Elite, a pair of closed-back headphones which utilize a single-sided magnetic array to give you a full-bodied listening experience. They have a 90dB sensitiveness and a resistance of 35ohms, which should work with most consumer audio devices. They also come with a stunning array of exotic woods and composites which means they look as high-end as they sound.
The more expensive models like the HiFiMAN HE-560s are up to 30% lighter than their counterparts due to the unique magnet structure as well as a host of other innovative design options. This includes a patent-pending shape that reduces wave diffraction, which means they are able to be driven more efficiently while producing less distortion than standard double-sided designs.
Of course, many of these same innovations make the HE-560s more expensive than the competition. But if you're prepared to pay a little more, you can experience a variety of musical experiences from the low-frequency rumble of thunder storm to the shimmering drums on your most-loved track. A quality set of planars can transform your music by delivering a stunning sound. It is crucial to choose the right model that fits your budget and needs.
Comfort
If you are a fan of listening to music and want to upgrade to a premium pair of headphones will greatly enhance your audio experience. The best planar magnet headphones offer a level of clarity and detail that you can't get from cheaper headphones. Whether you choose 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 favorite songs.
However, these headphones can be heavy due to their large ear cups and often require an additional headphone amplifier. Luckily, many of the boutique headphone brands have created their headphones around these issues to deliver incredible sound quality in a lightweight package. The OPPO PM-3, for example is a light closed-back magnetic headphone which can be folded flat and comes with a selvedge-denim carrying case, making it easy to carry around.
Because of their large earcups, many planar magnetic headphones can be heavy and uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.
