Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones
Planar magnetic headphones, also known as orthodynamic or Isodynamic have earned a reputation with audiophiles due to their stunning detail and deep bass.
They also to leak outwards, so they require a quiet listening area. They can disturb other people around you. However, they do provide exceptional sound at an affordable price.
Closed or open-back?
Planar magnetic headphones are a favorite among audiophiles, and it's clear why. The top models can provide amazing clarity and detail without sounding unnatural. However, these headphones can be expensive and typically require a headphone amplifier in order to drive them. Plus, their open-back designs bleed sound and allow in ambient noise. If you're in the market for a pair of planar headphones it is important to think about your preferences in listening and habits before making a decision.
The best place to start is to determine if you'll be using headphones for casual listening or audiophile quality audio. You should also think about your personal preferences and whether you prefer a closed or open back design.
Historically, planar magnetic headphones had an advantage over dynamic drivers in the bass department, as they could reproduce frequencies down to 20hz while dynamic driver headphones would cut off at 50hz. However, this distinction has gotten less noticeable over time as manufacturers have worked to improve the performance of their diaphragms as well as making the rest of the headphones lighter.
A majority of the budget-friendly planar magnetic headphones concentrate on clarity and mids and highs instead of the bass that is deep. These headphones may not have the same punch and rumble, which could cause problems for certain listeners.
HiFiMAN's Venus over-ear headphones are an exception. They feature a closed-back design and a diaphragm which is only one-sided. They don't reach quite as low but still have a deep sub-bass, and a surprisingly engaging texturing.
The kind of headphones you select will ultimately be based on your preferences in listening and your budget. If you intend to listen to music on your laptop at home, then an open-back pair will be the best option. A closed-back model is more suitable for use on the go. If you'll use headphones for gaming, an open-back model like the Audeze LCD-2 Classics might be better than a closed-back option like the HiFiMan Susvara 2020. These headphones are perfect for those who love music and want to experience the full spectrum of audio and have exceptional clarity.
Response to bass
Planar magnetic headphones utilize an entirely different method of producing sound than traditional dynamic driver in-ear monitors (IEM). Instead of one magnet pushing the diaphragm, these headphones utilize two magnetic fields sandwiched between an electric film. This creates a wider sound wavefront that is more natural with less distortion. This also allows for a quicker response time and a greater frequency range than traditional dynamic drivers.
The differences in bass response are noticeable. While high-end dynamic driver headphones can extend to 20hz or more, planar headphones are able to go further with less distortion and greater clarity. For audiophiles this is a an enormous difference and offers the best listening experience you can get.
Another method by which headphones designed for planar use can improve audio quality is through imaging. Dynamic drivers only vibrate the portion of diaphragm connected to the voice coil, which can result in small distortions that alter the audio reproduction. Planar drivers however will produce an expansive soundstage since their entire diaphragm vibrates whenever an audio signal is received. This allows headphones to accurately reproduce the stereo balance, transparency, and the position of instruments as intended by the audio producer.
Open-back planars like the HIFIMAN Anaanda and Monoprice M1070 are not able to block out sound. Everyone in your area will be capable of hearing your music. However, this is a small cost in comparison to the amazing detail and clarity you'll be able to experience.
The leakage of headphones in planar models is greater than open-back dynamic ones due to the fact that they have two
magnetic planar fields that are in opposition. This is problematic for people who wish to listen to music in quiet environments or are concerned about disturbing others. If you're worried about leakage, there are some alternatives to help with the issue, including ears that are wrapped around the ears to provide additional isolation.
Sensitivity
Contrary to traditional dynamic drivers which include a dome or speaker cone in which the voice coil vibrates headphones with planar design have extremely thin membranes that are imprinted with conductors, and connected to magnetic arrays that can move at a lightning-fast speed. They can deliver a high-frequency response, which is a challenge for most moving coil headphones. They also have a clear and deep bass that goes down to the lowest frequency.
However, while they excel at low frequencies, the most affordable over-ear magnetic headphones are often lacking in acoustic precision that makes them ideal for mixing or hi-fi listening. The diaphragms' flatness makes it difficult to drive them in a way that is symmetrical similar to a moving-coil headphone. If you want a headphone that has great treble you'll need to invest more than 500 dollars.
Boutique audio brands, however they tend to have many models that are affordable and excellent sounding. One example is the Meze Elite, a pair of closed-back headphones that use a single-sided magnetic array to give you a full-bodied listening experience. They feature a 90dB sensitivity and a resistance of 35ohms, which should work with most consumer-grade devices. They are also available in a stunning range 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 30 percent lighter than the competition due to the unique magnet structure as well as a host of other innovative design options. This includes a patent-pending design that reduces wave diffraction, meaning they can be driven more efficiently while producing less distortion than conventional double-sided designs.
The HE-560s are more expensive due to the use of many of the same innovations. If you're willing to spend more, you'll get to experience an array of musical experiences. From the low-frequency rumbles of thunderstorms to the glistening of the cymbals on your favorite tracks. The quality of sound produced by a high-quality set of planars is outstanding and can transform your music. It's important to select the right model that fits your budget and needs.
Comfort
If you enjoy listening to music, upgrading to a high-end pair of headphones can greatly improve your audio experience. The best planar headphones offer a level of clarity and detail that you won't get from lower-end headphones. Choose an over-ear headphone like the HiFiMan Sundara, or a portable in-ear model like CCA PLA 13 to breathe new life into your favorite songs.
However, planar headphones can be heavy due to their large ear cups, and usually require an amplifier for
Planar magnetic headphones the headphone separately. Many of the top boutique headphone brands have created headphones that overcome these limitations and deliver amazing audio in a small package. The OPPO PM-3, for instance, is a lightweight closed-back magnetic headphone that folds flat and comes with a selvedge-denim carrying case, making it a breeze to take with you on the go.
Due to their large earcups, many planar magnetic headphones can be heavy and uncomfortable to wear for extended durations of time.