HiFiMAN Sundara Closed Back Headphones Review
Planar magnetic headphones have a flat diaphragm, which vibrates in response to an electromagnetic signal. These headphones offer better soundstage and image than their counterparts with dynamic drivers.
They can also be quite expensive, especially if you're looking for a pair from a boutique audio brand. But, it could be worth it for audiophiles who are interested in hearing their music in a unique way.
Cost
Planar magnetic headphones are different from dynamic drivers, which use a cone or dome with an electric coil to generate a vibration on the membrane. Instead, they employ ultra-thin conductor-imprinted, thin membranes strung over powerful magnet arrays. This allows them to be adjusted at an incredible speed and with very little distortion. These headphones are designed to offer the perfect balance of sound quality and comfort, for audiophiles that demand the most immersive listening experience.
In comparison to their more dynamic counterparts, planar headphones are more expensive. This does not mean you should stay clear of these headphones, as they come with numerous advantages. They can give you a more detailed and nuanced sound with greater clarity and image structure and their bass quality is typically full-bodied. In fact, many audiophiles report that upgrading to a top pair of headphones with a planar design can make a huge difference in their listening experience.
The top planar magnet headphones are also more transparent. They can reveal flaws or sound characteristics in your amplifier and DAC you may have missed when using other headphones. This is the reason they are so popular with audiophiles, since they provide a more accurate representation of the music they listen to. They also work with portable devices and most amplifiers because of their low impedence.
In addition to their amazing soundstage, closed-back headphones are extremely comfortable to wear. The ear cups are larger than traditional headphones, which means they fit snugly over the ears and block out the majority of outside noise. They are also lightweight and easy to carry around. Some pairs are even foldable for convenient storage. You should still measure your ears prior to purchasing a pair.
Planar magnetic headphones offer higher treble response than dynamic headphones. It is important to note that certain
planar Headphone magnetic headphones have more of a linear bass response when compared to their dynamic counterparts. This is because planar headphones have a lower range of frequencies and don't roll off as much when they are played at higher volume. Some high-end planars, like the Audeze LCD-5 and HiFiMAN Sundara are renowned for their bass response, comparable to dynamic cans of this price range.
Soundstage
It's important to know the options available when looking for a pair of brand new headphones. You'll find two primary driver types which are planar magnetic and dynamic. Each type has distinct advantages and disadvantages. The best headphones with planar magnets offer a wide soundstage that gives the listener an immersive and spacious experience. They also provide precise and precise audio reproduction. These features make them ideal for home entertainment and listening.
Planar magnetic headphones achieve this by using a flat diaphragm swathed between a magnet array. When electrical signals are sent from your source of audio to the headphone's acoustic transducer the magnets cause the diaphragm vibrate, producing sound waves. This is similar to how a speaker makes music. Planar magnetic drivers are more accurate and precise than dynamic drivers, and consume less power.
The main drawback of planar magnetic headphones is that they leak some sound more than traditional open-back or
planar headphone closed-back models. This could be a problem if you're using them in a noisy setting or if you're looking to isolate yourself from others. However, some manufacturers use innovative materials to reduce the issue. The AUDIVINA by HIFIMAN is a great example of this. It uses a unique chamber to reduce distortion and leakage without impacting the natural soundstage's dynamic.
The Dan Clark Audio Stealth closed-back planar magnet headphones offer exceptional bass extension with a softer high-end. This makes them well-suited for rock and blues however, they can also handle more subtle genres as well. Conga Kings' "Tumao de Tamborito", for example, features a drum section packed with a lot of force. It also highlights every finger's stroke on the skins.
Planar magnetic headphones provide an incredibly natural soundstage particularly when compared with dynamic models. This is because the diaphragm is flat and has conductor traces that allow it to react to the magnetic field produced by the magnets. This is an even more precise method than the pistonic movement of a voice coil, which can result in distortion.
Isolation
Planar magnetic headphones utilize an elongated diaphragm that has an array of conductive material sandwiched between two magnet arrays. The magnets interact with the conductive materials when you transmit an electric impulse from your audio source. This causes the material to vibrate and produce sound waves. This is a very different design from dynamic drivers, which employ domes or cones that have coils that create sound vibrations.
planar earphones magnetic headphones are more heavy and bulkier than their dynamic counterparts. They also use more power.
Contrary to conventional headphones that use planar magnetic drivers, they produce more natural and authentic soundstage. They create a feeling of space and air, which is particularly evident in open-back headphones. They are not able to isolate the sound well, so listeners are able to hear their surroundings if they are in a noisy area.
The bass quality of headphones that are planar magnetic is another area where they usually outdo the competition. It is because of their large driver size that allows them to produce deep, rich bass notes that have a rich sound and texture. This makes for more rounded and a more nuanced listening experience.
Unfortunately, this level of performance isn't always available at lower prices. The most affordable over-ear magnetic headphones lean towards more emphasis on detail in the mids and highs instead of bass. The cost of making the magnetic materials is higher than that of dynamic headphone drivers.
Planar headphones tend to leak more than open-back dynamic headphones. This is due to the fact that the diaphragm moves by two magnetic fields that are at odds. This can disturb the people around you and causes the sound to be pushed away from the ear cups.
The best headphones for you will depend on your budget and personal audio requirements. Closed-back planar magnets are an excellent choice for those who want headphones that are ideal for long listening sessions. These headphones provide excellent isolation, which results in a more peaceful listening environment. They can also be combined with active sound cancellation technology to create an even more immersive audio experience. These headphones are perfect for those who want to listen to music on the move without having to worry about background noise or other distractions. Closed-back magnetic headphones come in a range of styles, from modern and sleek to timeless and classic.
Comfort
A great pair of headphones can make the difference between having a fantastic music experience or being lost in a bad fit or sores on your head. The HiFiMAN Sundara closed back planar headphones offer a high quality listening experience in an extremely comfortable package. There are some things you should consider when choosing this model.
Planar magnetic headphones differ from dynamic headphones.