Planar Magnetic Headphones
Planar magnetic headphones create uniform soundwaves by using a thin, flat membrane that is suspended between magnets. This offers a better sense of soundstage, greater clarity and a distinct sound signature that sets them apart from standard dynamic driver headphones.
Audiophiles may find them more expensive and difficult to drive however, the cost is worth it. You can buy a pair of headphones for less than $400. These include the budget-friendly Hifiman HE400i or Monoprice Monolith M1070.
Soundstage
Planar magnetic headphones with large drivers can create a wide soundstage. These vast soundscapes let you hear more detail and create a more immersive listening environment. You'll be able to more precisely pinpoint the location of the individual instruments and vocals in the mix which makes them a great choice for mixing or studio use.
In addition to their amazing soundstage, these headphones are also known for their outstanding bass performance. Their large drivers can move a significant amount of air,
planar driver giving them the ability to reproduce full and deep bass notes with remarkable precision and clarity. This is a major improvement from the tinny bass that you get with most headphones with dynamic drivers.
The headphones of the planar magnetic type are unique in that they use a flat diaphragm, sandwiched in a conductive pattern between two arrays of magnetic material. When an electrical current flows through the conductive trace, it creates a magnetic field which causes the diaphragm's surface to vibrate and generate audio waves. The movement of the diaphragm is controlled by the magnetic field, and it is evenly dispersed across the entire surface area. This creates an isodynamic field which ensures that the diaphragm's movement is consistent across the entire frequency range.
Planar magnetic headphones are considerably less distortion than dynamic headphones, since the distortion caused by a dynamic driver comes from the voice coil's movement through and out of contact between the diaphragm and the voice coil. This means that you can hear the music exactly as the artist intended, even at a loud volume.
Planar magnetic headphones leak more than open-back dynamic models. The huge diaphragms of these headphones can move a massive amount of air. Some of it escapes through the open back. If you're in a quiet environment this should not be a problem.
The choice between planar magnetic headphones and dynamic headphones is based on your budget and your preferences in listening. Planar magnetic headphones are the best choice for those who value accuracy, detail and low distortion.
Detail
Planar magnetic headphones have gained popularity among audiophiles in recent years. They are renowned for their wide sound signature and utilize flat diaphragms that are able to move at an incredible speed to produce deep bass and high frequencies. Unlike dynamic drivers that have rigid, stiff driver voice coils the conductor trace of the planar magnetic headphone drivers is fixed on the flat surface of the diaphragm, and it responds to the magnetic field generated by two magnets that are opposite. This allows them to reproduce frequencies with larger variations than other headphones, without causing distortion to the driver or damage to the diaphragm at high volume.
This also leads to the flat diaphragm creating a wider soundwavefront, which is more planar instead of an spherical wavefront that is more focused like dynamic drivers (although some of the latest, high-end dynamic driver headphones such as Focal Utopia are able to extend into 20Hz). Planar magnetic headphones feature a wider, more expansive soundstage which allows them to show recordings with greater detail. This is especially noticeable when it comes to instruments. The precision and detail of planar magnetic headphones allows you to hear every string, woodwind, and piano note as intended by the composer.
A good pair of headphones will also reproduce the sounds that surround you. Depending on the shape of the ear cups, and whether they're open-back or
closed-back planar magnetic headphones headphones, some models leak sound through the back of the earcup. In most cases this isn't a problem, but in some it can be disruptive to others who are nearby while you're listening. With this in mind, it's important to look for headphones that are specifically designed to limit leakage, or at least have an additional grille that to use when listening in public spaces.
No matter what kind of headphones you pick it is crucial to find a pair that fits your lifestyle and music listening preferences. With a variety of styles, sizes, and prices, there's sure to be a pair of planar magnetic headphones that provide the best listening experience for you!
Comfort
A planar magnetic headphones uses thin diaphragms and conductors hung on an array of magnets to manipulate sound waves. This broader wavefront produces more natural and immersive sound with impressive detail as well as speed and precision. However, they can be heavy and require an amplifier that is specifically designed to achieve their full potential.
Many of the specialized HiFi audio headphone manufacturers have reintroduced this older technology in recent years, allowing listeners to experience a new level of awe-inspiring audio quality thanks to the power of planar drivers. While they may not look as sleek and modern as high-end models, they are renowned for their deep bass, intimate presentation, and exceptional stage depth.
These headphones are comfortable and easy to wear despite their dimensions and distinctive design. The ear cups are designed to protect your ear and block out ambient noise so you can focus on your audio. They don't clamp around your head or neck like other over-ear headphones. The light build and comfortable earpads can be a major draw for some listeners.
Another disadvantage of planar magnetic headphones is that they are generally high cost. You can find budget-friendly dynamics headphones, but many models require a dedicated amplifier/DAC to get the most out of them. They are more complicated than their dynamic counterparts and require plenty of power to move the magnets.
While there are a few affordable alternatives (such as the HIFIMAN Deva or AUdeze Venus), most planar headphones fall into the top end of the spectrum, with some of the top models costing more than $400 in price. This is a big expense, especially when you listen to music on the go or spend the majority of your time playing games however, for those who want to hear music at its most crystal clear and realism, they offer an outstanding listening experience.
The most significant drawback of planar headphones, despite their superior sound quality, is their leakage. Dual magnets move in both directions, which causes the headphones to leak sound. This can disturb people who are in the vicinity or let outside noises in. Certain models are more prone to this than others. However, it's a concern to most listeners who want to listen in a peaceful setting.
Noise isolation
A pair of headphones should be able to isolate your ears from their surrounding environment in order to qualify as "headphones". To achieve this, a high-quality
planar Driver magnetic headphone makes the most appropriate construction materials and ergonomic design to prevent sound from escaping through your ears. This will cut down on the noise you hear and give you more of an immersive experience.
In general, planar magnet headphones are heavier and more bulky than dynamic headphones. This is because the driver uses a greater surface area to produce sound which requires a bigger earcup. Boutique HiFi audio brands like to design earcups using exotic woods and composites.