Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones
Planar magnetic headphones, also known as orthodynamic or Isodynamic have earned themselves a name in the world of audiophiles due to their amazing clarity and deep bass.
They also leak lots of sound into the surrounding area, so they require a quiet listening area and can disturb those who are around you. However, they can provide outstanding sound for an affordable price.
Open or closed-back?
It's not hard to understand why audiophiles are awestruck by the planar magnetic headphones. The top models can deliver incredible detail and presence without sounding distorted. They are expensive and require a headphone amplifier to be driven. They also leak sound and let in ambient noise. So if you're in the market for a pair of planar headphones, you'll want to think about your listening habits and preferences prior to making a purchase.
Decide if you'll use your headphones for audiophile or for casual listening. It's also important to consider your comfort level and whether you prefer a closed or open back design.
Historically, headphones with planar magnetics had an advantage over dynamic drivers in the bass department, since they could reproduce frequencies as low as to 20hz while dynamic driver headphones would kick off at 50hz. However, this difference has gotten less noticeable over time as manufacturers have worked to improve the quality of their diaphragms as well as making the rest of the headphones lighter.
In the end, many budget planar magnetic headphones lean away from the most bass-rich sound and focus on clarity in the mids and highs. These headphones might not have as much a punch and rumble, which may cause problems for certain listeners.
HiFiMAN's Venus over-ear headphones aren't the norm. They feature a closed back design and a diaphragm that is only one-sided. They don't get as low but still provide rich sub-bass tones and engaging sound.
The kind of headphones you pick will ultimately be based on your listening habits as well as your budget. If you're going to be listening to music on your laptop at home, an open-back pair of headphones is likely to be ideal for you, while a closed-back pair will be suitable for use when you're on the move. Also, if you'll be using 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 great for those who love music and want to hear the full spectrum of audio and enjoy incredible clarity.
Bass response
Planar magnetic headphones use a different technology to produce sound that is not typical for dynamic driver in-ear monitors (IEM). Instead of a single magnet that moves the diaphragm and creates audio, these headphones feature two magnetic fields that are sandwiched around an electrified film. This creates a more natural sound with less distortion. This also allows for a quicker response time and wider frequency range than traditional dynamic drivers.
The difference is evident in the bass response. High-end dynamic headphones can go over 20hz, while most planar headphones are able to go deeper and have less distortion. For audiophiles this is a huge difference and provides the best in-ear monitoring experience you can get.
Imaging is another way planar headphones can improve the sound quality. Dynamic drivers are only able to vibrate the portion of diaphragm connected to the voice coil, which can result in small distortions that alter the audio reproduction. Planar drivers on the other hand, can produce an expansive soundstage since their entire diaphragm is vibrating when an audio signal is received. This allows headphones to accurately reproduce the stereo balance, transparency and even the location of instruments as intended by the audio producer.
The downside is that open-back headphones like the HIFIMAN Ananda and Monoprice Monolith M1070 don't block out sound, meaning that anyone in your vicinity can hear your music. However this is a minor cost in comparison to the amazing detail and clarity you'll get to experience.
www.headphonesshop.uk of headphones in planar models is greater than open-back dynamic ones because they have two magnetic fields that are opposite. This could be an issue for those who wish to listen to music in quiet environments or are concerned about causing disturbance to other people. If you're worried about leakage, there are options available to mitigate the issue, including ear pads that wrap around the ears for additional isolation.
Sensitivity
Contrary to traditional dynamic drivers which have a dome or speaker cone in which the voice coil vibrates, planar headphones feature incredibly thin membranes that are imprinted with conductors and connected to magnetic arrays that manipulate them at lightning speed. This allows them to provide high-frequency response that most moving-coil headphones struggle with, as well as a bass that is clear and deep to the lowest frequencies.
The most affordable planar magnetic over-ear headphones may excel at low-frequency listening, but they often lack the acoustic clarity which makes them ideal for mixing or listening to hifi. That's because the flatness of their diaphragms means they can't be controlled in a symmetrical manner as a moving coil headphone. If you want a headphone that has great treble you'll have to spend more than 500 dollars.
Boutique audio brands typically provide models that are affordable and sound fantastic. Meze Elite is a pair closed-back headphones with a single-sided magnet array that offers a full-bodied listening experience. They have a 90dB sensitivty and a resistance of 35ohms, which should work with all consumer devices. They also come in a stunning selection of exotic woods and composites so they look as premium as they sound.
Higher-end models like the HiFiMAN's HE-560s are up to 30% lighter than their counterparts, thanks to a unique magnet structure as well as a host of other innovative design options. This includes a patent-pending shape that reduces wave diffraction, meaning they are able to be driven more efficiently while causing less distortion than traditional double-sided designs.
The HE-560s are more expensive due to the use of many of the same innovations. If you're willing more, you can enjoy the full spectrum of musical sensations. From the low-frequency rumbles that accompany thunderstorms to the glistening of the cymbals that you hear in your favorite tracks. A quality set of planars can alter your music with their outstanding sound. It's important to select the right model that fits your budget and requirements.
Comfort
If you are a fan of listening to music switching to a high-end pair of headphones will greatly enhance your audio experience. The best planar magnetic headphones provide clarity and clarity that you won't get from cheap headphones. Pick an over-ear model like the HiFiMan Sundara, or a portable in ear model such as the CCA PLA 13 to breathe new life into all your favorite songs.
However, these headphones can be heavy due to their larger ear cups and often require an additional headphone amplifier. Many boutique headphone brands have created headphones that overcome these limitations and provide incredible audio in a small package. The OPPO pm-3, for instance, is a lightweight closed-back, planar magnet headphone that comes with a selvedge jean carrying case.
Many of the planar magnetic headphones are bulky and uncomfortable to wear for long periods because of their larger earcups. Many models have plenty of padding and a carefully calibrated clamping pressure to ensure a comfortable fit. The OPPO PM-3 is no exception, with ultra-soft ear pads and suspension bands that evenly distribute weight evenly across the head and ears.
Contrary to dynamic drivers Planar magnetic driver systems make use of large diaphragms that are flexible to create mid and bass sounds. This allows them to move much larger volumes of air than their stiffer counterparts, without the huge excursions that could damage or cause warping to traditional dynamic drivers. This leads to an even, smooth response with amazing bass clarity and depth.
Another benefit of the planar magnetic headphones is their lower distortion and higher efficiency than most dynamic headphones. This allows them to be used at high volume without sacrificing comfort and clarity. Some headphones require an external headphone amplifier but most are designed to work with any audio source.
Personal preferences and budgetary limitations will determine if the planar magnetic in-ear headphones you are considering are worth the money. The best planar headphones are able of delivering incredible bass and detail, without ever slipping into distortion. However they are expensive to drive and require more power. Additionally, they usually have open-back designs that let in sound and allow ambient sound.