Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones
Planar magnetic headphones (also known as orthodynamic or isodynamic) have earned a reputation in the audiophile community for providing amazing clarity and powerful bass.
They also tend to let lots of sound into the surrounding area, so they require a closed listening area and can be disruptive to people around you. They do, however, provide excellent sound quality at a a reasonable price.
Open or closed-back?
Planar magnetic headphones are a favorite among audiophiles, and it's easy to see why. The top models can deliver amazing clarity and detail without sounding distorted. These headphones are costly and require a headphone amplifier to be driven. Additionally their open-back designs can bleed sound and let in the surrounding noise. If you're in the search for a pair planar headphones, it's best to think about your preferences and listening habits before making a purchase.
Decide if you'll use your headphones for audiophile or casual listening. It's also important to take into consideration your personal preference and whether you prefer a closed or open back design.
Planar magnetic headphones have always had a distinct advantage in the area of bass over dynamic driver headphones because they can reproduce frequencies as low as around 20hz. Dynamic driver headphones are able to reproduce frequencies at around 50hz. However, this distinction has gotten less noticeable as manufacturers have tried to improve the quality of their diaphragms, and make the rest of the headphones lighter.
As a result, many affordable planar magnetic headphones stray from the most bass-rich sound and focus on clarity in the mids and highs. This means that you may not have as much rumble or punch from these headphones, which can be a problem for some listeners.
One exception is the HiFiMAN Venus headphones which are closed-back and have one-sided diaphragm. They don't have the same bass but still provide rich sub-bass tones and engaging sound.
The type of headphones you choose will ultimately be based on your preferences for listening as well as your budget. If you're planning on listening to music on your laptop at home and have an open-back pair, an open-back pair headphones with a planar design will likely be the best choice for you, while a closed-back pair will be suitable for use when you're on the move. If you'll use headphones to play games with an open-back design like the Audeze LCD-2 Classics might be more suitable than a closed-back one like the HiFiMan Susvara 2020. These headphones are perfect for those who love music and want to hear the full spectrum of audio and get exceptional detail.
Response to bass
Planar magnetic headphones produce sound using a different method than traditional dynamic driver in ear monitors (IEM). Instead of a single magnet pushing the diaphragm, these headphones employ two magnetic fields sandwiched between an electrified movie. This creates a more natural sound with less distortion. This enables a faster response time and a wider frequency range than traditional dynamic drivers.
The difference in bass response is noticeable. High-end dynamic headphones can go over 20hz, however most planar headphones can be capable of going further and have less distortion. This is an enormous benefit for audiophiles and allows them to have the best in-ear monitoring experience.
Imaging is another way that planar headphones can improve the sound quality. Dynamic drivers only vibrate the diaphragm portion connected to the voice coil. This can result in small distortions that alter the audio reproduction. Planar drivers, on the other hand, can produce a fuller soundstage because the entire diaphragm oscillates in response to an audio signal. This allows the headphones to precisely reproduce the stereo balance, and transparency of instruments as it was intended by the audio producer.
The downside of this 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. This is an acceptable price for the incredible clarity and clarity you'll be able experience.
Because they have two magnetic fields that are opposite the planar headphones leak a little more than traditional open-back dynamic headphones. This could be an issue for those who prefer to listen to music in quiet environments or are concerned about disturbing others. If you're worried about leakage, you can address the issue by using ear pads that are affixed to your ears to provide extra isolation.
Sensitivity
Planar headphones are different from traditional dynamic drivers which have cones or a speaker dome behind which the voice coil is moving. www.headphonesshop.uk feature thin membranes that are printed with conductors. The membranes are hung on magnetic arrays to move them at lightning-fast speeds. This allows them to provide high-frequency responses that moving-coil headphones struggle with, as well as an unbeatable bass that's clear and deep down to lowest frequencies.
The most affordable planar magnetic over-ear headphones may excel at listening to low-frequency music but they're not equipped with the acoustic clarity that would make them perfect for mixing or hifi listening. This is because the flatness of their diaphragms makes them unable to be driven in a symmetrical fashion as a moving coil headphone. In order to get a great sounding treble from the planars usually, you'll need to spend more than $500.
Boutique audio brands tend to provide models that are affordable and sound fantastic. One example is the Meze Elite, a pair of closed-back headphones which utilize one-sided magnetic arrays to provide a more immersive listening experience. They boast a 90dB sensitivity and 35ohm impedance, which can be used with most consumer-grade devices. They also come in a stunning selection of exotic woods and composites which means they look as high-end as they sound.
The more expensive models like the HiFiMAN's HE-560s are 30 percent lighter than their competitors, thanks to an exclusive magnet structure and a variety of other design innovations. This includes a patent-pending design that reduces wave diffraction, which means they can be driven more efficiently and produce less distortion than conventional double-sided designs.
Of course, many of these same features make the HE-560s even more expensive than their competitors. If you're willing to pay more, you'll be able to enjoy a full range musical emotions. From the low-frequency rumbles that accompany thunderstorms to the glistening of the cymbals that you hear in your favorite track. The quality of the sound produced by a great set of planars is simply amazing and can completely change your music. It is important to select the best model for your requirements and budget.
Comfort
Upgrade to a pair premium headphones if you like listening to music. The top headphones with planar magnets provide the same level of detail and clarity you won't get from cheaper 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 your favorite songs.
Planar magnetic headphones are also very heavy due to their larger ear cups. They usually require an additional headphone amplifier. Many of the top boutique headphone brands have created headphones to address these issues and deliver incredible sound in a lightweight package. The OPPO pm-3, for instance is a light closed-back planar magnetic headphone that comes with a selvedge jean-carrying case.
A lot of planar magnetic headphones are heavy and uncomfortable to wear for long periods due to their large earcups. Most models have ample padding and a precisely calibrated clamping pressure to ensure a comfortable fitting. The OPPO PM-3 does not disappoint with ultra-soft earpads and suspension bands that evenly disperse weight across the head.
In contrast to dynamic drivers Planar magnetic driver systems utilize large diaphragms with flexible diaphragms to create mid and bass sounds. They can move much larger volumes of air than their stiffer counterparts without experiencing the massive excursions that damage and cause warping to traditional dynamic drivers. This gives them a smooth, wide frequency response with incredible bass clarity and depth.
Planar magnetic headphones are more efficient and have less distortion than dynamic headphones. This allows them to be used at a higher volume without sacrificing comfort and clarity. Certain planar headphones require an external headphone amplifier however, most are designed to work with any audio source.
In the end, deciding if planar magnetic in ear headphones are worth the investment is based on personal preferences and budget limitations. The very best planar headphones provide incredible levels of bass and clarity without ever tipping into distortion, but they can be costly and require more power to drive. In addition, they often feature open-back designs that bleed sound and allow ambient sound.