Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones
Planar magnetic headphones, also referred to as Isodynamic or orthodynamic, have earned a reputation with audiophiles due to their stunning clarity and deep bass.
They also leak some of the sound into the surrounding area, so they require a quiet listening area and can be disruptive to people who are around you. However, they can provide excellent sound quality at a an affordable price.
Closed or open back?
Planar magnetic headphones are a popular choice for audiophiles, and it's clear why. The top models can provide amazing clarity and a powerful presence without sounding like they've been distorted. However, they can be expensive and often require a headphone amplifier in order to power them. Additionally, their open-back designs bleed sound and let in surrounding noise. If you're in looking for a pair of planar headphones, you'll want to consider your preferences and listening habits prior to making a purchase.
Decide if you'll be using 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, planar magnetic headphones had an advantage over dynamic drivers in the bass department because they could reproduce frequencies down to 20hz whereas dynamic driver headphones would roll off around 50hz. However, this advantage has become less pronounced over time as manufacturers have worked to improve the performance of their diaphragms, and make the rest of the headphones lighter.
In the end, many affordable planar magnetic headphones lean away from the most bass-rich sound and concentrate on clarity in the mids and highs. These headphones may not have as much punch and rumble, which could be a challenge for certain listeners.
One exception is the HiFiMAN Venus over-ear headphone that are closed-back and have a single-sided diaphragm. They don't have the same bass, but still deliver rich sub-bass notes and a vivacious texture.
In the end, the type of headphones you pick will be based on your music preferences and budget. If you plan to listen to music on your laptop while at home, an open-back pair will be the best option. A closed-back model will be better to use while on the move. If you plan to use your headphones for gaming, an open-back version like the Audeze LCD-2 Classics may be better than a model with a closed-back design, such as the HiFiMan Susvara 2020. If you're a fan of music, any of these headphones will give you the entire audio spectrum and exceptional detail that you're looking for.
Bass response
Planar magnetic headphones produce sound using a different technique than traditional dynamic driver in ear monitors (IEM). Instead of a single
magnet planar pushing the diaphragm, these headphones employ two magnetic fields sandwiched between an electrified film. This creates a wider, more natural sound wavefront with lower distortion. This also allows for a quicker response time and a greater frequency range than traditional dynamic drivers.
The difference is apparent in the bass response. While high-end dynamic driver headphones can go up to 20hz and beyond, most planar headphones can be used with less distortion and better clarity. For audiophiles this is a huge difference and gives you the best in-ear monitoring experience you can get.
Another method by which headphones with a planar design can enhance the sound quality is through imaging. Dynamic drivers only vibrate the portion of diaphragm that is connected to the voice coil. This may cause minor distortions that alter the audio reproduction. Planar drivers, on the other hand, can create more of a soundstage because the entire diaphragm vibrates in response to the audio signal. This lets the headphones accurately reproduce the stereo balance, and the transparency of instruments exactly as meant by the audio producer.
The downside of this is that open-back headphones such as the HIFIMAN Ananda and the Monoprice M1070 do not isolate sound, so anyone in your vicinity can hear your music. However this is a minor trade-off for the amazing clarity and detail you'll enjoy.
planar headphones (
great post to read) are more leaky than open-back ones due to the fact that they have two magnetic fields that are in opposition. This is a huge problem for people who want to listen to music in quiet environments or are worried about disturbing those around them. If you're worried about leakage, you can address the problem by using ear pads which wrap around your ears to provide additional isolation.
Sensitivity
Contrary to traditional dynamic drivers which feature a speaker cone or dome that the voice coil vibrates planar headphones have incredibly thin membranes imprinted with conductors and strung across magnetic arrays that can move at lightning speed. They have a high frequency response, which is not possible for most moving coil headphones. They also have a crisp and deep bass that goes down to the lowest frequency.
Most affordable planar magnetic over-ear headphones may excel at listening to low-frequency music however, they aren't equipped with the acoustic clarity that makes them ideal for mixing or hifi listening. The diaphragms' flatness make it impossible to drive them in a symmetrical manner similar to a moving-coil headphone. To find a pair that delivers great treble, you'll need to spend more than 500 dollars.
However, boutique audio brands, tend to offer an array of models that are both affordable and excellent sounding. One example is the Meze Elite, a pair of closed-back headphones that utilize a one-sided magnetic arrays to provide an immersive listening experience. They feature a 90dB sensitivity and a resistance of 35ohms which will be compatible with the majority of consumer devices. They are also available with a stunning array of exotic woods and materials, making them look as luxurious as they sound.
The more expensive models like the HiFiMAN HE-560s can be 30 percent lighter than the competition due to the unique magnet structure and a slew of other innovative design options. This includes a patent-pending shape that reduces wave diffraction, which means they can be driven more efficiently and produce less distortion than conventional double-sided designs.
The HE-560s cost more because of many of the same advancements. If you're willing to pay more, you can enjoy a full range musical emotions. From the low-frequency rumbles that accompany a thunderstorm to the shimmering of the cymbals in your favorite tracks. A set of quality planars can change your music with their stunning sound. It is important to select the right model for your needs and budget.
Comfort
If you are a fan of listening to music, upgrading to a pair of premium headphones will greatly enhance your audio experience. The top planar magnetic headphones provide detail and clarity that you won't find in lower-end headphones. If you opt for an over-ear model, such as the HiFiMan Sundara or an in-ear model that is portable like the CCA PLA 13, these headphones will breathe new life into your most loved songs.
However, these headphones can also be quite heavy due to their large ear cups and often require a separate headphone amplifier. Many boutique brands have developed headphones that overcome these limitations and
planar headphones provide incredible audio in a small package. The OPPO pm-3, for example is a light closed-back planar magnetic headphone that comes with a selvedge jean-carrying case.
Due to their large earcups, many planar magnetic headphones can be bulky and uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time. However, the majority of models come with ample padding and
planar headphones are calibrated to the clamping force to ensure an appropriate fit.