A Provocative Rant About Planar Magnetic

Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones Planar magnetic headphones, also known as Isodynamic or Orthodynamic have earned themselves a name in the world of audiophiles due to their amazing detail and deep bass. They also tend to let lots of sound into the surrounding area, so they require a closed listening environment and may disturb those who are around you. However, they can provide exceptional sound quality at a reasonable price. Open or closed-back? It's easy to see why audiophiles enjoy planar magnet ic headphones. The top models can deliver amazing clarity and detail without sounding unnatural. However, these headphones can be expensive and often require a headphone amplifier to power them. They also let sound out and let in ambient noise. So if you're in the search for a pair planar headphones, it's best to consider your listening habits and preferences before purchasing. The best place to begin is to determine if you'll use your headphones for casual listening or audiophile quality audio. Then, you'll want to think about your personal comfort needs and whether you prefer an open-back or closed-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 whereas dynamic driver headphones would cut off at around 50hz. This advantage has diminished over time, as manufacturers have improved the diaphragms of their headphones and made them lighter. In the end, the majority of affordable planar magnetic headphones lean away from the most bass-rich sound and concentrate on clarity in the mids and highs. This means that you might not get as much rumble and punch from these headphones, which can be a problem for some listeners. One exception to this is the HiFiMAN Venus over-ear headphones, which are closed-back and feature a single-sided diaphragm. As a result, they do not have the same depth but they still offer a rich sub-bass and a lively texturing. The type of headphones you pick will ultimately be based on your preferences in 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 best, while a closed-back option is suitable for use when you're on the move. If you'll use 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 perfect for music lovers who are looking to experience the entire spectrum of sound and get exceptional detail. Bass response Planar magnetic headphones produce sound using a different technique than traditional dynamic driver in ear monitors (IEM). Instead of a single magnet which is pushing the diaphragm to produce audio, these headphones comprise two magnetic fields that are sandwiched around an electrified film. This produces a more natural sound with less distortion. This also allows for a faster response time and a greater frequency range than traditional dynamic drivers. The difference is apparent in the bass response. High-end dynamic headphones can go beyond 20hz, but most planar headphones can be capable of going further and with less distortion. For audiophiles, this can make a huge difference and provides the best listening experience you can get. Another method by which headphones designed for planar use can improve sound quality is through imaging. Dynamic drivers only vibrate by the diaphragm connected to the voice coil which can cause minor distortions that change the intended audio reproduction. Planar drivers, on the other hand will produce a more expansive soundstage as their entire diaphragm vibrates when an audio signal is received. This allows the headphones to accurately reproduce the position, stereo balance, and the transparency of instruments as it was intended by the audio producer. Open-back planars, such as the HIFIMAN Anaanda and Monoprice Monolith M1070 are not able to block out sound. Anyone in your vicinity will be capable of hearing your music. However, this is a small sacrifice for the incredible detail and clarity you'll be able to enjoy. Planar headphones are more leaky than open-back dynamic ones due to the fact that they have two magnetic fields that are at odds. This can be a big problem for people who want to listen to music in quiet spaces or are worried about disturbing those around them. If you are worried about leakage, there are some alternatives to help with this issue, such as the ear pads that wrap around the ears to provide additional isolation. Sensitivity In contrast to traditional dynamic drivers that include a speaker cone or dome behind which the voice coil is vibrating, planar headphones have incredibly thin membranes that are imprinted with conductors, and connected to magnetic arrays that move them at a lightning-fast speed. They have a high frequency response, which is difficult to achieve with most headphones that use moving coils. They also have a crisp and deep bass down to the lowest frequency. However, while they excel at low frequencies, the cheapest over-ear planar magnetic headphones are usually lacking in acoustic accuracy that would make them perfect for mixing or hi-fi listening. The flatness of the diaphragms makes it impossible to drive them in a symmetrical manner similar to a moving-coil headphone. To get the best sounding treble from an earphone usually, you'll need to spend more than $500. The boutique audio brands, however, tend to offer many models that are affordable and excellent sounding. Meze Elite is a pair closed-back headphones that feature one-sided magnet array that gives you a rich listening experience. They boast a 90dB sensitivity and 35ohm impedance, which should work well with most consumer-grade devices. They are also available with a stunning array of exotic woods and composites, so they look as premium as they sound. More expensive models such as the HiFiMAN HE-560s can be 30% lighter than their counterparts, thanks to an exclusive magnet structure as well as a host of other design innovations. This includes a patent-pending design that helps reduce wave-diffraction. This means they can be driven better and produce less distortion than double-sided models. Of course, many of these innovations also make the HE-560s more expensive than their rivals. If you're willing to spend more, you'll get to experience the full spectrum of musical sensations. From the low-frequency rumbles of an erupting storm to the glistening of the cymbals on your favorite tracks. A good set of planars can alter your music with their outstanding sound. However, it is essential to choose the right model to meet your requirements and budget. Comfort Upgrade to a pair premium headphones if your favorite is listening to music. The top headphones with planar magnets provide the same level of clarity and detail that you can't get from cheaper headphones. Choose an over-ear headphone like the HiFiMan Sundara, or a compact in-ear model like CCA PLA 13 to breathe new life into all your favorite tracks. However, these headphones can also be heavy due to their larger ear cups. They also often require an amplifier for the headphone separately. Many 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 lightweight closed-back magnetic headphone which can be folded flat and comes with a selvedge denim carrying case, making it easy to take with you on the go. Due to their larger earcups planar magnetic headphones are bulky and uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time. However, most models offer plenty of padding and a carefully calibrated clamping force to ensure an appropriate fit. The OPPO PM-3 does not disappoint with ultra-soft earpads and suspension bands that evenly disperse weight evenly across the head. Planar magnetic driver systems unlike dynamic drivers make use of large diaphragms with flexible diaphragms to produce mid-range and bass sounds. They can move more air than their stiffer counterparts without the huge excursions that damage or degrade traditional dynamic driver systems. This leads to an extremely smooth and broad frequency response, with an impressive bass depth. Another advantage of the planar magnetic headphones is their less distortion and better efficiency than the majority of dynamic headphones. This allows them to be used at a high volume without sacrificing comfort and detail. While some headphones need an external headphone amp However, the majority are designed to be as efficient as possible and can be used with almost all audio sources. Personal preferences and budgetary limitations will ultimately decide if these headphones with magnetic in-ears are worth the investment. The best headphones for planar are able to reproduce amazing levels of bass and clarity without ever tumbling into distortion, however they can be expensive and require more power to drive. Additionally, they typically come with open-back designs that allow for bleed of the sound and can allow ambient sound.