Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones
Planar magnetic headphones (also known as orthodynamic or isodynamic) have earned a reputation in the audiophile community for offering amazing clarity and high-quality bass.
They also tend to let lots of sound into the surrounding area, so they require a quiet listening environment and may disturb those nearby. However, they can provide outstanding sound for a reasonable cost.
Closed or open back?
It's not difficult to comprehend why audiophiles enjoy the planar magnetic headphones. The top models can provide stunning clarity and incredible clarity without sounding distorted. However, they can be costly and usually require a headphone amplifier to drive them. Plus their open-back designs leak sound and let in the surrounding noise. If you're looking for a pair of headphones that are planar it is important to think about your preferences for listening and habits prior to making a purchase.
Start by deciding whether you will use your headphones for audiophile or for casual listening. You'll also need to think about your comfort needs and if you prefer an open-back or closed back design.
Historically, planar magnetic headphones had an advantage over dynamic drivers in the bass department because they could reproduce frequencies as low as to 20hz whereas dynamic driver headphones would cut off at 50hz. This distinction has diminished in the past few years, as manufacturers have improved the diaphragms of their headsets and made the rest lighter.
Many affordable planar magnetic headsets are focused on clarity, highs and mids, not the bass that is deep. These headphones might not have as much punch and rumble, which can be a challenge for certain listeners.
HiFiMAN's Venus over-ear headphones are a standout. They feature a closed-back design and a diaphragm which is only one-sided. They don't have the same bass, but still deliver rich sub-bass notes and a vivacious texture.
The type of headphones you choose will ultimately be based on your listening habits as well as your budget. If you're listening to music on your laptop at home and have an open-back pair, an open-back pair headphones is likely to be best, while a closed-back option will be suitable for use in the field. Likewise, if you'll be using your headphones for gaming with an open-back design like the Audeze LCD-2 Classics might be better than a closed-back option like the HiFiMan Susvara 2020. If you're a lover of music and want to listen to music, these headphones will give you the full audio spectrum and exceptional detail that you're looking for.
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 which moves the diaphragm and creates audio, these headphones comprise two opposing magnetic fields sandwiched around an electrified film. This results in a more natural sound with less distortion. This results in a faster response time as well as a larger frequency range than traditional dynamic drivers.
The variation in bass response is evident. High-end dynamic headphones can reach 20hz, however the majority of planar headphones are capable of going further and with less distortion. This is an enormous benefit for audiophiles and lets them get the best in ear monitoring experience.
Imaging is another method that planar headphones can improve sound quality. Dynamic drivers vibrate only the diaphragm part that is attached to the voice coil. This can result in small distortions that alter the audio reproduction. In contrast, planar drivers can produce an even larger soundstage since the entire diaphragm is vibrating in response to an audio signal. This allows headphones to accurately reproduce the stereo balance, transparency and position of instruments as specified by the audio producer.
Open-back planars such as the HIFIMAN Anaanda and Monoprice Monolith M1070 don't block out sound. Anyone around you will be able to hear your music. This is an acceptable price for the incredible detail and clarity that you'll be able to enjoy.
Planar headphones are more leaky than open-back ones due to the fact that they have two magnetic fields that are in opposition. This can be a big problem for people who want to listen to music in quiet spaces or who are concerned about causing a disturbance to those surrounding them. If you're worried about leakage, you can reduce the problem by using ear pads which are affixed to your ears to provide more isolation.
Sensitivity
Planar headphones differ from traditional dynamic drivers which have cones or speaker domes behind which the voice coil is vibrating. They have thin membranes which are coated with conductors. The membranes are hung on magnetic arrays, which allow them to manipulate them at lightning speeds. They can provide a high-frequency response, which is difficult for most moving coil headphones. closed back planar magnetic headphones have a crisp and deep bass down to the lowest frequency.
The cheapest planar magnetic headphones can be excellent for listening at low frequencies but they're not equipped with the acoustic precision that makes them ideal for mixing or listening to hifi. The reason for this is that their diaphragms are flat, which means they can't be driven in a symmetrical fashion like a headphone with a moving coil. To get a pair that delivers great treble, you'll need to spend more than 500 dollars.
Boutique audio brands typically offer models that are priced at a reasonable price and sound fantastic. One example is the Meze Elite, a pair of closed-back headphones which utilize an array of magnetics that is single-sided to provide a more immersive listening experience. They have a sensitivity of 90dB and 35ohm impedance which will work with the majority of consumer audio devices. They are available in a variety of exotic woods, composites and other materials to ensure they look as good as they sound.
Higher-end models like the HiFiMAN's HE-560s are up to 30 percent lighter than the competition, thanks to an exclusive magnet structure and a slew of other innovative design options. This includes a patent-pending design that minimizes wave-diffraction. This means they can be driven more efficiently and cause less distortion than double-sided models.
The HE-560s cost more because of many of the same innovations. However, if you're willing to spend a little extra you'll be able to experience a variety of musical emotions from the low-frequency rumble of thunder storm to the shimmering cymbals on your most-loved track. A quality set of planars can change your music with their outstanding sound. But it's important to choose the right model for your needs and budget.
Comfort
Upgrade to a pair premium headphones if your favorite is listening to music. The top planar magnetic headphones offer a level of clarity and clarity that you can't get in cheap headphones. Choose from an over-ear headphone like the HiFiMan Sundara, or a portable in ear model like the CCA PLA 13 to breathe new life into all your favorite songs.
However, planar magnetic headphones can also be heavy due to their large ear cups. They also often require a separate headphone amplifier. Many of the top boutique headphone brands have designed headphones to overcome these issues and provide incredible sound in a lightweight package. The OPPO pm-3, for example is a compact, closed-back planar magnet headphone that comes with a selvedge jean carrying case.
Many planar magnetic headphones are heavy and uncomfortable for prolonged wear due to their larger earcups. Many models have plenty of padding, and are calibrated to the perfect 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 evenly across the head.
Planar magnetic driver systems unlike dynamic drivers, utilize large diaphragms that are flexible for mid-range and bass sound. They can move more air than their stiffer counterparts, but without the massive excursion that can harm or degrade traditional dynamic driver systems. This results in a smooth and wide frequency response and an impressive bass depth.
Another advantage of planar magnetic headphones is that they have less distortion and better effectiveness than other dynamic headphones. This allows them to be used at high volume without sacrificing comfort or detail. Some headphones require an external headphone amplifier however, most are designed to work with any audio source.
In the end, deciding if planar headphones with magnetic in ear are worth the investment is based on your personal preferences as well as budget limitations. The best headphones for planar provide incredible levels of bass and clarity without ever tumbling into distortion, however they can be costly and require more power to drive. They can also have open-back designs, which may let in ambient noise and bleed noise.