Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones

Planar magnetic headphones (also known as orthodynamic or isodynamic) have earned a reputation in the audiophile community due to their amazing clarity and powerful bass.

They also leak lots of sound into the surrounding area, so they require a closed listening area and can be disruptive to people who are around you. They do, however, provide excellent sound quality at a an affordable price.

Closed or open back?

Planar magnetic headphones are a favorite by audiophiles and it's clear why. The best models can offer amazing clarity and a powerful presence without sounding like they've been distorted. But these headphones can also be expensive and typically require a headphone amplifier in order to power them. In addition, their open-back designs bleed sound and let in surrounding noise. If you're looking for a pair of planar headphones It's crucial to consider your listening preferences and habits before making a purchase.

The best place to start is to determine whether you'll use headphones for casual listening or audiophile-grade audio. You'll also need to consider your comfort requirements and whether 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 around 50hz. However, this difference has gotten less noticeable over the years as manufacturers have worked to improve the quality of their diaphragms as well as making the rest of the headphones lighter.

A majority of the budget-friendly planar magnetic headphones concentrate on clarity and highs and mids instead of the deepest bass. This means that you may not have as much rumble or impact from these headphones, which could be a challenge for some 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 yet, but they still offer deep sub-bass tones with a lively texture.

In the end, the type of headphone you pick will be based on your music preferences and budget. If you're going to be listening to music on your laptop at home, an open-back pair of headphones with a planar design will likely be ideal, while a closed-back option will be suitable for use when you're on the move. If you intend to use your headphones for gaming purposes An open-back model like the Audeze LCD-2 Classics may be better than a model that has a closed-back design such as the HiFiMan Susvara 2020. If you're a music lover and want to listen to music, these headphones will offer the full audio spectrum and exceptional detail that you're looking for.

Response to bass

Planar magnetic headphones employ 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 opposing magnetic fields sandwiched around an electrified film. This creates a wider, more natural sound wavefront with less distortion. This also allows for a quicker response time and a wider frequency range than traditional dynamic drivers.

The difference in bass response is noticeable. While high-end dynamic driver headphones can extend to 20hz and beyond, the majority of planar headphones can be used with less distortion and superior clarity. This is a major benefit for audiophiles and lets them have the best in-ear listening experience.

Another method by which planar headphones can improve the sound quality is through imaging. Dynamic drivers only vibrate the portion of the diaphragm that is attached to the voice coil which can result in small distortions that alter the audio reproduction. Planar drivers, on the other hand, can produce an even larger soundstage because their entire diaphragm vibrates whenever an audio signal is received. This lets the headphones accurately reproduce the stereo balance, and the transparency of instruments as it was meant by the audio producer.

The downside of this is that open-back planar headphones like the HIFIMAN Ananda and Monoprice M1070 aren't able to create a sound barrier, so everyone in your vicinity can hear your music. However it's a small trade-off for the amazing clarity and detail you'll get to enjoy.

The leakage of headphones in planar models is greater than open-back dynamic ones because they have two magnetic fields that are opposite. This can be a problem for those who wish to listen to music in quiet environments or are concerned about causing disturbance to others. If you are worried about leakage, there are some options available to mitigate this issue, such as ear pads that wrap around the ears to provide isolation.

Sensitivity

Unlike traditional dynamic drivers that feature a dome or speaker cone that the voice coil is vibrating, planar headphones have incredibly thin membranes infused with conductors and connected to magnetic arrays that manipulate them at lightning speed. This allows them to deliver high-frequency responses that moving-coil headphones struggle with, as well as a bass that is clear and deep to the lowest frequencies.

The cheapest headphones with planar magnetic earbuds may be excellent for listening at low frequencies however, they aren't equipped with the acoustic precision that makes them ideal for mixing or hifi. The flatness of the diaphragms makes it difficult to drive them in a way that is symmetrical similar to a moving-coil headphone. To find a pair that delivers great treble you'll need to invest more than 500 dollars.

However, boutique audio brands, tend to offer an array of models that are affordable and have excellent sound. Meze Elite is a pair closed-back headphones with an array of magnets that is single-sided and gives you a rich listening experience. They have a sensitivity of 90dB and 35ohm impedance which will work with the majority of consumer-grade devices. They are available in a range of exotic woods, composites and other materials that make them look as good as they sound.

The HiFiMAN H-560s, for example, are up to 30 percent lighter than competitors thanks to a unique magnetic structure as well as a myriad of other innovative design choices. This includes a unique design that helps reduce wave-diffraction. This means they can be driven better and produce less distortion than double-sided designs.

Of course, a lot of these innovations also make the HE-560s more expensive than their rivals. 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 that comes from a thunder storm to the shimmering the cymbals of your most-loved track. A quality set of planars can change your music by delivering a stunning sound. It is crucial to choose the best model based on your budget and needs.

Comfort

If you enjoy listening to music and want to upgrade to a premium pair of headphones can greatly improve your audio experience. The top headphones with planar magnets provide the same level of clarity and detail that you can't find in cheaper headphones. Pick an over-ear model like the HiFiMan Sundara, or a portable in ear model like CCA PLA 13 to breathe new life into your favourite songs.

Planar magnetic headphones are quite heavy because of their large ear cups. They often require an additional headphone amplifier. Many boutique brands have developed headphones to address these issues and deliver incredible sound in a lightweight package. The OPPO PM-3, for example, is a lightweight closed-back magnetic headphone that can be folded flat and comes with a selvedge denim carrying case, making it simple to take on the go.

Due to their larger earcups, many planar magnetic headphones are heavy and uncomfortable to wear for long durations of time. However, the majority of models provide 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.

Contrary to dynamic drivers Planar magnetic driver systems make use of large diaphragms that are flexible to produce bass and mid range sounds. This lets them move much larger volumes of air than their more stiff counterparts without suffering the huge excursions that damage and cause warping to traditional dynamic drivers. This leads to smooth, broad frequency response that is accompanied by incredible bass clarity and Planar Magnetic Earbuds depth.

Planar magnetic headphones are also more efficient and have less distortion than dynamic headphones. This makes them perfect for listening at loud volume without sacrificing comfort or detail. Some planar headphones require an external headphone amplifier, however most are built to work with any audio source.

Ultimately, deciding whether planar headphones with magnetic in ear are worth it depends on personal preferences and budgetary constraints. The best planar headphones are able of delivering amazing bass and clarity, without ever falling into distortion. However they are expensive to drive and require more power. Additionally, they typically feature open-back designs that bleed noise and can let in ambient sound.