Planar Magnetic Headphones
Planar magnetic headphones create uniform sound waves by using a thin, flat membrane that is suspended between magnets. planar magnetic drivers gives a greater sense of soundstage, more clarity and a unique sound distinct from standard dynamic driver headphones.
Audiophiles may find them more expensive and difficult to drive, but the investment is worth it. You can purchase one for less than $400, for instance the affordable Hifiman HE-400i or Monoprice Monolith M1070.
Soundstage
Planar magnetic headphones with big drivers can create a large soundstage. These large soundscapes enable you to hear a much greater amount of detail, resulting in a more immersive listening experience. You will be able to better pinpoint the location of the individual instruments and vocals in the mix, making them an excellent option for mixing or studio use.
In addition to their impressive soundstage, the planar magnetic headphones are also renowned for their incredible bass performance. Their massive drivers can move a lot of air, which gives them the ability to reproduce deep and full-bodied bass notes with incredible precision and clarity. This is a major improvement over the muddy, tinny bass you hear from the majority of dynamic driver headphones.
Planar magnetic headphones have a unique design that uses flat diaphragms and a conductive trace that is sandwiched between two magnetic arrays. When an electrical charge flows through the conductive trace it creates a magnetic force that causes the diaphragm to vibrate and generate audio waves. The diaphragm's motion is controlled by the magnetic field and it is evenly dispersed across the entire surface area. This results in an isodynamic (or constant) field that guarantees that the diaphragm's movement is constant throughout the entire frequency range.
The distortion produced by dynamic drivers is caused by the voice coil moving in and out of contact with the diaphragm, planar magnetic headphones have considerably less distortion than their dynamic counterparts. This means that you will be able to hear the music exactly how the artist intended even at loud volumes.
Planar magnetic headphones leak more than dynamic models with open backs. The huge diaphragms of these headphones move an enormous amount of air. Some of this air escapes through the open back. However, if you are listening in a quiet environment, this shouldn't pose a problem.
The choice between dynamic and planar magnetic headphones comes down to your budget and listening preferences. Planar magnetic headphones are the best option if you value accuracy, clarity, and low distortion.
Detail
Planar magnetic headphones have gained popularity among audiophiles in recent times. They are famous for their spacious sound signature and flat diaphragms that move at a rapid pace to create deep bass and higher frequencies. The conductor trace of planar magnetic headphones is fixed to the flat surface of diaphragm and is able to react to magnetic fields produced by two opposing magnetic poles. This allows them to reproduce frequencies with larger excursions than other headphones, without causing driver distortion or diaphragm damage in high volume.
This also results in the diaphragm's flat surface creating a wider, more planar sound wavefront, rather than an spherical wavefront that is more focused like dynamic drivers (although some of the newer, higher-end dynamic driver headphones like Focal Utopia can extend well into 20Hz). The broader and more expansive soundstage of these headphones give them an impressive ability to reveal details in recordings. This is especially evident with instruments, where the clarity and detail that planar headphones provide allows you to hear every individual note on a woodwind instrument and piano note clearly, exactly as they were intended by the composer.
Another quality of a good pair of headphones is how they reproduce sounds that surround you. Based on the design of the ear cups, and whether they're open-back or closed-back headphones, some models leak sound from the back of the ear cup. This isn't an issue in all instances, but it could be a nuisance to those who are near you when you listen. In this case, you should look for headphones that minimize leakage or have an optional grille that you can use in public spaces.
It is essential to select the right headphones for your lifestyle and preferences in listening. There are a variety of designs, sizes, and prices for a planar magnetic headphone that will suit your music preferences.
Comfort
A planar headphone is made up of thin diaphragms engraved with conductors strung across a variety of magnets that alter the sound waves in ways that traditional dynamic headphones are unable to. This wider wavefront creates more natural and immersive sounds with incredible clarity speed, precision, and speed. They are hefty and require an amp that is specifically designed to achieve their full potential.
Many specialized HiFi audio headphone manufacturers have reintroduced this older technology in recent years, allowing listeners to experience a new level of awe-inspiring audio quality using the power of planar drivers. Although they might not appear as sleek and modern as dynamic models, these headphones are known for their rich bass, intimate presentation and excellent stage depth.
Despite their size and unique shape They are comfortable and easy to wear. The ear cups are designed to protect your ear and block out any ambient noise, so you can concentrate on the music. They don't cinch around your head or neck like other over-ear headphones. Some listeners are also drawn to the light design and earpads that are comfortable.
Another disadvantage of planar magnetic headphones is their generally high cost. While you can find budget-friendly dynamic headphones, a lot of planar models require a dedicated DAC and amplifier to get the most out of them. This is because they are more complicated than their dynamic counterparts and typically require a significant amount of power to move the two magnets around.
Although there are some affordable choices (such as the HIFIMAN Deva or AUdeze Venus), most planar headphones fall into the top end of the spectrum with some of the best models costing more than $400 in price. It's a significant investment if you listen to music on the go or play games most of the time. However, for those who love music at its best and want to listen to music in a more intimate setting, planar headphones are an excellent listening experience.
Despite their excellent sound quality however, the main drawback of the majority of headphones with planar design is their leakage. Dual magnets rotate in both directions, causing the headphones to leak sound. This can cause a disturbance to people who are in the vicinity or let outside noises in. Certain models are more susceptible to this than others, but it's an issue for all listeners who are looking to enjoy the sound of these headphones in a non-intrusive environment.
Noise isolation
A pair of headphones must be able to isolate your ears from their environment in order to qualify as "headphones". A good planar magnetic headphones should have ergonomic design and top materials to stop noise from escaping your ears. This will cut down on the noise that you hear and offer a more immersive experience.
In general they are larger and heavier than dynamic headphones. This is due to the fact that the driver has a larger surface area to deliver sound and requires a larger earcup. The most prestigious audio brands prefer earcups that look as good as they sound, using exotic woods and composites in their designs.
Planar magnetic headphones regulate electrical current by using an electrified film sandwiched between magnets. The magnetic field on each side of the film causes it to vibrate, which creates sound waves. The fact that the entire diaphragm is being triggered to vibrate by a magnetic field instead of just a small section that's connected to a voice coil means that they are less prone to distortion when playing at high volumes.
A lot of the newer planar magnet headphones have a lower bass and lack the 'punch or slam' you'd get from a premium pair of dynamic drivers. It's all about balancing the trade-offs when comparing different headphones.
As a result it's advisable to take your time when searching for a set of magnetic headphones that are planar and read carefully reviews from professional audio sites and users on the r/headphones subreddit. You'll be able to ensure that the headphones you choose will satisfy your audio and music requirements. After that, it's just a case of finding the right price-to-performance ratio. The Monoprice M1060 over-ear headphones are an excellent example of this, which combines incredible audio quality with a sleek, stealthy design and comfortable cushions that are comparable to the comfort of headphones that cost considerably more than the M1060.