Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones
Planar magnetic headphones (also known as orthodynamic or isodynamic) have earned themselves a name in the audiophile community due to their incredible detail and powerful bass.
They also tend leak a lot outwards so they require a quiet listening space. They can disturb other people in the vicinity. They can, however, provide exceptional sound quality at affordable prices.
Open or closed back?
It's not hard to understand why audiophiles love headphones with magnetic planar design. planars headphones can provide stunning clarity and incredible clarity without sounding like they've been distorted. However, they can be costly and usually require a headphone amplifier to power them. The open-back designs also let sound out and let in ambient noise. If you're looking for a pair of headphones that are planar, it's important to consider your preferences in listening and habits prior to making a choice.
The best place to begin is to determine if you'll use headphones for casual listening or audiophile quality audio. Then, you'll want to consider your comfort needs and if you prefer an open-back or closed-back style.
Planar magnetic headphones have always had an advantage in the bass department over dynamic driver headphones, since they can reproduce frequencies down to around 20hz. Dynamic driver headphones roll off at around 50hz. This advantage has diminished over time as manufacturers have improved the diaphragms of their headphones and made them lighter.
This is why the majority of affordable planar magnetic headphones stray from the most bass-rich sound and concentrate on clarity in the mids and highs. This means you may not get as much rumble and power from these headphones, which may be a challenge for some listeners.
One exception is the HiFiMAN Venus over-ear headphone that are closed-back and feature an earpiece with a single-sided diaphragm. They don't go as low yet, but they still offer deep sub-bass tones with a lively texture.
The type of headphones you choose will ultimately be based on your preferences for listening as well as your budget. If you plan to listen to music on your laptop at home, then an open-back model is the best choice. A closed-back model is more suitable for use on the go. If you're planning to use your headphones for gaming, an open-back version 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 fan of music, any of these headphones will provide the full audio spectrum and incredible detail you're looking for.
Bass response
Planar magnetic headphones produce sound using a distinct technique than traditional dynamic driver in ear monitors (IEM). Instead of a single magnet pushing the diaphragm, these headphones use two magnetic fields that are sandwiched between an electric film. This produces a more natural sound, with less distortion. This also allows for a faster response time and a wider frequency range than traditional dynamic drivers.
The variation in bass response is evident. High-end dynamic headphones can go beyond 20hz, however most planar headphones are capable of going further and have less distortion. For audiophiles, this can make a a dramatic difference and gives you the most immersive in-ear listening experience you can get.
Imaging is another way that planar headphones can improve the sound quality. Dynamic drivers vibrate only the portion of diaphragm that is connected to the voice coil. This may cause minor distortions which change the intended audio reproduction. However, planar drivers are able to produce a fuller soundstage because the entire diaphragm is vibrating in response to an audio signal. This lets the headphones accurately reproduce the stereo balance, and the transparency of instruments in the way meant by the audio producer.
The drawback is that open-back headphones such as the HIFIMAN Ananda and the Monoprice M1070 do not isolate sound, so anyone near you can hear your music. However it's a small sacrifice for the incredible clarity and detail you'll get to enjoy.
Due to their two magnetic fields opposing each other the planar headphones leak more than traditional open-back dynamic headphones. This could be a major issue for those who wish to listen to music in a quiet environment or who are concerned about disturbing those who are around them. If you're concerned about leakage, you can mitigate the problem by using ear pads which are affixed to your ears to provide extra isolation.
Sensitivity
Planar headphones are distinct from traditional dynamic drivers, with a speaker dome or cone behind which the voice coil is vibrating. They have thin membranes that are coated with conductors. The membranes are hung on magnetic arrays to manipulate them at lightning speed. They have a high frequency response, which is not possible for most moving coil headphones. They also have a clear and deep bass down to the lowest frequency.
The most affordable planar magnetic over-ear headphones may excel at low-frequency listening, but they often lack the acoustic precision that makes them ideal for mixing or listening to hifi. The flatness of the diaphragms make it impossible to drive them in a symmetrical manner similar to a moving-coil headphone. To get the best treble performance from an earphone typically, you need to spend more than $500.
However, boutique audio brands, tend to offer an array of models that are affordable and have excellent sound. One example is the Meze Elite, a pair of closed-back headphones that use one-sided magnetic arrays to provide a more immersive listening experience. They feature a sensitivity of 90dB and 35ohm impedance, which can be used with most consumer-grade devices. They are available in a range of exotic woods, composites and other materials that make them look as stunning as they sound.
The more expensive models like the HiFiMAN's HE-560s are up to 30 percent lighter than the competition, thanks to a unique magnet structure as well as a host of other innovative design options. This includes a patented design that reduces wave-diffraction. This means they are able to be driven more efficiently and cause less distortion than double-sided models.
Of course, a lot of these same innovations also make the HE-560s more expensive than the competition. If you're willing to pay more, you can enjoy the full spectrum of musical sensations. From the low-frequency rumbles of an erupting storm to the glistening of the cymbals that you hear in your favorite track. The quality of the sound produced by a great set of planars is simply exceptional and can change the way you listen to your music. It is essential to choose the right model that fits your budget and needs.
Comfort
If you love listening to music and want to upgrade to a pair of premium headphones will greatly enhance your audio experience. The top planar magnet headphones provide a level clarity and detail that you can't get from cheaper headphones. Choose from 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, planar headphones can also be quite heavy due to their large ear cups and often require a separate headphone amplifier. Fortunately, a lot of boutique headphone manufacturers have developed their headphones to deliver exceptional audio quality in a light package. The OPPO PM-3, for example, is a lightweight closed-back planar magnetic headphone that folds flat and comes with a selvedge denim carrying case, making it simple to carry around.
A lot of planar magnetic headphones are heavy and uncomfortable for prolonged wear due to their larger earcups. However, the majority of models provide ample padding and carefully calibrated clamping force to ensure an appropriate fit. The OPPO PM-3 is no exception and comes with ultra-soft earpads and suspension bands that evenly distribute weight across the head and the ear.
Planar magnetic driver systems, unlike dynamic drivers, use large flexible diaphragms for mid-range and bass sound. They can move much greater volumes of air than their more stiff counterparts without suffering the huge excursions that can damage and cause warping to traditional dynamic drivers. This results in a smooth and wide frequency response, and incredible bass depth.
Another advantage of planar magnetic headphones is that they have lower distortion and greater efficiency than the majority of dynamic headphones. This makes them ideal for listening at loud volume without sacrificing comfort and detail. Some headphones require an external headphone amplifier but most are designed to work with any audio source.
Ultimately, deciding whether the planar magnetic in-ear headphones are worth the price depends on personal preferences and budget limitations. The best headphones for planar can reproduce incredible bass and detail, without ever falling into distortion. However they are expensive to drive and require more power. Additionally, they typically have open-back designs that let in sound and allow ambient sound.