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From Around The Web Twenty Amazing Infographics About Planar Headphone
Planar Headphones

Planar headphones produce accurate and detailed audio. They also have a lower distortion and a wider soundstage than dynamic headphones.

But, they're generally more expensive than headphones with dynamic features. They require a powered DAC/amplifier to perform. Monoprice's Monolith headphones are a great option for those who don't want to spend more than $1,000 on headphones.

The Basics

There are many aspects to consider when shopping for headphones. Apart from over-ear or on-ear there's open or closed back, wired or wireless, and there are the different types of drivers you can choose from such as dynamic electrostatic, planar magnetic balanced armature, as well as MEMS. These distinctions may seem complicated, but they are important to be aware of if you're searching for the most immersive sound.

A headphone with a planar design has a diaphragm with a flat surface that is covered by magnets. When an audio signal is played, the conductor on the diaphragm reacts to the magnets to create vibrations. This allows for a wide frequency response, with greater frequency sensitivity and less distortion than dynamic drivers. It also creates an expansive soundstage, which gives listeners the feeling that they are in the center of the music.

This unique design is also the reason that planar headphones are more expensive than other headphone types in particular when compared with the more budget-friendly models that have become more popular. Planar headphones are a must for audiophiles willing to pay a premium price for the audio experience.

But in recent years, manufacturers have been working to make planar technology more accessible to a larger public. A number of high-end headphones from Hifiman and Audeze have pushed the boundaries of what is possible with a planar driver, and many audio enthusiasts are starting to recognize the advantages of these sophisticated headphones.

Despite their higher price, planar headphones are known for their high-quality audio and comfort. They offer a full soundstage, crisp image and a precise bass response that easily surpasses other headphone types. Additionally, they have great detail retrieval capabilities and can accurately reproduce musical instruments without sounding muddy or overbearing.

One of the biggest disadvantages of headphones with a plan is that they are heavy and bulky, making them less portable than other types of headphone. In addition, some planar headphones require a strong headphone amplifier to function at their highest performance. This can be a turn-off for those who are looking for an easy-to-use and portable headphone solution. Newer headphones use innovative technology to make them lighter while still maintaining the same audio quality.

The Benefits

Planar headphones provide superior sound quality, surpassing the limitations of dynamic driver headphones. They allow you to experience the full soundstage, with real space and depth. The flat diaphragm in a planar headphones moves more air than the traditional diaphragm.

The diaphragms' large movements produce vibrations which generate sounds by constant compression and decompression. The planar drivers that are used in Monolith headsets are also extremely energy-efficient since they need only a single coil wire to move the diaphragm. This lowers power consumption and extends the life of your headphones.

Planar drivers also have the ability to reproduce low-frequency sounds with no distortion. Most headphones have small and stiff drivers that need to move large amounts of air to reproduce low frequencies, which puts them under extreme stress. The diaphragm that is flat in a pair planar headphones can move more air than a standard driver that has a flex range which results in a clear bass response.

A planar diaphragm reacts more evenly to magnetic fields because of the conductor trace. This results in a lower split than you'd get on a traditional dynamic driver headphone and is similar to electrostatic headphones.

In contrast to dynamic headphones, open-back planar headphone leak less sound outwards, which is especially beneficial when listening in a public environment. This ensures your audio is private and secures you from being viewed by others. You are also able to get lost in your music.

While planar headphones are more expensive than dynamic headphones but they provide superior sound quality and are worth the cost for a lot of audiophiles and musicians. It is important to take into consideration your preferences and needs before making a purchase decision on the headphones. Planar headphones may not be for you if you prefer image structure, clarity, and distinction to punch and slam. Fortunately, there are several great options that can deliver both slam and planar sounds without spending a fortune. Monoprice's M1060 is a perfect example of affordable headphones that have made waves by their incredible performance. It has a sleek design, great comfort and a lifetime guarantee.

The Specs

The sound you hear using a headphone is determined by how the thin, lightweight diaphragm is made to move. In most headphones the voice coils are encased behind a diaphragm that is flat. Other configurations employ a planar magnet driver to achieve the similar result, but using thinner and lighter diaphragm. This allows for a headphone that produces sound with less distortion and greater frequency response.

The primary distinction between a traditional dynamic driver and the planar driver is where the conductor trace is located on the diaphragm. With a planar driver conductors are placed on the flat surface of the diaphragm which makes them react more evenly within the magnetic field, compared to dynamic drivers that put them on top of the voice coil and magnet. This eliminates acoustic resonation and pressure buildup, and provides the most natural and accurate representation of your music.


Unlike dynamic drivers that require an amplifier that is separate for each channel, most planar magnetic headphones are designed to be powered by just one source and can typically be driven by a portable audio device or headphone amplifier with low output impedance. Certain models are designed to be only resistive and require only less than a couple of watts for optimal performance. The HIFIMAN Ananda and Susvara are examples of this category.

For audiophiles and music lovers, planar magnetic headphones are a fantastic option for high-resolution listening. They provide excellent clarity and detail for a fantastic listening session, and are comfortable, lightweight and a lot of fun. planars headphones -5 is a great example of a headphone that has these features, along with an exceptional appearance and feel. Made in the USA this pair of open-back reference headphone is perfect for professional mixing and mastering, as well as for high-resolution personal audio.

The Bottom Line

Planar headphones are a fascinating design, as they surpass many of the limitations of more conventional headphone drivers. With their ultra-thin diaphragm that is set between two magnetic fields, planar drivers can create a natural and aural listening experience. This unique technology offers audiophiles lots however it can be a bit difficult to comprehend.

In terms of sound quality, planar drivers are typically much tighter and more controlled than dynamic drivers. They also have a distinct "plucked" quality to their sound, and generally have better separation of instruments capabilities than dynamic drivers. The bass isn't quite as rich and has the slam and punch you get from a top-quality dynamic drivers.

Planar headphones don't suffer the same distortion as dynamic drivers because their entire diaphragm vibrates when an audio signal is received. This also leads to more consistent sound quality across a larger volume range, making them ideal for long listening sessions. In addition they can be powered by the integrated amps you find on most devices, so they don't require as much power as dynamic headphones.

It's important to note that headphones made of planar materials may suffer from some leakage issues due to the dialaphragm's dual-directional movement. It means that certain sounds may escape the ear cups. They are not recommended for use in areas with high noise levels.

Another thing to take into consideration when looking for the perfect pair of planar headphones is that they could be more expensive than traditional dynamic driver models. However their superior performance provide more than compensates the extra cost.

There are a few brands that have a good reputation for their planar headphones such as Hifiman, Audeze, Dan Clark and Fostex. Each manufacturer has a different perception of the acoustics so it is best to listen to a few samples before buying. The Hifiman, for instance, is considered to be among the best-sounding and most affordable planar headphones available. It has an open design and is a great option for those who want to make an entry into the world of planar headphones.

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