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Think You're The Perfect Candidate For Doing Planar Magnetic? Answer This Question
Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones

Planar magnetic headphones (also known as orthodynamic or isodynamic) have earned themselves a reputation in the audiophile community due to their stunning clarity and a high-quality bass.

They also release a lot of sound to the outside, which is why they require a closed listening space and could be disruptive to people who are around you. They do, however, provide exceptional sound quality at affordable prices.

Closed or open-back?

Planar magnetic headphones are a popular choice by audiophiles and it's clear why. The best models offer incredible detail and powerful presence without sounding distorted. But these headphones can also be expensive and often require a headphone amplifier to power them. Their open-back designs also 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 be using your headphones for casual listening or audiophile quality audio. It's also important to think about your personal preferences and whether you prefer a closed or open back design.

Historically, headphones with planar magnetics had an advantage over dynamic drivers in the bass department since they could reproduce frequencies down to 20hz while dynamic driver headphones would kick off at 50hz. However, this difference has gotten less noticeable as manufacturers have tried to improve the performance of their diaphragms as well as making the rest of the headphones lighter.

As a result, the majority of affordable planar magnetic headphones lean away from the bass's deepest rumble and concentrate on clarity in the mids and highs. This means you may not get as much rumble and punch from these headphones, which could be a problem for some listeners.

One exception to this is the HiFiMAN Venus headphones which are closed-back and feature one-sided diaphragm. They don't get as low but still provide rich sub-bass tones and engaging sound.

In the end, the type of headphone that you choose will depend on your listening habits and your budget. If you're planning to listen to music on your laptop at home, then an open-back pair will be the best choice. A closed-back model is better to use while on the move. If you'll use headphones to play games an open-back model such as the Audeze LCD-2 Classics might be more suitable than a closed-back one like the HiFiMan Susvara 2020. If you're a music lover then any of these headphones will provide the entire audio spectrum and incredible detail you're seeking.

Response to bass

Planar magnetic headphones use a different technology to produce sound that is not typical for dynamic driver in-ear monitors (IEM). Instead of a single magnet which pushes the diaphragm to create audio, these headphones have two opposing magnetic fields sandwiched around an electrified film. This creates a wider and more natural sound wavefront with lower distortion. This results in a faster response time and a greater frequency range than conventional dynamic drivers.

The difference is apparent in the bass response. High-end dynamic headphones can go beyond 20hz, while the majority of planar headphones are capable of going further and with less distortion. For audiophiles this is a a dramatic difference and gives you the most immersive in-ear listening experience possible.

Imaging is another way that planar headphones can improve the sound quality. Dynamic drivers only vibrate the the diaphragm that is attached to the voice coil which can cause minor distortions that alter the audio reproduction. Planar drivers however will produce a more expansive soundstage as their entire diaphragm vibrates when an audio signal is received. This lets headphones accurately reproduce the stereo balance, transparency, and the position of instruments as specified by the audio producer.

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

Planar headphones leak more than open-back dynamic ones because they have two magnetic fields that are opposite. This could be a major issue for people who want to listen to music in a quiet environment or are worried about disturbing those who are around them. If you're worried about leakage, you can mitigate the issue by using ear pads which are affixed to your ears to provide additional isolation.

Sensitivity

Planar headphones are different from traditional dynamic drivers which have cones or a speaker dome behind which the voice coil is moving. They feature thin membranes that are coated with conductors. The membranes are hung on magnetic arrays to manipulate them at lightning speed. This allows them to provide high-frequency response that most moving-coil headphones struggle with, as well as an unbeatable bass that's clear and deep down to the lowest frequencies.

But while they excel at low frequencies, the cheapest over-ear planar magnetic headphones often lack in acoustic accuracy that makes them perfect for mixing or hi-fi listening. The diaphragms' flatness make it impossible to drive them in a way that is symmetrical as a headphone with a moving coil. To find a pair with a great treble sound you'll have to spend more than 500 dollars.


The boutique audio brands, however, tend to offer many models that are both affordable and sound excellent. One example is the Meze Elite, a pair of closed-back headphones that use one-sided magnetic arrays to give you a full-bodied listening experience. They have a 90dB sensitiveness and a resistance of 35ohm that should work with all consumer-grade devices. They are also available with a stunning array of exotic woods and composites, making them look as luxurious as they sound.

The HiFiMAN HE-560s for instance, are up to 30 percent lighter than rivals thanks to their unique magnetic structure and a range of other innovative design choices. This includes a patented shape that reduces the diffraction of waves, which means they are able to be driven more efficiently while producing less distortion than conventional double-sided designs.

The HE-560s are more expensive due to the use of many of the same advancements. But if you're prepared to pay a little more, you can experience a full range of musical experiences including the low-frequency rumble that comes from a thunder storm to the sparkling drums on your most-loved track. A quality set of planars can change your music with their outstanding sound. It's important to select the best model based on your budget and preferences.

Comfort

If you enjoy listening to music switching to a premium pair of headphones can greatly improve your audio experience. The top planar magnetic headphones offer a level of clarity and clarity that you won't get from lower-end headphones. Whether you choose an over-ear model, such as the HiFiMan Sundara or a portable in-ear model like the CCA PLA 13, these headphones will give new life to your favourite songs.

However, planar magnetic headphones can also be heavy due to their larger ear cups and often require a separate headphone amplifier. Many of the top boutique headphone brands have developed headphones to address these issues and deliver amazing sound quality in a compact package. The OPPO PM-3, for instance is a light closed-back magnetic headphone which can be folded flat and comes with a selvedge-denim carrying case, making it easy to carry around.

Many of the planar magnetic headphones are bulky and uncomfortable to wear for long periods due to their larger earcups. However, the majority of models provide ample padding and are calibrated to the clamping force to ensure an appropriate fit. The OPPO PM-3 is no exception with its ultra-soft ear pads and suspension bands that evenly distribute weight across the head and ear.

Planar magnetic driver systems unlike dynamic drivers use large flexible diaphragms for mid-range and bass sound. They are able to move much more air than their stiffer counterparts but without the massive excursion that can damage or degrade traditional dynamic driver systems. This leads to an even, smooth response, with amazing bass clarity and depth.

Another advantage of planar magnetic headphones is that they have lower distortion and greater efficiency than the majority of dynamic headphones. planar vs dynamic makes them perfect for listening at loud volumes without sacrificing comfort and detail. While some headphones require an external headphone amplifier They are designed to be as efficient as they can and can work with almost any audio source.

In the end, deciding if planar magnetic in ear headphones are worth the investment is based on your personal preferences and budget limitations. The best headphones for planar are capable of reproducing incredible bass and detail without ever falling into distortion. However, they can be expensive to drive and require more power. In addition, they often come with open-back designs that allow for bleed of the sound and can allow ambient sound.

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