Notes

The Intermediate Guide On Planar Headphone
Planar Headphones

Planar headphones are known for their precise and clear audio. They also have lower distortion and a wider soundstage than dynamic headphones.

However, they're typically more expensive than dynamic headphones. This is because they require a powered DAC and amplifier to work. Monoprice's Monolith headphones are a great option for those who don't wish to spend more than $1000 on headphones.

The Basics

Shopping for headphones can be a bit confusing and there are many things to take into consideration. In addition to 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, and MEMS. These distinctions might seem a bit complicated however they are crucial to know if you're looking for the most immersive sound.

A planar headphone is a flat diaphragm which is surrounded by magnets. When the audio signal plays it, the conductor of diaphragm reacts with the magnets and creates vibrations. This results in a wider frequency response, with greater frequency sensitivity and less distortion than dynamic drivers. It also creates an spacious soundstage, giving listeners the feeling that they are in the middle of the music.

This unique design is also the reason that planar headphones are more expensive than other headphone types particularly when compared to the low-cost dynamic models that have become more common. Planar headphones are therefore reserved for audiophiles willing to pay an extra amount for their audio experience.


In recent years, manufacturers have been working to make planar technology more accessible to a larger market. Hifiman's and Audeze's premium headphones have pushed the limits of what can be achieved with planar drivers. Many audiophiles are beginning to realize the advantages of these headphones.

Planar headphones are renowned for their high-quality audio as well as comfort and durability despite their higher price. They can easily compete with other types of headphone. In addition, they offer outstanding detail retrieval and can reproduce music with precision instruments without sounding muddy or overbearing.

One of the main disadvantages of headphones with a plan is that they can be bulky and heavy, making them less mobile than other types of headphones. Additionally, some planar headphones require a high-powered headphone amplifier to function at their highest performance. This could be a deterrent for those who are looking for an easy-to-use and portable headphone solution. The good news is that newer headphones incorporate cutting-edge technology to lower the weight of the headphones while preserving their stunning sound quality.

The Benefits

Planar headphones have superior sound quality that surpasses the limitations of traditional dynamic driver headphones. They allow you to experience the full soundstage with realistic space and depth. This is because the flat diaphragm of a planar headphone moves much larger volumes of air than a cone-shaped diaphragm.

The large diaphragm movements generate vibrations that create sounds through constant compression and decompression. Monolith headphones use planar drivers which are extremely efficient in terms of energy efficiency, since they require only a single coil to vibrate the dialephragm. This reduces your headphones' power consumption and increases their lifespan.

Planar drivers are also able to reproduce low-frequency sound without distortion. Most headphones have small and stiff drivers that have to move large amounts of air to reproduce low frequencies, putting them under a lot of pressure. The diaphragm that is flat in a pair of planar headphones can move more air than a standard driver that has a range of flexibility, resulting in a very clear bass response.

Additionally, the conductor trace on a diaphragm planar allows it to be more evenly interacting with magnetic fields. This results in a lower vibration split than you would get with a traditional dynamic driver and is similar to electrostatic headphones.

In comparison to dynamic headphones, open-back headphones leak less sound outwards, which is beneficial when listening in a public environment. This makes sure that your music is private and secures your ears from noise outside. You can also get lost in your favorite music.

They are more expensive than dynamic ones, but they provide a superior sound quality that is worth it for a lot of audiophiles. But, it's crucial to think about your preferences and needs before making a decision to purchase the headphones. If you value clarity, image structure and distinction over slam or punch then perhaps the planar headphones you're looking for aren't right suitable for you. There are plenty of excellent options that can provide both slam and planar sounds without breaking the bank. Monoprice's M1060 is a fantastic example of a budget-friendly pair of headphones that have blown the roof off by their incredible performance. It has a elegant design, excellent comfort, and a lifetime warranty.

The Specifics

The sound you hear using headphones is determined by the way in which the thin, lightweight diaphragm is manipulated to vibrate. In most headphones, this happens by a dynamic driver that is configured with voice coils that are fixed behind the flat diaphragm. However, alternative designs have been created which use a planar magnetic driver to achieve the same effect using a smaller and lighter diaphragm. This allows for a headphone which produces sounds with less distortion and greater frequency response.

The main difference between a traditional dynamic driver and the planar driver is where the conductor trace is located on the diaphragm. In a planar driver conductors are placed on the flat surface of the diaphragm, which allows them to react more evenly in the magnetic field compared to dynamic drivers that place them on top of the voice coil and magnet. This can help eliminate the effects of acoustic resonance and buildup of pressure and provides the most natural and accurate representation of your music.

The majority of planar magnetic headphones can be powered by a single source, like an audio player portable or headphone amplifier with a low output impedance. Some models are designed to be resistive only and require only less than a couple of watts for optimal performance. The HIFIMAN Ananda and Susvara are two examples.

For music lovers and audiophiles, planar magnetic headphones are a fantastic option for high-resolution audio. They offer impressive clarity and detail for a great listening experience, and are also lightweight and comfortable. They are also versatile. Audeze LCD-5 planar headphones offer these features and more, along with a distinctive design and feel. Made in the USA this pair of reference headphones with an open back is perfect for professional mixing and mastering and also for high-quality personal audio.

The Bottom Line

The world of planar headphones is quite interesting, as they overcome the limitations of more conventional headphone driver designs. Planar drivers are able to create a natural, immersive listening experience with their slim, magnetically positioned diaphragm. This unique technology can offer audiophiles lots, but can be difficult to comprehend.

Planar drivers have a more controlled and tighter sound than dynamic drivers. They also have an unique 'plucked-sounding' sound and are more adept at distinguishing instruments than dynamic drivers. However the bass tends to lack some of that punch and slam you'd get from high-end dynamic drivers.

Planar headphones don't suffer the same distortion as dynamic drivers due to the fact that their entire diaphragm vibrates when an audio signal is received. This results in more consistent sound quality across an extended range of volume, which makes them ideal for long listening sessions. They can be powered by integrated amps that are available on the majority of devices. This means that they do not require the same amount of power as high-end headsets.

It is important to know that planar headphones may have leakage issues due to the bidirectional movement of the dialaphragm. This means that some noises will escape the ear cups, and therefore they're not recommended for use in noisy environments.

When you are looking for headphones with planar design take into consideration that they cost more than the traditional models with a dynamic driver. The superior performance of the planar headphones more than offsets the cost.

The Hifiman planar headphones have a stellar reputation. www.headphonesshop.uk , Dan Clark, and Fostex are also great brands. Each manufacturer has its own take on the acoustics, therefore it is recommended to listen to a few samples prior to purchasing. The Hifiman HE400SE for example, is widely considered to be one of the most acoustic and affordable planar headphones available. Its design is open and is a great choice for those seeking an entry point into the world of headphones with a planar design.

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