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What Is Planar Magnetic's History? History Of Planar Magnetic
Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones

Planar magnetic headphones, also referred to as orthodynamic or Isodynamic have earned themselves a name in the world of audiophiles due to their amazing clarity and powerful bass.

They also tend to release a lot of sound to the outside, which is why they require a closed listening environment and may disturb those around you. They can, however, provide excellent sound quality at a a reasonable price.

Open or closed-back?

It's not hard to understand why audiophiles are awestruck by headphones with magnetic planar design. The best models can deliver incredible detail and presence without sounding distorted. But these headphones can also 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 in the search for a pair planar headphones, you'll want to think about your listening habits and preferences before making a purchase.

Decide if you will use headphones for audiophile or casual listening. It's also important to consider your comfort level and whether you prefer a closed or open back design.

Planar magnetic headphones have always had an advantage in the bass department over dynamic driver headphones, since they can reproduce frequencies as low as 20hz, whereas dynamic driver headphones operate at about 50hz. However, this difference has gotten less noticeable over the years as manufacturers have worked to improve the performance of their diaphragms and make the rest of the headphones lighter.

Many affordable planar magnetic headsets focus on clarity and mids and highs instead of the bass that is deep. This means that you may not receive as much rumble and punch from these headphones, which can be a challenge for some listeners.

One exception to this is the HiFiMAN Venus over-ear headphone, which are closed-back and have a single-sided diaphragm. This means they aren't as deep, but still provide rich sub-bass and engaging texturing.

Ultimately, the type of headphone that you choose will be based on your music preferences and your budget. If you intend to listen to music on your laptop at home, an open-back set is the best choice. A closed-back model is better to use while on the move. If you're planning to use your headphones for gaming An open-back model like the Audeze LCD-2 Classics may be better than a model with a closed-back design, such as the HiFiMan Susvara 2020. If you're a lover of music then any of these headphones will provide the entire audio spectrum and exceptional detail that you're after.

Response to bass

Planar magnetic headphones produce sound using a different method than traditional dynamic driver in ear monitors (IEM). Instead of one magnet pushing the diaphragm, these headphones utilize two magnetic fields sandwiched between an electrified movie. This produces a much wider and more natural sound wavefront with less distortion. This also allows for a faster response time and a greater frequency range than traditional dynamic drivers.

The difference is apparent in the bass response. High-end dynamic headphones can go over 20hz, however the majority of planar headphones are capable of going deeper and have less distortion. For audiophiles, this makes a dramatic difference and provides the best in-ear monitoring experience possible.

Another method by which headphones with a planar design can enhance the audio quality is through imaging. Dynamic drivers only vibrate by the portion of the diaphragm attached to the voice coil which can result in small distortions that change the intended audio reproduction. Planar drivers however will produce an even larger soundstage because their entire diaphragm vibrates whenever an audio signal is received. This lets headphones accurately reproduce the stereo balance, transparency and the position of instruments as intended by the audio producer.

The downside of this is that open-back headphones like the HIFIMAN Ananda and Monoprice M1070 do not block out sound, meaning that anyone in your vicinity can hear your music. But this is a minor sacrifice for the incredible clarity and detail you'll be able to experience.

Since they have two opposing magnetic fields the planar headphones leak more than traditional open-back dynamic headphones. This could be problematic for people who prefer to listen to in a quiet environment, or are worried about disturbing others. If you are concerned about leakage, there are some alternatives to help with this issue, such as ears that are wrapped around the ears for additional isolation.

Sensitivity

Planar headphones are different from traditional dynamic drivers which have a speaker dome or cone behind which the voice coil is moving. They have thin membranes which are printed with conductors. The membranes are hung on magnetic arrays, which allow them to manipulate them at lightning speed. This allows them to deliver high-frequency response that many moving-coil headphones struggle with, and a bass that is clear and deep down to the lowest frequencies.

Most affordable planar magnetic headphones can excel at low-frequency listening but they're not equipped with the acoustic accuracy that would make them perfect for mixing or listening to hifi. The diaphragms' flatness makes it impossible to drive them in a symmetrical way like a moving coil headphone. In order to get great treble performance from the planars typically, you need to spend more than $500.

The boutique audio brands, however, tend to offer an array of models that are both affordable and excellent sounding. Meze Elite is a pair closed-back headphones that feature a single-sided magnet array that offers a full-bodied listening experience. They boast a 90dB sensitivity and 35ohm impedance, which can be used with most consumer devices. They are also available in a stunning selection of exotic woods and composites making them look as luxurious as they sound.

The more expensive models like the HiFiMAN HE-560s can be 30% lighter than their counterparts, thanks to the unique magnet structure as well as a host of other design innovations. This includes a patent-pending shape that reduces the diffraction of waves, which means they can be driven more efficiently and produce less distortion than conventional double-sided designs.

Of course, a lot of these same features also make the HE-560s more expensive than the competition. If you're willing to pay more, you can enjoy a full range musical emotions. From the low-frequency rumbles that accompany a thunderstorm to the shimmering of the cymbals on your favorite song. The sound quality of a good set of planars is exceptional and can change the way you listen to your music. It is crucial to choose the right model according to your budget and requirements.

Comfort

If you are a fan of listening to music switching to a pair of premium headphones can greatly improve your audio experience. The top planar magnet headphones offer a level of clarity and detail you can't find in cheaper headphones. If you opt for an over-ear model like the HiFiMan Sundara or a portable in-ear model such as the CCA PLA 13, these headphones can give new life to your most loved songs.

However, planar headphones can also be quite heavy due to their larger ear cups and often require an additional headphone amplifier. Luckily, many boutique headphone manufacturers have developed their headphones to deliver incredible audio quality in a compact package. The OPPO PM-3, for instance, is a lightweight closed-back magnetic headphone which folds flat and comes with a selvedge-denim carrying case, making it simple to carry around.

Because of their larger earcups, many planar magnetic headphones are bulky and uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time. However, the majority of models come with 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 ears.

Planar magnetic driver systems, unlike dynamic drivers, make use of large diaphragms with flexible diaphragms to produce bass and mid-range sounds. This lets them move larger amounts of air than their more rigid counterparts without suffering the huge excursions that can damage and warp conventional dynamic drivers. This leads to an extremely smooth and broad frequency response, with incredible bass depth.

Planar magnetic headphones are more efficient and have less distortion than most dynamic headphones. This allows them to be used at high volume without sacrificing comfort and detail. While some headphones need an external headphone amp However, the majority are designed to be as efficient as they can and work with nearly all audio sources.

Ultimately, deciding whether the planar magnetic in-ear headphones are worth the investment is based on your personal preferences as well as budget limitations. The very best planar headphones provide incredible levels of bass and clarity without ever tipping into distortion, but they are expensive and require more power to drive. They also often have open-back designs, which may let in ambient noise and bleeding noise.


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