Notes

10 Planar Magnetic Headphones Explained Tricks Experts Recommend
Planar Magnetic Headphones Explained

Planar headphones, such as the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFIMAN Susvara have a very low level of distortion, lightning quick transient response and a wide precise range of frequencies. However, these headphones require a specific headphone amplifier to properly drive them.

They are heavier, bigger, and require more horsepower to drive. Closed-back designs are preferred because they better block out sound and provide more comfort for wearing long periods.

What is a planar magnet headphone?

The typical headphone, whether on-ear or over-ear, utilizes dynamic drivers to create sound. The drivers are cones or domes behind which a coil vibrates to produce sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones are a different kind of driver that makes use of two magnets wrapped around an electric sheet to produce audio. They can be larger and heavier than traditional headphone models, but many of them are also designed to be comfortable for long listening sessions.

Planar magnetic headphones are typically more expensive than their dynamic driver counterparts, because they require more advanced and complex technology to function. They are a great choice for audiophiles that value accuracy and precision. In addition, they can offer a full and enthralling listening experience that's not commonly found in other headphones.

One of the most impressive features about headphones with planar magnetic design is their bass quality. Because they're large, the soundstage can expand to accommodate the incredible low notes and rumble that are common to these types of headphones. They also excel at handling articulation, tactile tones and mixing music.

Despite their impressive bass response, planar magnetic headphones may have issues maintaining clarity and distinction capabilities in the upper mid and high frequency. They are also known to have an 'unbalanced' sound because of their distinctive 'plucked'-like' character.

If you're looking to explore the world of planar magnetic headphones, I would suggest headphones like the Hifiman HE-400i and the Monoprice Monolith M1070. You'll also require a strong DAC/amp for these headphones to function properly, so check out the Monolith Hi-Res DAC Headphone Amp if you're looking for a good starting point.

What is a magnetic planar driver?

Planar magnetic drivers are the standard in audiophile headphones. The best models have incredible detail and powerful presence that can transform your listening experience and breathe new life into your music collection. Planar magnetic driver headphones may not be the best choice for all. They are usually more expensive and require an amplifier in order to function properly. They're also bulkier, heavier and have open-back designs that allow sound to be absorbed and allow in surrounding noise making them less mobile than other choices.

Many people think that they don't have bass, they provide a stunning audio quality in the low frequencies. This is due to the fact that they utilize an elongated diaphragm that has a conductive trace pattern sandwiched between two magnet arrays. When an electrical signal is transmitted from your audio source to the driver, the magnetic fields interact with the traces, causing a vibration that creates sound waves.

Because the conductive traces are so thin and spread across the diaphragm, they can react more evenly to the magnets than dynamic drivers do. This leads to a more precise and even transfer of the audio signal, with less distortion. This is the reason why planar-magnetic headphones are generally more precise and precise, particularly in the lower frequencies where other types of headphones are unable to reproduce accurate sound.

Most planar headphones are not as good in bass or high frequencies despite their outstanding performance at low frequencies. It's because their design is more complicated and costly and difficult to put together quickly or cheaply. This is why the majority of affordable over-ear planar magnetic headphones tend to be more affluent in bass and instead focus on greater detail in the mids as well as highs. However, that doesn't mean an affordable pair of headphones will not give you a great listening experience however, it's important to keep this in mind prior to purchasing one.

What is a planar magnetic diaphragm?

In the audiophile headphone market these headphones are extremely popular due to their capacity to provide incredible levels of detail and clarity. The reason for this is because they utilize a different type of driver technology than more typical dynamic drivers that are found in most headphones and speakers.

Planar magnetic headphones, like the HIFIMAN Sundara for example utilize a revolutionary new type of driver that utilizes flat diaphragms that are printed using ultra-thin wires to produce sound waves. These diaphragms then get suspended between two magnets with flat surfaces. The magnets cause the diaphragms vibrate when an electrical signal passes through these wires.

This kind of diaphragm offers more flexibility and responsiveness than dome-shaped or cone-shaped diaphragms used in a variety of dynamic headphones. They are susceptible to being damaged by large excursion force which can cause distortion. As a result, planar magnetic headphones have very low distortion, a fast transient response, and a large frequency range.

Planar headphones weigh more and are bulkier due to their larger dimensions, and their motor design is more complicated. Additionally, they usually require more power and will require an external amplifier to ensure optimal performance.

Another feature that makes planar magnetic headphones stand out from their competitors is their imaging, which is the accurate reproduction of the location and stereo balance of instruments within the soundstage. This is an excellent benefit for those who are seeking the perfect headphones that match their sound preferences.

However, this broader wavefront also means that headphones with a planar wavefront can leak more sound outwards than other types of headphones. This could be a drawback if you're in public. But, that's a minor issue for most listeners, and most open-back planar magnetic headphones like the HIFIMAN Ananda for instance are designed to reduce leakage.

What is a planar magnet headphone design?

A lot of audiophile headphones employ planar magnetic driver s that provide incredible sound quality, including some of the most popular options available. These headphones are generally a bit more expensive than the ones that utilize dynamic driver technology. That's mostly due to the fact that they often use more complex drivers and may require a headphone amplifier to fully realize their potential. It's not necessary to invest a lot of money to enjoy the benefits that planar headphones can provide. There are a number of low-cost options, such as the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara.


The primary difference between planar headphones and traditional dynamic driver headphones is that the planar magnetic headphones have flat diaphragms, instead of the traditional cone- or dome-shaped diaphragm. The diaphragm contains two permanent magnets on either side of it that interact with electrical signals sent by your Hi-Fi or music player. The diaphragm vibrates according to the audio signals.

The diaphragm, which is bigger and has a larger surface area, is less likely to cause distortion once it reaches its maximum excursion. This results in a larger and more detailed soundstage than can be achieved by using dynamic headphones.

The planar driver is also more complicated and difficult to manufacture than its dynamic counterpart which could result in some variance between headphones. This is one reason why it's crucial to read reviews by professionals from trusted sources and listen to headphones with several people prior to making a purchase.

Planar headphones can also be susceptible to leak sound. That means that you'll need to be in a quiet environment while listening to them, or you'll need to block out noise from the surrounding world with your ears or by using an enclosure.

What is the price of a planar magnet headphone?

Planar magnetic headphones are the top choice of many audiophiles because of their superior clarity and clarity. They can be expensive, especially when compared to dynamic headphones. If you're on the hunt for a great pair of planar headphones but don't want excessively, you'll find options that provide excellent value for your money.

The best budget planar magnet headphones feature an open-back design, and are made of lightweight materials to make them comfortable for prolonged wear. They have a powerful bass response and a stunning soundstage. They are a great option for those who want to listen to music while doing other things like driving to work or exercising.

There were a few options for audiophiles looking to enjoy the benefits the pair of headphones from a planar design could provide without spending a lot. There are now a number of manufacturers that have created an affordable line of planar headphones that have outstanding sound quality.

For instance the Audeze LCD-2 Classics are a popular option for audiophiles looking to enjoy the advantages of a planar headphone without spending a fortune. These headphones are known for their realistic sound reproduction and exceptional clarity due to their unique driver layout that utilizes a thin light-weight, diaphragm suspended in between two magnets.

Other budget-friendly options include the Monolith headphones by Moondrop Labs and the HiFiMAN Sundara headphones. Both of these headphones offer a rich, detailed sound quality and a quality of build that rivals more expensive models. However, they don't have the same amount of bass extension as the more expensive headphones on this list. It's all about what you're looking for in a pair of headphones - do you prefer clarity and image structure, or do you prefer punchy bass?

Website: https://www.headphonesshop.uk/categories/planar-magnetic-headphones