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How To Outsmart Your Boss With Planar Magnetic
Planar Magnetic In-Ear Headphones

Planar magnetic headphones, also referred as orthodynamic or Isodynamic have earned a reputation among audiophiles for their incredible clarity and powerful bass.

They also let some of the sound into the surrounding area, so they require a closed listening area and can disturb those nearby. However, they do provide exceptional sound at affordable prices.

Open or closed-back?

Planar magnetic headphones are popular by audiophiles and it's easy to understand why. The best models can offer incredible detail and powerful presence without sounding like they've been distorted. These headphones are costly and require a headphone amp to be driven. Their open-back designs also let in ambient noise. If you're in the market for a pair of planar headphones, you'll want to think about your listening habits and preferences before purchasing.

Decide if you will use your headphones for audiophile audio or for casual listening. You'll also want to consider your comfort level and whether you prefer a closed or open back design.

Planar magnetic headphones have always had a distinct advantage in the bass department compared to dynamic driver headphones because they can reproduce frequencies down to 20hz, whereas dynamic driver headphones roll off at around 50hz. However, this distinction has diminished as manufacturers have tried to improve the performance of their diaphragms and make the rest of the headphones lighter.

This is why the majority of affordable planar magnetic headphones lean away from the most bass-rich sound and concentrate on clarity in the mids and highs. This means you may not have as much rumble or punch from these headphones, which could be a challenge for some listeners.

HiFiMAN's Venus over-ear headphones are a standout. They feature a closed back design and a diaphragm which is only one-sided. They don't get as low, but still deliver rich sub-bass notes and a vivacious texture.

The type of headphones you choose will ultimately be based on your listening habits and your budget. If you plan to listen to music on your laptop at home, an open-back model is the best option. A closed-back model will be better to use while on the move. Likewise, if you'll be using your headphones to play games, an open-back model like the Audeze LCD-2 Classics might be better than a closed-back option like the HiFiMan Susvara 2020. If you're a lover of music then any of these headphones will give you the entire audio spectrum and the exceptional clarity you're looking for.

Bass response

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 pushing the diaphragm, these headphones utilize two magnetic fields that are sandwiched between an electric film. This creates a more natural sound with less distortion. This enables 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 reach 20hz, however most planar headphones can be capable of going further and have less distortion. For audiophiles this is a huge difference and gives you the best listening experience you can get.

Another method by which headphones with a planar design can enhance the audio quality is by imaging. Dynamic drivers vibrate only the portion of diaphragm that is attached to the voice coil. This may cause minor distortions that alter the audio reproduction. In contrast, planar drivers can produce more of a soundstage because the entire diaphragm vibrates in response to the audio signal. This allows the headphones to precisely reproduce the stereo balance, and transparency of instruments as it was meant by the audio producer.

Open-back planars such as the HIFIMAN Anaanda and Monoprice Monolith M1070 do not create a sound barrier. Everyone in your area will be hearing your music. But it's a small trade-off for the amazing detail and clarity you'll be able to experience.

Planar headphones leak more than open-back ones due to the fact that they have two magnetic fields that are opposite. This is problematic for people who want to listen in a quiet environment, or are worried about causing disturbance to others. If you're concerned about leakage, you can mitigate the issue by using ear pads which are wrapped around your ears to provide more isolation.

Sensitivity

Planar headphones are distinct from traditional dynamic drivers, which have cones or a speaker dome behind which the voice coil is moving. They feature thin membranes which are coated with conductors. These membranes are strung on magnetic arrays that allow you to move them at lightning-fast speeds. This allows them to offer high-frequency response that many moving-coil headphones struggle with, as well as a bass that's crisp and deep down to the lowest frequencies.

They are a great choice for low frequencies, the most affordable over-ear magnetic headphones are usually lacking in acoustic precision, which could make them perfect for mixing or hi-fi listening. The diaphragms' flatness makes it impossible to drive them in a way that is symmetrical similar to a moving-coil headphone. To find a pair with a great treble sound you'll need to invest more than 500 dollars.

The boutique audio brands, however they tend to have an array of models that are both affordable and have excellent sound. Meze Elite is a pair closed-back headphones with one-sided magnet array that provides an immersive listening experience. They have a 90dB sensitivty and a 35ohm resistance that should work with all consumer-grade devices. They are available in a variety of exotic woods, composites and other materials that make them look as stunning as they sound.

The more expensive models like the HiFiMAN HE-560s are up to 30 percent lighter than their competitors due to a unique magnet structure as well as a host of other innovative design options. This includes a patent-pending design that minimizes wave-diffraction. This means that they can be driven better and produce less distortion than double-sided designs.

The HE-560s are more expensive due to the use of many of the same innovations. If monoprice planar headphones to spend more, you can enjoy an array of musical experiences. From the low-frequency rumbles of an erupting storm to the glistening of the cymbals in your favorite song. A good set of planars can change your music with their outstanding sound. It is crucial to choose the right model according to your budget and needs.


Comfort

If you enjoy listening to music, upgrading to a high-end pair of headphones can greatly improve your audio experience. The top planar magnetic headphones provide a level of detail and clarity that you won't get from cheap headphones. Pick an over-ear model like the HiFiMan Sundara or a compact in-ear model such as the CCA PLA 13 to breathe new life into all your favourite songs.

However, planar magnetic headphones can also be quite heavy due to their larger ear cups. They also often require an additional headphone amplifier. Luckily, many boutique headphone brands have designed their headphones around these issues to provide exceptional audio quality in a compact package. The OPPO PM-3, for example is a compact closed-back planar magnetic headphone that folds flat and comes with a selvedge denim carrying case, making it easy to take on the go.

Because of their larger earcups, many planar magnetic headphones can be heavy and uncomfortable to wear for long durations of time. Many models have plenty of padding, and are calibrated to the perfect clamping pressure to ensure a comfortable fit. The OPPO PM-3 is no exception with its ultra-soft ear pads and suspension bands that evenly distribute weight evenly across the head and ears.

Contrary to dynamic drivers Planar magnetic drivers use large flexible diaphragms to produce bass and mid range sounds. This lets them move much larger volumes of air than their more rigid counterparts without experiencing the massive excursions that can damage and cause warping to traditional dynamic drivers. This results in smooth, broad frequency response, with impressive bass depth and clarity.

Planar magnetic headphones are also more efficient and have less distortion than dynamic headphones. This makes them ideal for listening at loud volume without sacrificing comfort or clarity. While some headphones need an external headphone amp However, the majority are designed to be as efficient as is possible and can be used with almost every audio source.

Your personal preferences and budgetary constraints will ultimately determine whether the planar magnetic in-ear headphones you are considering are worth the investment. The best headphones for planar are capable of reproducing incredible bass and detail without ever slipping into distortion. However, they can be expensive to drive and require more power. Additionally, they usually have open-back designs that let in the sound and can allow ambient sound.

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