Planar Magnetic Earbuds
A great pair of planar magnet headphones will take your mobile listening experience to a whole new level whether you're an audiophile, or just looking to upgrade. These headphones are ideal for listening to music in production or at home, where you can relax with your favourite tunes and listen to them with clarity and comfort.
Price
The good news is that headphones with a planar magnetic design can offer an incredible amount of detail without causing distortion. The bad news is that they typically have a significant price tag. Planar magnetic drivers, often referred to as orthodynamics, use an extremely thin diaphragm that is placed between two magnets. They sound more spacious and have a greater frequency response than dynamic drivers.
Planar magnetic headphones are typically more expensive than dynamic ones because they are bigger and require more power. They typically have an open-back design that allows in noise and allows for bleeds of sound. This can make them less portable than their dynamic counterparts and more likely to require an external amplifier to achieve optimal performance.
While the most premium planar magnetic headphones can cost thousands of dollars, there are plenty of options for those willing to make some concessions. The HIFIMAN Sundara, for example is a pair of open-back headphones that provide the speed and precision that an earphone with a planar magnet can deliver without breaking the bank.
Another great option is the Audeze LCD-2 Classic, which provides a mix of bass slam and nimble technicalities which make them perfect for listening to metal music. The LCD-2 is among the few headphones on this list to come with a hard-back pelican-style case. This will provide you with even more protection.
If you're looking for the very best in planar magnetic headphones you should budget at minimum $350. The models like the aforementioned HIFIMAN Sundara are detail powerhouses and a great entry point into the world of premium headphones.
Design
Planar magnetic headphones use ultra-thin membranes infused with conductors and strung across a magnetic array that manipulates them at an incredible speed to produce sound. As a result, they provide a low distortion and lightning-fast transient response. They also have a broad and precise frequency response, as per Audeze, the manufacturer. Audeze.
Audeze, HiFiMAN and other manufacturers have incorporated this technology into their premium audiophile headphones. These are not your old-fashioned cans They are heavier and larger than most dynamic-driver headphones. This can create discomfort for some listeners, especially after long listening sessions. Fortunately, a number of audio companies have come up with smaller models that are more comfortable to wear.
Many of these newer designs provide better bass performance than older models. Planar magnetic headphones can produce bass at a level that is higher than most dynamic driver headphones. This is true even for open-back headphones such as the Audeze Sundara and LCD-4z. Planar magnetic headphones, on the other hand have a superior image structure, clarity, and can isolate each instrument line from the mix. They also give a distinct 'plucked' character that some musicians find appealing.
All of these advantages add up to an even more natural and spacious soundstage that brings music to life, and gives it the feeling of space and airiness that dynamic-driver headphones struggle with. These headphones are perfect for jazz and classical music, as well as modern instrumentalists. They can handle the most intricate details and articulations without overwhelming the rest. Like all headphones, there are closed-back and open-back options available The former provides more space for sound, however isn't as effective at keeping out the noise and the latter offers greater privacy, but reduces transparency.
Soundstage
A top-quality planar magnetic headphone will provide an expansive soundstage, which enhances the realism of your favorite music. They reproduce bass notes with the full texture that listeners love. This creates an exciting and satisfying listening environment.
Planar headphones produce their stunning soundstages by using unique drivers. Planar headphones use thin diaphragms in place of the cones and domes used in the majority of headphones. These drivers can move much larger amounts of air than standard dynamic driver speakers, resulting in better clarity and accuracy in low frequencies. Planar headphones are popular with audiophiles as well as audio engineers for this reason.
The dimensions of these drivers also allows for an enlarge and deeper soundstage than most other headphones. In addition to their superior bass quality, a high-quality pair of headphones with a planar design will offer clear and spacious highs and mids. The high-quality audio that produces is unrivaled by other types of headphones, ranging from the cheapest portable models to the most expensive HiFi models available.
If you're considering upgrading to planar headphones, you need to do your homework. Make sure to read reviews by reputable audio sites like Head-Fi and the subreddit r/headphones, and also check out reviews from real users on social media. This will help you choose the best headphones to meet your requirements and preferences.
Like all headphones like all headphones, planar magnetic headphones are available in open-back and closed-back designs. Closed-back headphones are more discreet however open-back headphones let sound escape from the earcups. Both have advantages and drawbacks. Most listeners prefer open-back model because they provide a sensation of realism and airiness to their sound.
Comfort
Planar magnetic headphones are extremely comfortable and typically come with earpads that are made from soft premium materials, such as leather or suede. Many of the more expensive models also feature a headband which is both light and breathable. This ensures that they are comfortable for a long period of time.
One of the reasons many audiophiles prefer a pair of planar magnetic headphones is their capacity to give a sense of immersion in their music. They also offer incredible clarity, detail and realism that will breathe new life into your favourite tunes. They are not the best choice for listening to your music in public due to their open-back designs that let outside noise in.
The latest generation of planar drivers are capable of overcoming this issue through a more efficient dual voice coil array that splits the frequency response of the diaphragm. This allows the lower frequencies to be handled by a switchback coil which is located on the top of the driver, and the mid-high frequencies to be handled by a spiral coil which is positioned directly over the ear canal.
As a result, most modern headphones are more comfortable and light than their predecessors. They also provide better bass and a cleaner sound compared to dynamic headphones. They are also less prone to distortion due to harmonics than other types of headphones. More hints is due to the movement of the diaphragm is faster and more consistent than the movement of a dynamic speaker which makes it less susceptible to fluctuations in its motion.
Noise isolation
The top planar magnetic headphones offer superior noise isolation over their dynamic driver counterparts. They also have a lower impedance, which makes them more compatible with portable electronic devices. They also require less power. These headphones also have greater frequency range than the majority of other headphones. This allows you to hear more audio detail and bass.
Planar magnetic headphones are frequently praised for their clarity and accurate sound reproduction. They are especially adept at reproducing vocals, music and instruments with rich harmonics. The ultra-thin, four times bigger diaphragm is the reason for this. The resulting distortion is much lower, which allows for faster response times, as well as improved resolution and imaging.
While the higher-end models of these headphones cost several thousand dollars, there are many affordable options available for music lovers. You can choose the most suitable pair of planar magnetic headphones by determining your budget, preferences for listening and personal style.
Open-back headphones provide more room and a natural soundstage however, they also let in background noise. To determine the ideal type for you, consider where and how you will utilize them. Open-back headphones offer an expansive and natural soundstage, but they also leak outside noise, while closed-back models stop sound leakage and provide excellent noise amplification.
Select headphones that have soft, comfortable earpads. Also, ensure that the headband can be adjusted and fits snugly over your ears. These features are especially important if you will be wearing the headphones for long periods of time. It is recommended to take breaks between listening sessions in order to prevent ear fatigue. Make sure you select a headset with an equalizer (EQ) function that will let you fine-tune the sound to your liking.