Planar Magnetic Earbuds
If you're a professional audiophile or just want to improve your listening experience on the go, a pair of planar magnetic headphones can bring your music to the next level. These headphones are great for listening to music in production, or at home where you can unwind with your favorite music and enjoy the music with ease and comfort.
Price
The good news is that headphones with a planar magnetic design can provide an amazing amount of clarity without causing distortion. The bad news is they can be expensive. Planar magnetic drivers (sometimes called orthodynamic) use an insulated diaphragm that is sandwiched between two magnets. They have a greater frequency response than traditional dynamic drivers and can sound surprisingly spacious, although they may not have the same deep bass.
In general design, planar magnetic headphones are more expensive than dynamic counterparts because they are typically larger and require more power to drive. They typically have an open-back design that allows in noise and allows for bleeds of sound. This makes them less portable than their dynamic counterparts and more likely to require an external amplifier to achieve optimal performance.
While the top planar magnetic headphones can cost a few thousand of dollars There are plenty of options for those willing to accept a few 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 features a blend of bass slam and nimble features that make them ideal for listening to music that is heavy. The LCD-2 is also one of the few headphones that come with a pelican-shaped, hard-back travel case, providing even more protection for your investment.
If you're looking to purchase the best headphones that are magnetic and planar you should expect to spend at least $350. The HIFIMAN Sundara, for example are headphones with a focus on detail that are a great entry point into the world of premium headphones.
Design
Planar magnetic headphones feature ultra-thin membranes imprinted with conductors and strung over an array of magnetic elements that manipulate them at incredible speed to produce sound. They offer very low distortion and lightning quick transient response. They also produce a very broad and precise frequency response, as per Audeze, the manufacturer. Audeze.
Audeze, HiFiMAN and other manufacturers have integrated this technology into their top-of-the-line audiophile headphones. These are not your old-fashioned cans They are heavier and bigger than the majority of dynamic-driver headphones. This can create discomfort for some listeners, particularly after prolonged listening sessions. Fortunately, a variety of boutique audio brands have created smaller models that are more comfortable to wear.
In addition to their unique aesthetics, many of these newer headphone designs have superior bass response compared to traditional headphones. Planar magnetic headphones are able to produce bass at a level that is higher than most dynamic driver headphones. This is true even for open-back models such as the Audeze Sundara and LCD-4z. Planar magnetic headphones on the other hand, offer a better image structure, clarity, and can isolate each instrument line in the mix. They also have a distinct "plucked" sound that some audiophiles like.
All of these benefits make for an energizing, natural soundstage that brings music to life and creates a sense of space and airiness that headphones with dynamic drivers struggle with. These headphones are perfect for jazz and classical music as well as contemporary instrumentalists. They can handle complex details and articulations without weighing down the rest of the music. Like all headphones, there are open-back and closed-back options available which provide more space for sound, however isn't as effective at isolating noise from your environment and the latter offers more privacy, but it reduces transparency.
Soundstage
A great planar magnetic headphone can provide an expansive soundstage, which enhances the authenticity of your favorite music. They can reproduce bass notes with the fullness that listeners appreciate. This creates an exciting and enjoyable listening experience.
Planar headphones utilize unique drivers to create stunning soundstages. Instead of the conventional cones and domes that most headphones employ, planar models use ultra-thin diaphragms suspended in the magnetic field. These drivers can move much larger amounts of air than normal dynamic driver speakers, resulting in greater clarity and precision in low frequencies. This is why planar headphones are so popular with audiophiles and engineers alike.
These large drivers allow for a larger and broader soundstage when compared to other headphones. A good pair of planars headphones will also deliver detailed and spacious highs and mids. They create audio of a high quality that is not comparable to other headphones, ranging from the cheapest portable models to the most expensive HiFi models available.
If you're considering upgrading to a pair of planar headphones, you need to do your homework. You can read reviews on reputable audio sites such as Head-Fi or the r/headphones Subreddit. You can also look at impressions of real users via social media. This will help you choose the perfect headphones for your requirements and preferences.
Planar magnetic headphones are available in both open-back and close-back designs. Open-back models allow sound to escape from the earcups and out into the world, whereas closed-back headphones keep the sound inside for privacy. Both have advantages and disadvantages. However, most listeners prefer the open-back headphone as it provides a feeling of realness and airiness in their sound.
Comfort
Planar magnetic headphones are extremely comfortable and typically come with earpads that are made from soft premium materials like leather or suede. Many of the more expensive models also have the headband that is light and breathable. This helps to ensure that they will remain comfortable for a long time.
Many audiophiles prefer planar magnetic headphones since they can provide a sense of immersion into their music. magnetic planar headphones can also bring new life to your favourite songs with their incredible clarity, detail, and realism. They are not the best choice for listening to music in public due to their open-back designs that allow outside noise to pass through.
The latest generation of planar drivers are capable of overcoming this limitation through a more efficient dual voice coil array that splits the frequency response of the diaphragm. This allows for the low frequencies to be handled by the switchback coil which is located on top of the driver, and the mid-high frequencies to be handled directly by the spiral coil, which is placed above the ear canal.
This is why modern headphones are more comfortable and lightweight than their predecessors. They can also produce a more bass-driven and cleaner sound than dynamic headphones. They are also less prone to distortion caused by harmonics than other types of headphones. The diaphragm's movement is quicker and more uniform compared to dynamic speakers. This makes it less susceptible to fluctuations.
Noise isolation
The top planar magnet headphones offer superior sound isolation over their dynamic driver counterparts. In addition to this they also have lower impedance and sensitivity that makes them more comfortable to drive with portable electronics and require less power to operate. They also feature a wider frequency range than most other headphones, allowing you to hear a greater range of audio detail and bass frequencies.
Planar magnetic headphones have been highly praised for their precision and clarity in the reproduction of sound. They are especially adept in recapturing music and vocals with a rich harmonic sound and lively instruments. This is thanks to their ultra-thin diaphragm that is four times larger than the typical voice coils found in many headphones. The result is less distortion and allows for faster response times as well as higher resolution and imaging.
While the higher-end models of planar magnetic headphones cost thousands of dollars, there are many affordable options available for music lovers. You can locate the ideal pair of headphones made of planar magnets by determining your budget, preferences for listening and personal style.
Open-back headphones offer an even more natural and spacious soundstage but they also let in surrounding noise. To determine the ideal type for you, consider the location and the way you'll make use of them. Open-back headphones have the most natural and spacious soundstage however, they also let out the surrounding noise. Closed-back headphones prevent loss of sound and provide excellent noise isolation.
Select headphones with soft, comfortable earpads. Also, ensure the headband can be adjusted and fits snugly over your ears. These features are essential particularly if you intend to wear the headphones for extended periods of time. It is recommended to take breaks between listening sessions in order to prevent the effects of ear fatigue. Make sure you choose a headphone with an equalizer (EQ) function that will let you fine-tune the sound signature to your preference.