Planar Magnetic Headphones Explained
Planar headphones like the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFIMAN Susvara have a vanishingly low level of distortion, lightning-fast transient response, and a broad, accurate range of frequencies. These headphones require a headphone amplifier in order to ensure they are properly powered.
They're larger, heavier and require more power to drive. Closed-back designs are preferred because they better block out sound and provide more comfort for prolonged periods of wear.
What is a planar magnetic headphone?
A dynamic driver is the one that produces sound in most headphones, whether they are on-ear, over ear, or even in-ear. The drivers are cones, domes or cylindrical structures behind which a coil rotates to create sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones employ a different type of driver that uses two magnets that are sandwiched between an electrified material to produce audio. These headphones are heavier and bulkier than conventional models, however they are designed to last for long listening sessions.
Planar magnetic headphones are typically more expensive than their dynamic driver counterparts because they require more advanced and sophisticated technology to work. They are a fantastic choice for audiophiles that value accuracy and precision. They also offer an immersive, rich listening experience that's not available in many other headphones.
One of the most impressive aspects about planar magnetic headphones is their bass quality. The soundstage is wide enough to accommodate deep low notes and rumble, as well as other characteristics of these headphones. They are also great at handling articulation, tactile tones, and mixing music.
Planar magnetic headphones, despite their impressive bass response, can struggle to keep clarity and distinction in upper mid- and high frequencies. They are also known to have an 'unbalanced' sound due to their distinctive 'plucked-like' quality.
If you're looking to explore the world of planar magnetic headphones I'd recommend an open-back model such as the Hifiman's HE-400i or the Monoprice Monolith M1070. You'll also need a powerful DAC/amp for these headphones to work properly, so check out the Monolith Hi-Res DAC Headphone Amp if you're looking for an excellent starting base.
What is a magnetic driver?
In the world of audiophile headphones there are planar magnetic drivers that rule. The top models can give amazing clarity and strong presence that can transform your listening and give your music collection a fresh lease of life. Planar magnetic driver headphones may not be suitable for all. They are typically more expensive and require an amplifier in order to function properly. They are also bulkier and heavier and their open-back designs allow for the noise of the surrounding environment to enter. This makes them less portable.
While many people assume that the planar magnetic headphones don't have bass, they provide a stunning audio quality in the low frequencies. This is because they use flat diaphragms with an conductive trace pattern that is sandwiched between two arrays of magnets. When an electrical signal is sent from the source of audio to your driver the magnetic field is in contact with the trace patterns. This produces the sound waves.
The conductive traces on the diaphragms are thin and spread out, which means they can react with magnets much more efficiently than dynamic drivers. This results in a more even and precise transfer of the audio signal, with less distortion. This is why headphones with a planar magnetic design are usually more accurate and detailed, especially in lower frequency ranges where other headphone types have difficulty reproducing accurate sound.
Despite their superior performance in the low frequencies, many planar magnetic headphones do not excel in the highs or bass. This is because their design demands more intricate and expensive assembly that isn't possible to do inexpensively or quickly. Due to this, the most budget-friendly over-ear magnetic headphones tend to be more affluent in bass and instead focus on greater clarity in the mids and highs. The truth is that budget planar headphones don't provide a great music listening experience, but it's something to think about before purchasing one.
What is a magnetic diaphragm planar?
In the market for audiophile headphones, planar magnetic headphones are extremely popular due to their ability to deliver stunning levels of detail and clarity. The reason for this is because they use a different type of driver technology compared to the more typical dynamic drivers that are found in most headphones and speakers.
Planar magnetic headphones like the HIFIMAN Sundara for instance utilize a brand new type of driver that utilizes diaphragms with ultra-thin wiring to produce sound waves. These diaphragms then are suspended in the middle of two magnets with flat sides. Magnets cause the diaphragms to vibrate when an electrical signal is passed through these wires.
This kind of diaphragm offers a much higher degree of flexibility and sensitivity than dome-shaped or cone-shaped diaphragms used in a variety of dynamic headphones. These can be damaged by large excursion force that can cause distortion. Planar magnetic headphones are characterized by low distortion, fast transient response, and a broad range of frequencies.
Planar headphones are heavier and bulkier because of their larger dimensions, and their motor design is more complex. They also require more power and an external amplifier to work optimally.
Planar magnetic headphones are distinguished by their image, or the accurate reproduction and stereo sound of instruments on an audio stage. This is a major benefit for those who are serious about finding the ideal headphone that will suit their personal sound preference.
This larger wavefront could mean that planar headphones leak more sound than other types, which can be a problem if you are in public. However, it's not an issue for most listeners. The majority of 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 drivers that provide incredible sound quality, including some of the most well-known options available. They are typically slightly more expensive than those that utilize dynamic drivers. how do planar magnetic headphones work 's mostly because they often use more complex drivers and may require a headphone amplifier to fully realize their potential. The good thing is that you don't have to spend a lot to benefit from the benefits of a pair of planar headphones. There are many budget-friendly options, such as the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara.
The primary distinction between planar magnetic headphones and traditional dynamic driver headphones is that planar magnetic headphones feature a flat diaphragm, instead of the conventional dome- or cone-shaped diaphragm. The diaphragm is coated in conductory material that has two permanent magnets on either side that interact with the electrical signals coming by your hi-fi or music player system. The diaphragm is vibrating in response to the audio signals.
The diaphragm, which is bigger and has a larger surface, is less likely to cause distortion once it attains its maximum excursion. This leads to a more detailed, expansive soundstage than the dynamic headphones offer.
However, the planar driver is also more complicated and difficult to manufacture than its dynamic counterpart, which can result in a bit of variability from headphone to headphone. It is essential to read reviews from reputable sources, and to listen to headphones with multiple people before purchasing.
Another disadvantage of headphones with planar design is that they tend to leak sound. That means that you'll need to be in a quiet environment while listening to them, or you'll have to block out the noise of the world around you with your ears or a cover.
What is the price of a headphone that has a planar magnetic?
Planar magnetic headphones are a top choice of many audiophiles because of their clarity and detail. However they can be expensive, especially compared to dynamic headphones. If you're on the hunt for a pair of headphones for your planar, but don't want to invest too much, you'll find alternatives that provide great value for your money.
The best budget planar magnet headphones have an open back design and are constructed of lightweight materials to make them comfortable for prolonged wear. They have a powerful bass response and an impressive soundstage. They are an excellent choice for people who like to listen to music while doing other things like driving to work or working out.
There were a few options for audiophiles who wanted to experience the benefits that a pair of planar headphones can offer without spending a lot. There are now several manufacturers that have created a line affordable planar headphones with outstanding sound quality.
For instance, the Audeze LCD-2 Classics are a popular option for audiophiles looking to enjoy the advantages of a headphone that is planar without spending a fortune. They are renowned for their outstanding clarity and life-like sound reproduction thanks to an exclusive driver design that uses a skinny, light-weight diaphragm suspended between two magnets.
The Monolith headphones from Moondrop Labs, and the HiFiMAN Sundara are also budget-friendly alternatives. Both headphones have a full and detailed sound signature, and the build quality that is comparable to the more expensive models. 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 headphones - do you prefer clarity and image structure or do you prefer a hefty bass?