Planar Magnetic Headphones Explained
Planar headphones like the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFIMAN Susvara provide a low distortion that is virtually unnoticeable, lightning-fast transient response, and wide, accurate frequency response. These headphones require a headphone amplifier to ensure they are properly powered.
They are heavier, larger and require more power to drive. Closed-back designs are popular because they isolate sound better and provide more comfort for wearing for long periods of time.
What is a planar magnet headphone?
A dynamic driver is used to create sound in the majority of headphones, whether they are over-ear, on-ear or even in-ear. The drivers are cones or domes in which a coil is placed to produce sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones are a particular kind of driver that uses two magnets wrapped around an electric sheet to produce audio. These headphones are a bit heavier and bulkier than conventional models, however they are well-crafted for long listening sessions.
Planar magnetic headphones are typically rather expensive when compared to their dynamic driver counterparts because they require more sophisticated and complex technology to function. However, they're an excellent option for audiophiles who are looking for precision and accuracy. They can also provide a rich, expansive listening experience that's not available in other headphones.
Bass performance is one of the most impressive aspects of planar magnetic headphones. The soundstage is big enough to accommodate the deep bass notes and rumble, as well as other characteristics of these headphones. They also excel at handling articulation, tactile tones, and mixing music.
Planar magnetic headphones despite their incredible bass response can sometimes struggle to maintain clarity and distinction in the high and upper mid frequencies. They also have a distinct 'plucked' quality that can make them sound less balanced than their dynamic drivers counterparts.
If you're looking to explore the world of planar magnetic headphones, I suggest headphones like the Hifiman HE-400i or the Monoprice M1070 Monolith. If you're looking to start using these headphones, you'll need an AMP/DAC that is powerful. Take a look at the Monolith Hi-Res DAC headphone amp.
What is a magnetic driver that is planar?
best planar magnetic headphones are the norm in audiophile headphones. The best models offer stunning clarity and power that can completely transform your listening experience and give new life to your music collection. Planar magnetic driver headphones may not be the best choice for everyone. They are usually more expensive and require an amplifier in order to work effectively. They're also bulkier and heavier, and their open-back designs permit the noise of the surrounding environment to enter. This makes them less portable.
Many people believe that planar magnetic headphone do not produce bass. But they do. This is due to the fact that they utilize flat diaphragms with a conductive trace pattern sandwiched between two arrays of magnets. When an electrical signal is sent from your source of audio to the driver, the magnetic fields interact with the traces and create the sound waves.
The conductive traces that line the diaphragm are thin and widely spread, so they react to magnets much more efficiently than dynamic drivers. This results in a more consistent and precise transfer of the audio signal, with less distortion. This is why planar-magnetic headphones are usually more accurate and precise, particularly in lower frequency ranges where other types of headphones have trouble reproducing precise sound.
Most planar magnetic headphones aren't as effective in bass or high frequencies despite their superior performance on low frequencies. This is due to their design being more complex and expensive and therefore difficult to assemble quickly or cheaply. Due to this, the most budget over-ear magnetic headphones are likely to lean away from bass and instead emphasize increased detail in the mids as well as highs. It's not that budget planar headphones can't offer an excellent music listening experience, but it is something to consider before purchasing one.
What is a planar magnetic diaphragm?
Planar magnetic headphones are popular in the audiophile market because they deliver stunning levels detail and clarity. This is due to their use of a different driver technology from the standard dynamic drivers found in many headphones and speaker systems.
Planar magnetic headphones, like the HIFIMAN Sundara for instance, use an innovative new type of driver that utilizes flat diaphragms printed with ultra-thin wires that produce sound waves. These diaphragms will then be suspended between two magnets with flat surfaces. When an electrical signal passes through these wires, the magnets cause the diaphragms to vibrate and produce sound.
This kind of diaphragm is much more flexible and responsive than the more rigid dome-shaped diaphragms that are used in many dynamic headphones, which could become damaged by large excursion forces that can lead to distortion. Planar magnetic headphones are characterized by low distortion, a fast transient response and a wide frequency range.
However, because of their larger size and more complex motor design they tend to weigh heavier and heavier than their dynamic counterparts. They also require more power and an external amplifier to work optimally.
Another thing that makes planar magnetic headphones stand out from the competition is their imaging which is the precise reproduction of the stereo balance of the instruments in a soundstage. This is an enormous benefit for people who are serious about finding the ideal headphone that will suit their personal sound preference.
The wider wavefront may cause planar headphones to leak more sound than other types which could be a problem when you are in public. This is a minor concern for most listeners. Most open-back planar magnetic headphones, like the HIFIMAN Ananda are made to minimize leakage of sound.
What is a planar magnet headphone design?
Many audiophile headphones use planar magnetic drivers to provide amazing sound quality, including some of the most sought-after models available. These headphones tend to be somewhat more expensive than the ones that utilize dynamic driver technology. That's mostly due to the fact that they usually have more complex drivers and may require a headphone amplifier to fully realize their potential. The positive side is that you don't need to shell out a lot to enjoy the benefits of an earphone planar. There are plenty of low-cost options, such as the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara.
The main difference between planar magnetic headphones and traditional dynamic driver headphones is that the planar magnetic headphones have flat diaphragms, instead of the conventional cone- or dome-shaped diaphragm. The diaphragm is equipped with two permanent magnets on either side that interact with electrical signals sent by your Hi-Fi player or music player. This causes the diaphragm vibrate in response to the audio signal.
Since the diaphragm's diameter is greater and moves across its entire surface area it is less prone to distortion than dynamic driver headphones when they reach the limit of its amplitude. This leads to a more precise, spacious soundstage than dynamic headphones can provide.
Unfortunately, the planar drivers are also more difficult to manufacture and complicated than their dynamic counterparts, which can result in some differences between headphones. It is essential to read reviews from reliable sources, and listen to headphones with multiple people before buying.
Another disadvantage of planar headphones is that they can leak a lot of sound. This means that you'll have to be in a quiet area while listening to them, or you'll have to block out the noise of the surrounding world with your ears or with a cover.
What is the price of a headphone with a planar magnet?
Planar magnetic headphones are the top option for many audiophiles because of their clarity and detail. They can be expensive, especially when compared to dynamic headphone. If you're looking for a pair of planar headphones but don't want to spend too much, there are alternatives that provide great value for money.
The most affordable magnetic headphones with a planar design feature an open-back design and are constructed of lightweight materials that make them comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They have a powerful bass response and an impressive soundstage. They are an excellent option for those who prefer to listen to music while doing other things like driving to work or exercising.
Until recently, there were not many options for audiophiles who wanted to enjoy the benefits of a pair of planar headphones without spending a fortune. There are now a variety of manufacturers who have developed a range of affordable planar headphones with outstanding audio quality.
Audeze LCD-2 Classics, for instance, are a top option for audiophiles who want to experience the benefits a planar headphone without breaking the bank. These headphones are known for their authentic sound quality and exceptional clarity, thanks to their unique driver layout, that utilizes a thin lightweight diaphragm that is suspended between two magnets.
The Monolith headphones made by Moondrop Labs, and the HiFiMAN Sundara are also budget-friendly alternatives. Both headphones feature a deep and detailed sound signature, and a build quality that rivals the more expensive models. However, they don't have the same amount of bass extension as some of the more expensive models on this list. It all boils down to what you're looking for in headphones - do they prioritize clarity and image structure or do you prefer loud bass?