10 Planar Magnetic Headphones Explained That Are Unexpected
Planar Magnetic Headphones Explained
Planar headphones like the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFIMAN Susvara provide a low distortion that is virtually unnoticeable as well as lightning-fast transient responses and a wide, precise frequency response. These headphones require a headphone amplifier in order to effectively drive them.
They're bigger, heavier and require more power to drive. This is the reason why many prefer closed-back designs, which isolate sound better and are more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
What is a headphone that is planar magnetic?
The typical headphone, whether on-ear or over-ear, utilizes dynamic drivers to create sound. The drivers are cones, domes or cylindrical cylinders that a coil rotates to produce sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones use a different kind of driver, which utilizes two magnets encased in an electrified film to deliver audio. These headphones are bulkier and heavier than traditional models, however they are designed to last for long listening sessions.
Planar magnetic headphones can be quite expensive when compared with dynamic driver headphones, since they require a more sophisticated and advanced technology to work. They're a great choice for audiophiles who prioritize precision and accuracy. In addition, they can offer a full and enthralling listening experience that's rarely found in other headphones.
Bass performance is one of the most impressive aspects of the 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.
Despite their impressive bass response, planar magnetic headphones can sometimes have trouble keeping clarity and distinction in the mid- and high frequency. They're also known to have a distinctive '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'd recommend an open-back pair like the Hifiman HE-400i or the Monoprice Monolith M1070. You'll also require a strong amplifier/DAC to allow these headphones to function properly, so check out the Monolith Hi-Res DAC Headphone Amp if you want an ideal starting base.
What is a planar magnetic driver?
In the world of audiophile headphones, planar magnetic drivers rule. The best models offer amazing clarity and a powerful presence that can transform your listening experience and breathe new life into your music collection. Planar magnetic driver headphones might not be the best choice for all. They are typically more expensive and require an amplifier to work effectively. They are also bulkier and heavier and their open-back designs allow for surrounding noise to enter. This makes them less portable.
Many people believe that planar magnetic headphones don't have bass. But they do. The flat diaphragm sits between two arrays of magnets and features the conductor pattern. When an electrical signal is transmitted from the source of audio to your driver the magnetic field interacts with the trace patterns. This produces a vibration which creates sound waves.
Because the conductive traces are so thin and spread across the diaphragm, they can react much more evenly the magnets than dynamic drivers do. This leads to a more consistent and precise transfer of the audio signal, with less distortion. This is why planar magnetic headphones generally offer superior clarity and accuracy, particularly in the lower frequencies where other types of headphone struggle to deliver accurate reproduction.
Despite their superior performance in the low frequencies, most planar magnetic headphones aren't great in the highs or bass. It's because their design is more complicated and costly, which makes it difficult to assemble quickly or cheaply. Most affordable over-ear magnetic planar headphones therefore tend to focus on the mids and higher frequencies and less on bass. However, that doesn't mean an affordable pair of planar headphones can't provide you with an excellent music-listening experience, but it's worth bearing in mind when you purchase one.
What is a planar magnetic diaphragm?
In the market for audiophile headphones the planar magnetic headphones are extremely popular due to their capacity to provide stunning levels of detail and clarity. This is because they use different drivers than the more common dynamic drivers that are used in the majority of headphones and speaker systems.
Planar magnetic headphones, such as the HIFIMAN Sundara for example utilize a revolutionary new type of driver that utilizes flat diaphragms printed with ultra-thin wires to produce sound waves. The diaphragms are then hung in the middle of two flat magnets. Magnets cause the diaphragms to vibrate when an electrical signal passes through these wires.
This kind of diaphragm can be much more flexible and responsive than the more rigid cone or dome-shaped ones that are used in many dynamic headphones, which can become damaged by large forces of excitation that can lead to distortion. In the end, planar magnetic headphones have very low distortion, a fast transient response, and a wide frequency range.
Due to their larger size and more complex motor design, planar headphones tend to weigh heavier and bulkier than their dynamic counterparts. Additionally, they generally require more power and will require an external amplifier for optimal performance.
Planar magnetic headphones are distinguished by their image, or the accurate reproduction and stereo balance of instruments on the soundstage. This is an excellent benefit for those who are looking to find the perfect headphones that fit their sound preferences.
This larger wavefront could mean that planar headphones leak more sound than other kinds which could be a problem if you're in public. However, this is a minor issue for most listeners. The majority of open-back planar magnetic headphones like the HIFIMAN Ananda for example are designed to reduce leakage.
What is a planar magnetic headphone design?
Many models of audiophile headphones use magnetic drivers that are planar to provide amazing sound quality. This includes the most popular models available on the market. These headphones are typically a bit more costly than those that use dynamic drivers. That's mostly due to the fact that they often use more complex drivers and may require a headphone amplifier to fully realize their potential. The positive side is that you don't have to spend a fortune to benefit from the benefits of a pair of planar headphones. There are plenty of options for budget-friendly headphones such as the Audeze LED-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara.
The primary difference between planar headphones and traditional dynamic driver headphones is that the planar magnetic headphones feature a flat diaphragm, instead of the typical cone- or dome-shaped diaphragm. The diaphragm contains two permanent magnets on either side of it that interact with the electrical signals that are sent by your Hi-Fi player or music player. This causes the diaphragm to vibrate in response to the audio signal.
The diaphragm is larger and has a larger surface area, is less likely to cause distortion once it is at its maximum extension. This results in an even more detailed and expansive soundstage than can be achieved with dynamic headphones.
However, the planar drivers are also more difficult to manufacture and complex than their dynamic counterparts, which can lead to some variability between headphones. This is one reason why it's crucial to read expert reviews from reputable sources and to listen to headphones with a variety of people prior to making an investment.
Another drawback of planar headphones is that they can leak a lot of sound. You'll need to listen to them in a quiet space or put your ears in a padded case to block out the sound.
What is a planar magnetic headphone price?
In the world of audiophile headphones Planar magnetic headphones are a popular choice for many listeners because of their superior detail and clarity. They can be costly particularly when compared to dynamic headphones. You can find great options for planar headphones that are reasonably priced.
The best budget planar magnetic headphones use an open-back design. They are constructed of lightweight materials that make them comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. They also feature an impressive soundstage and powerful bass response. www.headphonesshop.uk are perfect for those who like listening to music while doing other activities such as running or commute.
There were few alternatives for audiophiles wanting to experience the benefits the pair of headphones from a planar design could offer without spending a lot. However, a number of manufacturers have created a range of budget-friendly planar headphones that provide outstanding sound quality and value.
For example, the Audeze LCD-2 Classics are a popular choice for audiophiles who wish to enjoy the benefits of a planar headphone without costing a fortune. These headphones are renowned for their ability to have a life-like sound quality and exceptional clarity due to their unique driver layout, which utilizes a thin, light-weight, diaphragm suspended in between two magnets.
Other budget-friendly options include Monolith headphones by Moondrop Labs and the HiFiMAN Sundara headphones. Both headphones feature a deep and precise sound signature, and an excellent build quality that competes with the more expensive models. However, they don't offer the same amount of bass extension as some of the higher-priced headphones on this list. It all comes down to what you're looking for from a pair. Do you prefer clarity and image structure, or do prefer a loud bass?