Planar Magnetic Headphones Explained 101: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners

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 a wide, accurate frequency response. However, these headphones also require a specific headphone amplifier to properly drive them.

They are heavier, bulkier and require more horsepower to drive. This is the reason why many prefer closed-back designs, which block out the sound better and are more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

What is a planar magnetic headphone?

The average headphone-whether on-ear, over-ear, or in-ear-uses a dynamic driver to produce sound. The drivers are cones, domes, or cylindrical cylinders that the coil is vibrated to create sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones are a particular type of driver that utilizes two magnets that are wrapped around an electrified sheet to deliver audio. These headphones are a bit heavier and bulkier than traditional models, however they are well-crafted for long listening sessions.

Planar magnetic headphones can be quite expensive compared to dynamic driver headphones, since they require a more complex and advanced technology to function. They are a fantastic option for audiophiles who appreciate accuracy and precision. Additionally, they provide a full and rich listening experience that's not commonly available in other headphones.

Bass performance is one of the most impressive features of the planar magnetic headphones. Because they're big, the soundstage can expand to accommodate the incredibly deep low notes and rumbles that are typical of these types of headphones. They are also great at handling articulation, tactile tones, and mixing music.

Planar magnetic headphones, despite their amazing bass response, can struggle to keep clarity and distinction in the higher and mid frequencies. They are also known to have an unbalanced sound due to their distinctive 'plucked-like' quality.

If you're interested in exploring the world of planar magnetic headphones, I recommend headphones like the Hifiman HE-400i or the Monoprice Monolith M1070. You'll also require a powerful amplifier/DAC to allow the headphones to function properly, so check out the Monolith Hi-Res DAC Headphone Amp if you want an excellent starting point.

What is a planar magnetic driver?

Planar magnetic drivers are the norm in audiophile headphones. The best planar magnetic iem models offer stunning clarity and power that can change your listening experience and breathe new life into your music collection. Planar magnetic driver headphones may not be the best choice for everyone. They are typically more expensive and require an amplifier in order to work properly. They also tend to be heavier, bulkier and have open-back designs that bleed sound and let in ambient noise making them less mobile as compared to other types.

Many people believe that headphones made of planar magnetic don't produce bass. But they can. This is due to flat diaphragms with a conductive trace pattern sandwiched between two magnet arrays. When an electrical signal is sent from the source of your audio to the driver, the magnetic fields interact with the traces and create an oscillation that produces sound waves.

The conductive traces that line the diaphragms are thin and dispersed, so they can react with magnets more evenly than dynamic drivers. This results in more consistent and precise transfer of the audio signal with less distortion. This is the reason why planar-magnetic headphones are generally more precise and detailed, especially in the lower frequencies where other headphone types have difficulty reproducing accurate sound.

Despite their excellent performance in the low frequencies, most planar magnetic headphones do not excel in the highs or bass. This is due to their design demands an intricate and expensive assembly that isn't possible to do inexpensively or quickly. The most affordable over-ear magnetic headphones, Planar Magnetic Headphones Explained therefore, tend to concentrate on the mids and higher frequencies and less on bass. It's not that budget planar headphones won't give you an excellent music listening experience, but it is something to think about before purchasing one.

What is a planar magnetic diaphragm?

In the market for audiophile headphone, planar magnetic headphones are incredibly popular due to their capacity to provide stunning levels of clarity and detail. The reason for this is because they employ a different kind of driver technology compared to the more common dynamic drivers found in most headphones and speakers.

Planar magnetic headphones, such as the HIFIMAN Sundara for example make use of a new and innovative type of driver that uses flat diaphragms made of ultra-thin wires to produce sound waves. These diaphragms then get suspended between two flat magnets. When an electrical signal passes through these wires, the magnets cause the diaphragm to vibrate and produce sound.

This type of diaphragm is much more flexible and responsive than the more rigid dome-shaped diaphragms employed in many dynamic headphones, which can be damaged by high forces of excitation which can cause distortion. Planar magnetic headphones are characterized by low distortion, fast transient response and a wide frequency range.

Due to their larger size and more complex motor design the planar headphones tend to weigh heavier and bulkier than their dynamic counterparts. In addition, they typically require more power and will require an external amplifier to ensure optimal performance.

Another feature that makes planar magnetic headphones stand out from other headphones is their imaging, which is the accurate reproduction of the stereo balance of the instruments in the soundstage. This is an enormous benefit for people who are serious about finding the perfect headphones to match their individual sound preferences.

However, this broader wavefront can also mean that planar headphones can leak more sound outwards than other types of headphones, which can be a disadvantage if you're in public. However, this is a minor issue for the majority of listeners, and most open-back magnetic headphones, like the HIFIMAN Ananda for instance, are designed to minimize leakage.

What is an example of a design for a planar headphone?

Many audiophile headphones utilize planar magnetic drivers that provide stunning sound quality, which includes some of the most well-known options available. These headphones are generally a bit more expensive than ones which use dynamic driver technology. This is mainly because they use more complex drivers, and could require an amp for the headphone to maximize their performance. It's not necessary to invest an enormous amount of money to enjoy the benefits planar headphones provide. There are many low-cost options, such as the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara.

The primary difference between these headphones and those with traditional dynamic driver technology is that the magnetic headphones designed for planar use use a flat diaphragm instead of a typical dome-shaped or cone-shaped one. The diaphragm is equipped with two permanent magnets on either side that interact with electrical signals generated by your music player or Hi-Fi system. The diaphragm is vibrating in response to the audio signals.

Because the diaphragm is bigger and moves across its complete surface, it is less susceptible to distortion than dynamic driver headphones once it reaches the limit of its range of motion. This creates a more expansive and detailed soundstage than can be achieved through dynamic headphones.

Unfortunately, the drivers for planars are also more difficult to make and complex than their dynamic counterparts, which may cause some variation between headphones. It is essential to read reviews from reputable sources, and to listen to headphones with multiple people before purchasing.

Planar headphones can also be prone to leak sound. That means you'll need to be in a quiet environment while listening to them, or you'll have to block out sounds from the world around you with your ears or a cover.

what is a planar headphone is a typical planar magnetic headphone price?

In the realm of audiophile headphones, planar magnetic headphones explained planar magnetic headphones are the top choice for many listeners because of their exceptional clarity and detail. They can be expensive, especially when compared to dynamic headphone. There are plenty of alternatives for headphones with a planar design that are affordable.

The best budget magnetic headphones with a planar design feature an open-back design. They're made with lightweight materials that allow them to wear for extended periods of time. They have a booming bass response as well as a huge soundstage. These headphones are perfect for people who enjoy listening to music while they do other things like exercising or commute.

There were a few options for audiophiles looking to benefit from the advantages the pair of headphones from a planar design could provide without spending a lot. There are now several manufacturers that have created an affordable line of planar headphones that have outstanding sound quality.

For example the Audeze LCD-2 Classics are a popular option for audiophiles who wish to experience the benefits of a planar headphone without breaking the bank. These headphones are famous for their exceptional clarity and realism of sound, thanks to a unique driver layout which utilizes a slim diaphragm that is light and weighty, suspended between two magnets.

The Monolith headphones from Moondrop Labs, and the HiFiMAN Sundara are also budget-friendly alternatives. Both headphones feature a deep and detailed sound signature, and an excellent build quality that competes with the more expensive models. However, they don't have the same amount of bass extension as the more expensive headphones on this list. It all boils down to what you're looking for in headphones - do you prioritize image structure and clarity, or do you prefer a hefty bass?