Planar Headphones
Planar headphones are famous for their accurate and clear audio. They also have less distortion and a larger soundstage than dynamic headphones.
planar magnetic loudspeakers are usually more expensive. They require a powered DAC/amplifier in order to work. Monoprice's Monolith headphone line offers an excellent value for those who aren't willing to spend more than $1000 for headphones.
The Basics
Shopping for headphones can be a bit confusing and there are a variety of factors to consider. Besides on-ear or over-ear, there's open back or closed back, wired or wireless, and there are the various types of drivers to pick from including dynamic, planar magnetic, electrostatic, balanced armature, and MEMS. While these differences can be complex but they are important to know to ensure the highest audio quality.
A headphone with a planar design has a flat diaphragm that is surrounded by magnets. When the audio signal plays, the conductor of the diaphragm reacts with the magnets and causes vibrations. This allows for a wide frequency response with higher frequency sensitivity and less distortion than dynamic drivers. It also creates a more expansive soundstage, which gives listeners the impression that they are in the middle of the music.
Planar headphones are more expensive due to their unique design, particularly when compared with the more affordable models that are dynamic. Because of this, planar headphones were traditionally reserved for audiophiles who don't prefer paying more for the audio experience.
In recent years, manufacturers have been working to make planar technology more accessible to a wider public. Many high-end headphones made by Hifiman and Audeze have pushed the limits of what's possible using a planar driver, and the majority of audio enthusiasts are beginning to see the benefits of these advanced headphones.
Despite their price they are renowned for their high-quality audio and comfort. They have a wide soundstage, crisp image and precise bass response that easily surpasses other types of headphone. Additionally, they have excellent detail retrieval and can reproduce music with precision instruments without sounding muddy or loud.
Planar headphones can be heavy and bulky, which makes them less mobile than other varieties of headphone. In addition, some planar headphones require a powerful headphone amplifier to function at their highest performance. This is a major deterrent for people who are looking for an easy-to-use and portable headphone solution. Newer headphones use innovative technology to make them lighter while still maintaining the same sound quality.
The Benefits
Planar headphones offer superior sound quality that surpasses the limitations of traditional dynamic driver headphones. They allow you to hear the full range of sound with realistic space and depth. The diaphragm that is flat in planar headphones moves more air than a traditional diaphragm.
These massive diaphragms' movements produce vibrations that generate sounds via constant compression and decompression. Monolith headphones use planar drivers that are very energy-efficient, as they only require one coil to rotate the dialephragm. This decreases your headphones' power consumption, and increases their lifespan.
Another advantage of planar drivers is their ability to reproduce low frequencies without distortion. The typical headphones employ small and rigid drivers that must move large amounts of air to reproduce low frequencies, putting them under extreme stress. The diaphragm is flat in a pair planar headphones can move more air than a conventional driver that has a flex range and produces a smooth bass response.
A planar diaphragm reacts more evenly to a magnetic field due to the conductor trace. This results in a lower split than you would get with a traditional dynamic driver and is similar to electrostatic headphones.
Open-back headphones emit less sound than dynamic headphones. This is especially beneficial when listening to music in a public area. This also means that your music remains private shielding you from outside interference and allowing you to become lost in your music.
They are more expensive than dynamic ones, but they provide a superior sound that is worth it for many audiophiles. It is crucial to consider your preferences and needs prior to purchasing a pair of planar headphones. If you're looking for clarity, image structure, and distinction over slam or punch, then maybe these headphones aren't the best suitable for you. There are many options that can provide both slam and planar sounds without breaking the bank. Monoprice's new M1060 is among the budget-friendly headphones that has raked in the rage in the industry with its impressive performance. It features a elegant design, excellent comfort, and a lifetime warranty.
The Specifics
The sound you hear when using headphones is determined by how the diaphragm's thin, light diaphragm is made to move. In most headphones the voice coils are placed behind a diaphragm that is flat. However, alternative designs have been created which use a planar magnetic driver to achieve the same result using a smaller and lighter diaphragm. This allows the headphone to produce sound with less distortion, a higher frequency response and more bass.
The main difference between a traditional dynamic driver and a planar driver is how the conductor trace is placed on the diaphragm. In a planar driver the conductors are on the flat surface of the diaphragm which makes them react more evenly in the magnetic field, compared to dynamic drivers which place them on the top of the voice coil and magnet. This can help eliminate acoustic resonance and pressure buildup and deliver the most natural and accurate rendition of your music.
In contrast to dynamic drivers, which require an amplifier that is separate for each channel, planar magnetic headphones are designed to be powered by a single source and can typically be driven by an audio device that is portable or a headphone amplifiers that have low output impedance. Some models are designed to be only resistive that require less than a couple of watts for optimal performance. The HIFIMAN Ananda, and Susvara are a couple of examples.
For music lovers and audiophiles Planar magnetic headphones are an excellent choice for high-resolution listening. These headphones offer great clarity and detail for a great listening session, and are lightweight, comfortable and versatile. The Audeze LCD-5 is a perfect example of a planar headphones that has these features, along with an exceptional look and feel. This pair of open-back headphones reference is made in the USA and is ideal for professional mixing mastering, high-resolution audio.
The Bottom Line
The world of planar headphones is quite fascinating, since they are able to overcome many limitations imposed on more traditional headphone driver designs. With their ultra-thin diaphragm set between two opposing magnetic fields, planar drivers are able to create a natural and aural listening experience. This unique technology can offer audiophiles many benefits, but can be difficult to comprehend.
In terms of sound quality the sound of planar drivers is typically much tighter and more controlled than dynamic drivers. They also have a distinctive 'plucked-sounding' sound and are better at distinguishing instruments than dynamic drivers. However, the bass tends to not have the impact and slam you'd expect from high-end dynamic drivers.
Planar headphones don't suffer from the same distortion as dynamic drivers because their diaphragms vibrate when an audio signal is received. This also results in a more consistent audio quality across the entire range of volume, making them ideal for listening for longer periods. They can be powered by integrated amps found on most devices. This means they don't need as much power as dynamic headsets.
However, it's important to remember that due to the bi-directional movement of the diaphragms, planar headphones can have some issues with leakage. This means that some sounds may escape from the ear cups, so they're not recommended for use in noisy environments.
When you are looking for headphones with planar design, you should also consider that they cost more than traditional models with dynamic drivers. However the superior performance they offer more than makes up for this increased cost.
Hifiman's planar headphones have a stellar reputation. Audeze, Dan Clark, and Fostex are also good brands. But, each manufacturer has their own perspective on the acoustics of a headphone, so it's best to listen to a few samples before buying. The Hifiman HE400SE for instance, is regarded as one of the most acoustic and affordable planar headphones on the market. It is an open-design planar headphone that is ideal for those who want to make a splash in the world of.