Planar Magnetic Headphones

In the headphones world, planar magnetic drivers are well-known for their ability to reduce distortion and produce a booming bass. Audiophiles who want the best listening experience possible will find them to be a fantastic option.

The FT5 features all the characteristics of a top pair of wireless planar magnetic headphones. The FT5 has a stunning design, a variety of connectivity options, and detailed energetic sound.

Size and weight

Planar magnetic drivers, unlike dynamic headphones, make use of two magnets sandwiched between an electric film. This design makes the sound waves much more agile than their dynamic counterparts and allows the diaphragms to move quickly and change from flat to full response to the audio signal, which results in more precise and clear sound. However, it requires more power, which could make these headphones a bit more expensive.

In addition to that they are also generally bulkier and heavier because they use larger motors. However they can produce frequencies of up to 20Hz with very little roll-off. This is a distinct advantage over the bass response of high-end closed and open dynamic drivers, which typically have a very noticeable roll-off below 60Hz.

Planar magnetic headphones are unique in their sound signature. Many listeners love this because of the diaphragms. They sound natural and balanced, with a clear sharp treble, clear treble and a powerful bass. They also have more clarity, image structure and distinction over dynamic headphones. However, their sound can sometimes be a bit "plucked" and harsh particularly when they are playing at higher volumes.

Due to the bidirectional motion in their diaphragms, they tend to leak more sound than regular open-back headphones. They should be used in a quiet place in which you can shield your headphone from noise outside. They aren't suitable for planar magnetic gaming, where you may need to hear your teammate's voice, or get a quick reply from your computer. Modern high-end planar magnetic headphones, like the HiFiMAN Aanda, can offer a good combination of these features and are still comfortable and light enough to be worn for extended periods.

Soundstage

Planar magnetic headphones, also referred to as orthodynamic or Isodynamic, feature a circular or flat diaphragm with a pattern of embedded conductors that react to the magnetic field generated by the magnets on either side of. The electrical signals sent to the driver of the headphone cause it to vibrate, creating audio. The flat nature of the diaphragm creates more soundstages than dynamic headphones, with sound being evenly spread out in space.

They also have a smoother response to frequency and less distortion than traditional dynamic headsets. The lower distortion creates a more natural sound that is more precise and Planar magnetic authentic. This is especially relevant for low-frequency sounds. Many high-end planar magnetic headphones, both open-back and closed-back, can extend their bass response up to 20Hz. This is higher than the majority of dynamic drivers.

The flat structure of the diaphragm also helps them to be more transparent, which means you can hear more detail from the music you're listening to. This can make them ideal for critical listening, such as professional audio work, or for home use when you want to enjoy the music in the full splendor.

Planar magnetic headphones might perform better than dynamic ones, but they are still more costly due to their drivers requiring greater precision. This could result in increased manufacturing costs and less consistency in performance between units.

The more complex design of a planar magnetic driver also requires a larger housing which increases the overall price of the headphone. It also requires a larger amplifier to drive the magnetic fields required to move the dialym. This could result in a significant cost and could affect your decision to buy planar magnetic headphones.

Transient response

Planar magnetic drivers don't make use of a voice coil, instead, they utilize magnets to move the entire diaphragm flat. This enables headphones to respond more quickly and with greater precision, resulting in a better audio experience.

They also have lower levels of distortion than dynamic headphones. This is because the conductive material and the magnets on a planar driver cover a greater area. This means that the vibrations are less likely to alter the shape of the diaphragm unlike dynamic headphones with their smaller voice coils that can cause distortion when the volume is higher.

It also means that planar headphone require more power than dynamic headphones of similar impedance. Manufacturers have made huge efforts to improve their designs, such as the use of single-sided arrays on some models, and the reduction of the thicknesses of diaphragms. There are now headphones such as the HIFIMAN GS-X Mini or HIFIMAN GS-X Ananda which can be powered by an iPhone and still deliver amazing audio quality.

In terms of soundstage, a few listeners have noted that while the planar magnetic headphones are more precise, they lack the image quality and consistency of dynamic drivers. This is especially evident when listening to headphones that are of the highest quality like the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Susvara. However, it is likely that future headphones featuring unique materials will improve upon this and allow listeners to take advantage of the best of both worlds.

Noise isolation

The AU-X ANC wireless over-ear headphones are the perfect option if you're looking to block out distracting background noises while listening to music or podcasts. They have 55mm planar magnetic drivers that deliver well-balanced, clear audio with very little distortion. They also have an active noise cancellation system that filters out background noises to keep you completely immersed.

Planar magnetic headphones are among of the best types of headphones for audiophiles. They have incredible clarity and detail, without sounding harsh or screeching. They also have greater frequency range than dynamic driver headphones. This means that they can reproduce deep bass notes and rich texturing while maintaining excellent transient response. They also offer more comfort than headsets with dynamic features.

However, the best planar magnetic headphones can be expensive in comparison to other headphones of a premium. This is due to the complexity of the drivers as well as the heritage of the brands that produce these headphones. It is a good thing that you can find top-quality headphones with planar magnetics at affordable costs by searching around.

You can also opt for open-back planar magnetic headphones like the HIFIMAN Ananda or the Monoprice Monolith M1060. Both the Ananda and M1060 are great choices for budget audiophiles that want to enjoy music in the privacy of their homes. Both have sleek, stealthy designs and are very comfortable to wear. They aren't very effective at separating you from the surrounding noises which means it's possible to hear other sounds or people talking.

Edifier Venus is a budget-friendly alternative that is an unique combination of planar magnet drivers and dynamic technologies. It's not as advanced as high-end Audeze speakers however, it delivers impressive performance. It is also very versatile and works well for audiophile gaming as well as casual listening. It's important to remember that this is an open-back headphones that leaks sound.

Comfort

Planar magnetic headphones are most sought-after in the world of audiophile headphones. In contrast to the typical dynamic drivers used in most in-ear, over-ear, and on-ear headphones (which use electricity to move a speaker driver between two points in various ways) the planar headphones employ an ultra-thin flat diaphragm that is sandwiched between two magnets. This allows them to overcome the limitations of dynamic driver headphones.

As a result the headphones that are designed for planar use tend to have better sound quality, and a better image structure, clarity, and distinction than other headphones. They also have a distinct sound signature, which is characterized by transparent treble and punchy bass. However, you'll have to compromise in price to enjoy this quality sound.

Planar headphones, for example tend to be heavier than other kinds. This is because they require a bigger magnet to achieve the same level of performance. This results in them more difficult to sit comfortably on the head or neck when wearing them for long periods of time. Manufacturers have tried to reduce this weight by using lighter materials like titanium and aluminum. In addition, the shape of the diaphragm is being refined to make it thinner and decrease its weight.

The good news is that a number of quality-oriented brands offer light and comfortable wireless planar headphones. One excellent option is the HiFiMAN HE400se which has a single-sided magnet array that offers exceptional audio quality for a low price tag.

Another excellent wireless planar headphone is the Monoprice M1060. It has a chic and sleek stealth style with metal headbands and premium pads. It also works with a high-resolution DAC, making it ideal for those looking to elevate their music experience the next level.