Planar Magnetic Headphones
Planar magnetic drivers are well-known in the world of headphones due to their ability to minimize distortion and produce powerful bass. This makes them a top option for audiophiles who want the best possible listening experience.
The FT5 has all the hallmarks of a top-notch pair of wireless planar magnetic headphones. The FT5 features a beautiful design, a variety of connectivity options, and a detailed energetic sound.
Size and weight
Contrary to dynamic headphones which use one magnet per speaker Planar magnetic drivers employ two magnets, sandwiched between an electrified film. This design allows diaphragms to move quickly and change from flat to full in response to audio signals, which produces more precise and detailed sound. Unfortunately, it also requires more power, which could make these headphones more expensive.
In addition to that they are also generally heavier and bulkier due to the fact that they have larger drivers. They are however able to produce frequencies as high as 20Hz without much roll-off. This is an advantage over the bass response of high-end open and closed dynamic drivers that usually have a very evident roll-off below 60Hz.
Planar magnetic headphones are unique in their sound characteristics. Many listeners enjoy this because of the diaphragms. They can sound natural and balanced, with crisp, clear bass and clean, crisp treble. They are also superior in clarity, image structure and distinction when compared to dynamic headphones. Their sound can be a bit "plucked," particularly at higher volume levels.
Furthermore, due to the bidirectional motion of their diaphragms, they are prone to leak more sound outside than standard open-back headphones. They must be placed in a quiet area where you can isolate your ears from the sound outside your headphone. They are not suited for games, where you might need to hear your teammate's voice, or get a quick response from your computer. Fortunately, high-end planar magnetic headphones, like the HiFiMAN Ananda, provide an excellent balance between these aspects and can be quite comfortable and lightweight to wear for long periods of time.
Soundstage
Planar magnetic headphones (also called orthodynamic or isodynamic) feature a flat, square or circular diaphragm that has embedded conductors that react to magnetic fields created by magnets on either side. The electrical signals that are sent to the driver of the headphones cause it to vibrate, generating audio. The flat nature of the diaphragm provides them with greater soundstages than dynamic headphones, with the sound being evenly spread across the space.
They typically have a more smooth frequency response too as lower distortion than traditional dynamic headphones. The lower distortion results in an edgier and more natural sound. This is especially applicable to bass frequencies. Many high-end closed-back and open-back planar magnetic headphones can boost their bass response to 20Hz, which is superior to what you can find on the majority of dynamic drivers.
They also have a greater transparency because of the diaphragm's flat. This lets you get more detail in the music. This makes them suitable for listening to music that requires a lot of concentration like professional audio work, or even for home use when you want to be able to enjoy the music in the full splendor.
Planar magnetic headphones may perform better than dynamic headphones, however they are still more costly, because their drivers require greater precision. This can lead to more expensive manufacturing costs and less consistency in performance between units.
The more complicated design also requires a larger headphone housing, which increases the cost. It also requires a higher-powered amplifier to generate the two magnetic fields that are needed to move the diaphragm. This could add up to an immense amount of expense, and could be a factor in deciding whether you choose to purchase a pair of magnetic headphones that are planar or a different type.
Transient response
Rather than using a voice coil to vibrate the cone-shaped diaphragm of conventional headphones they use planar magnetic magnets that directly move the entire diaphragm. This lets the headphones respond much more quickly and with more precision, which leads to a smoother audio experience.
They also have lower levels of distortion than dynamic headphones. This is because the magnets and conductive material in a planar driver cover a wider area. This means that vibrations are less likely than with dynamic headphones, which have a smaller voice coil and can cause distortion when played at higher volume.
This also means that planar headphone require more power than dynamic headphones with a similar impedance. Manufacturers have made significant efforts to improve their designs, including the use of single-sided arrays on certain models as well as the reduction of the thicknesses of the diaphragms. There are now headphones like the HIFIMAN GS-X Mini or HIFIMAN GS-X Ananda that can be powered by an iPhone and still deliver amazing audio quality.
Some listeners have expressed concern that the planar magnetic headphones while more precise, lack the image depth of dynamic drivers. This is evident when listening to headphones that are at the top end, such as the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara. However, it is likely that future headphones featuring special materials will be able to improve upon this, allowing listeners to take advantage of the best of both worlds.
Noise isolation
If you're looking for headphones that will block out distracting background noise when listening to podcasts or music Look no further than the AUX ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones. They feature 55mm planar magnetic drivers that provide well-balanced, clear audio with low distortion. They also have an active noise cancellation system that blocks out background sounds to keep you completely immersed.
Planar magnetic headphones are among of the top types of headphones for audiophiles. They have incredible clarity and detail, without sounding harsh or screeching. They also offer greater frequency range than dynamic driver headphones. This means they can reproduce deep bass notes with a rich texturing while maintaining excellent transient response. They also tend to be more comfortable than dynamic headphones.
However, the top headphones for planar magnetics can be expensive in comparison to other premium headphones. This is due to the complexity of the drivers as well as the pedigree of the brands that produce them. There are excellent magnetic headsets with planar design at affordable prices if you shop around.
You can also choose open-back planar magnet headphones such as the HIFIMAN M1060 and the Monoprice Monolith M1060. The Ananda and the M1060 are both excellent options for budget audiophiles who want to enjoy their music in the privacy of their own home. Both pairs feature sleek, stealth-like designs and are extremely comfortable to wear. However, they don't isolate well from noise around them and you could hear people talking or other sounds around you.
A more affordable option is the Edifier Venus, which features a unique blend of planar magnetic drivers and dynamic technology. It's not as sophisticated as high-end Audeze speakers however, it delivers impressive performance. It is also very versatile and can be used for both audiophile gaming and casual listening. However, it's important to remember that it's an open-back headphones that leaks sound and allows in ambient noise, so it might not be ideal to use when on the go.
Comfort
Planar magnetic headphones are most well-known in the world of audiophile headphones. Unlike your typical dynamic drivers that are used in many over-ear, in-ear, and on-ear headphones (which utilize electricity to move the driver of a speaker between two points in various ways), planar headphones utilize an ultra-thin flat diaphragm sandwiched between two magnets. This allows them overcome the limitations of dynamic driver headphones.
Therefore that planar headphones are more likely to have better audio quality, with better image structure, clarity, and distinction than other headphones. They also have an unique sound signature, which is distinguished by a clear bass and punchy Treble. However, you will have to make compromises in price to enjoy this level of sound.
For instance, headphones with a planar design tend to be heavier than other kinds. This is due to the fact that a larger magnet is required to achieve the same result. It's therefore more difficult to hold them in the neck or head when they are worn for extended periods of time. However, planars headphones have been working on reducing this weight by using lighter materials, like aluminum and titanium. The diaphragm's design has been modified to decrease its mass and increase its thickness.
There are a number quality-oriented manufacturers that make wireless headphones that are lightweight and comfortable. HiFiMAN HE400se is a fantastic option. It is equipped with an array of magnets that is single-sided and has excellent sound quality at a the price of a bargain.
Another excellent wireless planar headphone is the Monoprice M1060. It has a chic and sleek stealth style with metal headbands and premium comfort pads. It also functions well with a high-resolution DAC, making it ideal for those who wish to take their music experience to the next level.