Watch Out: What Planar Headphone Is Taking Over And How To Stop It
Planar Headphones Planar headphones deliver precise and clear audio. They also have lower distortion and a wider soundstage than Dynamic headphones. They are generally more expensive. This is because they require a powered DAC and amplifier to work. Monoprice's Monolith headphones are a great choice for those who don't wish to spend more than $1000 on headphones. The Basics Shopping for headphones can be a challenge There are a lot of factors to consider. There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing headphones. They can be above-ear or on-ear open-back or closed-back wireless or wired. There are three driver types: dynamic, electrostatic, planar-magnetic or balanced-armature. While these differences can be complex and confusing, they're essential to know to ensure the highest audio quality. A planar headphone is a flat diaphragm which is enclosed by magnets. When an audio signal is played the conductor of the diaphragm reacts to the magnets, causing vibrations. This results in a wider frequency response and greater quality and less distortion than dynamic drivers. It also creates an 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 to more affordable dynamic models. Planar headphones are therefore reserved for audiophiles who are willing to pay an extra amount for their audio experience. However, in recent years manufacturers have been working to make planar technology more accessible to a larger public. Many high-end headphones made by Hifiman and Audeze have pushed the boundaries of what's possible with a planar driver, and the majority of audio enthusiasts are beginning to see the advantages of these sophisticated headphones. Planar headphones are renowned for their superior audio quality and comfort, despite their higher price. They have a wide soundstage, clear imaging and a precise bass response that easily surpasses other headphone types. They can also reproduce music instruments with incredible clarity and precision without sounding muffled. Planar headphones can be heavy and bulky, making them less mobile than other varieties of headphone. Some headphones require an amplified system to work at their peak. This can be a turn-off for people who are seeking an easy to use and portable headphone solution. The good news is that newer headphones are using innovative technology to lower the weight of the headphones while still maintaining their incredible audio quality. The Benefits Planar headphones provide superior sound quality that surpasses the limitations of traditional dynamic driver headphones. They also offer a fantastic way to experience the full soundstage of your music with realistic spatiality and depth. The diaphragm, which is flat, in planar headphones moves more air than the traditional diaphragm. The large diaphragm movements create sound waves that are generated by constant compression and decompression. The planar drivers used in Monolith headsets are extremely energy-efficient since they need only a single coil of wire to generate the diaphragm's vibration. This helps reduce power consumption and extends the life of your headphones. Planar drivers also have the ability to reproduce low-frequency sound without distortion. Typical headphones use small and rigid drivers that have to move huge amounts of air in order to reproduce low frequencies, putting them under extreme stress. The flat diaphragm in a pair planar headphones can move more air than a standard driver with a flexible range and produces a clear bass response. Additionally the conductor trace on a planar diaphragm enables it to interact more evenly with magnetic fields. This results in a lower split than you would get with traditional dynamic drivers and is similar to electrostatic headphones. Open-back headphones emit less sound than dynamic headphones. This is especially useful when listening to music in a public place. This also means that your music is secure and secure from outside interference and allowing you to get lost in your music. While planar headphones are more expensive than dynamic headphones, they offer superior sound quality that is worth the money for a lot of audiophiles and musicians. It's important to think about your preferences and needs prior to buying a pair headphones. If you value image structure, clarity and distinction over slam or punch, then perhaps the planar headphones you're looking for aren't right for you. There are a variety of great options that can deliver both slam and planar sounds without costing a fortune. Monoprice's brand new M1060 is one of the budget-friendly headphones that has been making waves in the market with its outstanding performance. It features an elegant stealth design and a comfortable fit and is backed by a lifetime warranty. The Specifics The sound you hear when using a headphone is determined by the way in which the thin, lightweight diaphragm is made to move. In most headphones the voice coils are placed behind a flat diaphragm. However, different configurations have been developed which use a planar magnetic driver to achieve the same result using a smaller and lighter diaphragm. This allows for a headphone which produces sound with less distortion and more frequency response. The primary distinction between a traditional dynamic driver and one that is planar is the way the conductor trace is positioned on the diaphragm. In a planar driver conductors are placed on the flat surface of the diaphragm, which makes them react more evenly within the magnetic field compared to dynamic drivers that place them on the top of the magnet and voice coil. This can help eliminate the effects of acoustic resonance and buildup of pressure and deliver the most accurate and natural representation of your music. The majority of planar magnetic headphones can be powered by a single source, such as an audio player that is portable or a headphone amplifiers with a low output impedance. Some models are designed to be purely resistive, requiring just some watts of power to ensure excellent performance. The HIFIMAN Ananda, and Susvara, are examples. For music lovers and audiophiles Planar magnetic headphones are a fantastic option for high-resolution audio. They provide stunning clarity and detail to provide a great listening experience, while being lightweight, comfortable, and versatile. The Audeze LCD-5 is an excellent example of a headphone that has these features, as well as an outstanding look and feel. This pair of open-back headphone reference is manufactured in the USA and is perfect for professional mixing mastering, high-resolution audio. The Bottom Line
The world of planar headphones is quite interesting, as they overcome the limitations that are imposed on more traditional headphone driver designs. With their ultra-thin diaphragm set between two opposing magnetic fields, planar drivers are able to provide a natural and aural listening experience. This innovative technology has a lot to offer audiophiles, however, it can also be quite complicated to understand. In terms of sound quality Planar drivers are generally much more tense and precise than dynamic drivers. They also have a unique “plucked” sound and are more adept at separating instruments than dynamic drivers. The bass isn't quite as rich and has the punch and slam that you can get from a high-end dynamic driver. Planar headphones also don't suffer from the same amount of distortion as dynamic drivers due to the fact that their entire diaphragm is vibrating in response to an audio signal. This provides better sound quality across a greater frequency range. They are therefore perfect for listening to long periods of time. They can be powered by integrated amps that are found on the majority of devices. This means that they don't need the same amount of power as high-end headsets. It's important to note that due to the bi-directional motion of the diaphragms, planar headphones may have issues with leakage. headphonesshop.uk means that certain noises will escape the ear cups, so they're not recommended for use in noisy environments. When looking for headphones that are planar be aware that they are more expensive than the traditional models with a dynamic driver. However their superior performance provide more than compensates the extra cost. There are a few brands that have earned a positive reputation for their planar headphones, including Hifiman, Audeze, Dan Clark and Fostex. Each manufacturer has its own perception of the acoustics so it is advisable to test a few models before purchasing. For example, the Hifiman HE400SE is widely regarded to be one of the most affordable and best-sounding planar headphones available. It has an open design and is a good choice for those looking for an entry into the world of headphones with a planar design.