11 “Faux Pas” That Are Actually Acceptable To Make With Your Planar Headphone
Planar Headphones Planar headphones are famous for their accurate and clear audio. They also have a lower distortion and larger soundstage than dynamic headphones. However, they're usually more expensive than headphones with dynamic features. They require a DAC/amplifier powered to perform. Monoprice's Monolith headphones are a great option for those who don't want to spend more than $1,000 on headphones. The Basics The process of choosing headphones can be a challenge, and there are many things to take into consideration. Besides on- go!! or over-ear, there's open back or closed back, wired or wireless, and there are the different types of drivers you can choose from such as dynamic electrostatic, planar magnetic balanced armature, as well as MEMS. While these differences can be complex but they are important to know to ensure the highest audio quality. A planar headphone uses a flat diaphragm, which is surrounded by magnets. When the audio signal plays it, the conductor of diaphragm is triggered by the magnets and creates vibrations. This results in a greater frequency response, and a higher 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. This unique design is the reason that planar headphones are more expensive than other headphone types, especially when compared to the budget-friendly dynamic models that have become more popular. For this reason, the planar headphone has been traditionally reserved for audiophiles who do not mind paying a premium for their audio experience. In recent years, manufacturers have been trying to make planar technology more accessible to a larger public. Many high-end headphones made by Hifiman and Audeze have pushed the limits of what's possible with a planar driver. many audio enthusiasts are starting to recognize the advantages of these sophisticated headphones. Despite their higher price, planar headphones are known for their superior audio quality and comfort. They can easily compete with other types of headphones. They can also reproduce musical instruments with amazing accuracy and detail without sounding muffled. Planar headphones can be heavy and bulky, making them less mobile than other types of headphone. Some headphones require an amplifier that is powerful to function at their peak. This is a major deterrent for those seeking an easy to use and portable headphone solution. Newer headphones use innovative technology to reduce their weight while maintaining the same sound quality. The Benefits Planar headphones deliver superior sound quality, surpassing the limitations of dynamic driver headphones. They allow you to experience the full soundstage, with real depth and room. This is because the diaphragm that is flat in a planar headphone moves much larger volumes of air than a cone-shaped diaphragm. The large diaphragm movements create vibrations that generate sounds via continuous compression and decompression. Monolith headsets employ planar drivers which are extremely efficient in energy consumption, since they only require a single coil to vibrate the dialephragm. This helps reduce power consumption and extends the lifespan of your headphones. Planar drivers are also able to reproduce low-frequency sounds with no distortion. Most headphones have tiny and stiff drivers that must move large volumes of air in order to reproduce low frequencies, putting them under a lot of stress. The diaphragm that is flat in a pair planar headphones can move more air than a conventional driver that has a range of flexibility and produces a clean bass response. Furthermore the conductor trace that is on a planar diaphragm allows it to be more evenly interacting with a magnetic field. This results in a lower split than what you would get from traditional dynamic driver headphones and is comparable to electrostatic headphones. Open-back planar headphones release less sound than dynamic headphones. This is especially useful when listening to music in a public place. This also means that your music remains private shielding you from outside noise and allowing you to be lost in your music. They are more expensive than dynamic ones, however they offer a superior sound quality that is worth it for many audiophiles. It is important to consider your needs and preferences before purchasing a pair of planar 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 suitable for you. Fortunately, there are several great options that can deliver both slam and planar sounds without costing a fortune. Monoprice's M1060 is a fantastic example of a budget-friendly pair of headphones that have made waves by their incredible performance. It features a elegant design, excellent comfort, and a life-time guarantee. The Specs The sound you hear from a headphone is based on how the thin and light diaphragm inside it is made to vibrate. In the majority of headphones, this is done by a dynamic driver that is configured with voice coils that are fixed behind the diaphragm that is flat. Other designs use a planar magnet driver to achieve the exact similar result, but using smaller and lighter diaphragm. This lets the headphone create sound with less distortion, a higher frequency response and more bass. The primary difference between a traditional dynamic driver and the planar driver is where 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 voice coil and magnet. This can help eliminate the acoustic resonance as well as pressure buildup and deliver the most accurate and natural representation of your music. Most planar magnetic headphones can be powered by a single source, such as an audio player portable or headphone amplifiers with a low output impedance. Some models are designed to be only resistive that require just a few watts to provide excellent performance. The HIFIMAN Ananda and Susvara are two examples in this class. Planar magnetic headphones are an excellent option for music lovers and audiophiles who love high-resolution music. They provide excellent clarity and detail for a great listening experience. They are comfortable, lightweight and versatile. Audeze LCD-5 planar headphones provide these features and more, along with an unique design and feel. This pair of open-back headphones reference is manufactured in the USA and is perfect for professional mixing mastering, mixing, or high-resolution audio. The Bottom Line Planar headphones are an intriguing design, as they surpass many of the limitations of conventional headphone drivers. Planar drivers can create a natural and a symbiosis listening experience thanks to their ultra-thin, magnetically positioned diaphragm. This unique technology offers audiophiles lots but it can be difficult to comprehend. Planar drivers produce a more controlled and tighter sound than dynamic drivers. They also have a unique 'plucked-sounding' sound and are better in distinguishing instruments than dynamic drivers. The bass isn't as full as the slam and punch you get with high-end dynamic driver. Planar headphones don't experience the same distortion as dynamic drivers because their diaphragms vibrate when an audio signal is received. This also leads to more consistent audio quality across a larger range of volume, making them ideal for listening for longer periods. In addition, they can often be powered by the integrated amps you find on a lot of devices, so they do not require the same amount of power as dynamic headphones. It's important to note that because of the bi-directional movement of the diaphragm, plane headphones may have issues with leakage. It means that some sounds could escape from the ear cups. They are not recommended for use in areas with high noise levels. When you are looking for headphones with planar design take into consideration that they are more expensive than the traditional models with dynamic drivers. The superior performance of these headphones more than compensates for the higher price. There are a few brands that have a good reputation for their headphones with a planar design, including Hifiman, Audeze, Dan Clark and Fostex. But, each manufacturer has their own take on the acoustics of headphones It is advisable to listen to a few samples before buying. The Hifiman HE400SE, for instance, is considered to be among the most acoustic and affordable planar headphones available. It is a planar with an open design headphone that is ideal for those who want to explore the world.