If you're looking for the best planar magnetic headphones, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll break down what makes these types of headphones so special, and share our top picks for the best planar magnetic headphones on the market.
Whether you're a casual listener or an audiophile, we think you'll be impressed by the sound quality that planar magnetic headphones can offer. So without further ado, let's dive in!
What planar magnetic headphones are and how they work
Planar magnetic headphones are a type of headphones that produce sound by utilizing a flat planar diaphragm.
Planar magnetic headphones work by using an array of magnets to make the diaphragm vibrate, creating sound waves that travel directly through the air rather than relying on bass audio drivers or balanced armatures. This makes them one of the most accurate types of headphones available and results in incredibly good detail and clarity.
Additionally, the planar (or "orthodynamic") diaphragm is thinner than traditional dome-style cone drivers, which increases efficiency and response time. These factors combined make planar magnetic headphones ideal for listening to music with high accuracy and low distortion levels.
Furthermore, they offer a wide frequency response range that can capture both deep bass notes and clear treble details. In short, planar magnetic headphones provide superior sound quality compared to other types of headphone technology available today.
How do We Select the Best Ones
Planar magnetic headphones offer a number of benefits over other types of headphones, including greater accuracy and detail in the reproduction of music, open-back design for better air flow and reduced listener fatigue, and low distortion levels. Additionally, they are much more comfortable to wear than traditional headphones due to their lack of physical contact with your ear.
Shopping for planar magnetic headphones can be overwhelming, as there are plenty of options to choose from. However, understanding your needs as a consumer and having an idea of what you're looking for can help simplify the selection process.
Factors like sound reproduction and comfort should weigh heavly in your decision-making, as these are essential when it comes to achieving the best listening experience. Price is also important, though it shouldn't be your primary focus - instead, aim to find a product that delivers exceptional value for money.
Additionally, pay attention to voiced frequency range and driver size - bigger drivers generally offer better bass response - as well as build quality and warranty options. Armed with this information, consumers can make confident decisions about which pair of planar magnetic headphones will suit their needs and tastes best.
Below we've compiled a list of recommended planar magnetic headphone products based on price range and features. We hope this guide will help make your decision easier when shopping for new cans this holiday season!
Why do we desire this product
Planar magnetic headphones have been around for a while now, and many people swear by their superior sound quality in comparison to traditional dynamic drivers. HIFIMAN is one of the most popular brands when it comes to planar magnetic headphones, and their Sundara model has been met with largely positive customer reviews on Amazon.
These over-ear headphones are designed for superior comfort and sound isolation, and their newly developed diaphragm is 80% thinner than the HE400 series, resulting in a wider frequency response.
The open-back design allows for a more spacious and natural listening experience, and the headband design features a weight-spreading strap for added comfort.
Customers are happy with the overall sound quality of the Sundara headphones, citing crystal clear highs and lows as well as an excellent bass response.
Whether you're using them for studio work or just enjoying your favorite music at home, these headphones are sure to please.
Things to Consider
HIFIMAN Sundara headphones are a great investment for any audiophile.
The improved 3.5mm headphone connector ensures durability, while the light weight of only 372g makes them extremely comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
Their frequency response of 6Hz - 75kHz means that they can reproduce a wide range of sounds, making them perfect for listening to all types of music.
Why do we desire this product
Audeze is a company that prides themselves on creating high-quality headphones. The LCD-2 Classic is one of their most popular models, and it's easy to see why.
These premium planar magnetic headphones feature open-back design, which allows for a more natural sound reproduction.
Additionally, the 100mm Planar Magnetic drivers provide an incredible bass response that is sure to please even the most discerning audiophile.
What's more, their diaphragms are thinner than human hair, and their double-sided magnet arrays deliver a uniform driving force across the entire diaphragm, ensuring near zero distortion.
While they may be a bit more expensive than other options, customers on Amazon have rated them as one of the best planar magnetic headphones under $1,000.
Things to Consider
The Audeze LCD-2 Classic Planar Magnetic Headphones are designed to provide a slightly warmer sound than the regular LCD-2 headphones.
They also feature a new steel suspension headband and leather-free memory foam earpads for added comfort.
The headphones are handcrafted in California.
Why do we desire this product
The Monolith M1060 is a high-end audiophile headphone that features planar driver technology to produce an incredibly detailed aural landscape.
The open-back design allows for a wider soundstage and more natural audio reproduction, while the large drivers produce bass that is tight and accurate, as well as pinpoint imaging that is usually not found in typical headphone drivers.
The size of the driver is 106mm, which is larger than most typical headphone drivers. This allows for spectacular imaging, low distortion, and perfectly balanced sound- making it a true audiophile listening experience.
The large, comfy earpads are designed to keep you comfortable as you listen, making them perfect for extended listening sessions.
The M1060 has been engineered with careful attention to detail, ensuring that every note and nuance is faithfully reproduced so you can experience your music exactly as the artist intended.
Whether you are a music producer, audio engineer, or just an everyday music listener, the Monolith M1060 headphones will provide you with an unparalleled listening experience.
Things to Consider
The Monolith headphones are the perfect way to experience your music collection. With a frequency response of 10Hz- 50kHz, these headphones provide an incredibly immersive listening experience that is sure to please any audiophile.
Whether you're looking to enjoy your favorite album or listen to a soundtrack while gaming, the Monolith M1060 planar headphones will provide you with excellent sound quality and stunning bass performance. So if you're in the market for a new pair of headphones, be sure to check out the Monolith M1060!
Why do we desire this product
If you are looking for accurate audio reproduction and an isolated listening experience, then the Monolith M1060C Closed Back Headphones are perfect for you
Many people find closed-back headphones to be more accurate, as all of the audio is focused directly on the ears. This makes for a tighter and clearer soundstage, with less distortion.
Monolith has taken this into account with their new M1060C closed-back headphones. They have designed a new symmetrical magnet structure that allows for greater efficiency in a closed back enclosure. The result is low distortion, improved linearity, and spectacular imaging in a closed back design.
The M1060C has a completely redesigned and engineered planar driver that delivers excellent audio isolation in a closed-back enclosure. This allows you to listen to your music without being disturbed by the outside world and keeps your music from disturbing others around you.
If you're looking for headphones that will give you an immersive listening experience, look no further than the Monolith M1060C.
Things to Consider
The Monolith M1060C headphones are a high-quality product that provide an audiophile experience. The frequency response of 10Hz- 50kHz allows for a wide range of sounds to be heard, while the planar magnetic drivers create a crisp and clear sound.
The headphones are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
Why do we desire this product
HIFIMAN is widely regarded as one of the leading manufacturers of high-performance headphones. Their product, the Ananda-BT, is a planar magnetic headphone that offers excellent acoustic performance
The open-back design allows for a wide soundstage and the new NEO Diaphragm delivers fast response and detailed imaging with lush, full range sonics. The hybrid headband design is comfortable for long-term listening, making these a great choice for everyday use.
But what really makes these headphones stand out is their wireless functionality. With Bluetooth support for all major codecs, it's easy to connect them to any device with minimal hassle. And thanks to their seamless connection, you'll never have to worry about experiencing any dropouts or interruptions while listening to your favorite tunes.
The HIFIMAN Ananda-BT headphones are sure to provide an immersive experience that you'll never forget.
Things to Consider
HIFIMAN is a company that prides itself on creating high-quality headphones and audio equipment.
The Ananda Bluetooth Planar Magnetic Headphones are no exception, offering a 10-hour playback time, full charging in 2.7 hours, and a frequency range of 8Hz-55Khz. At 460g, they're also relatively lightweight for planar magnetic headphones, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
Whether you're a music lover looking for the best possible sound quality or an audiophile who wants the latest and greatest technology, the HIFIMAN Ananda Bluetooth Planar Magnetic Headphones are sure to impress.
Best Planar Magnetic Headphones FAQ:
You're looking for the best headphones, but you don't know where to start.
With all of the different types of headphones on the market, it can be hard to determine which pair is right for you. Do you need noise isolation headphones? Wireless headphones? Or maybe planar magnetic headphones are more your style?
Let us help! We've put together a list of the best planar magnetic headphones on the market so that you can make an informed decision. Plus, we answer some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about planar magnetic headphones so that you can be sure they're perfect for your needs.
What is the difference between planar magnetic and regular dynamic headphones?
The main difference between planar magnetic and regular dynamic headphones lies in their driver technology. Planar magnetic headphones use thin, lightweight diaphragms with conductive traces that are coiled very tightly around a magnet.
This allows the diaphragm to move in response to audio signals and produce sound with a higher level of accuracy than regular dynamic drivers are able to achieve. Additionally, planar magnetic headphones provide significantly better soundstage, imaging, and bass response than their dynamic counterparts due to the fact that they generate less distortion.
Are planar magnetic headphones better than regular headphones?
It really depends on what you are looking for out of your listening experience. In general, Planar Magnetic Headphones offer superior audio quality because of their thin diaphragm which is able to accurately reproduce sound waves without distortion at a much lower volume than traditional drivers can manage.
They also provide increased clarity and detail when compared to other types of headphones while producing more accurate bass and tighter mid-range frequencies as well as excellent soundstage and imaging capabilities. That being said, it’s important to note that these advantages come at a significantly higher cost than most traditional models so if budget is a concern then this might not be the right choice for you.
What type of music sounds best with planar magnetic headphones?
Music recorded at high bit rates or with multi-track recording techniques such as jazz, classical or acoustic recordings tend to benefit the most from Planar Magnetic Headphones due to their ability to accurately reproduce all aspects of the track without introducing any distortion or other artifacts caused by driver limitations found in conventional designs.
Additionally, genres such as pop or EDM can also shine through these types of headphones due to their enhanced bass response capabilities which help bring out certain elements present in these tracks that may otherwise go unnoticed on less capable models.
Can I use my portable device with planar magnetic headphones?
Yes! While some older models require an external amplifier due to their power requirements, newer models have been designed with built-in amplifiers so that they can be used without any additional hardware when connected directly to your smartphone, laptop, or tablet via Bluetooth 5.0 or USB cable connection options (depending on model).
This makes them ideal if you’re looking for an audiophile listening experience while on the go since no extra gear will be needed but it’s important to make sure that your device is compatible before making a purchase since not all devices support the same connection types required by some models of Planar Magnetic Headphones.
How long do planar magnetic headphones last?
Generally speaking, most well-cared-for Planar Magnetic Headphones should last anywhere between five and seven years before needing replacement parts or repair work depending on how often they’re used and how well they were maintained by its owner(s).
Regular cleaning/maintenance such as wiping down the ear cups once every couple weeks can help extend their lifespan even further although it’s still recommended that certain parts such as cables be replaced periodically in order to keep them sounding their best over time (replacement parts are usually available from most manufacturers).
What is the difference between planar magnetic headphones and electrostatic headphones?
Planar magnetic headphones use a thin film membrane with embedded magnets to create a linear sound field, while electrostatic headphones use two electrically charged plates to generate sound.
Planar magnetic headphones tend to have better bass response and offer a more natural and spacious soundstage than traditional dynamic drivers. They are also typically more expensive. Electrostatic headphones are known for their crystal-clear clarity and detail, but they can be bulky and much more expensive.
Do planar magnetic headphones sound different?
Yes, they can sound quite different. In general, planar magnetic headphones have a more open and spacious soundstage than traditional dynamic headphones. They can also provide a bit more detail and clarity, but this varies from one pair of headphones to the next.
One thing to keep in mind is that not all planar magnetic headphones are created equal. Some models are better-sounding than others, so it's important to do your research before making a purchase. Also, make sure to find a pair that's comfortable for you, as some people find them a bit heavy or stiff.
Why are planar headphones so expensive?
There are a few reasons why planar headphones are more expensive than traditional headphones. First, the technology is more complex and therefore requires more time and labor to produce. Second, since the drivers are larger, there is less yield per batch, meaning fewer headphones can be produced from each lot of materials. Finally, the materials themselves are more expensive due to their rarity.
Overall, the higher production costs and rare materials result in a product that is typically more expensive than traditional headphones. However, many audiophiles believe that the sound quality of planar headphones is worth the investment.
How much planar magnetic headphones cost?
Planar magnetic headphones tend to be more expensive than traditional headphones. This is because the technology is more complex and requires a greater degree of precision in manufacturing.
Prices for planar magnetic headphones vary, but typically start at around $200 and can go up to $1,000 and some expensive planar magnetic headphones cost even more.
Are planar magnetic headphones durable?
There is some debate on this subject, as some people claim that planar magnetic headphones are more durable than other types of headphones.
However, many experts believe that they are actually quite fragile and can be easily damaged if not handled properly. So if you're thinking of buying a pair, be sure to take care of them and store them in a safe place when not in use.
Best Planar Magnetic Headphones For You
Planar magnetic headphones are quickly becoming a popular choice for audiophiles and music lovers alike. They offer great sound quality and many people find them more comfortable than traditional headphones.
If you’re in the market for a new pair of headphones, planar magnetic headphones should definitely be on your shortlist.
We’ve compiled a list of the best planar magnetic headphones on the market to help make your decision easier.
