Audioheads! You need a pair of open-back, planar magnetic headphones 2024
It should come as no surprise that I’ve been indoors a lot lately. This isn’t all terrible, though, because it’s allowed me to experiment with new musical directions in addition to giving me more time with my audio equipment.
And after spending more time, I’ve come to the straightforward conclusion that you should always have a pair of planar, open-back magnetic headphones.
I was able to persuade the TNW team to allow me to create a film about it since I firmly believe in it. You can also observe from above. Now. It is currently available for viewing.
A lot of you beautiful people don’t enjoy seeing moving movies, so I’ve prepared a whole post explaining why you’re now lacking a pair of open-back, planar magnetic headphones. You’re really welcome.
I need to address a few points before we go into this subject together. In essence, you already need a good audio system for the claim regarding open-back, planar magnetic headphones to be accurate.
This indicates that you either already have a dedicated hi-fi system or possibly a PC DAC. Hopefully, some lovely speakers will be included, along with a reliable pair of workhorse headphones (more on that at the end). Just the usual audio nerd junk, nothing out of the ordinary.
if you already have some of the aforementioned? Wonderful. After that, we’re prepared to open our jaws and swallow some phrases while wearing planar, open-back magnetic headphones.
Defining the terms
To start, I believe we must first truly comprehend the meaning of all these phrases related to headphones, such as “open-back” and “planar magnetic.” Thus, we will discuss four primary topics:
- What are closed-back headphones?
- What are open-back headphones?
- What are dynamic driver headphones?
- What are planar magnetic headphones?
What are closed-back headphones?
Most likely, the over-ear headphones you currently own are closed-back. Now, the enclosure is particularly referred to by that expression.
Closed-back headphones, as the name implies, have fully sealed earcups, or the parts of the headphone that you place over your ears. Isolation is the concept here. Its purpose is to prevent as much noise from entering or exiting the headphones as feasible.
Because closed-back cans are made to prevent sound leakage, they are ideal for listening to music in public or while on the go. I’ve summarized what I’ve stated in this lovely image:
What are open-back headphones?
You presumably have a decent understanding of what open-back headphones are by now; they are the reverse of closed-back headphones. That is, cans that allow noise to enter and exit the enclosure more easily.
This design creates a sense of space by letting sound flow through the headphones. Furthermore, I notice that they are more at ease during extended listening sessions than their counterparts who are more reserved.
However, it’s not all sunshine and roses. Open-back headphones are not the best for listening to music while you’re out in public because they allow sound to enter and exit. Here is another diagram that summarizes a lot of this since we love you:
So what’s the difference between open-back and closed-back headphones?
At TNW, we appreciate a solid summary, so here it is: Closed-back headphones attempt to prevent sound from passing through the earcups, but open-back headphones permit it to do so.
Let’s now examine the distinction between planar magnetic headphones and dynamic drivers.
My colleague, the amazing Napier Lopez, put up the portion below. I recommend seeing the video version of this article so you can hear him discuss it.
What’s the difference between planar magnetic and dynamic driver headphones?
Although planar magnetics are technically a subclass of dynamic drivers, their shape is where they differ most noticeably.
Typically, conical diaphragms with a voice coil on the back are used in dynamic driver headphones. Sound waves are then produced by combining magnets with an electrical signal.
The issue is that the voice coil is sometimes only connected to a little core section of the diaphragm, which prevents the entire surface from moving in tandem. The center moves more than the edges most of the time.
Magnetic fields are used by planar magnetic drivers as well, but the diaphragm is, well, planar. That is, flat.
Its entire surface is covered in small wires, and it often has magnets on both sides. This indicates that the entire diaphragm moves simultaneously. Here, you can watch it in action:
Furthermore, deeper bass in open-back designs may result from the larger size of planar magnetic diaphragms compared to their dynamic equivalents. They provide a flat soundwave, which may result in a larger soundstage. Additionally, they may play louder without noticeably distorting thanks to the even movement.
However, compared to planar magnetic drivers, dynamic drivers are frequently “punchier.” Because they don’t need the large magnets used in planar magnetic cans, they are also often lighter.
In the end, remember that these are only generalizations and that the implementation is far more important than the technology.
Why are we recommending getting a pair of open-back, planar magnetic headphones?
Why I merged the two is the question at hand. Why not suggest purchasing a single set of open-back headphones? Or two planar magnetic pieces?
The fundamental reason is straightforward: listening to a pair of headphones that sound so different from what you’re used to feels revolutionary if this is your first time exploring this area of the headphone world.
Indeed, I might have suggested that you purchase two planar magnetic headphones with different enclosures and a pair of open-back headphones with a dynamic driver, but we’re not wealthy, are we?
What audio experience do you get with a pair of open-back, planar magnetic headphones?
Although we’ve covered this somewhat above, it’s helpful to have everything in one location.
The open-back design of the headphones, in my view (keep in mind that this is a generality), gives your music a genuine sense of space. Instead of listening via a speaker, the open-back enclosure creates the impression that sound is flowing in and around you, as if you were in the room with the artists.
The planar magnetic driver gives this medley a more subdued sound with less of a loud, powerful bottom. Rather, you receive a low response that is far more natural and well-rounded.
For me, however, the presentation is the most significant change the driver makes. The instrument separation is excellent, and the sound has a genuine sense of cleanliness.
However, it’s crucial to note that open-back, planar magnetic headphones are simply different than its closed-back, dynamic driver headphones; they are not superior. It’s refreshing how they give music a new perspective.
Anyway, it’s time to discuss the details now. I wanted to briefly discuss two headphones: the Monoprice Monolith M1070 and the Hifiman HE-400i (2020).
In essence, these are two reasonably priced pairs of planar magnetic headphones with an open back: the somewhat more expensive Monoprice Monolith M1070 and the less expensive Hifiman HE-400i.
Another brief note: a straight comparison is not intended. The functions and costs of each pair of headphones vary.
Mini-review: the Hifiman HE-400i open-back, planar magnetic headphones
The Hifiman HE-400i 2020 model is one of my favorites, and at $200, it may be among the best headphones I’ve ever used in terms of price to sound quality.
When you pick them up, their light weight is the first thing you notice. With a weight of 370g, the HE-400i is incredibly floaty for the typically massive planar magnetic versions. Wearing them for a few hours feels insignificant because of this and the snug fit.
I would note out that the HE-400i’s structure is a little cheap; they don’t feel very durable, but that shouldn’t be a big deal if you plan on using them mostly for household tasks.
Anyway, for your viewing pleasure, here is another diagram:
Let’s now discuss the sound in more detail. All things considered, these headphones are quite entertaining. The mids are full-bodied, while the trebles shimmer. The clarity of everything I heard was excellent, and I thought the HE-400i’s fast response was powerful and precise.
The bass was well-balanced overall, although it lacked sufficient punch and force. Depending on the equipment I utilized, this did vary somewhat, but the critique is still there.
However, the HE-400i are really all about the mids. They seem to push that range forward, which makes sense in my opinion because the final product is a balanced, exuberant sound that is ideal for movement that is vocally centered.
Sure, I’d want to hear more information, particularly in the upper and lower registers, but how much would it cost? It’s challenging to defeat the HE-400i.
I think there isn’t a more affordable method to learn about the world of open-back, planar magnetic headphones.
Mini-review: the Monolith by Monoprice M1070 open-back, planar magnetic headphones
At about $400, the Monolith by Monoprice M1070 is essentially twice as expensive as the Hifiman HE-400i. Despite being a little heavier (580g), they are still very comfortable to wear, albeit the HE-400i is superior in this regard.
Before we begin the sound, let me add that if you have never worn open-back planar magnetic headphones before, you will be amazed at how big they are:
That’s enough; let’s talk about sound. To begin with, the Monolith M1070 is just amazing.
The output is rich, including a lovely, full rounded bass and powerful mids. Although the lower end is balanced and never overpowering, it does have some real punch. I’m also a big lover of the sound’s texture, which is just delicious, and the instruments’ distinct separation.
There are several drawbacks. Although the M1070’s soundstage is generally roomy and agreeable, it occasionally feels a little claustrophobic. A little more information would be great, even if the highs are usually distinct and glittering. Additionally, I discovered that tunes with a lot of bass lost some of the upper register’s sharpness.
But all in all, wow.
The sound quality of the M1070 is just amazing. They have many strong points and very few obvious faults. As I write this, I’m actually utilizing them, and I must say that I’m enjoying myself much.
To be honest? Both of the open-back, planar magnetic headphones I mentioned are excellent choices. Although there were undoubtedly some obvious sound advantages to the more costly Monolith M1070 over the HE-400i, the price difference was negligible.
What I want you to keep in mind is that you will be happy no matter how large your budget is.
Remember!
Even though I went into too much detail, the main point is that wearing open-back, planar magnetic headphones is captivating, exuberant, and most importantly, a ton of fun.
As I’ve previously stated, these headphones are only a welcome change and aren’t any better than a set of closed-back, dynamic drivers.
Additionally, keep in mind that the information above is merely a record of my interactions with the cans. Not only is listening subjective, but everyone of us has unique interests, musical preferences, and hearing profiles. Right and wrong are nonexistent.
Rather, use this as a springboard for your own investigation. The world of headphones is vast and simply waiting for you to discover it. However! Here is a short list of additional excellent open-back, planar magnetic headphones that can be useful for your travels since we love you:
The conclusion
It’s worth reiterating even though I’m sure you already know what I’m going to say if you’ve read this far in the essay.
Avoid choosing an open-back planar magnetic pair of headphones if this is your first time wearing them. In all honesty, this ought to be your second or third buy.
What if you’re just starting out with audio? Next, choose a wireless device with a wired alternative that has a closed-back, dynamic driver, and noise-canceling capabilities. Some excellent examples of them can be seen here; my personal favorite is the Sennheiser Momentum 3.
In all honesty, they are the headphones I use the most and they are the most practical for daily use. They are simply very versatile and still have a wonderful tone.
But, but! You should investigate the world of open-back, planar magnetic headphones if you already have a good audio setup. We’ve even simplified this knowledge into a final diagram for you:
Planar, open-back magnetic headphones aren’t superior to other kinds, as I’ve stated previously. They provide you with a novel or innovative method of listening to music.
Sincerely, I can’t express how much I’ve loved this adventure, how much fun I’ve had, or how happy I’ve been to hear my music collection in a new way. And what do you know? They bring me this much joy each and every day.
As you are already aware, a pair of open-back planar, magnetic headphones should be the next addition to your ever-expanding collection of audio equipment. You won’t be sorry.
