Abstract: An SAL-type magnetoresistive playback head that is highly sensitive and that limits Barkhausen noise is provided by optimizing the magnetic properties of the permanent magnet film. On top of a lower insulating layer are stacked a soft magnetic bias film (SAL film), a magnetic separating film (shunt film), a magnetoresistive film (MR film), and an upper insulating layer, in that order. The outer sides of the track of the MR film are in direct contact with the permanent magnet film or in indirect contact via a base film. Alternatively, the present invention relates to a spin-valve magnetoresistive playback head. On top of a lower insulating layer are stacked an anti-ferromagnetic film, a fixed magnetizing film, a magnetic separating film, a movable magnetizing film (MR film), and an upper insulating layer, in that order. The outer sides of the track of the movable magnetizing film are in direct contact with the permanent magnet film or in indirect contact via a base film.