Electrostatic Vs Dynamic Headphones and Speakers
Headphones with planar drivers have flat diaphragms covered by conductors that are equally responsive to the audio signal rather than a narrow spherical wavefront like dynamic headphones. However, they also require a specialized amplifier and are usually more expensive than their counterparts with dynamic drivers.
They are known for their image structure and clarity, however they may not have the punch and slam of dynamic headphones. They are also a little larger and use more power.
Dynamic
Dynamic headphones and speakers are the most popular types that consumers purchase, but audiophiles have long preferring planar drivers due to their superior sound quality. Planar magnetic headphones are more expensive than dynamic models and require a specific amplifier (although modern technology is reducing the price). The technology behind these headphones differs from traditional moving-coil systems. It works using a more sophisticated model.
The idea is simple: A thin, flat diaphragm is suspended between two perforated plates. When audio signals are applied to the plates, the film membrane is able to move back and forth due to electric attraction and repulsionsimilar to how condenser microphones work. When paired with a high-quality headphone amplifier this results in a natural and accurate reproduction of music, without distortion or other issues that are common with traditional dynamic designs.
In addition to offering a more precise sound stage, planar headphones typically have a neutral sound signature with greater transient response than dynamic models. Dynamic drivers are more vulnerable to distortion when they are played at higher volume because they only vibrate a part of the diaphragm attached to the voice coil. This causes tiny distortions that can affect the overall quality of the audio reproduction.
Planar headphones also tend to have more consistent and even imaging capability, making it easier to determine the location of instruments within the stereo image. A planar diaphragm has more of a spherical form and is able to respond to audio signals with a consistent wavefront. On the other hand, older models of dynamic headphones tend to roll off around 20hz, which can negatively impact their bass extension and impact.
They are also able to reproduce the full range of frequencies. This allows the listener to hear the music exactly as it was it was intended by the audio engineers. Dynamic headphones might have trouble reproducing frequencies that are below their intended range. This is especially applicable to closed-back models.
Planar headphones are slightly more difficult to drive as compared to dynamic models. This is because the conductors on a planar driver only cover just a small portion of the diaphragm, and are driven with a much larger current than dynamic headphones. This leads to a more demanding power requirement and a higher level of complexity overall and requires the headphones to be larger to ensure comfort and portability. They also require a bias supply to function (although newer technologies are decreasing the need for a bias supply). These headphones are a great choice for those who want a premium headphone. They are incredibly comfortable to wear and feature clear, natural sound that is unmatched by other types of
Headphone Planar Magnetic. They are also very robust, meaning they'll last for many years.
Planar
Traditionally headphones that have dynamic drivers use voice coils to move the cone to create sound. This technology has been around for over 100 years and is fairly inexpensive. However it has its drawbacks. The voice coil can only move only a tiny portion of the diaphragm, and this causes distortion that degrades the quality of the audio signal. Many high-quality headphones, especially ones which require an amplified signal in order to work, have a 'flattened frequency response. This reduces distortion at higher frequencies.
A more recent alternative to the dynamic driver is a planar magnetic headphone which utilizes a flat diaphragm and an array of magnets to produce sound. These headphones typically have more even motion and less distortion than dynamic headphones, and can also produce an impressive quantity of bass. These headphones can be difficult to drive with integrated amps, so they usually need a dedicated headphone amp to achieve their full potential.
The most well-known headphones that are available are from HiFiMAN and Audeze. They typically have exotic materials such as beryllium that allows them to cover a large frequency range, while being able of reproducing detailed sound. However, the trend we're seeing is that while these headphones can deliver incredible image clarity and
headphone planar magnetic structure, they can sometimes lack the feeling of 'punch' or slam that you'll experience with dynamic headphones.
Another issue with planar headphones is that they can be susceptible to resonances that could cause unintentional noise or acoustic leakage. While these issues aren't necessarily an issue for the majority of listeners, it's important to know
what is a planar headphone you're getting into when evaluating the purchase of a pair of planar headphones. Whatever you decide to choose, whether either a planar or dynamic headphone, we suggest that you test several models before choosing one. This will help you determine which kind of headphones work best for your particular needs. If you're a listener who is casual who wants something that is easy to operate, a dynamic headphone might be the right choice for you. If you'd like to listen to everything clearly and with clarity, then headphones with a planar design are the best choice. Stax's SR-009 is a great example. There are many other top-quality planar headphones that come with cost that won't break the bank. These headphones may not be as high-end as the Stax brand or have the pricey tag, however they'll provide the sound you want without the pitfalls of expensive electronic devices. If you can afford to invest a bit more, you might think about an electrostatic headphone, which employs a different principle and requires special power sources and amplifiers. However, for the majority of users, the affordable dynamic headphone remains a good option.
Electrostatic
Electrostatic forces are forces that are not contact that pull or push on objects without touching them. Coulomb's Law describes them like charges repel and unlike charges attract. To help students comprehend this principle, you might like to show them some examples of everyday electrostatic phenomena, such as plastic wrap that attracts light particles when it is removed from a container or rulers attracting pieces paper that have been rubbed on them.
Dynamic headphones operate on the simplest of principles that a voice coil generates an electromagnetic field that causes a diaphragm to move. This motion creates sound waves, which are transmitted to the ears via earcups or earbuds. Dynamic headphones are relatively inexpensive because of this simple mechanism. This could also mean that they require more power, which could drain the battery quickly on your smartphone.
Planar headphones however are equipped with a more sophisticated technology to create sound. They use an ultra-thin diaphragm that is floating between two perforated metal plates. When audio signals are applied across the plates the electrostatic force causes the whole film membrane to move in a circular motion. This creates uniform sound waves which are more precise and accurate compared to those generated by traditional dynamic headphone drivers.
Another benefit of this technology is that it can operate at lower frequencies than dynamic headphones. This can lead to a more natural more resonant sound, as well as better bass response.