How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?
Planar magnetic headphones are less distorted than dynamic drivers. This is due to the fact that the whole diaphragm moves rather than just the portion that is connected to the voice coil.
They also have a wider soundstage, with better separation of instruments and distinction capabilities. However, they do leak more, and require isolation to ensure that no one disturbs people near you.
The diaphragm
The diaphragm plays an essential part in almost all transducers of sound (headphones and loudspeakers as well as microphones) that move air to produce sound. In headphones it's a flat part of diaphragm, suspended between two magnets that create an electromagnetic field when activated by audio signals. In planar magnetic headphones,
how do planar magnetic headphones work the electric current emanating from the headphone's source is transferred to the diaphragm by way of an electric coil that creates a magnetic force that causes it to vibrate.
The diaphragm suspension is composed of neodymium, titanium, or other artificial materials. The diaphragm can then resonate with your ear using various frequencies. Planar magnetic headphones can provide high SPLs without sounding like they are distorted.
In addition to the ability to reproduce high SPLs as well, planar magnetic headphones provide a more immersive soundstage. This is because the flat diaphragm produces a planar wavefront instead of the spherical-focused wavefront that is found in many dynamic drivers. The headphones create an overall soundstage that is more natural and are easier to pinpoint.
Transient response is a further benefit of headphones with planar magnets. This is the ability to recreate peaks that last only a few seconds in audio signals, like the cymbal crash and kick drum strikes. The diaphragm is large and is evenly distributed across the surface, so there is no distortion when peaks are reached.
Planar magnetic headphones have a few disadvantages that you should consider when choosing a pair. One of the main reasons they are more expensive is that they tend to be much larger than their dynamic counterparts. This is mostly due to the design of their engines, which can be quite complex, as well as the heritage of the company behind them.
There are many budget-friendly planar magnets available for less than $100. These headphones are available in closed-back and open-back styles. You can pick the one that best suits your preferences in music. Audeze LCD-2 Classics and HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition are two of the top headphones on the market.
The voice coil
Planar magnetic headphones are renowned for their precision and accuracy, offering incredible clarity and detail across the entire frequency range. This is largely due to their thin, flat diaphragm, which is sandwiched between two arrays of magnets. When an electrical signal is transmitted through your audio source, the conductive material windings within the voice coil are able to interact with the magnetic field and cause the diaphragm's surface to vibrate and produce sound waves.
The planar-type driver benefits from the fact that every vibration occurs at the same frequency and is uniform, no matter the location of the diaphragm in the magnetic field. This creates a more stable sound quality, with less distortion and a more uniform wavefront that's easier on the ears. Dynamic drivers, on the other hand, tend to produce sound waves that are less uniform and more circular.
Planar magnetic drivers because of the way they operate, require a stronger amplifying system. They also tend to be heavier and bulkier because they have to accommodate an extra large, flexible diaphragm. They require an external amplifier or DAC to drive them.
In addition the planar magnetic drivers are more expensive than their dynamic counterparts since they're typically made from high-quality materials. Nevertheless, a few specialized HiFi audio headphone companies have started to revive this older technology in recent years. We're seeing a range of new headphones that have planar magnet drivers, which provide an excellent listening experience.
As with everything else in life, the choice between dynamic and planar magnetic headphones is based on your personal preferences and budget. The headphones with a magnetic design have a somewhat larger soundstage than dynamic ones and are known for their exceptional clarity and precision. Dynamic headphones are more expensive but they have a punchier bass and a more rounded sounding signature.
In general, dynamic driver headphones have a little more slam and punch than those with planar magnetic designs However, the differences aren't always noticeable to most listeners. They are also better at capturing structure and distinction. There are exceptions to the general rule. Some excellent planar-magnetic headsets can be purchased at very affordable costs.
The magnets
In a typical headphone with a dynamic driver, the electrical impulses sent by your audio source go through a conductory material that interacts with the magnetic fields in the driver. They are used to make the diaphragm's flatness and generate sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones, on the other hand are made up of a thin sheet of conductive material that's sandwiched between two powerful magnets. They are more difficult to produce, which is why they're more expensive.
A larger and heavier design is also a result of the need for more space around the drivers. They also require more power to reach their full potential than their dynamic counterparts. Although this isn't a constant issue,
How Do planar Magnetic Headphones work it's something to keep in mind when considering these headphones.
While it's not true for all headphones. However, many of the best headphones with a planar design will provide an open and airy sound than their more dynamic counterparts. This creates a sense of space that is quite appealing to certain listeners. The soundstage they provide is also a bit larger which can be beneficial when listening to music with other people.
Many boutique headphone brands like HiFiMAN and Audeze make use of the open-back design. Although they're not as well-known as closed-back models, they can be an excellent opportunity to experience the advantages of planar magnetic technology. The HiFiMAN Sundara, for example is a fantastic way to feel the speed, precision and clarity of these headphones.
The housing
You may have heard of planar magnet headphones if are an audiophile, or if you simply like good music. They have a distinctive look with a flat diaphragm embedded that can be found in both over-ear and open-back headphone designs. In addition to the unique design, these headphones use different working principles that are different from dynamic drivers.
Planar magnetic headphones, as opposed to traditional moving coil drivers that use a voice coil to create sound waves, employ array magnets to move the diaphragm in order to create sound. Depending on the layout, these arrays could be located on both sides of the diaphragm. The magnets are activated by an electrical signal that passes through the voice coil, causing it to vibrate. The vibrations then create magnetic fields that interact with the magnets on either side of the diaphragm. The interactions cause the diaphragms pull and push against the magnetic fields. The audio signal is represented in sound waves.
Due to this, the sound of headphones with planar magnetic design is typically more fuller and offer superior bass extension capabilities. The diaphragm is large and flat. reacts much quicker to changes in the input signal, which means they respond more quickly to bass response and are less prone to distortion. This provides them with an improved, precise sound that audiophiles like.
