How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?
As compared to dynamic drivers, magnetic headphones with
planar earphones design have less distortion. This is due to the fact that they vibrate the whole diaphragm and not just the part that is attached to the voice coil.
They also have a wider soundstage, with better separation and differentiation capabilities. They do leak more and require isolation to stop disrupting the people nearby.
The diaphragm
The diaphragm plays a crucial role in [almost] all sound transducers (headphones and loudspeakers as well as microphones) that are used to move air in order to produce sound. In headphones the diaphragm is suspended between two magnets and produces an electromagnetic field when activated by audio signals. In planar headphones the current of electricity from the source of the headphone reaches the diaphragm via an electric coil that creates magnetic force, which causes it to vibrate.
The sound produced is transmitted to your ear through the diaphragm's suspension, which is typically made from an artificial material like neodymium or titanium. The diaphragm is then able to resonate with your ear using various frequencies. Planar magnetic headphones are able to deliver high SPLs, without sounding like they are distorted.
In addition to being able to reproduce high SPLs and high SPLs, planar magnetic headphones also provide a better soundstage. This is because the flat diaphragm generates an asymmetrical wavefront, not the spherical-focused wavefront that is found in many dynamic drivers. The headphones produce an acoustic environment that is more natural and are easier to localize.
Transient response is another benefit of
planar magnet headphones. This is the ability of headphones with planar magnetics to reproduce short-lived peaks, like cymbal strikes and kick drum strikes. The large diaphragm's size and the fact that it's able to move in a uniform manner across its surface mean that there's no distortion in these high points.
However, these headphones have a few drawbacks which should be considered when choosing a set. They tend to be more expensive than their dynamic counterparts. The primary reason is the complexity of the driver and the reputation of the brand.
There are a variety of affordable planar magnet headphones available for less than $100. In addition to their exceptional performance, these headphones are available in closed-back and open-back styles which means you can pick which one suits your listening habits best. 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 provide exceptional clarity and detail across the entire range of frequencies. This is due to their thin, flat diaphragm that's sandwiched between two arrays magnets. When an electrical signal is transmitted from your audio source, the conductive material windings in the voice coil are able to interact with the magnetic field, causing the diaphragm to vibrate and produce sound waves.
The benefit of a planar driver is that every vibration occurs evenly and at the same speed regardless of where the diaphragm's placed within the magnetic field. This produces an even and consistent sound with less distortion. It is also easier for the ear. Dynamic drivers, on the other hand tend to create sound waves that are less uniform and more round.
Because of the way they function due to their design, planar magnetic drivers require a more powerful amplifier system than their dynamic counterparts. They also tend to be larger and heavier because they must accommodate an extra large, flexible diaphragm. In turn, they usually require an external amplifier and DAC to provide sufficient power to power them.
Planar magnetic drivers are more expensive because they are typically constructed of top-quality materials. Nevertheless, a few specialized HiFi audio headphone manufacturers have begun to revive this technology in recent years. We're seeing a wide range of new headphones that have planar magnet drivers that provide an excellent listening experience.
The decision between planar and dynamic headphones is dependent on your personal preferences and budget. The headphones with a magnetic design have a somewhat larger sound stage than dynamic models, and are known for their outstanding quality and precision. Dynamic headphones are more expensive, but they have a heftier bass and a more rounded sound quality.
In general, dynamic driver headphones have a little more slam and punch than the planar magnetic ones However, the differences are not often apparent to most listeners. They also offer better clarity and imaging. There are some exceptions to the rule. Some excellent planar-magnetic headsets are available at affordable costs.
The magnets
In a typical headphones with a dynamic driver the electrical signals sent by your audio source travel through a conductory material that interacts with the magnetic fields within the driver. They are used to make the diaphragm flat and create sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones use an extremely thin layer of conductor material that is sandwiched between powerful magnets. They're more difficult to make, which is why they're more expensive.
They are also heavier and bigger due to their design which requires more space around the drivers. They also require more power to reach their full potential than their more dynamic counterparts. This isn't a problem often however it's something to consider when choosing these headphones.
It's not the case with all headphones, but a lot of the best planar-magnet headphones have a more open, airy sound. This can give them the impression that they are in a larger space, which can be 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 of the top boutique brands in headphone like HiFiMAN and Audeze use the open-back design. Although they're not as popular as closed-back models, they can be an excellent way to experience the strengths of planar magnetic technology. For instance the HiFiMAN Sundara offers a great introduction to the speed, accuracy, and detail of these headphones at an affordable price.
The housing
If you're an audiophile, or simply someone who loves music, odds are you've heard of the planar magnetic headphones. They have a distinct appearance with a flat embedded diaphragm and are available in both open-back and over-ear headphones. These headphones are not just unique in appearance, but also work on a different principle than dynamic drivers.
In contrast to the traditional moving coil driver, which uses the voice coil to create sound waves Planar magnetic headphones employ an array of magnets that move the diaphragm in a circular motion to generate sound. These arrays can be placed on either one or both sides based on the design. The magnets are activated by an electrical signal that travels through the voice coil, causing it to vibrate. The vibrations generate magnetic fields that interact with the magnets at either side of the diaphragm. The magnetic fields cause the diaphragms pull and push. This creates sound waves that represent the audio signal.
This is why headphones made of planar magnetics typically sound more fuller and
how do planar Magnetic headphones work have superior bass extension capabilities. The big, flat diaphragm reacts much quicker to changes in the input signal, so they respond more quickly to bass response and are less prone to distortion. This provides them with a more precise, tight audio quality that some audiophiles find appealing.
These headphones can reproduce higher frequencies but lack the punch and slam that modern dynamic driver headphones provide.