What Are Planar Headphones?
If you're looking for headphones or earphones, then you may have seen models that feature planar drivers. What are they and how do they compare to dynamic-driver headphones?
They feature a wider sound wavefront than the dynamic-driver headphones. This provides greater stereo clarity and image.
What is a Planar Driver?
The planar driver is the kind of speaker (or headphone) driver that's used in many of the most well-known headphones today. It's a new technology that is aimed at overcoming some of the limitations associated with more conventional drivers.
A planar driver is a diaphragm laid flat over a conductor. The conductor is then surrounded on each side by powerful magnets. The magnets react to a sound signal by creating an electric field that pushes the diaphragm into a particular direction. The result is an omnidirectional sound wave that can create a more realistic and precise sound than a dynamic driver can.
Planar headphones are designed to accommodate those with more demanding listening habits and usually require a stronger amplifier to properly drive them. This makes them more expensive than other kinds of headphones, however they also provide superior audio reproduction and a bigger soundstage than other styles of headphones.
For those who are new to the world of headphones with planar drivers it can be a bit daunting to try and understand the technical terms and jargons that are used in the field. To make it easier us, we've created an easy guide to help you understand the basics of what a planar driver is and how it differs from other types of headphone drivers.
The term "planar" could be confusing, but it's actually quite simple. The main difference between a plane drivers and other headphones is that the plane driver employs flat diaphragms in place of traditional dome-shaped or cone-shaped diaphragms.
Planar drivers also utilize a special magnet system to produce sound waves. This means they can create a more accurate and precise sound wave than dynamic drivers can, which results in a higher quality audio reproduction and a much larger sound stage than traditional headphones.
Planar headphones also tend to produce a more natural and relaxed sound than dynamic drivers. This is something many listeners can appreciate. They do have a few disadvantages like their weight and size, and the need for greater power output than other kinds of headphones. These factors can make planar headphones not suitable for use on the go but they can be a great option for those who are serious about audiophiles and would like to experience the full potential of this advanced technology.
What are the advantages of the planar drive?
Planar drivers are the hottest technology in the world of premium headphone. They are renowned for their incredible accuracy and detail which allows listeners to experience music as it was recorded and offering a totally new experience of listening.
Unlike other headphone driver types that use middle-men metal conductors to move the diaphragm as well as produce sound waves Planar magnetic headphones have the distinct feature of having the diaphragm vibrate directly. This is accomplished by securing a thin layer composed of mylar or an electrically charged material between two plates that conduct electricity. When an audio signal is played the conductive plate moves in and out of contact with the diaphragm making it vibrate.
This reduces mechanical distortions that would otherwise occur with other headphone technology. This leads to a more natural and organic audio reproduction that is free of harshness and unwanted resonance frequencies. The force applied to the diaphragm's surface will make it more responsive to audio signals.
Another advantage of planar magnetic headphones is their ability to provide a higher bass response. This is due to the fact that the bass response of a planar headphone is much more precise than a dynamic driver headphone. The reason for this is that, with a planar headphone, the entire surface of the diaphragm is vibrating in response to an audio signal and this produces a more constant bass response than a dynamic driver headphone.
Planar magnetic headphones do have some disadvantages, for instance, their price being higher and the fact that sometimes they require a specific headphone amp or DAC to operate. However they are more beneficial than the drawbacks. With a top-quality headphone amp/DAC, such as the Monolith Hi-Res for example the sound produced by planar magnetic headphones can be awe-inspiring.
If you're interested in exploring the world of magnetic headphones that
planar magnetic headphones explained, check out some of our selections below or give us a call! We'd love to help you find the perfect pair of headphones that exceed your expectations.
What are the disadvantages to a planar drive?
While planar drivers have a number of advantages, they are more complicated and costly to build. They also require more power than dynamic drivers which makes them less mobile. This is why you'll find headphones and IEMs with planar drives mostly in the premium price range.
Another disadvantage of a planar driver is that it's not as responsive to changes in audio signal, making it harder to achieve a well-matched frequency response. This can be compensated for
listening through tuning and sound engineering, but could lead to a slightly different sound signature than you're familiar with.
A final drawback of planar drivers is that they generally do not have the same degree of physical slam as dynamic driver headphones. This is due to the diaphragm's conductor trace does not interact with the magnetic field as directly as the voice coil in the dynamic headphone. However however, there are exceptions. The HIFIMAN Sundara, for instance has the same image structure and clarity as the top-end planar headphones but is fairly affordable.
Ultimately, the choice of choosing planar versus conventional dynamic headphones boils down to what you value the most. Do you prefer the speed, precision and accuracy of a planar driver, or do you want the punch and slam of a dynamic driver? There are plenty of options out that will satisfy both your preferences and budgets.
If you're looking for a pair of new headphones or just want to expand your listening options they are worth a look. They can elevate your listening experience thanks to their low distortion, excellent frequency response and wide soundstage. And with many great options available at TTVJ you're bound to find the ideal pair of headphones to meet your needs.
What are the top headphones for planar?
When it comes to headphones, there are a lot of aspects that make up a great pair. You want them to be a perfect fit for your head comfortably, be comfortable during long
listening sessions, and have the features you require to make use of them. Planar headphones, also known as orthodynamic headphones, provide a unique and accurate listening experience. The unique design of these headphones uses an elongated, thin diaphragm, which is sandwiched between two magnets in order to create sound waves. This technology makes them an excellent option for audiophiles looking for the highest quality of sound.
There are many options for planar headphones, but it's essential to choose the right pair to meet your preferences and needs. Some of the most sought-after choices are open-back and closed-back headphones as along with over-ear and in-ear styles. It is also important to think about your budget and needs for comfort.
You can start by reading reviews on professional websites such as Popular Science, Headphoneia and
listening the r/headphones channel on Reddit. You should also read reviews and user comments to get a feel for how the headphones perform in real-world use.
