Planar Magnetic Headphones Explained
Planar headphones such as the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFIMAN Susvara provide a low distortion that is virtually unnoticeable, lightning-fast transient response, and a wide, precise frequency response. These headphones require a headphone amplifier to drive them properly.
They're larger, heavier and require more power to drive. This is why many prefer closed-back designs, which isolate the sound better and are more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
What is a planar magnetic headphone?
A dynamic Driver planar (
amidagroup.Ir) is the one that produces sound in the majority of headphones, regardless of whether they're over-ear, on-ear, or even in-ear. The drivers are domes or cones behind which a coil vibrates to create sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones utilize an entirely different kind of driver that uses two magnets sandwiched around an electrified film to deliver audio. They can be heavier and bulkier than conventional headphones, however many of them are also well-crafted to be comfortable for long listening sessions.
Planar magnetic headphones can be rather expensive when compared to their dynamic driver counterparts as they require more sophisticated and complex technology to work. They are an excellent option for audiophiles who value precision and clarity. In addition, they can provide a rich and expansive listening experience that's not commonly found in other headphones.
Bass performance is one of the most impressive characteristics of planar magnetic headphones. The soundstage is large enough to accommodate the deep bass notes and rumble, as well as other characteristics of these headphones. They are also great for handling articulation, tinny tones, and mixing music.
Despite their incredible bass response, planar magnetic headphones can sometimes have trouble maintaining clarity and distinction capabilities in the mid- and high frequencies. They also have an 'unbalanced' sound due to their distinct 'plucked-like' sound.
If you're interested in exploring the world of planar magnetic headphones, I'd suggest you get an open-back pair like the Hifiman HE-400i or the Monoprice Monolith M1070. If you're looking to start using these headphones, you'll require a powerful AMP/DAC. Take a look at the Monolith Hi-Res DAC headphone amp.
What is a magnetic planar driver?
Planar magnetic drivers are the norm in audiophile headphones. The top models provide incredible detail and powerful presence that can change your listening experience and breathe new life into your music collection. Planar magnetic driver headphones might not be for all. They are usually more expensive and require an amplifier to work properly. They also tend to be heavier, bulkier and have open-back designs that let sound out and let in ambient noise which makes them less portable than some other options.
Many people believe that headphones made of planar magnetic don't produce bass. But they can. The flat diaphragm is sandwiched between two arrays of magnets and features the conductor pattern. When an electric signal is sent from the source of your audio to the driver, the magnetic fields interact with the traces and create the sound waves.
The conductive traces that line the diaphragm are thin and dispersed, so they can interact with magnets much more efficiently than dynamic drivers. This results in a more consistent and precise transfer of the audio signal with minimal distortion. This is why planar magnetic headphones generally have better accuracy and clarity, particularly in the lower frequencies where other types of headphones struggle to provide accurate reproduction.
Most planar headphones are not as good at highs or bass despite their superior performance at low frequencies. This is because their design requires a more complex and costly assembly that can't be done cheaply or swiftly. The most affordable over-ear magnetic headphones will therefore tend to focus on mids and higher frequencies and less on bass. That's not to say that an affordable pair of headphones will not provide you with an excellent listening experience, but it's worth bearing in mind prior to purchasing one.
What is a planar magnetic diaphragm?
Planar magnetic headphones are incredibly popular in the audiophile market due to the fact that they deliver stunning levels detail and clarity. The reason for this is that they employ a different kind of driver technology than the more typical dynamic drivers that are found in the majority of headphones and speakers.
Planar magnetic headphones,
driver planar such as the HIFIMAN Sundara for instance utilize a revolutionary new type of driver that utilizes flat diaphragms printed with ultra-thin wires to produce sound waves. The diaphragms are suspended between two magnets with flat surfaces. Magnets cause the diaphragms vibrate when an electrical signal passes through these wires.
This type of diaphragm has an incredibly higher degree of flexibility and responsiveness than the dome-shaped or cone-shaped diaphragms used in many dynamic headphones. These can be damaged by a large force of excursion that can cause distortion.
planar magnet magnetic headphones are distinguished by low distortion, a fast transient response, and a broad frequency range.
Planar headphones are bulkier and heavier because of their larger size and
driver Planar motor design is more complicated. In addition, they typically require more power to operate, and will need an external amplifier to ensure optimal performance.
The headphones of the planar magnetic type are distinguished by their imaging, or the precise reproduction and stereo balance of instruments in an audio stage. This is a great advantage for those trying to find the best headphones that match their sound preferences.
This wider wavefront can also result in planar headphones leaking more sound than other types and can be a problem if you're in public. But, that's a minor issue for the majority of listeners, and most open-back magnetic headphones, like the HIFIMAN Ananda for instance, are designed to minimize leakage.
What is a planar magnetic headphone design?
Many models of audiophile headphones use magnetic drivers that are planar to provide amazing sound quality. This includes the most popular models on the market. These headphones are usually priced higher than those that use dynamic drivers. This is because they usually have more complex drivers and may require a headphone amplifier to maximize their potential. The good thing is that you don't need to shell out a lot to enjoy the benefits of a pair of planar headphones. There are a variety of affordable options that include the Audeze LED-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara.
The main difference between planar magnetic headphones and traditional dynamic driver headphones is that the planar magnetic headphones feature flat diaphragms, instead of the conventional cone- or dome-shaped diaphragm. The diaphragm contains two permanent magnets on either side, which interact with the electrical signals generated by your Hi-Fi or music player. The diaphragm vibrates in response to audio signals.
The diaphragm is larger and extends across its entire surface, is less likely to cause distortion when it is at its maximum extension. This creates an even more detailed and expansive soundstage than is possible with dynamic headphones.
Unfortunately, the drivers for planars are also more difficult to make and complicated than their dynamic counterparts, which may result in some differences between headphones. This is one reason why it's crucial to read reviews by professionals from reputable sources and to test headphones with several people prior to making a purchase.
Another disadvantage of planar headphones is that they can leak a lot of sound.