planar magnetic headphones explained Magnetic Vs Dynamic Driver Headphones
Most headphones and IEMs make use of dynamic drivers that make use of cones to move between two directions, creating sound waves. These headphones are more expensive and have a flat diaphragm, but offer a clearer picture.
They may not be suitable for portable use because they require more power. The 'punch', or slam, is a result of this. For those who are audiophiles, they're an upgrade.
The Basics
Planar Magnetic Drivers are quickly becoming a standard in headphones for their immersive audio and clear sound. Even though they're not as common as dynamic driver
planars headphones, you can find some of the best Planar Magnetic Headphones from big-name brands such as Audeze or Oppo. Planar Magnetic Headphones work on an entirely different model from traditional dynamic driver headphones in that they don't use a moving voice coil to create vibrations within the diaphragm. Instead the part of the driver that is charged is distributed over the flat surface, allowing for a more uniform movement.
A less complex mechanism makes the
planar magnetic driver more efficient in generating sound waves. This can translate to better distortion levels, more precise responses to music's transients and an authentic soundstage.
Although there are plenty of advantages to a pair of headphones with a planar magnetic drive but the technology comes with a few limitations that you must keep in mind. First, you must be aware that these kinds of headphones often emit more sound than regular open-back dynamic models. The flat diaphragm on the planar magnetic headphones will send sound both ways. In the end, sound waves will leak from the ear cups to the surrounding environment. This is something to take into account if you'll use headphones in public places or at work.
Another issue is that planar magnetic headphones typically require more power to reach their full potential than other headphone designs. They need more energy to evenly move their large diaphragms that are thin, and as such, they tend to be slightly larger and heavier. This is a problem if you are looking to keep your headphones light and portable.
The planar magnetic headphones may not have the punch or slam some listeners desire. This is because the diaphragm's flat surface does not move in a pistonic way, like traditional dynamic headphones, so they can't be as 'plucked' as listeners might wish for. This is not an opinion that is widely shared. There are a few high-end planar magnet headphones (like the HiFiMAN Sundara) which deliver a punchy image and great image distribution.
If you are willing to overlook the issues and are searching for a pair of headphones that offers a unique soundstage with unsurpassed clarity these headphones might be worth considering. Just make sure to factor in the additional cost and power requirements and their size and weight, before you purchase. The good news is that you can find many excellent planar magnetic headphones at an affordable price, including the well-known HiFiMAN Sundara. This will give you a glimpse of what planar magnetic headphones can offer without costing you a fortune.
Benefits
There are many great headphones with dynamic drivers. However, the best headphones across a wide range of price points utilize the technology of planar magnetic. These headphones are generally more expensive than their dynamic counterparts but also provide superior performance, such as a wide soundstage and an immersive listening experience.
Planar magnetic headphones use two or more magnets that are suspended on the flat surface of the driver, and a conductor track on the diaphragm to create vibrations. When electrical impulses travel through these wires, they create an electric field that interacts with the magnets, causing them to vibrate. The resulting force is evenly spread across the entire surface of the diaphragm and does not cause distortion in the same way as dynamic headphones do.
Because of the way the headphones are built they offer a wider soundstage than dynamic models and offer superior transient response that means they can deal with rapid changes in audio with greater precision. They also have a lower resonance and a more rounded frequency response. This means they are more precise and more bass-driven than dynamic headphones.
Because they're more precise, planar headphones have a natural and
planar Magnetic driver clear sound that attracts audiophiles. This is evident in the clarity and distinctness of their sound as well as the way they recreate the stereo balance and location of instruments. This is especially true in closed-back designs like the HiFiMAN sundara which produce more realistic and expansive soundstage.
Moreover, these headphones tend to be less susceptible to breakup, which happens when the forces acting on the diaphragm weaken its structural integrity, causing various areas of the surface to be out of sync. This issue can result from inadequate design or manufacturing and is among the main reasons that the planar headphones are considered to be the premium option.
This kind of headphone comes with some drawbacks. It requires a large amount of power to run it. They can be heavy and heavy, making them less portable than dynamic counterparts. They also tend to leak more sound. This means that you'll require an area that is quiet to listen to these headphones without disturbing others. The latest models offer improved noise isolation and seals to reduce this issue. It's difficult to decide whether the planar magnetic or dynamic ones are superior. It's based on what you value and what your priorities are.