How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?
Compared to dynamic drivers, magnetic headphones with planar design have less distortion. This is because the whole diaphragm moves rather than just the part connected to the voice coil.
They also have a larger soundstage with better instrument separation and ability to differentiate. They leak more, and require isolation to stop disturbing those around you.
The diaphragm
The diaphragm plays an essential function in nearly all transducers of sound (headphones and loudspeakers as well as microphones) that move air to create sound. In headphones it's a flat piece of diaphragm, suspended between two magnets that produce an electromagnetic field when activated by audio signals. In planar headphones,
planar magnetic driver the electric current emanating from the headphone's source is transferred to the diaphragm through a coil that generates an electric force that causes it to vibrate.
The sound produced is transferred to your ear via the diaphragm's suspension, which is typically made from an artificial material, such as neodymium or titanium. The diaphragm is then able to resonate with your ear using different frequencies. Contrary to dynamic drivers, planar magnetic headphones can offer very high SPLs, without sounding distorted or muddy.
In addition to the ability to reproduce high SPLs, planar magnetic headphones also provide a more immersive soundstage. This is because the flat diaphragm creates the planar wavefront rather than the spherical focused wavefront found in many dynamic drivers. As a result, the headphones deliver a more natural soundstage that's easier to localize.
The transient response is yet another benefit of using planar magnet headphones. This is the ability of headphones with planar magnetics to reproduce short-lived peaks, like cymbal smacks and kick drum hits. The size of the diaphragm as well as the fact that it moves evenly across its surface means that there's no distortion at these peaks.
However, the planar magnetic headphones do have some drawbacks that must be taken into account when deciding on the right set. One of the primary reasons why they cost more is that they tend to be much larger than their counterparts with dynamic features. This is due to the design of their motors that can be complicated, as well as the heritage of the brand behind them.
Fortunately, there are some excellent, affordable planar magnetic headphones that you can purchase at less than $100. In addition to their outstanding quality, these headphones are available in closed-back and open-back styles, so you can choose the one that fits your preferences best. Audeze LCD-2 Classics and HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition are two of the top headphones available.
The voice coil
Planar magnetic headphones are known for their precision and accuracy, offering incredible clarity and detail across the entire frequency range. This is due in large part to the thin, flat diaphragm, which is sandwiched between two arrays of magnets. When an electrical signal from your source of audio is sent, the conductive materials that wind the vocal coil react with the magnet field, and cause the dialyms to vibrate. This produces sound waves.
The benefit of a planar driver is that each vibration is evenly distributed and at the same rate, regardless of where the diaphragm is situated within the magnetic field. This creates a more consistent sound quality with less distortion and a more uniform wavefront that is more comfortable for ears. Dynamic drivers, on the other hand tend to create sound waves that are less uniform and more round.
Planar magnetic drivers because of the way they operate require a more powerful amplifying system. They are also heavier and bulkier because they require the larger, more flexible diaphragm. They require an external amplifier or DAC in order to drive them.
In addition the magnetic drivers that planar are more expensive than their dynamic counterparts because they are typically constructed from top-quality materials. However, a few specialist HiFi audio headphone companies have started to revive this older technology in recent years. We're now experiencing a variety of stunning new headphones that feature planar magnetic drivers that offer an amazing listening experience.
The choice between dynamic and planar headphones is a matter of personal preference and budget. The headphones made of planar magnetic are known for their precision and clarity, and have a slightly larger soundstage than dynamic models. However, they are typically more expensive, and a lot of listeners prefer the punchy bass and warm sound of dynamic headphones.
In general, dynamic driver headphones have some more slam and punch than planar magnetic models However, the differences aren't always noticeable to most listeners. They also offer better clarity and imaging. There are a lot of exceptions to this rule and some excellent magnetic headphones are available at a price that is very affordable.
The magnets
In a typical headphone that has a dynamic driver the electrical signals sent by your audio source travel through a coil of conductory material which interacts with the magnetic fields inside the driver. They are then used to manipulate the diaphragm's flat surface and create sound waves.
planar magnetic driver magnetic headphones utilize a thin layer of conductive material sandwiched between powerful magnets. This makes them more complicated to make and is one reason why they're often more expensive than their dynamic counterparts.
They also tend to be bigger and heavier because of their design which requires more space around the drivers. They also require more power to reach their full potential than their dynamic counterparts. Although this isn't always a issue, it's something you should be aware of when thinking about these headphones.
While this may not be the case for all headphones. However, many of the
best magnetic planar headphones planar magnetic headphones will offer an open and airy sound than their dynamic counterparts. This creates an airy feel that can be quite appealing for some listeners. They also provide a wider soundstage, which can be helpful when listening to music with others.
The open-back design is a favorite option for a variety of boutique headphone brands, including the likes of HiFiMAN and Audeze. Although they're not as popular as closed-back models, they're an excellent opportunity to experience the advantages of planar magnetic technology. For instance the HiFiMAN Sundara offers a great introduction to the speed, accuracy and detail of these headphones at a reasonable price.
The housing
If you're an audiophile, or simply someone who loves music, odds are you've heard of planar magnetic headphones. They sport a unique look, with flat diaphragms that are embedded into the headphone. They are available in both over-ear and open-back designs. These headphones are not just unique in appearance,
planar Magnetic Driver but also operate on a different principle than dynamic drivers.
Contrary to the traditional driver that relies on the voice coil to create sound waves, planar magnetic headphones use an array of magnets that move the diaphragm in a circular motion to generate sound. Depending on the design, these arrays can be situated on either or both sides of the diaphragm. The magnets are activated by an electrical signal that flows through the voice coil, causing it to vibrate. The vibrations create magnetic fields that interact with the magnets on either side of the diaphragm. The magnetic fields cause the diaphragms to push and pull. This creates sound waves that represent the audio signal.
Because of this, the sound of headphones with planar magnetic design is typically more fuller and have better bass extension capabilities. The diaphragm is large and flat.
