Planar Magnetic Headphones Explained
Planar headphones like the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFIMAN Susvara provide a low distortion that is virtually unnoticeable as well as lightning-fast transient responses and a wide, precise frequency response. However, these headphones also require a separate headphone amplifier to properly drive them.
They are heavier, bigger, and require more power to drive. This is why many prefer closed-back designs, which block out the sound better and are more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
What is a planar magnet headphone?
A dynamic driver is the one that produces sound in the majority of headphones, whether they are over-ear, on-ear or even in-ear. The drivers are domes or cones that are behind which a coil oscillates to produce sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones are a particular kind of driver that uses two magnets that are wrapped around an electrified sheet to produce audio. These headphones are heavier and bulkier than conventional models, but they are well-crafted for long listening sessions.
Planar magnetic headphones are typically more expensive than their dynamic driver counterparts as they require more advanced and complex technology to function. They're a great option for audiophiles who are looking for precision and clarity. They also offer an immersive, rich listening experience not found in other headphones.
Bass performance is one of the most impressive aspects of planar magnetic headphones. Because they're so large their soundstage can be expanded to accommodate the incredible low notes and rumble that are common to these kinds of headphones. They are also able to handle articulation and tactile tones which makes them ideal for mixing music.
Despite their impressive bass response, planar magnetic headphones can sometimes have trouble maintaining clarity and distinction in the mid- and high frequency. They also have an 'unbalanced' sound due to their distinctive 'plucked'-like' character.
If you want to explore the world of planar magnet headphones, I suggest a pair like the Hifiman's HE-400i and the M1070 Monolith. You'll also need a powerful amplifier/DAC to allow the headphones to function well, so take a look at the Monolith Hi-Res DAC Headphone Amp if you're looking for an excellent starting point.
What is a magnetic
planar driver?
In the world of audiophile headphones the planar magnetic driver is the king of. The most effective models will give amazing clarity and powerful sound, which can alter your listening experience and give your music collection a new look. Planar magnetic driver headphones may not be for all. They are usually more expensive and require an amplifier in order to function properly. They're also larger, heavier and come with open-back designs that let sound out and allow in surrounding noise making them less mobile than some other options.
Many people believe that the planar magnetic headphones do not have bass, they actually offer a remarkable audio reproduction in the low frequencies. This is due to the fact that they utilize flat diaphragms with a conductive trace pattern sandwiched between two arrays of magnets. When an electric signal is transmitted from the source of your audio to the driver, the magnetic fields interact with the traces and produce a vibration that creates sound waves.
The conductive traces on the diaphragm are thin and spread out, which means they react to magnets more efficiently than dynamic drivers. This enables a more precise and smooth transfer of audio signals, with minimal distortion. This is why planar magnetic headphones generally have better accuracy and clarity especially in the lower frequencies where other types of headphones struggle to produce accurate sound.
Most planar headphones are not as good in bass or
planar driver high frequencies despite their outstanding performance at low frequencies. This is due to their design demands more intricate and expensive assembly that's not possible to achieve inexpensively or quickly. The majority of affordable over-ear magnetic
headphones planar therefore tend to focus on the mids and higher frequencies and less on bass. This doesn't mean that the cheapest headphones will not provide a superior music-listening experience however, it's important to keep this in mind when you purchase one.
What is a magnetic diaphragm planar?
In the market for audiophile headphone the planar magnetic headphones are extremely sought-after due to their capacity to deliver stunning levels of detail and clarity. This is due to the fact that they employ a different driver technology from the standard dynamic drivers that are used in the majority of headphones and speaker systems.
Planar magnetic headphones, like the HIFIMAN Sundara for instance make use of a new and innovative 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. When an electrical signal passes through these wires, the magnets will cause the diaphragms to vibrate and create sound.
This kind of diaphragm can be much more flexible and responsive than the more rigid cone or dome-shaped ones that are used in many dynamic headphones. They can be damaged by massive forces of excursion that can lead to distortion. Planar magnetic headphones are characterized by low distortion, fast transient response, and a broad spectrum of frequencies.
Planar headphones are bulkier and heavier due to their larger size, and their motor design is more complex. Additionally, they usually require more power to operate and will require an external amplifier for optimal performance.
One other thing that sets planar magnetic headphones apart from their competitors is their imaging which is the precise reproduction of the stereo balance of the instruments in the soundstage. This is a huge advantage for those trying to find the best headphones that match their sound preferences.
However, this broader wavefront also means that headphones with a planar wavefront can leak more sound outwards than other types of headphones. This could be a drawback when you're out in public. However, it's not an issue for the majority of listeners. The majority of open-back planar magnetic headphones, like the HIFIMAN Ananda for example, are designed to minimize leakage.
What is a planar magnetic headphone design?
Many audiophile models employ magnetic drivers with planar design for their stunning sound quality. This includes some of the most popular models on the market. These headphones tend to be a bit more expensive than ones that use dynamic driver technology. This is due to the fact that they often use more complex drivers and may require a headphone amplifier to maximize their potential. The good thing is that you don't have to spend a fortune to benefit from an earphone planar. There are a variety of affordable options that include the Audeze LED-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara.
The key distinction between the planar headphones and those that use traditional dynamic driver tech is that the planar magnetic headphones utilize a flat diaphragm in place of a conventional dome or cone. The diaphragm contains two permanent magnets on either side that interact with electrical signals sent by your Hi-Fi or music player. The diaphragm is vibrating in response to audio signals.
The diaphragm, which is larger and has a larger surface is less likely to cause distortion once it reaches its maximum excursion. This leads to a more precise, spacious soundstage than the dynamic headphones offer.
However, the planar drivers are also more difficult to make and complex than their dynamic counterparts, which can cause some variation between headphones.