How Do Planar Headphone (
holland-jantzen.Hubstack.net) Magnetic Headphones Work?
As compared to dynamic drivers, magnetic headphones with planar design have less distortion. This is because it vibrates the entire diaphragm, not just the part that is attached to the voice coil.
They also have a more spacious soundstage, with better separation of instruments and differentiation capabilities. However, they do leak more, which means you need to isolate yourself to keep from disturbing those who are around you.
The diaphragm
The diaphragm is a key role in [almost] all transducers of sound (headphones and
planar headphone loudspeakers and microphones) that are used to move air in order to produce sound. In headphones it's a flat part of diaphragm, suspended between two magnets which create an electromagnetic field when stimulated by audio signals. In a planar magnetic headphone the electric current that comes emanating from the headphone's source is transferred to the diaphragm by way of an electric coil that creates magnetic force, which causes it to vibrate.
The sound is transferred to your ear via the diaphragm's suspended, which is usually made of an artificial material like titanium or neodymium. This allows the diaphragm to resonate with your ear at different frequency. In contrast to dynamic drivers that are used in planar headphones, planar magnetic headphones can offer very high SPLs, without sounding blurred or muddy.
In addition to the ability to reproduce high SPLs, planar magnetic headphones also provide a better soundstage. This is because the flat diaphragm generates a planar wavefront instead of the spherical-focused wavefront that is found in many dynamic drivers. The headphones produce an overall soundstage that is more natural and are more easily to locate.
The transient response is yet another benefit of planar magnet headphones. This is the ability to recreate peaks that last only a few seconds in audio signals, like cymbal crashes and kick drum hits. The huge diaphragm's size and the fact that it moves evenly across its surface means that there's no distortion in these high points.
Planar magnetic headphones come with a few disadvantages you should take into account when selecting a set. One of the primary reasons for their higher price is that they are typically significantly larger than their dynamic counterparts. This is mostly due to the design of their engines, which can be quite complex, as well as the heritage of the company behind them.
Fortunately, there are excellent, affordable planar magnetic headphones available for less than $100. In addition to their outstanding quality, these headphones are available in open-back and closed-back designs, so you can choose which one suits your preferences for listening. The HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition and Audeze LCD-2 Classics are some of the best options available.
The voice coil
Planar magnetic headphones are known for their accuracy and precision, offering incredible clarity and detail across the entire frequency range. This is mostly due to their thin, flat diaphragm, which is sandwiched between two arrays magnets. When an electrical signal is transmitted by your audio source the conductive material windings within the voice coil interact with the magnetic field, causing the diaphragm to move and produce sound waves.
The planar-type driver benefits from the fact that every vibration occurs at the same rate and is consistent, no matter the position of the diaphragm within the magnetic field. This produces an even and consistent sound with less distortion. It's also more comfortable for the ear. Contrary to this dynamic drivers tend to create more of a spherical soundwavefront that's less consistent and can be distracting.
Because of the way they function due to their design,
planar earphone magnetic drivers require a stronger amplification system than their dynamic counterparts. They also tend to be heavier and bulkier since they must accommodate an extra large, flexible diaphragm. They require an external amplifier or DAC in order to drive them.
Planar magnetic drivers can be more expensive since they are usually made from high-quality components. In recent years, however, some HiFi audio headphone manufacturers have revived this old technology. We're now experiencing a variety of stunning new headphones with planar magnetic drivers, which provide an amazing listening experience.
The decision between dynamic and planar headphones is an individual choice based on personal taste and budget. Planar magnetic headphones offer an enlargement of the soundstage than dynamic models and are known for their outstanding quality and precision. Dynamic headphones are more expensive, but they have a punchier bass and a more rounded sounding signature.
The headphones with a dynamic driver tend to have more punch and slam, but this isn't always noticeable by most listeners. They are also better at capturing structure and distinction. There are exceptions to the general rule. Some excellent planar-magnetic headsets are available at affordable cost.
The magnets
In a headphone equipped with a dynamic driver, electrical impulses from the source of your audio are transmitted through a coil composed of conductive material which interacts with magnetic fields inside the driver. These impulses are then used to alter the diaphragm's flat surface and create sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones are made up of an extremely thin layer of conductor material that is sandwiched between powerful magnets. They are more difficult to make, which is why they're more expensive.
They also tend to be bigger and heavier because of their design which means they require more space around the drivers. They also use more power than their more dynamic counterparts which means that they'll require an amp specifically designed for headphone use to achieve their full potential. While this isn't always a issue, it's something to be aware of when thinking about these headphones.
While it's not true for all headphones, many of the best headphones with a planar design will provide an open and airy sound than their dynamic counterparts. This can give them the impression that they are in a bigger space, which can be appealing to certain listeners. They also provide a wider soundstage, which is helpful when listening to music together with other people.
Many boutique headphone brands like HiFiMAN and Audeze make use of the open-back design. While they're not as common as closed-back models, they can be an excellent way to experience the strengths of
planar magnetic technology. The HiFiMAN Sundara, for example, is a great opportunity to feel the speed, precision and detail of these headphones.
The housing
You might have heard of planar magnet headphones if you are an audiophile, or even if you just like music. They sport a unique look, with a flat diaphragm embedded in the headphone. They are available in over-ear and open-back designs. Apart from the distinctive design, these headphones employ different working principles as that are different from dynamic drivers.
Planar magnetic headphones, in contrast to traditional moving coil drivers that rely on a voice coil to generate sound waves, employ array of magnets to move the diaphragm to produce sound. The arrays can be placed on either one or both sides, depending on the design. The magnets are activated when an electrical signal travels through the voice coil and causes it to vibrate. The vibrations generate magnetic fields that interact with the magnets on either side of the diaphragm. The interactions cause the diaphragms push and pull against the magnetic fields. This results in sound waves which represent the audio signal.
This is why headphones made of planar magnetics typically sound richer and have greater bass extension capabilities.