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. However, these headphones also require a specific headphone amplifier to drive them properly.
They're heavier, bigger and require more power to drive. Closed-back designs are popular because they isolate sound better and provide more comfort for wearing for long periods of time.
What is a planar magnetic headphone?
A dynamic driver is the one that produces sound in most headphones, whether they are over-ear, on-ear or even in-ear. The drivers are cones or domes in which a coil is placed to produce sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones are a different kind of driver that makes use of two magnets that are wrapped around an electrified sheet to deliver audio. They can be heavier and bulkier than conventional headphones, however many of them are also designed to be comfortable for long listening sessions.
Planar magnetic headphones can be quite expensive compared to dynamic driver headphones, since they require more sophisticated and advanced technology to work. However, they're an excellent option for audiophiles who are looking for precision and clarity. Additionally, they provide a rich and expansive listening experience that's not commonly found in other headphones.
One of the most impressive things about the planar magnetic headphones is their bass performance. Because they're big their soundstage can be expanded to accommodate the incredibly deep low notes and rumble that are common to these kinds of headphones. They are also great in handling articulation, tactile tones and mixing music.
Planar magnetic headphones despite their incredible bass response, sometimes struggle to maintain clarity and distinction in the upper mid- and high frequencies. They also have a distinctive 'plucked' sound that can cause them to sound less balanced than their dynamic driver counterparts.
If you're interested in exploring the world of
planar earphones magnetic headphones, I suggest an Hifiman HE-400i and the Monoprice M1070 Monolith. If you're looking to begin using these headphones, you'll need a powerful AMP/DAC. Look into the Monolith Hi-Res DAC headphone amp.
What is a planar magnetic driver?
In the world of audiophile headphones there are
planar magnetic drivers that rule. The top models provide incredible detail and powerful presence that can completely transform your listening experience and bring new life to your music collection. However, these headphones aren't for everyone - they're generally more expensive than other headphone types and typically require an amplifier to work properly. They also tend to be bulkier, heavier and have open-back designs that bleed sound and let in noise from around which makes them less portable than other choices.
Many people believe that the planar magnetic headphones do not have bass, they actually do deliver impressive audio reproduction in the low frequencies. The flat diaphragm sits between magnet arrays and has an conductive pattern. When an electrical signal is transmitted from the source of audio to your driver the magnetic field is in contact with the trace patterns. This causes the sound waves.
The conductive traces on the diaphragm are very thin and
Planar magnetic drivers widely spread, so they can react with magnets more evenly than dynamic drivers. This results in more precise and even transfer of the audio signal, with less distortion. This is the reason why planar magnetic headphones typically have better accuracy and clarity especially in lower frequencies, where most other headphone types struggle to provide accurate reproduction.
Most planar headphones aren't as effective at highs or bass despite their superior performance at low frequencies. It's because their design is more complicated and costly, which makes it difficult to build quickly or cheaply. This is why the majority of budget over-ear magnetic headphones tend to be more affluent in bass and instead emphasize increased detail in the mids as well as highs. The truth is that budget planar headphones won't give you an excellent music listening experience, but it's something to consider before purchasing one.
What is a planar magnetic diaphragm?
Planar magnetic headphones are extremely popular in the audiophile market because they offer stunning levels of clarity and detail. The reason is that they employ a different kind of driver technology than the more common dynamic drivers found in most headphones and speakers.
Planar magnetic headphones, like the HIFIMAN Sundara for example, use an innovative new type of driver that makes use of flat diaphragms printed with ultra-thin wires that produce sound waves. The diaphragms are then hung in the middle of two flat magnets. Magnets cause the diaphragms to vibrate when an electrical signal is passed through these wires.
This kind of diaphragm is much more flexible and responsive than the more rigid dome-shaped or cone-shaped ones that are used in many dynamic headphones, which can be damaged by massive forces of excitation which can cause distortion. In the end, planar magnetic headphones feature low distortion, a rapid transient response, and a broad frequency range.
Planar headphones weigh more and are bulkier due to their dimensions and motor design is more complex. Additionally, they usually require more power to operate, and will need an external amplifier to ensure optimal performance.
Planar magnetic headphones are distinguished by their imaging, or the accurate reproduction and stereo sound of instruments on the soundstage. This is a huge advantage for those seeking the perfect headphones that will suit their audio preferences.
However, this broader wavefront also means that headphones with a planar wavefront may leak more sound than other kinds of headphones, which could be a drawback when you're in public. This isn't a problem for most listeners. Most open-back planar magnetic headphones, like the HIFIMAN Ananda, are designed to minimize leakage of sound.
What is a planar magnetic headphone design?
Many audiophile headphones use planar magnetic drivers to deliver stunning sound quality, which includes some of the most popular options available. These headphones are usually priced higher than those with dynamic drivers. This is due to the fact that they typically have more sophisticated drivers and may require an amplifier to fully realize their potential. The good news is that you don't necessarily need to shell out a lot to benefit from the benefits of a pair of planar headphones. There are many budget-friendly options like the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara.
The main difference between these headphones and traditional dynamic driver tech is that the planar headphones utilize a flat diaphragm in place of a typical dome or cone. The diaphragm has been coated with conductive material with two permanent magnets on each side that are able to interact with the electrical signals coming from your hi-fi system or music player system. The diaphragm vibrates according to audio signals.
Since the diaphragm's diameter is greater and moves across its complete surface area it is less susceptible to distortion than dynamic driver headphones once they reach the limit of its excursion. This leads to a more precise, spacious soundstage than dynamic headphones can offer.
The planar driver is also more complex and difficult to manufacture than its dynamic counterpart, which can result in a bit of variability between headphone models. It is essential to read reviews from reputable sources, and to listen to headphones with a variety of people before buying.
