How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?
In comparison to dynamic drivers magnetic headphones with planar design have less distortion. This is due to the fact that the whole diaphragm is vibrating rather than only the part attached to the voice coil.
They also have a more spacious soundstage with better instrument separation and differentiation capabilities. They leak more, and require isolation to stop disturbing those around you.
The diaphragm
The diaphragm is a key component of [nearly] every sound transducer (headphones, loudspeakers and microphones comprising) that is used to move air to create sound waves. In headphones, it's a flat piece of diaphragm, suspended between two magnets that produce an electromagnetic field when stimulated by audio signals. In a planar magnetic headphone the current of electricity from the source of the headphone reaches the diaphragm via a coil that generates magnetic force, which causes it to vibrate.
The sound is transferred to your ear via the diaphragm's suspension. It is usually made of an artificial material such as neodymium or titanium. This allows the diaphragm to resonate with your ear at various frequencies. Planar magnetic headphones are able to provide high SPLs without sounding distortion-free.
In addition to being able to reproduce high SPLs as well, planar magnetic headphones provide a more immersive soundstage. The reason is that the flat diaphragm creates the sound wavefront in a planar manner, instead of the spherical focused wavefronts that are found in the majority of dynamic drivers. The headphones create an acoustic environment that is more natural and are easier to localize.
Another benefit of magnetic headphones that are planar is their outstanding transient response. This is due to the capability of planar magnetic headphones to reproduce short-lived peaks, like cymbal strikes and
How Do planar magnetic headphones work kick drum strikes. The diaphragm is large and
How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work stretches evenly across the surface, so there's no distortion when peak levels are reached.
However, the planar magnetic headphones do have some disadvantages which should be considered when deciding on the best set. One of them is that they tend to be more expensive than their dynamic counterparts. This is due to the design of their drivers which can be complex, as well as the pedigree of the brand behind them.
There are many affordable planar magnet headphones that cost less than $100. In addition to their exceptional performance, these headphones are available in closed-back and open-back styles, so you can choose which one fits your listening habits best. Audeze LCD-2 Classics and HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition are two of the top headphones available.
The voice coil
Planar magnetic headphones offer exceptional clarity and detail across the entire range of frequencies. This is due in large part to the flat, thin diaphragm, which is sandwiched between two arrays of magnets. When an electrical signal is transmitted through your audio source, the conductive material windings within the voice coil react with the magnetic field and cause the diaphragm to vibrate, producing sound waves.
The planar-type driver benefits from the fact that every vibration occurs at the same frequency and is uniform regardless of the position of the diaphragm within the magnetic field. This results in a more stable sound quality, with less distortion and a more uniform wavefront that's easier on the ears. Dynamic drivers, on the other hand, tend to produce sound waves that are less uniform and more circular.
Because of the way they function, planar magnetic drivers require a more powerful amplification system than their dynamic counterparts. They are also more heavy and bulkier due to their larger and more flexible membrane. This means that they typically require an external amplifier and DAC to provide enough power to drive them.
Additionally, planar magnetic drivers are much more expensive than their dynamic counterparts due to the fact that they are typically constructed from top-quality materials. However, a handful of specialized HiFi audio headphone companies have started to revive this technology in recent years. Consequently, we're experiencing a variety of stunning new headphones with
planar magnetic drivers that provide an exceptional listening experience.
Like everything else in life, the decision between planar magnetic and dynamic headphones comes down to the individual's preferences and budget. The headphones made of planar magnetic are known for their clarity and accuracy, and have a slightly larger soundstage than dynamic models. Dynamic headphones are more expensive but they have a heftier bass and a more rounded sound signature.
The headphones with a dynamic driver tend to have more heft and slam, but this isn't always apparent to the majority of listeners. They also have better ability to perceive structure and distinguishing. However, there are plenty of exceptions to this, and some excellent headphones that are planar-magnetic can be found at a very affordable price.
Magnets
In a typical headphones with a dynamic driver the electrical impulses generated by your audio source travel through a coil of conductory material that interacts with the magnetic fields within the driver. These are used to manipulate the diaphragm's shape and produce sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones use a thin layer of conductors sandwiched between powerful magnets. They are more difficult to manufacture, which is why they're more expensive.
They also tend to be heavier and bigger due to their design, which requires more space around the drivers. They also use more power than their more dynamic counterparts and will require a dedicated headphone amplifier to maximize their performance. This isn't an issue often, but it's worth considering when choosing these headphones.
While it's not true for all headphones, a lot of the top planar magnetic headphones will offer a more open and airy sound than their more dynamic counterparts. They also provide the impression of space, which is quite appealing to certain listeners. The soundstage they provide is also larger, which can be helpful when listening to music in a group.
The open-back design is a common option for a variety of designer headphone brands, including the likes of HiFiMAN and Audeze. They're not as well-known as closed-back headphones however they're an excellent way to test the benefits of planar magnetic technology. The HiFiMAN Sundara, for example, is a great opportunity to feel the speed, precision and clarity of these headphones.
The housing
You might have heard of planar magnet headphones if you are an audiophile or even if you just enjoy good music. They sport a unique look, with a flat diaphragm embedded in the headphone. They are available in both open-back and over-ear designs. In addition to their unique design, these headphones also have different working principles when that are different from dynamic drivers.
Planar magnetic headphones, in contrast to traditional moving coil drivers that use a voice coil to create sound waves, employ array of magnets to move the diaphragm in order to produce sound. Depending on the layout, these arrays could be situated on one or both sides of the diaphragm. The magnets are activated by an electrical signal that travels through the voice coil and causes 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 pull and push. This results in sound waves which represent the audio signal.
Because of this, headphones made of
planar magnetic earbuds magnetics typically sound richer and offer greater bass extension capabilities. The diaphragm is large and flat.