How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?
In comparison to dynamic drivers planar magnetic headphones have lower distortion. This is because the whole diaphragm moves rather than just the portion that is attached to the voice coil.
They also have a wider soundstage, with better separation of instruments and distinction capabilities. They do leak more and require isolation to prevent the sound from affecting those nearby.
The diaphragm
The diaphragm plays an essential role in [almost] all sound transducers (headphones and loudspeakers and microphones) that move air to produce sound. In headphones it's a flat piece of diaphragm suspended between two magnets that create an electromagnetic field when activated by audio signals. In planar headphones the current of electricity from the headphone's source reaches the diaphragm through an electric coil that creates an electric force that causes it to vibrate.
The diaphragm suspension is made of neodymium, titanium, or other synthetic materials. This allows the diaphragm to resonate with your ear at different frequency. In contrast to dynamic drivers, planar magnetic headphones can provide very high SPLs without sounding distorted or muddy.
Planar magnetic headphones are not only able to reproduce high SPLs but also have an enhanced soundstage. The reason for this is because the flat diaphragm creates a planar sound wavefront, instead of the spherical focused wavefront that is found in many dynamic drivers. As a result, the headphones provide a more natural soundstage that's more easily to locate.
Another benefit of magnetic headphones that are planar is their excellent transient response. This is due to the ability of planar magnetic headphones to reproduce short-lived peaks, like cymbal strikes and kick drum hits. The size of the diaphragm and the fact that it moves evenly across its surface ensures that there's no distortion at these high points.
Planar magnetic headphones have a few disadvantages that you should consider when selecting a set. Get Source of them is that they are usually much more expensive than their dynamic counterparts. The main reason for this is the complexity of the driver and the image of the brand.
Fortunately, there are some excellent, affordable planar magnetic headphones available for less than $100. In addition to their outstanding performance, these headphones come in open-back and closed-back designs which means you can pick the one that fits your preferences best. Audeze LCD-2 Classics and HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition are two of the best headphones available.
The voice coil
Planar magnetic headphones are known for their accuracy and precision with exceptional detail and clarity across the entire frequency range. This is due to the flat, thin diaphragm sandwiched between magnet arrays. When an electrical signal is transmitted from your audio source, the conductive material windings within the voice coil react with the magnetic field, causing the diaphragm's surface to vibrate and produce sound waves.
The benefit of a planar-type driver is that each vibration is equally distributed and occurs at the same rate, regardless of the location where the diaphragm is located within the magnetic field. This results in an even and consistent sound with less distortion. It's also more comfortable to listen to. In contrast, dynamic drivers tend to produce a more spherical sound wavefront that's less consistent and can be distracting.
Planar magnetic drivers, due to the way they work, require a stronger amplifying system. They are also larger and heavier because they must accommodate the larger, more flexible diaphragm. As a result, they usually require an external amplifier and DAC to provide sufficient power to power them.
Planar magnetic drivers can be more expensive since they are usually made of high-quality materials. In recent years, however, some HiFi audio headphone manufacturers have revived this older technology. We're seeing a wide range of new headphones that have planar magnet drivers that provide an excellent listening experience.
Like everything else in life, the decision between dynamic and planar magnetic headphones comes down to your personal preferences and budget. Planar magnetic headphones are renowned for their clarity and accuracy and have a larger soundstage than dynamic models. Dynamic headphones are more expensive, however they offer a more powerful bass and a more rounded sound signature.
Dynamic driver headphones tend to have more heft and slam, however this difference is not always noticeable by most listeners. They also have better clarity and imaging. There are some exceptions to the rule. The best planar-magnetic headsets are available at affordable prices.
The magnets
In a headphone that has a dynamic driver, electrical signals from the source of your audio are transmitted through a coil of conductive material that interacts with magnetic fields inside the driver. These are then used to alter the diaphragm's flat shape and generate sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones utilize a thin layer of conductors sandwiched between powerful magnets. They're more difficult to manufacture and that's why they're more expensive.
A heavier and bigger design is also the result of the necessity for more space around drivers. They also require more power to achieve their full potential than their more dynamic counterparts. Although this isn't a constant problem, it's something to keep in mind when considering these headphones.
While this may not be the case for all headphones, many of the best magnetic headphones that are planar will have a more open and airy sound than their more dynamic counterparts. They can provide a sense that they are in a larger space, which appeals to some listeners. They also have a bigger soundstage, which can be helpful when listening to music with others.
The open-back design is a favorite option for a variety of designer headphone brands, including the likes of HiFiMAN and Audeze. Although they're not as well-known as closed-back models, they are an excellent opportunity to experience the advantages of planar magnetic technology. For example, the HiFiMAN Sundara offers a great introduction to the speed, accuracy and detail of these headphones at an affordable cost.
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 appearance, featuring an elongated diaphragm that is embedded within the headphone. They are available in over-ear and open-back designs. Apart from the distinctive design, these headphones also have different working principles when in comparison to dynamic drivers.
Planar magnetic headphones, in contrast to traditional moving coil drivers, which use the voice coil to produce sound waves, use an array magnets to move the diaphragm in order to produce sound. Based on the layout, these arrays could be located on both sides of the diaphragm. The magnets are activated by an electrical signal that passes 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 interactions cause the diaphragms to pull and push against the magnetic fields. This results in sound waves that are the audio signal.
Planar magnetic headphones can create a deeper sound and a more extended bass. The diaphragm is large and flat. responds more quickly to changes in the input signals, so they can respond quicker to bass response, and are less prone to distortion. This creates a cleaner and more controlled sound that many audiophiles love.
But, even though these headphones may be able to reproduce higher frequencies, they don't have the punch or slam that is found in modern high-end dynamic driver headphones. This means that they may be a little more difficult to listen to by those who want to use them to listen to hard rock or metal music.
Because of their distinctive design due to their unique design, planar magnetic headphones are more expensive than other headphone types. The drivers are powered by an audio digital converter and a separate amplifier. Some people might find that the price of these headphones is more expensive, but they believe that it's worth it. There are other kinds of headphones that are available to those who do not wish to spend too much.