How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?
Planar magnetic headphones are less distortion-free than dynamic drivers. This is due to the fact that the entire diaphragm vibrates rather than just the portion that is connected to the voice coil.
They also have a wider soundstage, with better separation and differentiate capabilities. However, they do leak a little more, and require isolation to keep from disturbing those around you.
The diaphragm
The diaphragm is a key function in nearly all sound transducers (headphones and loudspeakers as well as microphones) that are used to move air in order to produce sound. In headphones the diaphragm is suspended between two magnets, and generates an electromagnetic field when activated by audio signals. In planar magnetic headphone, the current of electricity from a headphone's source is transmitted to the diaphragm through a coil. This coil generates a magnetic field that causes the diaphragm's to vibrate.
The sound is transmitted to your ear through the diaphragm's suspension. It is often made of an artificial material like neodymium or titanium. This allows the diaphragm to resonate with your ear at various frequency. Planar magnetic headphones can provide high SPLs without sounding distorted.
In addition to the ability to reproduce high SPLs as well, planar magnetic headphones offer a superior soundstage. This is due to the flat diaphragm generates an asymmetrical wavefront, not the spherical-focused wavefront you find in many dynamic drivers. As a result, the headphones provide an unnatural soundstage that's easier to pinpoint.
Transient response is another benefit of using planar magnet headphones. This is due to the ability of headphones with planar magnetics to reproduce peaks that last only a few seconds, like cymbal strikes and kick drum hits. The diaphragm is large and is evenly distributed across the surface, so there is no distortion when peak levels are reached.
However, the planar magnetic headphones do have some drawbacks that should be considered when selecting the right set. One of the main reasons why they cost more is because they are usually much larger than their counterparts with dynamic features. The main reason is the complexity of the drivers as well as the reputation of the brand.
There are many low-cost planar magnet headphones that are available for less than $100. In addition to their impressive quality, these headphones are available with closed-back and open-back designs and you can pick which one fits your preferences for listening. The HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition and Audeze LCD-2 Classics are some of the top choices on the market.
The voice coil
Planar magnetic headphones are well-known for their precision and accuracy, offering amazing clarity and detail across the entire frequency range. This is due in large part to the flat, thin diaphragm sandwiched between magnet arrays. When an electrical signal from your source of audio is transmitted through the conductive materials, the that wind the vocal coil are able to interact with the magnet field, and cause the dialym to vibrate. This results in sound waves.
The planar-type driver benefits from the fact that each vibration happens at the same rate and is consistent regardless of the location of the diaphragm in the magnetic field. This ensures a stable sound quality, with less distortion and an overall wavefront that's easier on the ears. Contrary to this, dynamic drivers tend to create more of a spherical soundwavefront that's less consistent and can be distracting.
Planar magnetic drivers due to the way they work require a more powerful amplifier system. They are also heavier and bulkier since they require an extra large, flexible diaphragm. They require an external amplifier or DAC to drive them.
Planar magnetic drivers can be more expensive because they are typically made of high-quality materials. However, a handful of specialized HiFi audio headphone companies have begun to revive this old technology in recent years. We're now seeing a variety of new headphones with planar magnet drivers that provide the best listening experience.
As with everything else in life, the decision between dynamic and planar magnetic headphones is based on your personal preferences and budget. The headphones with a magnetic design have a somewhat larger sound stage than dynamic models, and are known for their exceptional quality and precision. Dynamic headphones are more expensive, but they have a heftier bass and a warmer sounding signature.
The headphones that are made for dynamic drivers tend to have more punch and slam. However, this difference is not often noticed by listeners. They are also better at capturing structure and distinguishing. There are exceptions to the rule. The best planar-magnetic headsets can be purchased at very affordable prices.
The magnets
In a headphone with dynamic driver, electrical impulses generated by your source of audio travel through a coil composed of conductive materials that interact with magnetic fields inside the driver. They are then used to alter the diaphragm's flat surface and create sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones on the other hand are made up of a thin sheet of conductive material, which is sandwiched between two powerful magnets. They're more difficult to manufacture, 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 require more power to reach their full potential than their dynamic counterparts. While this isn't always a issue, it's something you should keep in mind when considering these headphones.
Although this isn't the case for all headphones, a lot of the best magnetic headphones that are planar will have an open and airy sound than their more dynamic counterparts. This creates the impression of space, which is quite appealing to certain listeners. The soundstage they offer is also a bit bigger, which can be helpful when listening to music in a group.
Many boutique headphone brands like HiFiMAN and Audeze use the open-back design. Although they're not as well-known as closed-back models, they are an excellent way to experience the strengths of planar magnetic technology. The HiFiMAN Sundara, for example is a great opportunity to test the speed, accuracy and clarity of these headphones.
The housing
If you're an audiophile or just a person who enjoys music, odds are you've heard of planar magnetic headphones. These headphones have a unique appearance, featuring a flat diaphragm embedded in the headphone. They are available in over-ear and open-back designs. In addition to the unique design, these headphones also use different working principles compared to dynamic drivers.
Planar magnetic headphones, as opposed to traditional moving coil drivers that use a voice coil to generate sound waves, employ array of magnets to move the diaphragm in order to create sound. The arrays can be placed on either or both sides, depending on the design. The magnets are activated by an electrical signal that flows through the voice coil, causing it to vibrate. company website generate magnetic fields which interact with the magnets at the opposite side of the diaphragm. The magnetic fields cause the diaphragms pull and push. This creates sound waves that are the audio signal.
This is why the sound of headphones with planar magnetic design is typically more resonant and have better bass extension capabilities. The big, flat diaphragm responds much faster to changes in the input signal, which means they can respond faster to bass response and are less prone to distortion. This creates a cleaner, more regulated sound that many audiophiles love.
However, while these headphones might be able to reproduce higher frequencies, they lack the punch or slam of modern high-end dynamic driver headphones. They aren't the best choice for those who prefer to listen to hard rock music.
Planar magnetic headphones are costly because of their unique design. They also require a dedicated amplifier and digital audio converter to provide power to the drivers. Some consumers may find that the price of these headphones is more expensive, but they believe that it's worth it. Regardless, it's important to remember that there are other headphones available to those who don't wish to spend more than they need to.