How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?

Planar magnetic headphones are less distorted than dynamic drivers. This is because it vibrates the whole diaphragm and not just the part attached the voice coil.

They also have a more spacious soundstage and better separation of instruments and differentiation capabilities. They do leak more and require isolation to avoid disturbing those who are around you.

The diaphragm

The diaphragm is a key element in nearly every sound transducer (headphones microphones, loudspeakers, and headphones included) that moves air to produce sound waves. In headphones the diaphragm is suspended between two magnets and creates an electromagnetic field upon activation by audio signals. In planar magnetic headphones the electric current that comes from the source of the headphone reaches the diaphragm through the coil, which generates magnetic force, which causes it to vibrate.

The sound generated is transmitted to your ear via the diaphragm's suspension, which 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, but without sounding distorted.

Planar magnetic headphones are not only capable of reproducing high SPLs but also offer an enhanced soundstage. The reason for this is because the flat diaphragm creates an asymmetrical sound wavefront instead of the spherical focused wavefronts that are found in the majority of dynamic drivers. This means that the headphones deliver a more natural soundstage that's easier to pinpoint.

Transient response is a further benefit of planar magnet planars headphones. This is due to their ability to recreate peaks that last only a few seconds in audio signals, such as crashes of cymbals and kick drum strikes. The diaphragm has a large diameter and stretches evenly across the surface, which means there is no distortion when peaks are reached.

However, the planar magnetic headphones have a few drawbacks that should be considered when selecting the best set. One of the main reasons they are more expensive is that they tend to be 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 history of the company behind them.

There are a variety of budget-friendly planar magnets available for less than $100. These headphones are available in close-back and open-back styles. You can choose the one that is most suitable for your personal preferences for listening. The HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition and Audeze LCD-2 Classics are some of the top options available.

The voice coil

Planar magnetic headphones offer exceptional clarity and precision across all frequencies. This is mostly due to their flat, thin diaphragm which is sandwiched between two arrays magnets. When an electrical signal from your source of audio is sent, the conductive materials windings in the vocal coil react with the magnetic field and cause the dialyms to vibrate. This produces sound waves.

The planar-type driver has the advantage that each vibration occurs at the same speed and is consistent, no matter the position of the diaphragm within the magnetic field. This results in a more consistent and uniform sound with less distortion. It is also easier for the ear. Dynamic drivers on the other hand, tend to produce sound waves that are less uniform and more circular.

Planar magnetic drivers, due to the way they work requires a stronger amplifying system. They are also heavier and bulkier due to the larger, more flexible membrane. They require an external amplifier or DAC for power to them.

Additionally, planar magnetic drivers are much more expensive than their dynamic counterparts since they are typically constructed from top-quality materials. In recent years, however some HiFi audio headphone makers have revived this old technology. As a result, we're experiencing a variety of stunning new headphones that feature planar magnetic drivers that offer an incredible listening experience.

The choice between dynamic and planar headphones is an individual choice based on personal taste and budget. Planar magnetic headphones are renowned for their accuracy and detail, and have a slightly larger soundstage than dynamic models. However, they're typically more expensive, and a lot of listeners prefer the powerful bass and warm sound signature of dynamic headphones.

In general dynamic driver headphones offer a bit more punch and slam than planar magnetic models however, the differences are not always apparent to the majority of listeners. They are also better at capturing structure and distinguishing. However, there are plenty of exceptions to this, and some of the best magnetic headphones are available at a very affordable price.

The magnets

In a typical headphone with a dynamic driver, the electrical impulses sent by your audio source travel through a conductory material which interacts with the 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. This makes them more complex to produce which is one of the reasons they're generally more expensive than their dynamic counterparts.

They are also bigger and heavier because of their design which means they require more space around the drivers. They also require more power to achieve their full potential than their more dynamic counterparts. This isn't a major issue all the time but it's something to think about when selecting these headphones.

While it's not true for all headphones. However, many of the top planar magnetic headphones will offer an open and airy sound than their dynamic counterparts. This gives them a sense that they are in a larger space which is appealing to some listeners. They also provide a wider soundstage, which is useful when listening to music together with others.

The open-back design is a common option for a variety of small-scale headphone brands, such as the likes of HiFiMAN and how do planar magnetic headphones work Audeze. They're not as popular as closed-back planar magnetic headphones headphones however they're an excellent way to explore the planar magnetic technology. For example, the HiFiMAN Sundara offers a great introduction to the speed, precision, and detail of these headphones for a low cost.

The housing

You may have heard of planar magnet headphones if are an audiophile, or if you simply like good music. They have a distinctive appearance, featuring an elongated diaphragm that is embedded within the headphone. They are available in both open-back and over-ear designs. These headphones are not just distinctive in design, but they also operate using a different mechanism than dynamic drivers.

Contrary to the traditional driver that uses a voice coil to generate sound waves, planar magnetic headphones use magnets that move the diaphragm back and forth in order to generate sound. Depending on the design, these arrays can 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 generate magnetic fields which interact with magnets on either end of the diaphragm. The interactions cause the diaphragms pull and push against the magnetic fields. The audio signal is represented using sound waves.

This is why the sound of headphones with planar magnetic design is typically more resonant and have greater bass extension capabilities. The diaphragm is large and flat. responds faster to changes in the input signals, and they are able to respond faster to bass response, and are less susceptible to distortion. This results in a more precise, tight sound quality that some audiophiles find appealing.

Although these headphones may be capable of reproducing higher frequencies, they don't have the punch or slam that is found in modern high-end dynamic driver headphones. As such, they can be a little more difficult to listen to by those who wish to to listen to metal or hard rock music.

Due to their distinctive design they are more expensive than other headphone types. They also require a dedicated amplifier and digital audio converters to supply the drivers with power. This could result in an increase in cost for some buyers, however many believe that the sound quality is worth the cost. Regardless, it's important to remember that there are other headphone types available for those who don't want to spend more than they have to.