How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?

Planar magnetic headphones are less dispersed than dynamic drivers. This is because it vibrates the entire diaphragm, not only the portion that connects to the voice coil.

They also have a wider soundstage, with better separation of instruments and planar magnetic technology distinction capabilities. They leak more and require isolation to stop the sound from affecting those nearby.

The diaphragm

The diaphragm plays a crucial element in nearly every audio transducer (headphones microphones, loudspeakers, and headphones included) that is used to move air to create sound waves. In headphones it's a flat part of diaphragm suspended between two magnets that create an electromagnetic field when stimulated by audio signals. In a planar magnetic headphone the current of electricity from a headphone's source is transmitted to the diaphragm via a coil. The coil creates an electromagnetic field that causes the diaphragm to vibrate.

The sound is transmitted to your ear via the diaphragm's suspended, which is usually made of an artificial material, such as titanium or neodymium. The diaphragm is then able to resonate with your ear using different frequencies. Planar magnetic headphones can provide high SPLs, but without sounding distorted.

In addition to being able to reproduce high SPLs and high SPLs, planar magnetic headphones also offer a superior soundstage. This is because the flat diaphragm produces the planar wavefront rather than the spherical-focused wavefront you find in many dynamic drivers. The headphones produce an overall soundstage that is more natural, which is easier to localize.

Another benefit of planar magnetic headphones is their exceptional transient response. This is the ability of headphones with planar magnetics to reproduce short-lived peaks like cymbal strikes and kick drum hits. The diaphragm is huge and is evenly distributed across the surface, so there's no distortion once the peaks are achieved.

However, headset planar magnetic headphones do have some disadvantages that should be considered when selecting the best set. One of them is that they are usually much more expensive than their dynamic counterparts. This is mainly due to the design of their motors that can be complex, as well as the pedigree of the brand behind them.

There are a variety of low-cost planar magnet headphones that are available for less than $100. In addition to their exceptional quality, these headphones are available in closed-back and open-back styles and you can pick 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 all frequencies. This is due to the flat, thin diaphragm sandwiched between magnet arrays. 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 creating sound waves.

The benefit of a planar-type driver is that every vibration is equally distributed and occurs at the same rate regardless of the location where the diaphragm is situated within the magnetic field. This results in an even and consistent sound with less distortion. It is also easier to listen to. Dynamic drivers, on the other hand, tend to produce sound waves that are less uniform and more round.

Because of the way they function they require a stronger amplification system than their dynamic counterparts. They are also heavier and bulkier because they must accommodate a larger, more flexible diaphragm. As a result, they usually require an external amplifier and DAC to supply enough power to drive them.

Planar magnetic drivers are more expensive since they are typically constructed of high-quality materials. However, a handful of specialized HiFi audio headphone manufacturers have started to revive this old technology in recent years. We're now seeing a number of amazing new headphones with planar magnetic drivers that offer an exceptional listening experience.

The decision between dynamic and planar headphones is an individual choice based on personal taste and budget. Planar magnetic headphones are known for their precision and clarity, and have a slightly larger soundstage than dynamic models. Dynamic headphones are more expensive but they have a punchier bass and a more rounded sound signature.

Dynamic driver headphones tend to have more power and slam. However, this isn't always noticeable by most listeners. They are also better at capturing structure and distinguishing. There are a lot of exceptions to this rule, and some of the best planar-magnetic headphones come in at a price that is very affordable.

Magnets

In a typical headphone with a dynamic driver the electrical impulses generated by your source of audio travel through a conductory material that interacts with the magnetic fields within the driver. These are used to bend the diaphragm's shape and produce sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones on the other hand make use of a thin layer of conductive material, which is sandwiched between two powerful magnets. This makes them a bit more difficult to manufacture, which is one reason why they're generally more expensive than their dynamic counterparts.

They also tend to be heavier and bigger due to their design, which requires more space around the drivers. They also require more power to achieve their full potential than their more dynamic counterparts. This isn't a problem all the time however it's something to consider when selecting the right headphones.

While this may not be the case for all headphones. However, many of the top headphones with a planar design will provide a more open and airy sound than their dynamic counterparts. This gives them a sense of space that is quite appealing to certain listeners. The soundstage they offer is also a bit larger and can be useful when listening to music in a group.

Many of the top boutique brands in headphone like HiFiMAN and Audeze use the open-back design. They're not as popular as closed-back headphones but they're a great way to explore the planar magnetic technology. The HiFiMAN Sundara, for example, is a great opportunity to feel the speed, precision and detail of these headphones.

The housing

If you're an audiophile, or simply someone who loves music, odds are you've heard of planar magnetic headphones. They sport a distinct look with a flat diaphragm embedded, which can be found in both open-back and over-ear headphones. These headphones are not just distinctive in design, but they also operate with a different method than dynamic drivers.

Contrary to the traditional driver that relies on a voice coil to produce sound waves, planar magnetic headphones use magnets that move the diaphragm back and planar magnetic technology forth to generate sound. Based on the layout, these arrays could be placed on one or both sides of the diaphragm. The magnets are activated when an electrical signal travels through the voice coil and causes it to vibrate. The vibrations create magnetic fields that interact with magnets on the opposite side of the diaphragm. The magnetic fields cause the diaphragms pull and push. This results in sound waves that represent the audio signal.

Planar magnetic headphones are able to create a deeper sound and have a better bass extension. The diaphragm is large and flat. responds more quickly to changes in input signals, which means they can respond quicker to bass response, and are less susceptible to distortion. This gives them a tighter, more controlled sound that many audiophiles love.

These headphones are capable of reproducing higher frequencies, but they lack the punch and slam that modern dynamic driver headphones provide. They aren't the best choice to for those who wish to listen to hard or metal rock music.

Planar magnetic headphones are costly due to their unique design. The drivers are powered by an audio digital converter and a separate amplifier. This could result in an increase in cost for some buyers, however many people believe the sound quality is worth the cost. Whatever the case, it's important remember that there are other headphones available to those who don't want pay more than they have to.