Planar Magnetic Vs Dynamic Driver Headphones

The majority of headphones and IEMs feature a dynamic driver, which makes use of a cone that moves between two directions to create sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones are more expensive and have a flat diaphragm, but offer a clearer picture.

They might not be suitable as portable devices since they require more power. The term 'punch' or slam, comes from this. For those who are audiophiles, they're a step down.

The Basics

Planar Magnetic Drivers have become an essential feature in headphones due to their clear sound and high-quality. Although they're not as well-known as dynamic driver headphones but you can find a few of the top Planar Magnetic Headphones from big-name brands like Audeze or Oppo. Planar Magnetic Headphones work on a slightly different principle than traditional dynamic driver headphones because they don't use a moving voice coil to generate vibrations in the diaphragm. Instead, the part of the driver that is charged is spread across the flat surface, allowing for more uniform motion.

A less complex mechanism makes the planar magnet driver more efficient in producing soundwaves. This can translate into better distortion levels, a more accurate response to transients in music, and an overall more natural soundstage.

There are many benefits to choosing headphones with a planar magnet drive. However, you should be aware of a few limitations. First, be aware that these types of headphones typically leak more sound than regular open-back dynamic models. This is due to the fact that the flat diaphragm of the planar magnetic headphones will push sound in both directions, meaning that sound waves will leak out of the ear cups and into your surroundings. If you are planning to use your headphones in a public area or at work it is something you should consider.

Another issue is that planar magnetic headphones often require more power to achieve their full potential than other types of headphone. They require more energy to uniformly move their large diaphragms and thin diaphragms. consequently, they tend to be somewhat larger and heavier. This is a problem if you want to keep your headphones lightweight and portable.

In addition, planar headphones can sometimes lack the slam and punch many listeners prefer. This is because the flat diaphragm doesn't vibrate in the same way as traditional headphones and isn't able to be 'plucked' as some listeners might wish. But, this isn't a universally held opinion and planar magnetic there are a few premium planar magnetic headphones (like the HiFiMAN Sundara) that are excellent at image distribution and punch.

If you're willing to overlook these concerns, and are looking to invest in a pair of headphones that have a unique soundstage and unsurpassed clarity and sound quality, then these headphones are definitely worth considering. Make sure you consider the additional cost and power requirements, as well as their weight and size before making a purchase. The good news is that there are several exceptional planar magnetic headphones at reasonable prices, such as the renowned HiFiMAN Sundara. This gives you a taste of what these headphones can do without spending a fortune.

Benefits

There are a variety of great headphones that feature dynamic drivers. However, the top headphones in a variety of price points use planar magnetic technology. These headphones are typically more expensive than their counterparts with dynamic drivers, but also offer superior performance, with the wide soundstage and immersive listening experience.

Planar magnetic headphones employ two or more magnets suspended near the flat surface of a driver, and a conductor track on the diaphragm that creates vibrations. When electrical signals pass through these wires, they induce an electric field that interacts with the magnets, causing them to vibrate. The force generated is evenly distributed across the entire surface of diaphragm. This doesn't cause distortion as dynamic headphones do.

Because of the way these headphones are constructed they have a bigger soundstage than the dynamic models and provide much better transient response which means they can handle rapid changes in audio with greater accuracy. They also have lower resonance and a flatter frequency response, making them more accurate in the bass area than dynamic models and delivering an even, fuller sound.

Planar headphones are more accurate and have an edgier sound. This makes them more appealing to audiophiles. This is evident in the clarity of their sound and how they reproduce the stereo balance and position of instruments. This is especially true for closed-back planar magnetic headphones models like the HiFiMAN Sundara that provide a more spacious and realistic soundstage.

These headphones are also less likely to break up in the event that forces exerted on the diaphragm weaken the structure of the diaphragm and cause different points to become out of sync. This issue can result from inadequate design or manufacturing and is one of the primary reasons why these headphones are considered the most reliable choice.

However, this kind of headphone has some disadvantages. It requires a large amount of power to run it. They are often bulky and heavy, which makes them less mobile than their dynamic counterparts. They also tend to leak more sound. This means you'll require a quiet environment to listen to these headphones without disturbing other people. The latest models have improved seals and noise-isolation to reduce this issue. This is why it's difficult to give a definitive answer as to whether or whether planar magnetic headphones are truly superior to dynamic ones. It really depends on your preferences and what you want from your audio experience.