Planar Vs Dynamic Headphones

If you're looking for headphones that have the widest range of sound profiles dynamic drivers are the way to go. These headphones employ a voice coil and magnetic windings that move forwards and backwards to cause the speaker diaphragm to vibrate.

This creates an spherical wavefront of sound that more accurately depicts audio. However, it can cause distortion at higher volumes.

Cost

Dynamic drivers are simple and affordable to construct. They're basically a coil of wire (the voice coil) wrapped around a plastic diaphragm that's placed inside a magnet and they vibrate in response to the electric signals sent by your audio source. Due to this, they require less power to operate than electrostatic or planar headphones. This means they're more compact and more convenient to use while on the move. The planar headphones, however are more complicated motor systems and large diaphragms that require larger or even multiple magnets to move. They are more expensive and heavier than dynamic headphones. They also consume more power to operate, which is why the majority of headphones that use planar technology require an external amplifier for best results.

Bass Response

One of the main differences between planar and dynamic headphones is the bass response. Planar drivers have greater linearity, more deep bass extension and less distortion when in comparison to dynamic headphones. They also provide a more precise image and clarity. They might not have the same power and slam as the dynamic headphones. This has led to the trend of hybrid IEMs that use two types of drivers. These IEMs are able to satisfy different listening preferences and provide the best of both worlds.

The dynamic drivers that are used in headphones transmit sound vibrations through a coil of wire suspended by diaphragm. The magnetic field of the coil creates a diaphragm to vibrate, planar magnetic iem resulting in the sounds we hear. This can cause distortion at lower frequencies due to the diaphragm movement is not constant and accurate. It is crucial to consider your listening environment and your personal preferences before selecting the right kind of headphone for you.

The distortion of planar headphones has been reduced significantly since the vibrations have been uniformized and the diaphragm is moving less. Additionally the flat shape of the diaphragm enables it to respond more quickly to changes in the input signal. This is especially applicable to high-frequency frequencies. Planar magnetic headphones provide more precise sound and more detail.

Dynamic headphones are a bit older than planar magnetic ones and have been the standard for bass response. Historically, dynamic driver headphones had an unidirectional frequency response all the way down to 20Hz, while Planar magnetic iem magnetic headphones had a greater roll-off in this range. However technology has improved and improved, many planar magnetic closed back headphones headphones now have a full-range bass response that is similar to high-end dynamic driver headphones.

The NAN-7 For instance, it is a top-of-the-line planar magnet that has an impressive sense of bass and impact. Its bass is agile and precise, with a great sub-bass slam. Its ability to create a powerful and authoritative bass ambiance and power makes it the perfect choice for orchestral music, such as the opening fanfare from Richard Strauss's opera, Aleksandr Solti's "Also sprach Zarathustra." The NAN-7 is also remarkable in its imaging capabilities, with an impressive clarity and depth of sound.

Soundstage

Planar headphones usually have a better soundstage. The diaphragm is bigger and is able to move more evenly, which can lead to an extended, flat soundwave which improves clarity and image. This is especially evident on headphones with high-end features, such as the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara. However, it also applies to less expensive alternatives.

Planar magnetic headphones, in contrast to dynamic drivers that only vibrate a part of the diaphragm attached to the voice coil when an electrical signal is applied, have a larger surface area which can be moved. This results in lower distortion even at high volume. They also have a better transient response. This means that they can withstand rapid changes in the input signal.

It is important to remember that headphones with a planar design may have a smaller soundstage if they're not driven properly. Lack of headphone amp power could result in a the bass becoming muddy or a "shimmer" effect, which can make listening to music less enjoyable.

Dynamic headphones have an ethereal sound due to the fact that they are better able to reproduce the frequency response of the original audio recording. The dynamics of the drivers are also more natural and realistic than the 'plucked' sound of headphones that are planar. However, this can be compensated with a good headphone amplifier, and some modern planar headphones have better punch than their older counterparts, such as the Oppo PM-3 or HiFiMAN HE-1000SE. This is because they employ more advanced drivers that can be driven by a higher level of headphone amp.

Comfort

In recent times, magnetic headphones with planar design are gaining in popularity. This isn't a surprise since they produce a more accurate audio. However, they are generally heavier and more expensive than dynamic headphones. This is because they have a bigger driver and need more power to move in a uniform manner. This is why they require balanced outputs, which are common on DAPs and dongles. They also tend to leak sound more than dynamic drivers.