How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?

Compared to dynamic drivers, magnetic headphones with planar design have less distortion. This is because it vibrates the entire diaphragm, not only the part that is attached to the voice coil.

They also have a wider soundstage with better instrument separation and ability to differentiate. They leak more and require isolation to avoid disturbing those around you.

The diaphragm

The diaphragm is a key function in nearly all transducers of sound (headphones and loudspeakers and microphones) that move air to create sound. In headphones it's a flat piece of diaphragm, suspended between two magnets that produce an electromagnetic field when stimulated by audio signals. In a planar magnetic headphone the current of electricity from the source of the headphone reaches the diaphragm via the coil, which generates an electric force that causes it to vibrate.

The sound is transferred to your ear via the diaphragm's suspension, which is typically made from an artificial material such as titanium or neodymium. The diaphragm will then resonate with your ear using various frequencies. Planar magnetic headphones are able to deliver high SPLs, without sounding distorted.

Planar magnetic headphones aren't only able to reproduce high SPLs but also offer a superior soundstage. This is because the flat diaphragm produces an asymmetrical wavefront, not the spherical focused wavefront found in many dynamic drivers. The headphones create a more natural soundstage, which is more easily to locate.

Another advantage of magnetic headphones that are planar is their excellent transient response. This is due to their ability to recreate peaks that last only a few seconds in audio signals, like crashes of cymbals and kick drum strikes. The large size of the diaphragm and the fact that it's able to move in a uniform manner across its surface means that there's no distortion in these high points.

Planar magnetic headphones come with a few disadvantages to consider when selecting a set. One of the main reasons they are more expensive is that they are typically more expensive than their dynamic counterparts. The main reason is the complexity of the driver and the image of the brand.

There are fortunately fantastic, low-cost planar driver magnetic headphones available at less than $100. In addition to their exceptional quality, these headphones are available in closed-back and open-back styles which means you can pick which one suits your preferences for listening. The HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition and Audeze LCD-2 Classics are some of the top choices available.

The voice coil

Planar magnetic headphones are known for their accuracy and precision providing exceptional detail and clarity across the entire frequency range. This is due to the thin, flat diaphragm that is sandwiched between the arrays of magnets. When an electrical signal from your source of audio is sent through the conductive materials, the windings in the vocal coil react with the magnetic field and cause the dialym to oscillate. This produces sound waves.

The planar-type driver benefits from the fact that each vibration occurs at the same frequency and is consistent, no matter where the diaphragm lies within the magnetic field. This results in an even and consistent sound with less distortion. It is also easier to listen to. In contrast dynamic drivers tend to create more of a spherical soundwavefront that's less consistent and can be distracting.

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

Planar magnetic drivers can be more expensive because they are usually made from high-quality components. However, a few specialist HiFi audio headphone manufacturers have started to revive this older technology in recent years. We're seeing a range of new headphones with planar magnet drivers that offer an excellent listening experience.

As with all things in life, the choice between dynamic and planar magnetic headphones comes down to the individual's preferences and budget. Planar magnetic headphones are known for their clarity and accuracy and have a larger soundstage than dynamic models. However, they're typically more expensive, and a lot of listeners prefer the punchy bass and warm sound of dynamic headphones.

The headphones with a dynamic driver planar tend to have more heft and slam, but this isn't always noticeable by most listeners. They're also better at imaging the structure and differentiation. There are some exceptions to the rule. Some excellent planar-magnetic headsets can be purchased at very affordable costs.

The magnets

In a typical headphone with a dynamic driver, the electrical impulses sent by your audio source go through a conductive material that interacts with the magnetic fields inside the driver. These are used to manipulate the diaphragm's flatness and generate sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones however make use of a thin layer of conductive material that's sandwiched between two powerful magnets. This makes them more complicated to make and is one of the reasons they're usually more expensive than their dynamic counterparts.

A larger and heavier design is also a result of the necessity for more space around drivers. They also require more power to achieve their full potential than their dynamic counterparts. Although this isn't always a issue, it's something to be aware of when looking at these headphones.

While this may not be the case for all headphones. However, many of the best magnetic headphones that are planar will have a more open and airy sound than their dynamic counterparts. They also provide a sense of space that can be very appealing to some listeners. They also offer a larger soundstage, which can be helpful when listening to music together with others.

The open-back design is a favorite option for a variety of boutique headphone brands, including the likes of HiFiMAN and Audeze. They're not as popular as closed-back models but they're a great opportunity to test the benefits of planar magnetic technology. For example, the HiFiMAN Sundara offers a great introduction to the speed, precision and detail of these headphones for a low price.

The housing

If you're an audiophile, or just someone who enjoys good music, chances are you've heard of the planar magnetic headphones. These headphones have a unique look, with flat diaphragms that are embedded into the headphone. They are available in over-ear and open-back designs. In addition to their unique design, these headphones have different working principles when in comparison to dynamic drivers.

Unlike the traditional moving coil driver that uses the voice coil to create sound waves the planar magnetic headphones utilize magnets that move the diaphragm in a circular motion to create sound. Based on the layout, these arrays could be located on one or both sides of the diaphragm. The magnets are activated by an electrical signal that flows through the voice coil, causing it to vibrate. The vibrations create magnetic fields that interact with the magnets on either side of the diaphragm. The interactions cause the diaphragms to push and pull against the magnetic fields. The audio signal is represented by sound waves.

Due to this, the sound of headphones with planar magnetic design is typically more fuller and have better bass extension capabilities. The big, flat diaphragm reacts much quicker to changes in the input signal, which means they respond more quickly to bass response and are less susceptible to distortion. This creates a cleaner, more controlled sound that many audiophiles enjoy.

These headphones are capable of reproducing higher frequencies but lack the punch and slam that modern dynamic driver headphones can provide. They aren't the best choice for how do planar magnetic headphones Work those who prefer to listen to metal or hard rock music.

Planar magnetic headphones are costly because of their unique design. They also require a separate amplifier and digital audio converters to provide power to the drivers. This could result in an increase in cost for some consumers, but many people believe the sound is worth the expense. Whatever the case, it's important remember that there are other headphones that are available for those who don't want spend more than they have to.