How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?

Compared to dynamic drivers, the planar magnetic headphones have less distortion. This is due to the fact that the whole diaphragm moves rather than just the portion attached to the voice coil.

They also have a wider soundstage with better instrument separation and differentiation capabilities. However, they leak more, requiring isolation to ensure that no one disturbs people who are around you.

The diaphragm

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

The diaphragm suspension is composed of neodymium, titanium, or other synthetic materials. The diaphragm is then able to resonate with your ear using different frequencies. Unlike dynamic drivers, planar magnetic headphones can deliver very high SPLs without sounding distorted or muddy.

Planar magnetic headphones aren't only capable of reproducing high SPLs but also offer an enhanced soundstage. The reason for this is because the diaphragm's flat shape creates an asymmetrical sound wavefront instead of the spherical focused wavefront found in most dynamic drivers. As a result, the headphones provide a more natural soundstage that's more easily to locate.

Another advantage of planar magnetic headphones is their excellent transient response. This is the ability of planar magnetic headphones to reproduce short-lived peaks, like cymbal strikes and kick drum strikes. The large size of the diaphragm as well as the fact that it's able to move in a uniform manner across its surface ensures that there's no distortion at these peaks.

However, planar earphones magnetic headphones have a few drawbacks that must be taken into account when selecting the right set. One of the primary reasons for their higher price is because they are usually more expensive than their dynamic counterparts. This is mainly due to the design of their motors which can be complex, and also the heritage of the company behind them.

Fortunately, there are some fantastic, low-cost planar magnetic headphones that you can purchase at less than $100. In addition to their impressive quality, these headphones are available with closed-back and open-back designs which means you can pick which one fits your preferences best. Audeze LCD-2 Classics and HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition are two of the top headphones available.

The voice coil

Planar magnetic headphones provide exceptional clarity and planar magnetic technology precision across the entire range of frequencies. This is due to the flat, thin diaphragm sandwiched between magnet arrays. When an electrical signal is transmitted by your audio source the conductive material windings within the voice coil are able to interact with the magnetic field, causing the diaphragm to vibrate creating sound waves.

The planar-type driver benefits from the fact that each vibration occurs at the same rate and is uniform regardless of where the diaphragm lies within the magnetic field. This creates a more stable sound quality, with less distortion and an even wavefront that is easier on the ears. Contrary to this dynamic drivers tend to produce a more spherical sound wavefront which is less uniform and could be distracting.

Because of the way they operate they require a stronger amplification system than their dynamic counterparts. They also tend to be heavier and bulkier since they have to accommodate an extra large, flexible diaphragm. They require an external amplifier or DAC in order to drive them.

Planar magnetic drivers can be more expensive because they are typically constructed from high-quality components. In recent years, however, a few HiFi audio headphone makers have revived this older technology. We're now experiencing a variety of stunning new headphones featuring planar magnetic drivers, which provide an incredible listening experience.

As with all things in life, the choice between planar magnetic and dynamic headphones is based on your personal preferences and budget. Planar magnetic headphones are known for their clarity and accuracy and offer a slightly larger soundstage than dynamic models. Dynamic headphones are more expensive but they offer a more powerful bass and a more rounded sounding signature.

In general, dynamic driver headphones have a bit more slam and punch than planar magnetic models However, the differences are not always apparent to the majority of listeners. They are also better at imaging and distinction. There are exceptions to the general rule. Some excellent planar-magnetic headsets can be purchased at very affordable cost.

The magnets

In a headphone that has a dynamic driver, electrical signals from your audio source travels through a coil made of conductive materials that interact with magnetic fields within the driver. These are used to manipulate the diaphragm's flatness and generate sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones on the other hand make use of a thin layer of conductive material sandwiched between two powerful magnets. They're more difficult to produce, which is why they're more expensive.

A heavier and bigger design is also a result of the need for more space around drivers. They also require more power to reach their full potential than their more dynamic counterparts. This isn't a major issue every time, but it's worth considering when choosing these headphones.

It's not the case for all headphones but many of the best planar-magnet headphones have an open, airy sound. They also provide an airy feel that is quite 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 choice for many designer headphone brands, including the likes of HiFiMAN and Audeze. Although they're not as popular as closed-back models, they can be an excellent opportunity to experience the advantages of planar magnetic technology. For instance the HiFiMAN Sundara offers a great introduction to the speed, accuracy and clarity of these headphones at a reasonable price.

The housing

If you're an audiophile or just someone who enjoys good music, it's likely you've heard of the planar magnetic headphones. These headphones have a unique appearance, featuring flat diaphragms that are embedded into the headphone. They are available in both over-ear and open-back designs. These headphones aren't just distinctive in design, but they also work with a different method than dynamic drivers.

Planar magnetic headphones, in contrast to traditional moving coil drivers that use a voice coil to create sound waves, use an array of magnets that move the diaphragm to produce sound. Depending on the configuration, these arrays may be placed on either or both sides of the diaphragm. The magnets are activated by an electrical signal that flows through the voice coil and causes it to vibrate. The vibrations generate magnetic fields that interact with the magnets on either side of the diaphragm. The magnetic fields cause the diaphragms pull and push. The audio signal is represented using sound waves.

This is why planar magnetic headphones typically sound richer and have better bass extension capabilities. The large, flat diaphragm responds faster to changes in the input signal, so they respond more quickly to bass response and are less susceptible to distortion. This gives them an improved, precise audio quality that some audiophiles enjoy.

These headphones are capable of reproducing higher frequencies but lack the slam and punch that modern dynamic driver planar headphones can provide. This means that they may be a bit more difficult to listen to for people who are looking to to listen to hard rock or metal music.

Due to their unique design, planar magnetic headphones are more expensive than other types of headphone. They also require a separate amplifier and digital audio converters to power the drivers. Some consumers may find that the cost of these headphones is higher, but they think that it's worth it. There are other kinds of headphones available for those who don't wish to spend too much.