How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?

As compared to dynamic drivers, the planar magnetic headphones have less distortion. This is due to the fact that the whole diaphragm vibrates rather than just the portion that is connected to the voice coil.

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

The diaphragm

The diaphragm plays a crucial role in [almost] all transducers of sound (headphones and loudspeakers, as well as microphones) that are used to move air in order to produce sound. In headphones, a flat piece is suspended between two magnets, and generates an electromagnetic field upon activation by audio signals. In a planar headphone, the electric current from the source of the headphone is transmitted to the diaphragm via a coil. This coil generates an electric field that causes the diaphragm's to vibrate.

The diaphragm suspension is made of neodymium, titanium, or other synthetic materials. The diaphragm will then resonate with your ear using various frequencies. Planar magnetic headphones are able to deliver high SPLs, without sounding distortion-free.

In addition to the ability to reproduce high SPLs as well, planar magnetic headphones offer a superior soundstage. This is due to the flat diaphragm produces the planar wavefront rather than the spherical-focused wavefront you find in many dynamic drivers. As a result, the headphones provide an enveloping soundstage that is easier to pinpoint.

Transient response is a further benefit of planar magnet headphones. This is due to the ability of planar magnetic headphones to reproduce peaks that last only a few seconds, like cymbal strikes and kick drum strikes. The huge size of the diaphragm and the fact that it's able to move in a uniform manner across its surface ensures that there's no distortion at these high points.

However, planar magnetic headphones do have some drawbacks that must be taken into account when choosing the best set. For one, they generally cost more than their dynamic counterparts. The main reason for this is the complexity of the drivers and the image of the brand.

There are numerous affordable planar magnet headphones available for less than $100. They are available in both open-back and close-back designs. You can choose the one that best suits your preferences in music. Audeze LCD-2 Classics and planar headphone HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition are two of the best headphones available.

The voice coil

Planar magnetic headphones are renowned for their clarity and detail across the entire range of frequencies. This is largely due to their flat, thin diaphragm which is sandwiched between two arrays of magnets. When an electrical signal is sent from your audio source, the material that conducts it's windings inside the voice coil interact with the magnetic field, causing the diaphragm to move and produce sound waves.

The planar-type driver has the advantage that each vibration occurs at the same speed and is uniform, no matter the location of the diaphragm in the magnetic field. This results in a more uniform sound quality with less distortion and a more uniform wavefront that's easier on the ears. Contrary to this dynamic drivers tend to create an elongated sound wavefront which is less uniform and could be distracting.

Due to the way in which they function they require a more powerful amplifier system than their dynamic counterparts. They are also larger and heavier due to the larger, more flexible membrane. This means that they typically require an external amplifier and DAC to supply enough power to drive them.

Planar magnetic drivers are more expensive due to the fact that they are typically made of top-quality materials. Nevertheless, a few specialized HiFi audio headphone manufacturers have begun to revive this old technology in recent years. As a result, we're witnessing a myriad of new headphones with planar magnetic drivers, which provide an incredible listening experience.

The decision between planar and dynamic headphones is an individual choice based on personal taste and budget. Planar magnetic headphones are renowned for their clarity and accuracy and offer a slightly larger soundstage than dynamic models. However, they're typically more expensive, and many listeners prefer the powerful bass and warm sound signature of dynamic headphones.

Dynamic driver headphones tend to have more punch and slam. However, this isn't often noticed by listeners. They also offer better clarity and imaging. There are exceptions to the general rule. Some excellent planar-magnetic headsets can be purchased at very affordable cost.

The magnets

In a typical headphone with a dynamic driver, the electrical impulses sent by your audio source travel through a coil of conductory 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 utilize an extremely thin layer of conductors sandwiched between powerful magnets. They are more difficult to make and that's why they're more expensive.

A heavier and bigger design is also a result of the need for more space around the drivers. They also consume more power than their counterparts with dynamic drivers, which means they'll require a dedicated headphone amplifier to maximize their performance. Although this isn't always a issue, it's something to be aware of when looking at these headphones.

It's not the case with all headphones, but the top planar magnet headphones have a more open, airy sound. This creates an airy feel that can be very appealing to some listeners. They also offer a larger soundstage, which is helpful when listening to music with others.

A number of boutique headphone brands such as HiFiMAN and Audeze employ the open-back design. Although they're not as well-known as closed-back models, they're an excellent opportunity to experience the advantages of planar magnetic technology. For example, the HiFiMAN Sundara offers a great introduction to the speed, precision and detail of these headphones at an affordable price.

The housing

You might have heard of planar magnet headphones, if you are an audiophile, or even if you just enjoy good music. They have a distinctive design, with a flat diaphragm embedded in the headphone. They are available in both open-back and over-ear designs. These headphones are not only unique in appearance, but also operate with a different method than dynamic drivers.

In contrast to the traditional moving coil driver, which uses a voice coil to generate sound waves the planar magnetic headphones utilize an array of magnets that move the diaphragm back and forth to create sound. Based on the layout, planar headphone these arrays could be situated on both sides of the diaphragm. The magnets are activated when an electrical signal travels through the voice coil, causing it to vibrate. The vibrations generate magnetic fields which interact with the magnets at either side of the diaphragm. The magnetic fields cause the diaphragms push and pull. This creates sound waves that are the audio signal.

This is why planar magnetic headphones typically sound more resonant and offer greater bass extension capabilities. The diaphragm is large and flat. responds faster to changes in input signals, which means they can respond quicker to bass response and are less susceptible to distortion. This results in a more precise and more controlled sound that some audiophiles appreciate.

These headphones can reproduce higher frequencies, but do not have the slam and punch that modern dynamic driver headphones provide. This means that they may be a bit more difficult to listen to for those who are looking to to listen to hard rock or metal music.

Planar magnetic headphones are costly due to their unique design. They also require a specific amplifier and digital audio converters to power the drivers. This can result in an expensive cost increase for some buyers, however many people think the sound quality is worth it. Whatever the case, it's important keep in mind that there are other headphone types available for those who don't want to spend more than they have to.