How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?

Planar magnetic headphones are less dispersed than dynamic drivers. This is due to the fact that the entire diaphragm is vibrating rather than only the portion connected to the voice coil.

They also have a wider soundstage, with better separation and differentiation capabilities. However, they leak a bit more, and require isolation to ensure that no one disturbs people near you.

The diaphragm

The diaphragm is a key component of [nearly] every audio transducer (headphones as well as loudspeakers and microphones included) that is used to move air to create sound waves. In headphones it's a flat piece of diaphragm that is suspended between two magnets that produce an electromagnetic field when activated by audio signals. In planar magnetic headphones the current of electricity emanating from the headphone's source is transferred to the diaphragm through an electric coil that creates a magnetic force that causes it to vibrate.

The sound produced is transferred to your ear via the diaphragm's suspended, which is often made of an artificial material such as neodymium or titanium. This allows the diaphragm to resonate with your ear at various frequencies. Planar magnetic headphones are able to provide high SPLs, but without sounding distortion-free.

Planar magnetic headphones are not only capable of reproducing high SPLs, but also provide a superior soundstage. The reason for this is because the diaphragm's flat shape creates the sound wavefront in a planar manner, instead of the spherical focused wavefront found in most dynamic drivers. The headphones produce an acoustic environment that is more natural and are more easily to locate.

The transient response is yet another benefit of planar magnet headphones. This is due to their ability to recreate short-lived peaks in audio signals, for example the cymbal crash and kick drum strikes. The large size of the diaphragm and the fact that it moves evenly across its surface ensures that there is no distortion at these peak frequencies.

However, these headphones have a few drawbacks that should be taken into account when deciding on the right set. They are usually much more expensive than their dynamic counterparts. The main reason is the complexity of the drivers as well as the image of the brand.

Fortunately, there are great affordable planar magnetic headphones that you can purchase for under $100. In addition to their exceptional performance, these headphones come with closed-back and open-back designs, so you can choose which one suits your preferences best. The HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition and Audeze LCD-2 Classics are some of the best options available.

The voice coil

Planar magnetic headphones are renowned for their accuracy and precision with amazing clarity and detail across the entire frequency range. This is due to the flat, thin diaphragm, which is sandwiched between two arrays of magnets. When an electrical signal from your source of audio is transmitted, the conductive materials windings of the vocal coil are able to interact with the magnetic field and cause the dialym to vibrate. This creates sound waves.

The benefit of a planar-type driver is that every vibration is equally distributed and occurs at the same speed regardless of the location where the diaphragm is situated within the magnetic field. This results in an even and consistent sound with less distortion. It is also easier on the ear. 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 due to their design, planar magnetic earbuds planar magnetic drivers require a stronger amplification system than their dynamic counterparts. They are also heavier and bulkier due to the larger flexible membrane. They require an external amplifier or DAC for power to them.

Planar magnetic drivers can be more expensive due to the fact that they are typically made of top-quality materials. In recent times, however, some HiFi audio headphone manufacturers have revived this technology. We're seeing a wide range of new headphones with planar magnet drivers, which provide an outstanding listening experience.

As with everything else in life, the choice between dynamic and planar magnetic headphones is based on personal preference and budget. Planar magnetic headphones are renowned for their accuracy and detail and have a larger soundstage than dynamic models. Dynamic headphones are more expensive, but they have a heftier bass and a warmer sound signature.

In general, dynamic driver headphones have a bit more punch and slam than those with planar magnetic designs however, the differences are not often apparent to most listeners. They also have better clarity and imaging. There are exceptions to the rule. A variety of excellent planar-magnetic headphones are available at affordable costs.

Magnets

In a typical headphone with a dynamic driver, the electrical impulses sent by your audio source go through a coil of conductory material that interacts with the magnetic fields inside the driver. These impulses are then used to manipulate the diaphragm's flat surface and create sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones utilize an extremely thin layer of conductive material sandwiched between powerful magnets. They're more difficult to produce, which is why they're more expensive.

They also tend to be heavier and bigger due to their design which requires more space around the drivers. They also use more power than their more dynamic counterparts and will require a dedicated headphone amplifier to maximize their performance. Although this isn't a constant issue, it's something you should be aware of when thinking about these headphones.

Although this isn't the case for all headphones, many of the top headphones with a planar design will provide an open and airy sound than their more dynamic counterparts. They also provide a sense of space that is quite appealing to certain listeners. They also offer a larger soundstage, which can be helpful when listening to music together with other people.

A number of boutique headphone brands such as HiFiMAN and Audeze use the open-back design. They're not as popular as closed-back headphones but they're a great way to test the benefits of planar magnetic technology. The HiFiMAN Sundara, for example is a fantastic opportunity to experience the speed, accuracy and clarity of these headphones.

The housing

You may have heard of planar magnet headphones if 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 planar Magnetic Earbuds over-ear models. These headphones are not just unique in design but also operate on a different principle than dynamic drivers.

Contrary to the traditional driver, which uses a voice coil to produce sound waves Planar magnetic headphones employ an array of magnets that move the diaphragm in a circular motion to create sound. The arrays can be placed on either or both sides, depending on the design. The magnets are activated by an electrical signal that travels through the voice coil, causing it to vibrate. The vibrations generate magnetic fields which interact with the magnets at either end of the diaphragm. The magnetic fields cause the diaphragms pull and push. This results in sound waves that represent the audio signal.

Planar Magnetic Earbuds magnetic headphones can create a deeper sound and better bass extension. The large, 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 results in a more precise, more controlled sound that some audiophiles appreciate.

These headphones can reproduce higher frequencies, but they lack the slam and punch that modern dynamic driver headphones offer. This means that they may be a bit difficult to listen to for people who wish to to listen to hard rock or metal music.

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