How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?

In comparison to dynamic drivers planar magnetic headphones have lower distortion. This is due to the fact that they vibrate the entire diaphragm, not just the portion that connects to the voice coil.

They also have a larger soundstage with better instrument separation and differentiation capabilities. However, they do leak a bit more, requiring isolation to avoid disturbing people near you.

The diaphragm

The diaphragm plays a crucial element in nearly every audio transducer (headphones, loudspeakers and microphones comprising) that is used to move air to create sound waves. In headphones, it's a flat piece of diaphragm suspended between two magnets that produce an electromagnetic field when activated by audio signals. In a planar headphone, the electric current generated by a headphone's source is transmitted to the diaphragm through a coil. This coil generates an electromagnetic field that causes the diaphragm to vibrate.

The diaphragm suspension is made of neodymium, titanium, or other artificial materials. This allows the diaphragm to resonate with your ear at various frequency. In contrast to dynamic drivers which are a lot more powerful, planar magnetic headphones provide very high SPLs without sounding distorted or muddy.

Planar magnetic headphones are not 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 wavefronts that are found in the majority of dynamic drivers. This means that the headphones deliver an unnatural soundstage that's more easily to locate.

Another benefit of magnetic headphones that are planar is their outstanding transient response. This is due to their ability to recreate short-lived peaks in audio signals, like crashes of cymbals and kick drum hits. The huge diaphragm's size and the fact that it moves evenly across its surface means that there's no distortion in these peaks.

However, these headphones do have some drawbacks which should be considered when selecting a set. They are usually much more expensive than their dynamic counterparts. The main reason is the complexity of the drivers and the reputation of the brand.

There are many affordable planar magnet headphones available for less than $100. In addition to their exceptional quality, these headphones are available in closed-back and open-back styles, so you can choose which one fits your listening habits best. The HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition and Audeze LCD-2 Classics are some of the best magnetic planar headphones options on the market.

The voice coil

Planar magnetic headphones are known for their precision and accuracy with incredible clarity and detail 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 is transmitted by your audio source the material that conducts it's windings inside the voice coil interact with the magnetic field, causing the diaphragm's surface to vibrate and produce sound waves.

The planar-type driver has the advantage that each vibration happens at the same speed and is uniform, no matter where the diaphragm lies within the magnetic field. This creates a more consistent sound quality with less distortion and How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work an even wavefront that's easier on the ears. Contrary to this, dynamic drivers tend to create more of a spherical soundwavefront that's less uniform and can be distracting.

Planar magnetic drivers due to their working method requires a stronger amplifier system. They are also heavier and bulkier because they have to accommodate the larger, more flexible diaphragm. This means that they typically require an external amplifier and DAC to provide enough power to power them.

Planar magnetic drivers are more expensive since they are typically made of high-quality materials. In recent times, however, some HiFi audio headphone manufacturers have revived this technology. We're now experiencing a variety of stunning new headphones with planar magnetic drivers that provide an amazing listening experience.

As with all things in life, the choice between planar magnetic and dynamic headphones comes down to the individual's preferences and budget. The headphones made of planar magnetic are known for their precision and clarity, and have a slightly larger soundstage than dynamic models. However, they're often more expensive and many listeners prefer the powerful bass and warm sound of dynamic headphones.

In general, dynamic driver headphones have a bit more punch and slam than planar magnetic models however, the differences aren't always noticeable to most listeners. They are also better at imaging and distinction. There are exceptions to the general rule. Some excellent planar-magnetic headsets can be bought at affordable costs.

Magnets

In a headphone that has a dynamic driver, electrical impulses from your source of audio travel through a coil made of conductive material which interacts with magnetic fields within the driver. They are then used to alter the diaphragm's flat surface and create sound waves. planar magnetic loudspeakers magnetic headphones utilize a thin layer of conductive material sandwiched between powerful magnets. This makes them more complex to produce, which is one reason why they're generally more expensive than their dynamic counterparts.

A heavier and larger design is also the result of the necessity for more space around the drivers. They also use more power than their more dynamic counterparts, which means they'll require an amp specifically designed for headphone use to achieve their full potential. Although this isn't always a problem, it's something to be aware of when looking at these headphones.

It's not the case for all headphones, but a lot of the top planar magnet headphones have an airier, more open sound. They also provide a sense of space that can be quite appealing for some listeners. The soundstage they offer is also larger, which can be helpful when listening to music with others.

Many of the top boutique brands in headphone like HiFiMAN and Audeze make use of the open-back design. They're not as well-known as closed-back models however they're a great opportunity to experience planar magnetic technology. For example, the HiFiMAN Sundara offers a great introduction to the speed, precision and clarity of these headphones at an affordable price.

The housing

If you're an audiophile, or just someone who enjoys good music, chances are you've heard of planar magnetic headphones. They have a distinctive look with a flat embedded diaphragm and are available in both over-ear and open-back headphones. Apart from the distinctive design, these headphones also have different working principles when that are different from dynamic drivers.

Planar magnetic headphones, unlike traditional moving coil drivers that use a voice coil to create sound waves, use an array of magnets to move the diaphragm in order to create sound. These arrays can be positioned on either or both sides, depending on the design. The magnets are activated by an electrical signal that travels through the voice coil and causes it to vibrate. The vibrations create magnetic fields that interact with magnets on either side of the diaphragm. The interactions cause the diaphragm to push and pull against the magnetic fields. The audio signal is represented using sound waves.

Planar magnetic headphones can create a deeper sound and a more extended bass. The big, flat diaphragm responds faster to changes in the input signal, meaning they can respond faster to bass response and are less susceptible to distortion. This provides them with an improved, precise sound that audiophiles enjoy.

These headphones are capable of reproducing higher frequencies but lack the punch and slam that modern dynamic driver headphones can provide. As such, they can be a little more difficult to listen to for those who want to use them to listen to metal or hard rock music.

Because of their distinctive design they are more expensive than other headphone models. The drivers are powered by an audio digital converter and a separate amplifier. Some consumers may find that the price of these headphones is more expensive, but they believe they are worth the cost. Regardless, it's important to be aware that there are different headphones available to those who don't wish to spend more than they need to.