How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?

Planar magnetic headphones are less dispersed than dynamic drivers. This is due to the fact that they vibrate the entire diaphragm, not only the part attached the voice coil.

They also have a more spacious soundstage, with better separation of instruments and distinction capabilities. However, they leak more, and require isolation to avoid disturbing people near 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 produces an electromagnetic field upon activation by audio signals. In planar headphones the current of electricity from the source of the headphone reaches the diaphragm via a coil that generates an electric force that causes it to vibrate.

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

In addition to being able to reproduce high SPLs and high SPLs, planar magnetic headphones also offer a superior soundstage. This is due to the flat diaphragm produces the planar wavefront rather than the spherical-focused wavefront that is found in many dynamic drivers. The headphones produce an acoustic environment that is more natural and are easier to localize.

The transient response is yet another benefit of planar magnet headphones. This is due to the capability of headphones with planar magnetics to reproduce short-lived peaks, like cymbal smacks and kick drum strikes. The diaphragm is huge and stretches evenly across the surface, which means there is no distortion when the peaks are achieved.

However, these headphones have a few drawbacks that should be considered when selecting the right set. They tend to be more expensive than their dynamic counterparts. The primary reason is the complexity of the drivers and the image of the brand.

There are a variety of budget-friendly planar magnets that cost less than $100. In addition to their exceptional performance, these headphones are available in closed-back and open-back styles and you can pick the one that 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 are renowned for their clarity and detail across all frequencies. This is largely due to their flat, thin diaphragm which is sandwiched between two arrays of magnets. When an electrical signal from your audio source is transmitted to the vocal coil, the conductive materials windings in the vocal coil are able to interact with the magnet field and cause the dialym to oscillate. This produces sound waves.

The advantage of the planar-type driver is that each vibration occurs evenly and at the same rate, regardless of where the diaphragm's situated within the magnetic field. This results in a more consistent and uniform sound with less distortion. It's also easier for the ear. Dynamic drivers on the other hand, tend to produce sound waves that are less uniform and more circular.

Because of the way they operate they require a more powerful amplification system than their dynamic counterparts. They are also larger and heavier because they must accommodate a larger, more flexible diaphragm. They require an external amplifier or DAC to drive them.

Planar magnetic drivers are more expensive since they are usually made of top-quality materials. However, a handful of specialized HiFi audio headphone manufacturers have started to revive this older technology in recent years. We're now seeing a variety of new headphones that have planar magnet drivers, which provide the best listening experience.

The choice between dynamic and planar headphones is an individual choice based on personal taste and budget. Planar magnetic headphones offer a slightly more spacious soundstage than dynamic models and are known for their exceptional clarity and precision. Dynamic headphones are more expensive, How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work however they have a punchier bass and a more rounded sounding signature.

In general, dynamic driver headphones have a little more punch and slam than planar earphones magnetic models however, the differences are not often apparent to most listeners. They are also better at imaging and distinction. There are some exceptions to the rule. A variety of excellent planar-magnetic headphones can be bought at affordable prices.

Magnets

In a headphone with dynamic driver, electrical impulses from your audio source travels through a coil made of conductive materials that interact with magnetic fields within the driver. They are then used to alter the flat diaphragm and create sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones are made up of an extremely thin layer of conductors sandwiched between powerful magnets. They're more difficult to make and that's 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 require more power to reach their full potential than their dynamic counterparts. Although this isn't always a problem, it's something to be aware of when thinking about these headphones.

While it's not true for all headphones. However, many of the best magnetic headphones that are planar will have a more open and airy sound than their more dynamic counterparts. This can give them an impression of being in a bigger space, which appeals to some listeners. The soundstage they offer is also a bit bigger, which can be helpful when listening to music with others.

The open-back design is a favorite option for a number of small-scale headphone brands, such as 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. The HiFiMAN Sundara, for example, is a great way to experience the speed, accuracy and clarity of these headphones.

The housing

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

In contrast to the traditional moving coil driver, which uses a voice coil to generate sound waves the planar magnetic headphones utilize magnets that move the diaphragm back and forth in order to generate 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 the magnets at either side of the diaphragm. The magnetic fields cause the diaphragms to pull and push. This results in sound waves which are the audio signal.

This is why headphones made of planar magnetics typically sound more fuller and have greater bass extension capabilities. The large, flat diaphragm responds more quickly to changes in input signals, and they can respond faster to bass response, and are less prone to distortion. This gives them a more controlled, tight audio quality that some audiophiles find appealing.

However, while these headphones might be able to reproduce higher frequencies, they do not have the punch or slam of modern high-end dynamic driver headphones. Therefore, they may be a bit difficult to listen to for people who want to use them to listen to metal or hard rock music.

Due to their unique design they are more expensive than other headphone models. The drivers are powered by an audio digital converter and a dedicated amplifier. Some people might find that the cost of these headphones is more expensive, but they believe it's 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 need to.