How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?

In comparison to dynamic drivers planar magnetic headphones have lower distortion. This is because the whole diaphragm is vibrating rather than only the portion that is connected to the voice coil.

They also have a bigger soundstage, and better separation and differentiation capabilities. They leak more, and require isolation to avoid the sound from affecting those nearby.

The diaphragm

The diaphragm plays a crucial part in almost all transducers of sound (headphones and loudspeakers as well as microphones) that move air to create sound. In headphones, a flat piece is suspended between two magnets and creates an electromagnetic field when activated by audio signals. In a planar magnetic headphone the electric current that comes from the source of the headphone reaches the diaphragm by way of an electric coil that creates a magnetic force that causes it to vibrate.

The sound produced is transmitted to your ear via the diaphragm's suspension, which is often made of an artificial material, such as titanium or neodymium. The diaphragm is then able to resonate with your ear using different frequencies. Planar magnetic headphones are able to provide high SPLs without sounding distortion-free.

Planar magnetic headphones aren't only able to reproduce high SPLs but also have the best planar headphones soundstage. The reason for this is because the flat diaphragm creates the sound wavefront in a planar manner, instead of the focused spherical wavefronts that are found in the majority of dynamic drivers. The headphones create a more natural soundstage, which is easier to localize.

Transient response is another benefit of planar magnet headphones. This is the ability of headphones with planar magnetics to reproduce short-lived peaks like cymbal strikes and kick drum hits. The diaphragm is large and moves evenly across the surface, which means there's no distortion once peaks are reached.

However, these headphones have a few drawbacks that should be taken into account when deciding on the right set. One of the primary reasons they are more expensive is that they tend to be much larger than their dynamic counterparts. This is mainly due to the design of their motors which can be complex, and also the heritage of the brand behind them.

There are many affordable planar magnet headphones available for less than $100. In addition to their exceptional quality, these headphones are available with closed-back and How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work open-back designs which means you can pick the one that fits your listening habits best. The HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition and Audeze LCD-2 Classics are some of the top choices on the market.

The voice coil

Planar magnetic headphones are renowned for their clarity and How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work precision across all frequencies. This is due to their thin, flat diaphragm, which is sandwiched between two arrays magnets. When an electrical signal from your source of audio is sent, the conductive materials windings of the vocal coil are able to interact with the magnet field, and cause the dialym to vibrate. This results in sound waves.

The planar-type driver has the advantage that each vibration occurs at the same rate and is uniform regardless of the location of the diaphragm in the magnetic field. This results in a more consistent and uniform sound with less distortion. It is also easier on the ear. Dynamic drivers on the other hand tend to create sound waves that are less uniform and more spherical.

Due to the way in which they function they require a more powerful amplification system than their dynamic counterparts. They are also heavier and bulkier since they require a larger, more flexible diaphragm. As a result, they usually require an external amplifier and DAC to provide sufficient power to power them.

In addition, planar magnetic drivers are much more expensive than their dynamic counterparts since they're usually made of high-end materials. In recent times, however, a few HiFi audio headphone manufacturers have revived this old technology. We're seeing a wide range of new headphones featuring planar magnet drivers that offer an excellent listening experience.

The decision between dynamic and planar headphones is dependent on your personal preferences and budget. Planar magnetic headphones are known for their accuracy and detail, and have a slightly larger soundstage than dynamic models. Dynamic headphones are more expensive, but they have a heftier bass and a warmer sound signature.

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

Magnets

In a typical headphone with a dynamic driver the electrical signals sent by your source of audio travel through a coil of conductory material that interacts with the magnetic fields inside the driver. They are then used to alter the diaphragm's flat shape and generate sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones are made up of an extremely thin layer of conductor material that is sandwiched between powerful magnets. They are more difficult to produce and that's why they're more expensive.

A heavier and larger design is also the 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 all the time but it's something to think about when selecting these headphones.

It's not the case for all headphones but many of the best planar-magnet headphones have a more open, airy sound. This can give them an impression of being in a larger space which appeals to some listeners. The soundstage they provide is also a bit bigger and can be useful when listening to music with other people.

Many boutique headphone brands like HiFiMAN and Audeze employ the open-back design. Although they're not as well-known as closed-back models, they are an excellent way to experience the strengths of planar magnetic technology. The HiFiMAN Sundara, for example is a fantastic way to test the speed, accuracy and clarity of these headphones.

The housing

If you're an audiophile, or simply someone who loves good music, chances are you've heard of magnetic headphones that planar. They sport a unique design, with flat diaphragms that are embedded into the headphone. They are available in both open-back and over-ear designs. These headphones are not only unique in appearance, but also operate using a different mechanism than dynamic drivers.

Planar magnetic headphones, as opposed to traditional moving coil drivers, which use a voice coil to generate sound waves, use an array of magnets to move the diaphragm in order to create sound. These arrays can be positioned on one 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 generate magnetic fields that interact with the magnets at either end of the diaphragm. The magnetic fields cause the diaphragms to push and pull. This results in sound waves that represent the audio signal.

This is why the sound of headphones with planar magnetic design is typically more resonant and offer better bass extension capabilities. The diaphragm is large and flat. responds much faster to changes in the input signal, so they are able to respond quicker to bass response and are less susceptible to distortion. This creates a cleaner and more controlled sound that some audiophiles enjoy.

These headphones can reproduce higher frequencies but lack the slam and punch modern dynamic driver headphones provide. They aren't the best choice for those who prefer to listen to hard or metal rock music.

Because of their distinctive design due to their unique design, planar magnetic headphones are more expensive than other headphone types. The drivers are powered by a digital audio converter and a separate amplifier. This can result in a significant cost increase for some customers, but many believe that the sound quality is worth the expense. There are many other types of headphones available for those who do not want to spend too much.