5 Clarifications On How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work
How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?
In comparison to dynamic drivers magnetic headphones with planar design have less distortion. This is because it vibrates the entire diaphragm, not just the portion that connects to the voice coil.
They also have a more spacious soundstage with better instrument separation and distinction capabilities. They leak more, and require isolation to stop disrupting the people nearby.
The diaphragm
The diaphragm plays an essential role in [almost] all sound transducers (headphones and loudspeakers as well as microphones) that move air to produce sound. In headphones, a flat piece is suspended between two magnets and produces an electromagnetic field when activated by audio signals. In a planar magnetic headphone the current of electricity from the source of the headphone is transferred to the diaphragm by a coil. This coil generates a magnetic field that causes the diaphragm to move.
The sound produced is transmitted to your ear through the diaphragm's suspension. It is often made of an artificial material such as neodymium or titanium. This allows the diaphragm to resonate with your ear at different frequencies. Planar magnetic headphones can deliver high SPLs, without sounding distorted.
In addition to being able to reproduce high SPLs as well, planar magnetic headphones provide a more immersive soundstage. This is because the flat diaphragm produces a planar wavefront instead of the spherical-focused wavefront that is found in many dynamic drivers. This means that the headphones provide an enveloping soundstage that is easier to pinpoint.
Another advantage of the planar magnetic headphones is their excellent transient response. This is because they can recreate short-lived peaks in audio signals, such as crashes of cymbals and kick drum strikes. The diaphragm has a large diameter and moves evenly across the surface, which means there's no distortion when peak levels are reached.
However, planar magnetic headphones do have some drawbacks that must be taken into account when selecting a set. One of them is that they are usually much more expensive than their dynamic counterparts. This is mainly due to the design of their motors, which can be quite complex, as well as the history of the brand behind them.
Fortunately, there are great affordable planar magnetic headphones that can be purchased for under $100. In addition to their exceptional performance, these headphones are available in closed-back and open-back styles, so you can choose 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 well-known for their accuracy and precision, offering exceptional detail and clarity across the entire frequency range. This is largely due to their thin, flat diaphragm, which is sandwiched between two arrays magnets. When an electrical signal is transmitted through your audio source, the material that conducts it's windings inside the voice coil are able to interact with the magnetic field, causing the diaphragm to move and produce sound waves.
The planar-type driver benefits from the fact that each vibration happens at the same frequency and is uniform regardless of where the diaphragm lies within the magnetic field. This produces a more consistent and uniform sound with less distortion. It is also easier to listen to. Contrary to this, dynamic drivers tend to create an elongated sound wavefront that's less consistent and can be distracting.
Due to the way they operate they require a stronger amplification system than their dynamic counterparts. They are also heavier and bulkier because they have to accommodate a larger, more flexible diaphragm. They require an external amplifier or DAC for power to them.
Planar magnetic drivers can be more expensive because they are typically made from high-quality components. However, a few specialist HiFi audio headphone companies have started to revive this technology in recent years. Consequently, we're seeing a number of amazing new headphones with planar magnetic drivers that offer an incredible listening experience.
As with everything else in life, the decision between dynamic and planar magnetic headphones is based on the individual's preferences and budget. Planar magnetic headphones are known for their clarity and accuracy and have a larger soundstage than dynamic models. However, they are typically more expensive and many listeners prefer the booming bass and warm sound of dynamic headphones.
In general dynamic driver headphones offer some more slam and punch than those with planar magnetic designs However, the differences are not always noticeable to most listeners. They are also better at clarity and imaging. There are exceptions to the general rule. A variety of excellent planar-magnetic headphones are available at affordable costs.
The magnets
In a typical headphone that has a dynamic driver the electrical impulses generated by your audio source go through a conductory material which interacts with the magnetic fields within the driver. These are used to manipulate the diaphragm's flatness and generate sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones are made up of an extremely thin layer of conductive material sandwiched between powerful magnets. They are more difficult to manufacture and are the reason they're more expensive.
A heavier and bigger design is also a result of the need for more space around drivers. They also require more power to reach their full potential than their dynamic counterparts. This isn't a major issue often but it's something to think about when selecting these headphones.
Although this isn't the case for all headphones. However, many of the best magnetic headphones that are planar will have an airier and more spacious sound than their more dynamic counterparts. They can provide an impression of being in a bigger space, which can be appealing to certain listeners. The soundstage they offer is also a bit larger, which can be helpful when listening to music with others.
The open-back design is a common option for a number of designer headphone brands, including the likes of HiFiMAN and Audeze. They're not as popular as closed-back ones but they're a great way to experience planar magnetic technology. The HiFiMAN Sundara, for example, is a great way to experience the speed, accuracy and detail of these headphones.
The housing
You might have heard of planar magnet headphones if you are an audiophile or if you simply enjoy good music. Read the Full Posting have a unique look, with flat diaphragms that are embedded into the headphone. They are available in over-ear and open-back designs. These headphones are not only unique in appearance, but also work on a different principle than dynamic drivers.
Unlike the traditional moving coil driver that uses a voice coil to produce sound waves Planar magnetic headphones employ magnets that move the diaphragm in a circular motion to generate sound. These arrays can be positioned on either or both sides, depending on the design. The magnets are activated when an electrical signal travels through the voice coil and causes it to vibrate. The vibrations generate magnetic fields that interact with magnets on either side of the diaphragm. The interactions cause the diaphragm to pull and push against the magnetic fields. The audio signal is represented in sound waves.
Planar magnetic headphones can produce a richer sound and have a better bass extension. The big, flat diaphragm reacts much quicker to changes in the input signal, so they respond more quickly to bass response and are less susceptible to distortion. This results in a more precise, more regulated sound that many audiophiles enjoy.
However, while these headphones might be capable of reproducing higher frequencies, they don't have the slam or punch of modern high-end dynamic driver headphones. This means that they may be a little more difficult to listen to for people who are looking to to listen to hard rock or metal music.
Planar magnetic headphones are costly due to their distinctive design. The drivers are powered by an audio converter digital and a separate amplifier. Some people may feel that the price of these headphones is higher, but they believe that it's worth it. There are a variety of headphones for those who do not want to spend too much.