A Peek Into The Secrets Of Planar Vs Dynamic
Planar Vs Dynamic Headphones
If you're looking for headphones that have the widest range of sound profiles dynamic drivers are the best way to go. These headphones utilize an electric voice coil and magnetic windings which move forwards and backwards to cause the speaker's diaphragm to vibrate.
This creates a spherical wavefront that accurately represents audio. This can result in distortion at higher volumes.
Cost
Dynamic drivers are simple to make and inexpensive. They are composed of a coil (the voice coil) wrapped around a diaphragm constructed of plastic and placed in a magnetic field. They vibrate according to the electric signals coming from your audio source. Because of this, they require less power to drive them than electrostatic or planar headphones. This makes them more portable and easy to use while you're on the move. Planar magnetic headphones have a more complex motor system and larger diaphragms. These require multiple magnets or larger magnets to move. This means they will be more expensive and are usually heavier and bulkier than their dynamic counterparts. They also require more power to operate and that is the reason headphones that use planar technology require an external amplifier.
Bass Response
Bass response is the most important difference between dynamic and plane headphones. Planar drivers offer more linearity and have better bass extension and less distortion than dynamic headphones. They also provide more precise image and greater clarity. They may not have the same punch and slam as dynamic headphones. This has led to the rise of hybrid IEMs that utilize both kinds of drivers. These IEMs are able to satisfy the various preferences of listeners and offer the best of both worlds.
Dynamic drivers are us ed in headphones to transmit sound vibrations through a coil of wire suspended from the membrane. The magnetic field created by the coil causes the diaphragm of the driver to vibrate, causing the sound that we hear. This can cause distortion at low frequencies due to the diaphragm's movement isn't precise and consistent. It is essential to consider your listening environment and your personal preferences when choosing the best type of headphone for you.
With the emergence of headphones with planar magnetic design distortion has been greatly reduced because the vibrations are more uniform and the diaphragm is not move as much. The flat design of diaphragms allows them to react faster to changes in input signals. This is particularly applicable to high-frequency frequencies. the planar magnetic headsets provide sound that is more accurate and detailed.
Dynamic headphones have a longer history than planar magnetic headphones and are the industry standard for bass response. In the past, headphones with dynamic drivers had a flat frequency response all the way to 20Hz, whereas planar magnetic headphones had a greater roll-off in this range. Technology has advanced, however, many planar headphones now offer a full range of bass response that is comparable to premium open dynamic driver headphones.
The NAN-7 is an example of a top-end planar which delivers a very impressive bass and impact. Its bass is crisp and agile with a superb sub-bass slam. Its ability to provide a strong and authoritative sense of bass presence and authority makes it a perfect choice for orchestral music such as the opening fanfare of Richard Strauss's opera, Aleksandr Solti’s “Alsosprach Zarathustra”. The NAN-7 also stands out for its imaging capabilities.
Soundstage
Typically, headphones with planar designs offer better soundstage. The diaphragm may be larger and move more evenly. This could result in a flat, broad soundwave, which enhances clarity and imaging. This is particularly evident on higher-end headphones like the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Susvara however, it's a trend which is applicable for cheaper alternatives too.
Planar magnetic headphones, as opposed to dynamic drivers, which only vibrate a portion of the diaphragm attached to the voice coil when the electrical signal is applied, have a greater surface area which can be moved. This results in lower distortion even at high volumes. They also have a more transient response. This means they can withstand rapid changes in the input signal.
It is important to remember that planar headphones may still have a narrow soundstage if they're not being properly pushed. A lack of headphone amp power could result in a muddy sound and a "shimmer" effect which can make listening to music less fun.
Dynamic headphones provide a more natural sound because they can better reproduce the frequency response of the original audio recording. The dynamics of the driver are also more realistic and natural than the 'plucked' quality of headphones that are planar. This difference can be compensated by a quality headphone amplifier and some of the more modern headphones, like the Oppo PM-3 and HiFiMAN HE1000SE are more powerful than older counterparts. This is due to the fact that the drivers are more sophisticated and can be controlled by higher-level headphone amplifiers.
Comfort
In recent years, planar magnetic headphones are gaining in popularity. This isn't a surprise because they provide more accurate audio. They are typically heavier and cost more than dynamic headphones. This is due to the fact that they have a larger driver and require more power to evenly move them. This is why they require balanced outputs found on most DAPs and dongles. Also, they tend to leak more sound than dynamic drivers.