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How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?
Planar magnetic headphones are less distortion-free than dynamic drivers. This is due to the fact that the whole diaphragm moves rather than just the portion that is that is connected to the voice coil.
They also have a wider soundstage, and better separation and differentiation capabilities. However, they do leak a bit more, which means you need to isolate yourself to avoid disturbing people who are around you.
The diaphragm
The diaphragm is an essential element in nearly every audio transducer (headphones microphones, loudspeakers, and headphones included) that is used to move air to create sound waves. In headphones, a flat piece is suspended between two magnets and creates an electromagnetic field upon activation by audio signals. In planar magnetic headphones, the electric current from the headphone's source reaches the diaphragm by way of a coil that generates an electric force that causes it to vibrate.
The diaphragm suspension is composed of titanium, neodymium or other artificial materials. This allows the diaphragm to resonate with your ear at different frequencies. In contrast to dynamic drivers which are a lot more powerful, planar magnetic headphones offer very high SPLs, without sounding blurred or muddy.
In addition to being able to reproduce high SPLs as well, planar magnetic headphones provide a better soundstage. This is due to the flat diaphragm creates an asymmetrical wavefront, not the spherical-focused wavefront that is found in many dynamic drivers. The headphones produce a more natural soundstage, which is more easily to locate.
Transient response is another benefit of planar magnet headphones. This is the ability to recreate peaks that last only a few seconds in audio signals, for example the cymbal crash and kick drum strikes. The diaphragm is huge and moves evenly across the surface, ensuring there's no distortion when the peaks are achieved.
Planar magnetic headphones have a few disadvantages that you should consider when selecting a set. One of the primary reasons they are more expensive is that they are typically more expensive than their counterparts with dynamic features. The main reason is the complexity of the drivers as well as the reputation of the brand.
There are many low-cost planar magnet headphones that are available for less than $100. They are available in both open-back and close-back designs. You can pick the one that is most suitable for your personal preferences for listening. The HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition and Audeze LCD-2 Classics are some of the top choices available.
The voice coil
Planar magnetic headphones are renowned for their clarity and detail across the entire range of frequencies. This is largely due to their thin, flat diaphragm which is sandwiched between two arrays of magnets. When an electrical signal is transmitted by your audio source the conductive material windings within the voice coil are able to interact with the magnetic field, causing the diaphragm to vibrate, producing sound waves.
The planar-type driver has the advantage that each vibration occurs at the same frequency and is consistent regardless of the position of the diaphragm within the magnetic field. This results in an even and consistent sound with less distortion. It's also more comfortable to listen to. Contrary to this dynamic drivers tend to create more of a spherical soundwavefront which is less uniform and could be distracting.
Due to the way they operate they require a more powerful amplifier system than their dynamic counterparts. They are also more heavy and bulkier because of their larger, more flexible membrane. They require an external amplifier or DAC to drive them.
Planar magnetic drivers can be more expensive since they are typically constructed of top-quality materials. In recent years, however, a few HiFi audio headphone manufacturers have revived this older technology. We're now seeing a variety of new headphones featuring planar magnet drivers that provide the best listening experience.
The decision between planar and dynamic headphones is dependent on your personal preferences and budget. Planar magnetic headphones offer an enlargement of the soundstage than dynamic ones and are known for their outstanding quality and precision. Dynamic headphones are more expensive, but they have a punchier bass and a warmer sound quality.
Dynamic driver headphones tend to have more heft and slam. However, this difference is not always apparent to the majority of listeners. They are also better at capturing structure and distinction. There are a lot of exceptions to this rule and some great magnetic headphones are available at a very affordable price.
Magnets
In a typical headphones with a dynamic driver, the electrical impulses sent by your audio source go through a coil of conductory material which interacts with the magnetic fields inside the driver. These are used to manipulate the diaphragm's flatness and generate sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones however, use a thin film of conductive material, which is sandwiched between two powerful magnets. This makes them more complex to produce, which is one of the reasons they're often more expensive than their dynamic counterparts.
A heavier and bigger design is also a result of the need for more space around the drivers. They also require more power to reach their full potential than their more dynamic counterparts. Although this isn't a constant issue, it's something you should keep in mind when considering these headphones.
It's not true for all headphones but many of the top planar magnet headphones have an airier, more open sound. They can provide the impression that they are in a larger space, which is appealing to some listeners. The soundstage they offer is also a bit larger and can be useful when listening to music in a group.
Many boutique headphone brands like HiFiMAN and Audeze employ the open-back design. They're not as well-known as closed-back headphones, but they are an excellent way to explore the planar magnetic technology. For example, the HiFiMAN Sundara offers a great introduction to the speed, precision, and detail of these headphones at an affordable cost.
The housing
You may have heard of planar magnet headphones if are an audiophile or if you simply like music. headphonesshop have a distinctive appearance, featuring a flat diaphragm embedded in the headphone. They are available in both over-ear and open-back designs. These headphones aren't just distinctive in design, but they also work with a different method than dynamic drivers.
Planar magnetic headphones, unlike traditional moving coil drivers that use the voice coil to produce sound waves, use an array magnets to move the diaphragm in order to create sound. Based on the design, these arrays can be located on both sides of the diaphragm. The magnets are activated by an electrical signal that passes through the voice coil, causing it to vibrate. The vibrations create magnetic fields that interact with the magnets on either side of the diaphragm. The interactions cause the diaphragm to push and pull against the magnetic fields. This results in sound waves that represent the audio signal.
This is why headphones made of planar magnetics typically sound more fuller and offer superior bass extension capabilities. The large, flat diaphragm responds faster to changes in the input signal, meaning they respond more quickly to bass response and are less susceptible to distortion. This gives them a tighter, more controlled sound that many audiophiles enjoy.
But, even though these headphones might be able to reproduce higher frequencies, they do not have the punch or slam that is found in modern high-end dynamic driver headphones. They can be difficult to hear for those who want to listen to metal or hard rock music.
Planar magnetic headphones are expensive due to their distinctive design. They also require a dedicated amplifier and digital audio converters to power the drivers. Some consumers may find that the price of these headphones is higher, but they think they are worth the cost. There are many other types of headphones available for those who don't want to spend too much.