How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?
Planar magnetic headphones are less distortion-free than dynamic drivers. This is because the whole diaphragm moves rather than just the portion connected to the voice coil.
They also have a larger soundstage, which is better separated and differentiation capabilities. However, they leak more, requiring isolation to keep from disturbing those who are around you.
The diaphragm
The diaphragm is a key part in almost all sound transducers (headphones and loudspeakers as well as microphones) that move air to produce sound. In headphones it's a flat piece of diaphragm suspended between two magnets that create an electromagnetic field when activated by audio signals. In a planar magnetic headphone, the electric current from the headphone's source reaches the diaphragm by way of the coil, which generates magnetic force, which 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 various frequency. Planar magnetic headphones are able to deliver high SPLs, without sounding like they are distorted.
Planar magnetic headphones are not only capable of reproducing high SPLs, but also provide an enhanced soundstage. This is due to the flat diaphragm creates a planar wavefront instead of the spherical focused wavefront found in many dynamic drivers. In turn, the headphones provide an unnatural soundstage that's easier to pinpoint.
Another benefit of magnetic headphones that are planar is their excellent transient response. This is the ability of headphones with planar magnetics to reproduce short-lived peaks, such as cymbal hits and kick drum strikes. The diaphragm is large and stretches evenly across the surface, ensuring there's no distortion once the peaks are achieved.
Planar magnetic headphones come with a few disadvantages you should take into account when choosing a pair. One of the main reasons why they cost more is that they are typically much larger than their counterparts with dynamic features. The primary reason is the complexity of the drivers as well as the image of the brand.
There are fortunately fantastic, low-cost planar magnetic headphones that can be purchased at less than $100. In addition to their impressive performance, these headphones come in closed-back and open-back styles and you can pick the one that fits your preferences best. The HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition and Audeze LCD-2 Classics are some of the top choices available.
The voice coil
Planar magnetic headphones offer exceptional clarity and detail across all frequencies. This is due to the thin, flat diaphragm, which is sandwiched between two arrays of magnets. When an electrical signal from your source of audio is sent to the vocal coil, the conductive materials that wind the vocal coil react with the magnet field and cause the dialym to vibrate. This produces sound waves.
The advantage of the planar-type driver is that every vibration is evenly distributed and at the same speed regardless of the location where the diaphragm is placed within the magnetic field. This creates a more consistent sound quality with less distortion and a more uniform wavefront that is easier on the ears. Dynamic drivers however, tend to produce sound waves that are less uniform and more spherical.
Because of the way they operate, planar magnetic drivers require a more powerful amplifier system than their dynamic counterparts. They are also more heavy and bulkier because of their larger flexible membrane. They require an external amplifier or DAC to drive them.
Additionally, planar magnetic drivers are more expensive than their dynamic counterparts due to the fact that they're usually made of high-end materials. In recent years, however some HiFi audio headphone makers have revived this old technology. We're now experiencing a variety of stunning new headphones with planar magnetic drivers that provide an amazing listening experience.
The decision between dynamic and planar headphones is an individual choice based on personal taste and budget. Planar magnetic headphones are renowned for their precision and clarity and offer a slightly larger soundstage than dynamic models. However, they are typically more expensive, and a lot of listeners prefer the punchy bass and warm sound signature of dynamic headphones.
In general dynamic driver headphones generally have some more punch and slam than the planar magnetic ones however, the differences aren't always noticeable to most listeners. They also have better imaging and distinction. There are some exceptions to the rule. A variety of excellent planar-magnetic headphones can be bought at affordable costs.
Magnets
In a headphone that has a dynamic driver, electrical impulses from your audio source travels through a coil of conductive material which interacts with magnetic fields within the driver. They are used to make the diaphragm's flatness and generate sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones however, use a thin film of conductive material that's sandwiched between two powerful magnets. They're more difficult to manufacture and are the reason they're more expensive.
They also tend to be heavier and larger 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. This isn't a problem all the time however it's something to consider when selecting these headphones.
Although this isn't the case for all headphones. However, many of the top magnetic headphones that are planar will have a more open and airy sound than their more dynamic counterparts. This gives them a sense that they are in a larger space which appeals to some listeners. The soundstage they offer is also a bit larger, which can be helpful when listening to music with others.
A number of boutique headphone brands such as HiFiMAN and Audeze make use of the open-back design. While they're not as common as closed-back models, they're an excellent opportunity to experience the benefits of planar magnetic technology. The HiFiMAN Sundara, for example, is a great way to feel the speed, precision and detail of these headphones.
The housing
You may have heard of planar magnet headphones if you are an audiophile or if you simply like good music. They have a distinct appearance with a flat-embedded diaphragm that can be found in both open-back and over-ear headphones. These headphones are not only unique in design but also work with a different method than dynamic drivers.
In contrast to the traditional moving coil driver that relies on the voice coil to create sound waves the planar magnetic headphones utilize an array of magnets that move the diaphragm back and forth to generate sound. mouse click the next page can be placed on either or both sides, depending on the design. The magnets are activated when an electrical signal passes through the voice coil, causing it to vibrate. The vibrations generate magnetic fields that interact with magnets on either side of the diaphragm. The interactions cause the diaphragms to push and pull against the magnetic fields. This results in sound waves which are the audio signal.
Planar magnetic headphones are able to produce a richer sound and a more extended bass. The big, flat diaphragm reacts much quicker to changes in the input signal, which means they respond more quickly to bass response and are less susceptible to distortion. This provides them with a more controlled, tight sound that audiophiles like.
But, even though 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 by those who wish to use them to listen to hard rock or metal music.
Because of their unique design they are more expensive than other types of headphone. The drivers are powered by an audio converter digital and a specialized amplifier. This can add up to a significant cost increase for some consumers, but many people believe the sound is worth the expense. Whatever the case, it's important be aware that there are different headphone types available for those who don't wish to spend more than they have to.