How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?

As compared to dynamic drivers, planar magnetic headphones have lower distortion. This is because it vibrates the entire diaphragm, not only the portion that connects to the voice coil.

They also have a wider soundstage with better instrument separation and differentiation capabilities. However, they leak a little more, which means you need to isolate yourself to ensure that no one disturbs people who are around you.

The diaphragm

The diaphragm plays a crucial role in [almost] all sound transducers (headphones and loudspeakers as well as microphones) that move air to produce sound. In headphones the diaphragm is suspended between two magnets and produces an electromagnetic field when activated by audio signals. In a planar headphone, the electric current from a headphone's source is transmitted to the diaphragm via a coil. This coil generates an electromagnetic field that causes the diaphragm to move.

The sound produced is transmitted to your ear through the diaphragm's suspension, which is often made of an artificial material like neodymium or titanium. This allows the diaphragm to resonate with your ear at different frequencies. Planar magnetic headphones are able to provide high SPLs, but without sounding distorted.

planar magnetic driver magnetic headphones aren't only capable of reproducing high SPLs, but also provide the best soundstage. This is due to the flat diaphragm creates a planar wavefront instead of the spherical-focused wavefront that is found in many dynamic drivers. In turn, How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work the headphones produce an enveloping soundstage that is easier to pinpoint.

The transient response is yet another benefit of headphones with planar magnets. This is due to the capability of headphones with planar magnetics to reproduce short-lived peaks, like cymbal strikes and kick drum strikes. The huge size of the diaphragm as well as the fact that it's able to move in a uniform manner across its surface mean that there is no distortion at these peak frequencies.

Planar magnetic headphones have some disadvantages that you should consider when selecting a set. One of the primary reasons for their higher price is that they tend to be significantly larger than their dynamic counterparts. This is mostly due to the design of their motors, which can be quite complicated, as well as the heritage of the company behind them.

There are a variety of low-cost planar magnet headphones that are available for less than $100. In addition to their outstanding performance, these headphones come in closed-back and open-back styles and you can pick which one fits your preferences best. Audeze LCD-2 Classics and HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition are two of the top headphones on the market.

The voice coil

Planar magnetic headphones are renowned for their clarity and precision across the entire range of frequencies. This is mostly due to their thin, flat diaphragm that's sandwiched between two arrays of magnets. When an electrical signal from your source of audio is transmitted to the vocal coil, the conductive materials windings in the vocal coil react with the magnetic field and cause the dialym to oscillate. This produces sound waves.

The benefit of a planar-type driver is that every vibration is evenly distributed and at the same speed, regardless of where the diaphragm is placed within the magnetic field. This ensures a consistent sound quality with less distortion and an even wavefront that's easier on the ears. Dynamic drivers on the other hand, How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work tend to produce sound waves that are less uniform and more spherical.

Due to the way they function 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.

In addition, planar magnetic drivers are much more expensive than their dynamic counterparts due to the fact that they are typically constructed from top-quality materials. However, a few specialist HiFi audio headphone manufacturers have begun to revive this old technology in recent years. We're now seeing a variety of new headphones with planar magnet drivers that provide the best listening experience.

The decision between dynamic and planar headphones is a matter of personal preference and budget. Planar magnetic headphones are known for their precision and clarity and offer a slightly larger soundstage than dynamic models. Dynamic headphones are more expensive but they offer a more powerful bass and a more rounded sound signature.

The headphones with a dynamic driver tend to have more heft and slam. However, this isn't always apparent to the majority of listeners. They also have better ability to perceive structure and distinction. There are exceptions to the general rule. The best planar-magnetic headsets can be purchased at very affordable cost.

Magnets

In a typical headphones with a dynamic driver the electrical impulses generated by your source of audio travel through a conductory material that interacts with the magnetic fields inside the driver. These are used to bend the diaphragm flat and create sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones however, use a thin film of conductive material, which is sandwiched between two powerful magnets. They are more difficult to manufacture, which is why they're more expensive.

They are also bigger and heavier because of their design, which requires more space around the drivers. They also require more power to reach their full potential than their more dynamic counterparts. Although this isn't always a issue, it's something you should be aware of when thinking about these headphones.

It's not the case with all headphones, but a lot of the best planar magnet headphones have an open, airy sound. This gives them a sense that they are in a larger space which can be appealing to certain listeners. The soundstage they offer is also larger which can be beneficial when listening to music with other people.

The open-back design is a favorite option for a variety of designer headphone brands, including the likes of HiFiMAN and Audeze. They're not as popular as closed-back headphones, but they are a great way to explore the planar magnetic technology. For example the HiFiMAN Sundara offers a great introduction to the speed, accuracy and clarity of these headphones at a reasonable cost.

The housing

If you're an avid audiophile or just someone who enjoys music, odds are you've heard of magnetic headphones that planar. They sport a distinct look with a flat-embedded diaphragm and are available in both open-back and over-ear headphones. These headphones are not just unique in design but also work on a different principle than dynamic drivers.

Planar magnetic headphones, unlike traditional moving coil drivers that use a voice coil to create sound waves, utilize array of magnets that move the diaphragm to produce sound. Based on the layout, these arrays could be placed on one or both sides of the diaphragm. The magnets are activated when an electrical signal travels 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 magnetic fields cause the diaphragms to pull and push. This results in sound waves which are the audio signal.

Because of this, headphones made of planar magnetics typically sound more fuller and have superior bass extension capabilities. The big, flat diaphragm reacts much quicker to changes in the input signal, meaning they respond more quickly to bass response and are less prone to distortion. This gives them a more controlled, tight sound that audiophiles like.

These headphones can reproduce higher frequencies, but they lack the punch and slam that modern dynamic driver headphones can provide. As such, they can be a bit difficult to listen to for people who are looking to to listen to hard rock or metal music.

Planar magnetic headphones are expensive due to their distinctive design. The drivers are powered by a digital audio converter and a separate amplifier. This can result in an expensive cost increase for some buyers, however many people think the sound quality is worth the expense. There are other kinds of headphones available for those who do not need to spend a lot.