How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?

Planar magnetic headphones are less distorted than dynamic drivers. This is due to the fact that they vibrate the entire diaphragm, not just the portion that connects to the voice coil.

They also have a wider soundstage and better separation of instruments and distinction capabilities. However, they leak a little more, which means you need to isolate yourself to ensure that no one disturbs people around you.

The diaphragm

The diaphragm is an essential component of nearly every audio transducer (headphones as well as loudspeakers and microphones comprising) that is used to move air to create sound waves. In headphones the diaphragm is suspended between two magnets and produces an electromagnetic field when activated by audio signals. In planar magnetic headphone, the electric current generated by the source of the headphone is transmitted to the diaphragm via a coil. The coil creates an electromagnetic field that causes the diaphragm to move.

The diaphragm suspension consists of titanium, neodymium or other artificial materials. This allows the diaphragm to resonate with your ear at different frequencies. Planar magnetic headphones are able to provide high SPLs, but without sounding distortion-free.

Planar magnetic headphones are not only able to reproduce high SPLs but also offer an enhanced soundstage. This is due to the flat diaphragm creates the planar wavefront rather than the spherical-focused wavefront that is found in many dynamic drivers. In turn, the headphones produce a more natural soundstage that's easier to pinpoint.

Transient response is another benefit of using planar magnet headphones. This is the ability of planar magnetic headphones to reproduce short-lived peaks, such as cymbal hits and kick drum strikes. The huge size of the diaphragm and the fact that it is able to move evenly across its surface means that there's no distortion at these peak frequencies.

However, these headphones do have some drawbacks that must be taken into account when deciding on the best set. They generally cost more than their dynamic counterparts. The main reason is the complexity of the drivers and the image of the brand.

There are fortunately excellent, affordable planar magnetic headphones that you can purchase for under $100. In addition to their outstanding performance, these headphones are available in open-back and closed-back designs which means you can pick which one fits your listening habits best. The HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition and Audeze LCD-2 Classics are some of the top options available.

The voice coil

Planar magnetic headphones are known for their accuracy and precision with amazing clarity and detail across the entire frequency range. This is due to their thin, flat diaphragm that's sandwiched between two arrays magnets. When an electrical signal is transmitted by your audio source the conductive material windings in the voice coil are able to interact with the magnetic field, causing the diaphragm to move creating sound waves.

The benefit of a planar driver is that every vibration occurs evenly and at the same rate, How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work regardless of where the diaphragm is placed within the magnetic field. This results in a more uniform sound quality with less distortion and a more uniform wavefront that's easier on the ears. In contrast dynamic drivers tend to create an elongated sound wavefront which is less uniform and could be distracting.

Planar magnetic drivers because of the way they work requires a stronger amplifier system. They are also larger and heavier because of their larger and more flexible membrane. They require an external amplifier or DAC in order to drive them.

Planar magnetic drivers can be more expensive because they are usually made of high-quality materials. In recent times, however, some HiFi audio headphone manufacturers have revived this older technology. Consequently, we're experiencing a variety of stunning new headphones with planar magnetic drivers, which provide an incredible listening experience.

As with everything else in life, the choice between dynamic and planar magnetic headphones is based on personal preference and budget. Planar magnetic headphones offer an enlargement of the soundstage than dynamic ones and are renowned for their incredible quality and precision. Dynamic headphones are more expensive, but they have a punchier bass and a more rounded sound signature.

Dynamic driver headphones tend to have more punch and slam, but this isn't often noticed by listeners. They are also better at capturing structure and distinction. There are some exceptions to the rule. The best planar-magnetic headsets are available at affordable costs.

The magnets

In a typical headphones with a dynamic driver the electrical impulses generated by your source of audio travel through a coil of conductory material which interacts with the magnetic fields in the driver. They are then used to alter the diaphragm's flat shape and generate sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones are made up of an extremely thin layer of conductive material sandwiched between powerful magnets. This makes them a bit more complex to produce and is one of the reasons they're often more expensive than their dynamic counterparts.

A larger and heavier design is also the result of the necessity for more space around the drivers. They also consume more power than their more dynamic counterparts and will require a dedicated headphone amplifier to maximize their performance. Although this isn't always a problem, it's something to keep in mind when considering these headphones.

While it's not true for all headphones, many of the best planar magnetic headphones will offer an open and airy sound than their dynamic counterparts. They can provide the impression that they are in a larger space, which is appealing to some listeners. The soundstage they provide is also a bit bigger which can be beneficial when listening to music with others.

Many of the top boutique brands in headphone like HiFiMAN and Audeze employ the open-back design. They're not as popular as closed-back headphones, but they are a great opportunity to experience planar magnetic technology. The HiFiMAN Sundara, for example is a fantastic opportunity to experience the speed, accuracy and clarity of these headphones.

The housing

If you're an avid audiophile or just someone who enjoys good music, chances are you've heard of planar magnetic headphones. They have a distinct appearance with a flat-embedded diaphragm, which can be found in both open-back and over-ear headphone designs. Apart from the distinctive design, these headphones also employ different working principles as that are different from dynamic drivers.

Planar magnetic headphones, unlike traditional moving coil drivers that use a voice coil to generate sound waves, employ array of magnets that move the diaphragm to produce sound. Based on the configuration, these arrays may be situated on both sides of the diaphragm. The magnets are activated by an electrical signal that passes through the voice coil and How do planar magnetic headphones work causes it to vibrate. The vibrations generate magnetic fields that interact with the magnets on either side of the diaphragm. The interactions cause the diaphragms push and pull against the magnetic fields. The audio signal is represented using sound waves.

This is why the sound of headphones with planar magnetic design is typically more fuller and offer greater bass extension capabilities. The big, flat diaphragm responds faster to changes in the input signal, so they respond more quickly to bass response and are less prone to distortion. This results in a more controlled, tight sound quality that some audiophiles find appealing.

These headphones are capable of reproducing higher frequencies, but they lack the slam and punch modern dynamic driver headphones provide. Therefore, they may be a bit more difficult to listen to for those who wish to to listen to hard rock or metal music.

The cost of planar magnetic headphones is high due to their distinctive design. The drivers are powered by an audio converter digital and a dedicated amplifier. Some people might find that the price of these headphones is more expensive, but they believe that it's worth it. There are a variety of headphones available for those who don't need to spend a lot.