How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?

Planar magnetic headphones are less distorted than dynamic drivers. This is due to the fact that the whole diaphragm moves rather than just the portion that is attached to the voice coil.

They also have a wider soundstage, what are planar Magnetic drivers and better separation and differentiate capabilities. However, they leak a bit more, requiring isolation to avoid disturbing people who are around you.

The diaphragm

The diaphragm is a key function in nearly all transducers of sound (headphones and loudspeakers as well as microphones) that move air to produce sound. In headphones, a flat piece is suspended between two magnets and creates an electromagnetic field upon activation by audio signals. In a planar magnetic headphone the electric current that comes from the headphone’s source reaches the diaphragm through the coil, which generates an electric force that causes it to vibrate.

The sound generated is transmitted to your ear through the diaphragm’s suspension, which is usually made of an artificial material like neodymium or titanium. This allows the diaphragm to resonate with your ear at different frequency. Unlike dynamic drivers which are a lot more powerful, planar magnetic headphones provide very high SPLs without sounding blurred or muddy.

In addition to being able to reproduce high SPLs and high SPLs, planar magnetic headphones also provide a better soundstage. This is due to the flat diaphragm generates an asymmetrical wavefront, not the spherical focused wavefront found in many dynamic drivers. This means that the headphones produce an unnatural soundstage that’s more easily to locate.

Transient response is another benefit of planar magnet headphones. This is because they can recreate peaks that last only a few seconds in audio signals, such as the cymbal crash and kick drum hits. The diaphragm’s size and the fact that it moves evenly across its surface means that there’s no distortion in these high points.

However, the planar magnetic headphones do have some disadvantages that should be considered when choosing the best set. One of the primary reasons for their higher price is that they tend to be 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.

Fortunately, there are great affordable planar magnetic headphones that you can purchase for under $100. These headphones are available in both close-back and open-back styles. You can pick the one that best fits your listening preferences. The HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition and Audeze LCD-2 Classics are some of the best options on the market.

The voice coil

Planar magnetic headphones are well-known for their accuracy and precision, offering incredible clarity and detail across the entire frequency range. This is largely due to their flat, thin diaphragm, which is sandwiched between two arrays of magnets. When an electrical signal is sent through your audio source, the material that conducts it’s windings inside the voice coil react with the magnetic field and cause the diaphragm to move, producing sound waves.

The planar-type driver has the advantage that each vibration occurs at the same speed and is consistent, no matter where the diaphragm lies within the magnetic field. This results in a more consistent and uniform sound with less distortion. It is also easier to listen to. Dynamic drivers however, tend to produce sound waves that are less uniform and more circular.

Planar magnetic drivers, due to the way they operate require a more powerful amplifying system. They are also larger and heavier because they must accommodate an extra large, flexible diaphragm. They require an external amplifier or DAC to drive them.

In addition the planar magnetic drivers are more expensive than their dynamic counterparts due to the fact that they are typically constructed from top-quality materials. In recent times, however, some HiFi audio headphone makers have revived this old technology. As a result, we’re experiencing a variety of stunning new headphones with planar magnetic drivers, which provide an amazing listening experience.

The decision between dynamic and planar headphones is a matter of personal preference and budget. Planar magnetic headphones offer an enlargement of the soundstage than dynamic models and are known for their exceptional detail and accuracy. Dynamic headphones are more expensive, but they have a heftier bass and a warmer sound signature.

In general dynamic driver headphones offer a little more slam and punch than those with planar magnetic designs however, the differences aren’t always noticeable to most listeners. They’re also better at imaging structure and distinction. There are exceptions to the general rule. Some excellent planar-magnetic headsets can be purchased at very affordable costs.

The magnets

In a headphone that has a dynamic driver, electrical impulses from the source of your audio are transmitted through a coil composed of conductive material which interacts with magnetic fields inside the driver. These are used to manipulate the diaphragm flat and create sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones, on the other hand make use of a thin layer of conductive material, which is sandwiched between two powerful magnets. This makes them a bit more difficult to manufacture which is one reason why they’re generally more expensive than their dynamic counterparts.

A heavier and larger design is also a result of the necessity for more space around the drivers. They also use more power than their counterparts with dynamic drivers which means that they’ll require an amplifier for the headphones to fully utilize their potential. This isn’t a major issue all the time but it’s something to think about when selecting these headphones.

While this may not be the case for all headphones, many of the top magnetic headphones that are planar will have an open and airy sound than their more dynamic counterparts. This gives them the impression of space, which can be very appealing to some listeners. The soundstage they provide is also larger and can be useful when listening to music with other people.

The open-back design is a favorite option for a variety of boutique headphone brands, including the likes of HiFiMAN and Audeze. They’re not as popular as closed-back models, 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 price.

The housing

You might have heard of planar magnet headphones, if you are an audiophile, or what are planar magnetic drivers even if you just like good music. They sport a distinct look with a flat-embedded diaphragm and what are planar Magnetic drivers available in both over-ear and open-back headphones. Apart from the distinctive design, these headphones also have different working principles when in comparison to dynamic drivers.

Planar magnetic headphones, in contrast to traditional moving coil drivers that use the voice coil to produce sound waves, use an array of magnets to move the diaphragm in order to produce sound. These arrays can be positioned on either one or both sides based on the design. The magnets are activated by an electrical signal that passes through the voice coil and causes it to vibrate. The vibrations then create magnetic fields that interact with the magnets on either side of the diaphragm. The magnetic fields cause the diaphragms pull and push. This results in sound waves which are the audio signal.

Planar magnetic headphones can create a deeper sound and a more extended bass. The large, flat diaphragm responds faster to changes in the input signals, and they are able to respond more quickly to bass response, and are less susceptible to distortion. This creates a cleaner, more regulated sound that many audiophiles enjoy.

Although these headphones might be able to reproduce higher frequencies, they lack the slam or punch of modern high-end dynamic driver headphones. They can be difficult to listen to for those who wish to listen to hard or metal rock music.

Because of their distinctive design they are more expensive than other types of headphone. The drivers are powered by a digital audio converter and a dedicated amplifier. This can add up to an increase in cost for some buyers, however many people believe the sound quality is worth the cost. Regardless, it’s important to remember that there are other headphones that are available for those who don’t want to pay more than they have to.