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A Peek At How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work's Secrets Of How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work
How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?

Planar magnetic headphones are less dispersed than dynamic drivers. This is because the whole diaphragm vibrates rather than just the portion attached to the voice coil.

They also have a wider soundstage with better instrument separation and distinction capabilities. However, they leak a little more, requiring isolation to ensure that no one disturbs people around you.

The diaphragm

The diaphragm is an essential element in nearly every audio transducer (headphones as well as loudspeakers and microphones included) that is used to move air to create sound waves. In headphones it's a flat part of diaphragm, suspended between two magnets which create an electromagnetic field when stimulated by audio signals. In planar magnetic headphone, the electric current from the source of the headphone is transmitted to the diaphragm by a coil. This coil generates a magnetic field that causes the diaphragm to vibrate.

The diaphragm suspension is composed of neodymium, titanium, or other synthetic materials. This allows the diaphragm to resonate with your ear at various frequency. Contrary to dynamic drivers that are used in planar headphones, planar magnetic headphones can offer very high SPLs, without sounding blurred or muddy.

Planar magnetic headphones are not only able to reproduce high SPLs but also offer an enhanced soundstage. The reason for this is that the flat diaphragm produces the sound wavefront in a planar manner, instead of the focused spherical wavefronts that are found in the majority of dynamic drivers. The headphones create an acoustic environment that is more natural and are easier to localize.

Another advantage of magnetic headphones that are planar is their exceptional transient response. This is due to the ability of planar magnetic headphones to reproduce peaks that last only a few seconds, such as cymbal hits and kick drum strikes. The size of the diaphragm as well as the fact that it is able to move evenly across its surface means that there's no distortion in these peak frequencies.

However, these headphones do have some drawbacks which should be considered when choosing the best set. One of the primary reasons why they cost more is that they tend to be much larger than their counterparts with dynamic features. This is due to the design of their motors that can be complex, as well as the history of the brand behind them.

Fortunately, there are excellent, affordable planar magnetic headphones that can be purchased for less than $100. In addition to their outstanding performance, these headphones come in open-back and closed-back designs, so you can choose which one suits your preferences for listening. Audeze LCD-2 Classics and HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition are two of the best headphones available.

The voice coil

Planar magnetic headphones offer exceptional clarity and detail across the entire range of frequencies. This is due to the thin, flat diaphragm that is sandwiched between the arrays of magnets. When an electrical signal is transmitted through your audio source, the conductive material windings in the voice coil react with the magnetic field, causing the diaphragm's surface to vibrate and produce sound waves.

The benefit of a planar driver is that each vibration occurs evenly and at the same rate regardless of where the diaphragm is located within the magnetic field. This results in an even and consistent sound with less distortion. It's also more comfortable on the ear. Dynamic drivers however, tend to produce sound waves that are less uniform and more spherical.

Because of the way they function due to their design, planar magnetic drivers require a more powerful amplifier system than their dynamic counterparts. They are also heavier and bulkier because of their larger flexible membrane. As a result, they usually require an external amplifier and DAC to provide sufficient power to drive them.

In addition the planar magnetic drivers are much more expensive than their dynamic counterparts due to the fact that they're usually made of high-end materials. Nevertheless, a few specialized HiFi audio headphone companies have started to revive this old technology in recent years. We're seeing a range of new headphones featuring planar magnet drivers, which provide an outstanding listening experience.

The choice between dynamic and planar headphones is a matter of personal preference and budget. Planar magnetic headphones are known for their precision and clarity, and have a slightly larger soundstage than dynamic models. However, they're typically more expensive and many listeners prefer the booming bass and warm sound signature of dynamic headphones.

In general, dynamic driver headphones have some more punch and slam than planar magnetic models, but the differences aren't often apparent to most listeners. They also have better ability to perceive structure and distinguishing. There are exceptions to the rule. The best planar-magnetic headsets can be purchased at very affordable cost.

Magnets

In a headphone with dynamic driver, electrical impulses from your audio source travels through a coil of conductive material that interacts with magnetic fields within the driver. These impulses are then used to manipulate the flat diaphragm and create sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones however make use of a thin layer of conductive material that's sandwiched between two powerful magnets. This makes them more complex to produce, which is one reason why they're generally more expensive than their dynamic counterparts.

A heavier and larger design is also the result of the necessity for 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 but it's something to think about when selecting the right headphones.

It's not the case with all headphones, but the top planar magnet headphones have an airier, more open sound. They can provide an impression of being in a larger space which appeals to some listeners. They also have a bigger soundstage, which is helpful when listening to music with others.

Many boutique headphone brands like HiFiMAN and Audeze use the open-back design. Although they're not as popular as closed-back models, they're an excellent way to experience the strengths of planar magnetic technology. The HiFiMAN Sundara, for example, is a great opportunity to test the speed, accuracy and clarity of these headphones.

The housing

If you're an avid audiophile or just a person who enjoys good music, chances are you've heard of planar magnetic headphones. They have a distinctive appearance, featuring an elongated diaphragm that is embedded within the headphone. They are available in both open-back and over-ear designs. Apart from the distinctive design, these headphones employ different working principles as that are different from dynamic drivers.

Planar magnetic headphones, as opposed to traditional moving coil drivers that rely on a voice coil to create sound waves, utilize array of magnets that move the diaphragm to create sound. Based on the configuration, these arrays may be placed on one or both sides of the diaphragm. The magnets are activated by an electrical signal that flows through the voice coil and causes it to vibrate. The vibrations generate magnetic fields that interact with the magnets at either side of the diaphragm. The magnetic fields cause the diaphragms to push and pull. The audio signal is represented in sound waves.


Because of this, planar magnetic headphones typically sound more fuller and have better bass extension capabilities. The diaphragm is large and flat. responds faster to changes in the input signals, which means they are able to respond faster to bass response, and are less susceptible to distortion. This results in a more controlled, tight sound quality that some audiophiles find appealing.

These headphones can reproduce higher frequencies but lack the slam and punch that modern dynamic driver headphones can provide. They can be difficult to hear for those who prefer to listen to hard rock music.

Planar magnetic headphones are costly due to their distinctive design. The drivers are powered by a digital audio converter and a dedicated amplifier. Some consumers may find that the cost of these headphones is higher, but they believe it's worth it. Regardless, it's important to be aware that there are different headphones available to those who don't want to spend more than they need to.

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