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Why You'll Want To Learn More About Planar Vs Dynamic
Planar Vs Dynamic Headphones

If you're looking for headphones that have a wide range of sound profiles, dynamic drivers are the way to go. They use a voice coil and magnetic windings that move between them to make the diaphragm of a speaker to vibrate.

This creates a spherical sound wavefront that accurately represents audio. However, this can result in distortion at higher volume.

Cost

Dynamic drivers are simple to make and inexpensive. They are composed of a coil (the voice coil) wrapped around a diaphragm constructed of plastic, and then placed into the magnetic field. They vibrate according to the electric signals coming from your audio source. They use less energy than electrostatic or planar headphones. In turn, this means they're more portable and easy to use while on the move. However, planar magnetic headphones have more complex motor systems and massive diaphragms that require larger or even multiple - magnets to move. This means they can cost more and are typically heavier and larger than their dynamic counterparts. They also require more power to operate which is why headphones with planar technologies need an external amplifier.

Bass Response

The main difference between dynamic and planar headphones is bass response. planar magnetic technology provide superior linearity with better deep bass extension and less distortion than dynamic headphones. They also provide more precise image and clarity. However, they might not have the punch and slam of dynamic headphones. This has led to the trend of hybrid IEMs which use both types of drivers. These IEMs offer the best of both worlds and satisfy the wide array of listening preferences.

Dynamic drivers are employed in headphones to transmit sound vibrations using the wire that is suspended from the membrane. The magnetic field from the coil causes the diaphragm to vibrate and create the sounds we perceive. This can cause distortion at lower frequencies due to the diaphragm movement is not precise and consistent. This is the reason it is essential to take into consideration your individual preferences for listening and your listening environment before deciding on which type of headphone is suitable for you.


With the emergence of planar magnetic headphones distortion has been greatly reduced since the vibrations are more uniform and the diaphragm itself does not move as much. The diaphragm's flat design allows them to react faster to changes in input signals. This is particularly applicable to high-frequency frequencies. In this case, planar magnetic headphones produce more accurate sound with more detail.

Dynamic headphones are a bit older than planar magnetic ones and have been the standard for bass response. Historically, dynamic driver headphones had flat frequency responses all the way to 20Hz, whereas planar magnetic headphones had more of a roll-off in this range. However, as technology has improved and improved, many planar headphones now come with a full-range bass response that is similar to high-end dynamic driver headphones.

The NAN-7 For instance, the NAN-7 is a top-of-the-line planar that delivers a very impressive feeling of impact and bass. Its bass is quick and tight, with an excellent sub-bass slam. Its ability to provide an impressive and authoritative bass ambiance and authority makes it the perfect option for orchestral music such as the opening fanfare of Richard Strauss's opera, Aleksandr Solti's "Also sprach Zarathustra." The NAN-7 is also impressive in its imaging capabilities, with an impressive sense of clarity and depth.

Soundstage

Typically, planar headphones offer better soundstage. The diaphragm can be larger and move more evenly. This could result in a wide, flat soundwave, which enhances clarity and imaging. This is especially noticeable on headphones with higher quality, such as the Audeze LCD-4 or HiFiMAN Susvara however, it's a trend that's held for cheaper alternatives as well.

Planar magnetic headphones, in contrast to dynamic drivers, which only vibrate a portion of the diaphragm connected to the voice coil whenever an electrical signal is applied, have a larger surface area which can be moved. This results in less distortion even at a high volume. They also have a better transient response. This means they can handle rapid changes to the input signal.

However it is crucial to be aware that planar headphones can still have a limited soundstage if not properly fueled. Lack of headphone amp power may result in the bass becoming muddy or the "shimmer" effect, which can make listening to music less enjoyable.

Dynamic headphones produce a more natural sound because they can better reproduce the frequency response of the original audio recording. The dynamic range of the driver is also more realistic and natural than the 'plucked' sound of headphones that are planar. However, this difference can be compensated by an effective headphone amplifier and some modern planar headphones are more powerful than their predecessors, such as the Oppo PM-3 or HiFiMAN HE-1000SE. This is because the drivers are more sophisticated and can be controlled by more powerful headphone amplifiers.

Comfort

In recent times, magnetic headphones with planar design are becoming more popular. This is not surprising because they provide more precise audio. They are typically heavier and cost more than dynamic headphones. This is because they're equipped with a an even larger driver and require more power to move evenly. They require balanced outputs, which are present on the majority of DAPs and dongles. They also tend to have more sound leakage than dynamic drivers.

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