Its History Of How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work

How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work?
In comparison to dynamic drivers magnetic headphones with planar design have less distortion. This is due to the fact that the whole diaphragm is vibrating rather than only the portion that is that is connected to the voice coil.
They also have a larger soundstage, with better separation of instruments and differentiation capabilities. They leak more, and require isolation to stop the sound from affecting those who are around you.
The diaphragm
The diaphragm is a key component of [nearly] every sound transducer (headphones microphones, loudspeakers, and headphones including) that is used to move air to create sound waves. In headphones it's a flat part of diaphragm, suspended between two magnets that create an electromagnetic field when stimulated by audio signals. In planar magnetic headphones the electric current that comes from the source of the headphone reaches the diaphragm via an electric coil that creates magnetic force, which causes it to vibrate.
The sound produced is transferred to your ear via the diaphragm's suspension. It is typically made from an artificial material, such as neodymium or titanium. The diaphragm can then resonate with your ear using different frequencies. Planar magnetic headphones are able to deliver high SPLs, without sounding like they are distorted.
In addition to being able to reproduce high SPLs, planar magnetic headphones also provide a more immersive soundstage. The reason for this is that the flat diaphragm creates the sound wavefront in a planar manner, instead of the spherical focused wavefront found in most dynamic drivers. The headphones create an overall soundstage that is more natural and are easier to pinpoint.
Another advantage of the planar magnetic headphones is their excellent transient response. This is due to the ability of planar magnetic headphones to reproduce peaks that last only a few seconds, like cymbal smacks and kick drum hits. The huge size of the diaphragm as well as the fact that it is able to move evenly across its surface ensures that there's no distortion in these high points.
However, these headphones do have some drawbacks that must be considered when selecting the right set. One of the main reasons why they cost more is that they tend to be significantly larger than their dynamic counterparts. The main reason is the complexity of the drivers as well as the reputation of the brand.
Fortunately, there are great affordable planar magnetic headphones that can be purchased at less than $100. These headphones are available in close-back and open-back styles. You can choose the one that is most suitable for your preferences in music. Audeze LCD-2 Classics and HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition are two of the best headphones on the market.
The voice coil
Planar magnetic headphones offer exceptional clarity and precision across the entire range of frequencies. This is due in large part to the thin, flat diaphragm that is sandwiched between the arrays of magnets. When an electrical signal is sent through your audio source, the conductive material windings within the voice coil react with the magnetic field and cause the diaphragm's surface to vibrate and produce sound waves.
The benefit of a planar driver is that every vibration is equally distributed and occurs at the same rate regardless of the location where the diaphragm is placed within the magnetic field. This creates a more stable sound quality, with less distortion and a more uniform wavefront that's easier on the ears. In contrast dynamic drivers tend to produce a more spherical sound wavefront that's less consistent and can be distracting.
Planar magnetic drivers, due to the way they work require a more powerful amplification system. They are also heavier and bulkier due to their larger flexible membrane. In turn, they typically require an external amplifier and DAC to provide sufficient power to power them.
Planar magnetic drivers are more expensive because they are typically constructed of top-quality materials. However, a handful of specialized HiFi audio headphone companies have begun to revive this technology in recent years. Consequently, we're experiencing a variety of stunning new headphones featuring planar magnetic drivers that offer an amazing listening experience.
As with everything else in life, the decision between planar magnetic and dynamic headphones comes down to the individual's preferences and budget. Planar magnetic headphones have a somewhat larger soundstage than dynamic models and are known for their outstanding clarity and precision. 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 generally have a bit more slam and punch than those with planar magnetic designs however, the differences aren't always noticeable to most listeners. They also have better clarity and imaging. However, there are plenty of exceptions to this, and some of the best headphones that are planar-magnetic can be found at a price that is very affordable.
The magnets
In a headphone equipped with a dynamic driver, electrical impulses generated by your source of audio travel through a coil composed of conductive materials that interact with magnetic fields within the driver. They are then used to alter the flat diaphragm and create sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones on the other hand are made up of a thin sheet of conductive material sandwiched between two powerful magnets. They're more difficult to make and are the reason they're more expensive.
They also tend to be heavier and larger due to their design which means they require more space around the drivers. They also require more power to achieve their full potential than their more dynamic counterparts. Although this isn't a constant issue, it's something you should be aware of when looking at these headphones.
While this may not be the case for all headphones. However, many of the best magnetic headphones that are planar will have a more open and airy sound than their dynamic counterparts. This creates the impression of space, which can be very appealing to certain listeners. The soundstage they provide is also larger, which can be helpful when listening to music with other people.
The open-back design is a popular option for a number of designer headphone brands, including the likes of HiFiMAN and Audeze. While they're not as common 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 feel the speed, precision and detail of these headphones.
The housing
If you're an audiophile or just someone who enjoys good music, it's likely you've heard of the planar magnetic headphones. They have a distinct appearance with a flat diaphragm embedded that can be found in both over-ear and open-back headphone designs. These headphones are not only unique in design but also work on a different principle than dynamic drivers.
Contrary to the traditional driver that relies on a voice coil to generate sound waves Planar magnetic headphones employ an array of magnets that move the diaphragm back and forth in order to create sound. The arrays can be placed on either one or both sides, depending on the design. The magnets are activated by an electrical signal that passes through the voice coil and causes it to vibrate. The vibrations generate magnetic fields that interact with magnets on the opposite side of the diaphragm. The interactions cause the diaphragms push and pull against the magnetic fields. This creates sound waves that are the audio signal.
Because of this, the sound of headphones with planar magnetic design is typically more fuller and offer greater bass extension capabilities. The big, flat diaphragm responds much faster to changes in the input signal, so they are able to respond quicker to bass response and are less susceptible to distortion. This creates a cleaner, more controlled sound that some audiophiles appreciate.
These headphones are capable of reproducing higher frequencies, but do not have the slam and punch modern dynamic driver headphones can provide. Therefore, they may be a bit difficult to listen to for those who want to to listen to metal or hard rock music.
The cost of planar magnetic headphones is high because of their unique design. The drivers are powered by a digital audio converter and a specialized amplifier. Some people might find that the cost of these headphones is higher, but they believe it's worth it. There are many other types of headphones for those who don't need to spend a lot.