What Experts Say You Should Learn

Planar Magnetic Vs Dynamic Driver Headphones

The majority of headphones and IEMs utilize a dynamic driver that uses cones that move back and forth, generating sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones have a flat diaphragm, and are more expensive, however they have better images and clarity.

However, they do require more power to run the large drivers, so could not be suitable for portable devices. This is where the 'punch' and slam comes from and can be an improvement for some audiophiles.

The Basics

Planar Magnetic Drivers are quickly becoming a staple in headphones for their immersive audio and clear sound. Even though they aren't quite as common as dynamic driver headphones however, you can find some of the top Planar Magnetic Headphones from big-name brands like Audeze or Oppo. Planar Magnetic Headphones work on an entirely different model from traditional dynamic driver headphones in that they do not use an oscillating voice coil to generate vibrations in the diaphragm. Instead, the charged portion of the driver is spread across the flat diaphragm's surface, which allows for more uniform motion.

Generally speaking, the planar magnetic driver is more efficient at producing soundwaves than a dynamic driver, because of a simpler mechanism. This could result in better distortion levels, more accurate responses to music's transients and a natural soundstage.

Although there are plenty of benefits to choosing headphones with a planar magnetic drive, the technology does come with a few limitations that you should keep in mind. First, you should be aware of the fact that these kinds of headphones tend to emit more sound than normal open-back dynamic models. This is due to the fact that the diaphragm, which is flat, of the planar magnetic headphone can be able to push sound in both directions, so sound waves will escape out of the earcups and into your surroundings. It is important to take this into consideration if you'll be using headphones in public places or at work.

Another problem is that planar magnetic headphones typically require more power to achieve their full potential than other styles of headphones. The diaphragms are large and thin, and require more energy to be able to move evenly and are therefore heavier and more bulky. This is a problem if you're looking to keep your headphones light and portable.

Planar magnetic headphones might not provide the heft or slam some listeners desire. This is due to the diaphragm's flat shape doesn't move in the same way as traditional headphones and aren't able to be 'plucked,' as some listeners might wish. However, this is not an opinion that is universally accepted and there are some premium planar magnetic headphones (like the HiFiMAN Sundara) that do a great job of image distribution and punch.

If you're willing to overlook these concerns, and are in the market for a headset that has a unique soundstage and unsurpassed clarity the magnetic headphones with planar design are definitely worth exploring. Be sure to consider the additional cost and power requirements and their size and weight, before making a purchase. The good news is that there are several exceptional planar magnetic headphones at reasonable prices, what is a planar headphone such as the renowned HiFiMAN Sundara. This gives a taste the speed as well as accuracy and detail that planar magnetic headphones provide without breaking the bank.

Benefits

There are many top headphones with dynamic drivers, many of the top headphones in various price ranges employ the planar magnetic technology. These headphones are usually more expensive than their dynamic counterparts, but also offer superior performance, what is A planar headphone including large soundstages and an immersive listening experience.

Planar magnetic headphones use two or more magnets suspended on the flat surface of a driver and a conductor tracks on the diaphragm to generate vibrations. Electrical impulses flowing through these wires generate an electric force that interacts with magnets and causes them to vibrate. The force generated is evenly distributed across the entire diaphragm's surface. This doesn't cause distortion as dynamic headphones do.

Because of the way they are built they offer a wider soundstage than dynamic models and have superior transient response, meaning they can handle rapid changes in audio with greater precision. Additionally, they have lower resonance and a flatter frequency response, making them more accurate in the bass range than dynamic headphones and offering an even, fuller sound.

Because they're more precise and precise, they offer a natural and clear sound quality, which draws in audiophiles. This is evident in the clarity of their sound as well as how they reproduce stereo balance and location of instruments. This is especially true in closed-back designs such as the HiFiMAN sundara which provide a more realistic and spacious soundstage.

Moreover, these headphones are less likely to breakup. This happens when the forces that act on the diaphragm compromise its structural integrity and cause different points of the surface to go out of the sync. This issue could result from poor design or manufacturing, and is one of the main reasons that these headphones are considered the premium option.

This kind of headphone comes with some disadvantages. It requires a large amount of power to operate. As a result, they are often heavy and bulky, which may make them less portable as compared to their more dynamic counterparts. They also tend to emit more sound, meaning you'll need to be in a quiet environment to listen to them without causing disturbance to others around you. Fortunately, the latest models have better seals and noise-isolation to reduce this issue. For these reasons, it's difficult to provide an absolute answer to whether or the magnetic headphones that are planar are superior to dynamic ones. It's all about What is a planar headphone you value and what are your top priorities.