Planar Magnetic Vs Dynamic Driver Headphones
The majority of headphones and IEMs make use of dynamic drivers that use cones to move back and forth, creating sound waves. The planar magnetic headphones are more expensive and come with a flat diaphragm, but offer a clearer picture.
However, they require more power to run the larger drivers, and may not be suitable for portable devices. headphonesshop.uk ,' or slam, originates from this. For those who are audiophiles, they're an improvement.
The Basics
Planar Magnetic Drivers are quickly becoming a staple in headphones for their immersive sound and clear quality. While they aren't as common as dynamic drivers, you can still discover big-name companies like Audeze and Oppo that sell the best Planar Magnetic Headphones. Planar Magnetic Headphones work on a slightly different principle than traditional dynamic driver headphones, in that they do not use a moving voice coil to generate vibrations within the diaphragm. Instead, the charged portion of the driver is spread across the flat surface, which allows for more uniform movement.
A less complex mechanism allows the planar magnet driver to be more efficient in generating sound waves. This can result in higher distortion levels, more accurate responses to music's transients and an authentic soundstage.
While there are a lot of advantages to headphones that have a planar magnetic drive but the technology comes with a few limitations that you must be aware of. First, you must be aware that these types of headphones often leak more sound than standard open-back dynamic models. The diaphragm that is flat on headphones that are planar will push sound in both directions. This means that sound waves will escape from the earcups into the surrounding environment. If you are planning to use your headphones in a public area or at work it is something you should consider.
Another problem is that planar magnetic headphones often require more power to reach their full potential than other headphone designs. They need more energy to evenly move their large, thin diaphragms, and consequently, they tend to be slightly heavier and bulkier. This is a problem when you want to keep your headphones portable and lightweight.
The planar magnetic headphones may not be as powerful or slam that some listeners want. This is because the diaphragm isn't vibrating in the same way as traditional headphones and isn't able to be 'plucked', as some listeners would like. But, this isn't a universally held opinion and there are some premium planar magnetic headphones (like the HiFiMAN Sundara) that provide excellent image distribution and punch.
If you are willing to overlook the issues and are seeking a headphone that provides a distinctive soundstage that is crystal clear these headphones might be worth investigating. Make sure you consider the additional cost and power requirements, as well as their weight and size before making a purchase. The good news is that there are numerous top-quality planar magnetic headphones available at an affordable cost, including the well-known HiFiMAN Sundara. It gives you a taste the speed as well as accuracy and detail that planar headphones offer without breaking the bank.
Advantages
There are a variety of great headphones with dynamic drivers. However, the top headphones in a variety of price points utilize planar magnetic technology. These headphones are usually more expensive than their counterparts with dynamic drivers, but also offer superior performance, with 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 track on the diaphragm to create vibrations. Electrical impulses passing through these wires create a magnetic force that reacts with the magnets, causing them to vibrate. The resulting force is evenly distributed across the entire surface of the diaphragm that does not cause distortion in the same way as dynamic headphones do.
They have a wider soundstage and a better transient response than dynamic models. They also manage audio changes with greater accuracy. They also have lower resonance and a broader frequency response, which makes them more accurate in the bass range than dynamic headphones and offering an even, fuller sound.
Because they're more precise, planar headphones have an authentic and clear sound that draws in audiophiles. This is evident in the clarity of their sound as well as how they reproduce stereo balance and the location of instruments. This is especially true for closed-back models, such as the HiFiMAN Sundara, that offer an even and spacious soundstage.
Moreover, these headphones are less likely to breakup. This happens when the forces that act on the diaphragm degrade its structural integrity and cause different points of the surface to be out of the sync. This issue could be caused by inadequate design or manufacturing and is among the main reasons that planar headphones are regarded as the most reliable alternative.
However, this kind of headphone does have some disadvantages. It requires a large amount of power to operate. They can be bulky and heavy, making them less mobile than their dynamic counterparts. They also tend to leak more sound. This means you'll require an area that is quiet to listen to the headphones without disturbing others. Fortunately, the latest models have better seals and noise isolation to mitigate this issue. This is why it's difficult to give a definitive answer as to whether or not headphones with planar magnetics are actually superior to dynamic ones. It all depends on your preferences and what you want from your audio experience.