How Do Planar Magnetic Headphones Work: The Secret Life 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 they vibrate the whole diaphragm and not just the part attached the voice coil.

They also have a larger soundstage, with better separation and differentiation capabilities. They leak more and require isolation to avoid disturbing those nearby.

The diaphragm

The diaphragm plays an essential part in almost all sound transducers (headphones and loudspeakers, as well as microphones) that are used to move air in order to produce sound. In headphones it's a flat part of diaphragm that is suspended between two magnets that create an electromagnetic field when activated by audio signals. In planar headphones the current of electricity from the source of the headphone reaches the diaphragm via an electric coil that creates an electric force that causes it to vibrate.

The diaphragm suspension is made of titanium, neodymium or other artificial materials. The diaphragm is then able to resonate with your ear using different frequencies. Planar magnetic headphones can provide high SPLs, but without sounding like they are distorted.


Planar magnetic headphones aren't only capable of reproducing high SPLs but also offer a superior soundstage. The reason for this is that the diaphragm's flat shape creates an asymmetrical sound wavefront rather than the narrow spherical wavefront that is found in many dynamic drivers. The headphones produce an acoustic environment that is more natural and are more easily to locate.

Another benefit of planar magnetic headphones is their excellent transient response. This is because they can recreate peaks that last only a few seconds in audio signals, for example the cymbal crash and kick drum strikes. The huge diaphragm's size and the fact that it moves evenly across its surface means that there's no distortion at these peak frequencies.

However, planar magnetic headphones have a few drawbacks that should be considered when selecting the best set. They tend to be more expensive than their dynamic counterparts. This is mostly due to the design of their engines which can be complicated, as well as the history of the brand behind them.

There are numerous affordable planar magnet headphones available for less than $100. These headphones are available in both closed-back and open-back styles. You can choose the one that best suits your personal preferences for listening. The HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnets Edition and Audeze LCD-2 Classics are some of the top choices available.

The voice coil

Planar magnetic headphones are well-known for their precision and accuracy providing exceptional detail and clarity across the entire frequency range. This is mostly due to their flat, thin diaphragm that's sandwiched between two arrays magnets. When an electrical signal is transmitted by your audio source the material that conducts it's windings inside the voice coil interact with the magnetic field and cause the diaphragm's surface to vibrate and produce sound waves.

The planar-type driver has the advantage that each vibration occurs at the same rate and is uniform regardless of the position of the diaphragm within the magnetic field. This ensures a uniform sound quality with less distortion and an overall wavefront that's easier on the ears. In contrast dynamic drivers tend to create a more spherical sound wavefront that's less uniform and can be distracting.

Due to the way in which they operate they require a stronger amplification system than their dynamic counterparts. They are also larger and heavier because of their larger flexible membrane. In turn, they typically require an external amplifier and DAC to provide sufficient power to power them.

In addition the planar magnetic drivers are more expensive than their dynamic counterparts since they're typically made from high-quality materials. However, a handful of specialized HiFi audio headphone manufacturers have started to revive this technology in recent years. We're now witnessing a myriad of new headphones with planar magnetic drivers, which provide an incredible listening experience.

find out here now between planar and dynamic headphones is a matter of personal preference and budget. The headphones made of planar magnetic are known for their precision and clarity, and have a slightly larger soundstage than dynamic models. Dynamic headphones are more expensive, however they have a punchier bass and a more rounded sound quality.

In general dynamic driver headphones offer a little more punch and slam than the planar magnetic ones, but the differences aren't always noticeable to most listeners. They also offer better imaging and distinction. There are exceptions to the general rule. Some excellent planar-magnetic headsets can be purchased at very affordable cost.

The magnets

In a headphone with dynamic driver, electrical impulses from the source of your audio are transmitted through a coil made of conductive material that interacts with magnetic fields inside the driver. These are used to manipulate the diaphragm flat and create sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones however, use a thin film of conductive material sandwiched between two powerful magnets. They're more difficult to produce, which is why they're more expensive.

They also tend to be heavier and larger due to their design which requires more space around the drivers. They also consume more power than their more dynamic counterparts, which means they'll require an amplifier for the headphones to fully utilize their potential. This isn't a major issue often, but it's worth considering when choosing these headphones.

It's not the case with all headphones, but a lot of the best planar-magnet headphones have an airier, more open sound. This creates the impression of space, which is quite appealing to certain listeners. They also have a bigger soundstage, which is helpful when listening to music together with other people.

The open-back design is a favorite option for a number of small-scale headphone brands, such as the likes of HiFiMAN and Audeze. They're not as well-known as closed-back headphones however they're an excellent opportunity to explore the planar magnetic technology. The HiFiMAN Sundara, for example is a fantastic way to experience the speed, accuracy and detail of these headphones.

The housing

You may have heard of planar magnet headphones if you are an audiophile, or even if you like good music. They sport a unique design, with a flat diaphragm embedded in the headphone. They are available in open-back and over-ear designs. Apart from the distinctive design, these headphones also use different working principles that are different from dynamic drivers.

Contrary to the traditional driver, which uses a voice coil to produce sound waves the planar magnetic headphones utilize magnets that move the diaphragm in a circular motion to generate sound. These arrays can be placed on one or both sides depending on the design. The magnets are activated by an electrical signal that travels through the voice coil and causes it to vibrate. The vibrations generate magnetic fields that interact with magnets on either side of the diaphragm. The magnetic fields cause the diaphragms push and pull. This results in sound waves which are the audio signal.

Planar magnetic headphones are able to produce a richer sound and better bass extension. The diaphragm is large and flat. responds much faster to changes in the input signals, and they respond more quickly to bass response, and are less prone to distortion. This results in a more precise and more controlled sound that many audiophiles enjoy.

Although these headphones may be capable of reproducing higher frequencies, they lack the punch or slam that is found in modern high-end dynamic driver headphones. They aren't the best choice for those who prefer to listen to hard rock music.

Due to their unique design due to their unique design, planar magnetic headphones are more expensive than other headphone models. The drivers are powered by an audio digital converter and a dedicated amplifier. This can add up to an expensive cost increase for some customers, but many believe that the sound quality is worth it. However, it's important to be aware that there are different headphones that are available for those who don't want spend more than they need to.