What Are The Myths And Facts Behind Planar Magnet
Planar Magnetic Vs Dynamic Driver Headphones Most headphones and IEMs use 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, but they provide a better image and clarity. They might not work as portable devices because they require more power. This is where the phrase 'punch and slam' comes from and can be an improvement for some audiophiles. The Basics Planar Magnetic Drivers have become an essential feature in headphones due to their crisp sound and high-quality. Although they're not as common as dynamic driver headphones, you can find some of the best Planar Magnetic Headphones from big-name brands such as Audeze or Oppo. Planar Magnetic Headphones work on a different concept than traditional dynamic driver headphones because they don't use an oscillating voice coil to generate vibrations in the diaphragm. Instead the part of the driver that is charged is distributed across the flat surface, allowing for more uniform motion. A simpler mechanism allows the planar magnet driver to be more efficient in producing sound waves. This can translate into better distortion levels, a better response to the transients of music, and a more natural soundstage. Although there are plenty of advantages to choosing headphones with a planar magnetic drive but the technology comes with a few drawbacks that you must keep in mind. You should first be aware that these headphones release more sound than open-back dynamic models. The diaphragm that is flat on planar magnetic headphones will send sound both ways. As a result, sound waves will leak from the ear cups to your surroundings. This is something you should take into account if you'll be wearing your headphones in public areas or at the office. Another issue is that planar magnetic headphones often require more power to achieve their full potential than other styles of headphones. The thick, wide diaphragms require more energy to be able to move evenly and are therefore heavier and heavier. This is a disadvantage if you're looking to keep your headphones light and portable. Planar magnetic headphones might not be as powerful or slam that many listeners would like. This is because the diaphragm's flat shape doesn't vibrate in a pistonic manner as traditional dynamic headphones, and therefore cannot be as 'plucked' in the way that some listeners may wish for. This isn't an opinion that is widely accepted. There are some high-end planar magnet headphones (like the HiFiMAN Sundara) that offer a crisp image and a great distribution of the image. If you're willing to overlook these concerns, and are ready for a headphone with distinct soundstage and unmatched clarity the these headphones are definitely worth a look. Be sure you consider the additional cost and power requirements and their size and weight, prior to making a purchase. There are several excellent planar magnetic headphones on the market at a price that is affordable. This includes the popular HiFiMAN Sundara. This gives a taste the speed precision, accuracy, and clarity that planar magnetic headphones can offer without costing a fortune. Advantages There are many great headphones that feature dynamic drivers. However, the best headphones across a wide range of price points utilize the technology of planar magnetic. These headphones are typically more expensive than dynamic ones however they offer superior performance. They have a wider soundstage, and offer a more immersive listening experience. Planar magnetic headphones use two or more magnets suspended near the flat surface of the driver, and a conductor track that is attached to the diaphragm to create vibrations. When electrical impulses travel through these wires, they create an electromagnetic field that reacts with the magnets and causes them to vibrate. The resulting force is evenly distributed across the entire surface of the diaphragm, which does not produce distortion in the same way that dynamic headphones can. Because of the way they are built, they have a larger soundstage than dynamic models and offer superior transient response that means they can deal with rapid changes in audio with greater precision. They also have a lower resonance and a flatter frequency response. This means they are more precise and more bass-driven than dynamic headphones. Since they're more accurate they have a natural and clear sound quality that makes them more appealing to audiophiles. This is evident in the clarity and distinctness of their sound and the way that they reproduce the location and stereo balance of instruments. This is especially true for closed-back models like the HiFiMAN Sundara, which provide an even and spacious soundstage. Additionally, they tend to be less susceptible to breakup, which occurs when the forces acting on the diaphragm compromise its structural integrity and cause different points of the surface to move out of the sync. This could be due to a poor design or manufacturing. It is one of the reasons why planar headphones are considered the premium alternative. However, this kind of headphone does have some disadvantages. First, driver planar requires lots of power to drive the driver. This means that they are often heavy and bulky, which can make them less portable than their dynamic counterparts. They also tend to emit more sound, which means that you'll have to be in a quiet environment to listen to them without causing disturbance to others around you. Fortunately, the latest models have improved seals and noise-isolation to reduce this issue. For these reasons, it's hard to give a definitive answer as to whether or the magnetic headphones that are planar are superior to dynamic ones. It all depends on your preferences and what you value in your audio experience.