What Are Planar Headphones?
You may have noticed models with planar driver in case you are seeking earphones or headphones. What are they and what is a planar headphone are they like compared to the dynamic-driver headphones?
They have a wider sound wavefront than dynamic-driver headsets. This provides greater stereo clarity and image.
What is a planar driver?
Planar drivers are the most popular kind of speaker driver (or headphones) employed in today’s hottest headphones. It’s an advanced technology that seeks to overcome the limitations of conventional drivers, and in doing it provides some of the highest audio quality currently available.
A planar driver is a diaphragm laid flat over an conductor. The conductor is surrounded by powerful magnets on either or both sides. The magnets react to an audio signal by generating an electric field that pushes the diaphragm in a specific direction. The result is a omnidirectional soundwave that can produce a more realistic and detailed sound compared to a dynamic driver.
Planar headphones are generally made for listeners who are more demanding and usually require a higher power amplifier to adequately drive them. They are thus more expensive than other headphones, but have better audio reproduction and a wider soundstage.
It can be a bit daunting for those who are unfamiliar with the world of planar headphones to comprehend the technical jargon and terms used in the industry. To make it easier you, we’ve compiled a quick guide to explain the fundamentals of what a planar driver is and how it differs from other types of headphone drivers.
The term “planar” could be confusing but the truth is that it’s simple. The main difference between a planar driver and other kinds of headphones is that a planar driver has an elongated diaphragm instead of the traditional cone or dome diaphragm.
planar magnetic drivers drivers also utilize an exclusive magnet system to produce sound waves. They can create a more precise and accurate sound wave than dynamic drivers, which results in a better audio reproduction.
Additionally, headphones with a planar design tend to have a more natural and relaxed sound than dynamic drivers, which can be appreciated by a large number of listeners. However, there are some disadvantages to using planar headphones, such as their size and weight and their need for a higher power output than other types of headphones. These issues can make planar headphones less suitable for portable use however they can be a great choice for audiophiles who are serious and want to experience the full potential of this advanced technology.
What are the advantages of the planar drive?
In the world of high-end headphones, planar drivers are one of the hottest technologies. They are renowned for the accuracy and detail they provide, allowing listeners to listen to the music exactly as it was recorded.
Unlike other headphone driver types that use middle-men conductors made of metal to move the diaphragm as well as produce sound waves Planar magnetic headphones have the distinct feature of having the diaphragm itself is able to vibrate directly. This is done by securing a thin layer comprised of mylar or another electrically charged material between two conductive plates. When an audio signal is played the conductive plate moves between contact with the diaphragm which causes it to move.
The benefit of this is that there are no mechanical distortions that could occur with other headphone technologies. This results in an organic and natural sound reproduction that is free of harshness and unwanted resonant frequencies. Additionally, the force applied to the diaphragm will be evenly distributed across its surface, making it much more responsive and quick to respond to the audio signal.
Another benefit of planar magnetic headphones is their capacity to provide superior bass response. The bass response of the planar headphones is more accurate than dynamic driver headphones. The reason for this is that, with a planar headphone the entire surface of the diaphragm is vibrating in response to an audio signal which results in a more stable bass response than a dynamic driver headphone.
Although there are some downsides to using planar magnetic headphones, for instance, their higher cost and the fact that they sometimes require a specialized headphone amplifier or DAC for operation however, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. For instance, if you have a high-quality headphone amp/DAC such as the Monolith Hi-Res model, the sound quality produced by a planar magnetic headphones can be awe-inspiring.
Check out our selection of magnetic headphones with planar design below or give us a call! We’d love to help you in finding a pair that is more than your expectations.
What are the disadvantages of the planar drive?
Planar drivers are more expensive and complex to make, but they offer many advantages. They also require more power than traditional dynamic drivers and are therefore less transportable. There are headphones and IEMs that have planar drivers in the price brackets that are higher.
Another disadvantage of a planar driver is that it isn’t as responsive to changes in the audio signal, making it harder to achieve a well-matched frequency response. This can be compensated with sound engineering and tuning, but may result in a slightly different sound signature.
Planar drivers are not as physically slammable as dynamic headphones. This is because the diaphragm conductor trace does not have the same direct contact with the magnetic field of a dynamic headphone as the voice coil. Despite this there are exceptions. The HIFIMAN sundara, for example provides the same clarity of image and structure as the top-end planar headsets while still being affordable.
Ultimately, the decision to choose planar headphones over conventional dynamic headphones boils down to what you value most. Do you prefer the precision speed, and accuracy of planar drivers or the punch and slam that dynamic drivers can provide? There are many choices to fit your budget and preferences.
If you’re looking for a pair of new headphones or simply want to expand your listening options the planar drivers are worth a look. With their excellent frequency response as well as their low distortion and wide soundstage they can elevate your listening experience to the next level. With the wide range of options available at TTVJ, you’re sure to find the ideal pair of headphones to meet your requirements.
What are the best planar headphones?
When it comes to headphones, Planar headphones there are many elements that make the perfect pair. You want them to sit on your head, to be comfortable throughout long listening sessions, and to include the features you require. Planar headphones, also known as orthodynamic headsets, provide a unique and accurate listening experience. The unique design of these headphones makes use of a flat, thin diaphragm, which is sandwiched between two magnets to produce sound waves. This technology makes them a great option for audiophiles looking for high-quality sound.
There are a variety of options for planar headphones, but it’s essential to choose one that is compatible with your preferences and needs. The most well-known choices include closed-back and open-back headphones and over-ear and in-ear designs. You will also need to take into consideration your budget and comfort requirements.
A good place to start is to read reviews from professional websites such as Popular Science, Headphoneia, and r/headphones on Reddit. You should also read reviews and user comments to get a feel of how the headphones perform in actual use. After narrowing down your options, you can try a few pairs and Planar Headphones listen to music in various settings to see which most closely match your preferences.
While you might be tempted to spend thousands of dollars on the most expensive pair of headphones There are many affordable options available. In fact, a few of the best planar headphones cost under $200 and still provide outstanding audio quality. Audeze LCD-2 Classics, for example, are an excellent option for those looking to test out planar headphones.
Another option that is great is the Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 Closed-Back Headphones. These headphones are lightweight and comfortable, making them ideal for long listening sessions. They are also the cheapest pair of headphones we carry.
It is important to keep in mind that planar headphones require a specific amplifier to function properly. This is due to the fact that they have an impedance that is higher than dynamic driver headphones and need more power to move the diaphragm. If you opt for a quality amp and DAC they will provide an amazing listening experience for only a fraction of the cost of other premium headphones.