Planar Magnetic Vs Dynamic Driver Headphones
Most headphones and IEMs feature a dynamic driver, which uses a cone that moves forward and back to create sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones feature a flat diaphragm. They are more expensive, however they offer better sound and clarity.
However, they will require more power to run the big drivers, and might not be suitable for portable devices. This is where the term ‘punch’ and slam comes from and could be a step down for some audiophiles.
The Basics
Planar Magnetic Drivers are quickly becoming a standard in headphones due to their rich audio and clear sound. Even though they aren’t quite as common as dynamic driver headphones but you can find a few of the top Planar Magnetic Headphones from big-name brands like Audeze or Oppo. Planar Magnetic Headphones work on a different concept than traditional dynamic driver headphones, in that they don’t use a moving voice coil to generate vibrations within the diaphragm. Instead, the part of the driver that is charged is spread across the flat surface, allowing for more uniform movement.
A less complex mechanism makes the planar magnetic driver more efficient in producing soundwaves. This can translate into better distortion levels, a more accurate response to the transients of music and more natural soundstage.
There are many advantages for choosing headphones that have a planar magnet drive. However, you must be aware of a few limitations. First, be aware that these kinds of headphones typically leak more sound than standard open-back dynamic models. This is a result of the fact that the diaphragm, which is flat, of the planar magnetic headphones will be able to push sound in both directions, meaning that sound waves will escape from the earcups and into the surrounding. This is something to take into account if you’ll be using your headphones in public 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 large, thin diaphragms require more energy to be able to move evenly which is why they are heavier and heavier. This is a disadvantage when you want to keep your headphones portable and lightweight.
Planar magnetic headphones may not provide the heft or slam some listeners desire. This is because the diaphragm isn’t vibrating in the same way as traditional dynamic headphones and aren’t able to be ‘plucked’ as some listeners would like. But, this isn’t an opinion that is universally accepted and there are some premium planar magnetic headphones (like the HiFiMAN Sundara) that provide excellent image distribution and punch.
If you’re willing to overlook the issues and are looking for a headphone that offers a unique soundstage that is crystal clear these headphones might be worth investigating. Be sure to factor in the additional cost and power requirements and their size and weight, before you purchase. The good news is that there are many excellent planar magnetic headphones at reasonable prices, such as the popular HiFiMAN Sundara. This provides a glimpse of what planar magnetic headphones are capable of without spending a fortune.
Benefits
There are a variety of great headphones with dynamic drivers. However, the top headphones that cover a range of price points use the planar magnetic technology. These headphones are usually more expensive than their counterparts with dynamic drivers, but also offer superior performance, including large soundstages and an immersive listening experience.
Planar magnetic headphones employ two or more magnets that are placed on the flat surface of the driver and audiophiles a conductor track on the diaphragm to generate vibrations. When electrical signals pass through these wires, they induce an electromagnetic field that reacts with the magnets and causes them to vibrate. The resulting force is evenly spread across the entire diaphragm’s surface, which does not produce distortion in the same way as dynamic headphones can.
Because of the way that these headphones are constructed, they have a larger soundstage than dynamic models and offer more responsive transients that means they can deal with rapid changes in audio with greater accuracy. Additionally, they have lower resonance and a broader frequency response, making them more accurate in the bass area than dynamic headphones and providing a fuller, deeper sound.
Planar planars headphones are more accurate and have an edgier sound. This makes them more appealing to audiophiles. This is evident in the clarity of their sound as well as how they reproduce the stereo balance and the location of instruments. This is especially important in closed-back designs such as the HiFiMAN sundara, which create a more realistic and spacious soundstage.
Furthermore, these headphones are generally less prone to breakup, which occurs when the forces that act on the diaphragm weaken its structural integrity, causing different points of the surface to move out of sync. This can be caused by a poor design or manufacturing. This is among the reasons planar headphones are considered the premium option.
However, this type of headphone does come with disadvantages. First, it requires a lot of power to run the driver. They can be heavy and heavy, which makes them less portable than dynamic counterparts. They also tend to emit more sound, meaning you’ll have to be in a closed area to listen without disturbing others. Fortunately, the latest models have improved seals and noise-isolation to reduce this issue. For these reasons, it’s difficult to provide an absolute answer to whether or the planar magnetic headphones are truly superior to dynamic ones. It all depends on your preferences and what you value in your audio experience.