Planar Magnetic Vs Dynamic Driver Headphones
The majority of headphones and IEMs come with a dynamic driver, which uses cones that move back and forth to create sound waves. The planar magnetic headphones are more expensive and feature an elongated diaphragm, however they give a more clear image.
However, they require more power to drive the big drivers, and may not be suitable for portable devices. This is where the 'punch and slam' comes from and could be a step down for certain audiophiles.
The Basics
Planar Magnetic Drivers are quickly becoming a staple in headphones due to their rich audio and clear sound. While they're not as well-known as dynamic drivers, you can find big-name companies such as Audeze and Oppo which sell the top Planar Magnetic Headphones. Planar Magnetic Headphones work on an entirely different model from traditional dynamic driver headphones because they don't employ the voice coil that moves to generate vibrations within the diaphragm. Instead the part of the driver that is charged is distributed across the flat surface, allowing for a more uniform movement.
A less complex mechanism allows the planar magnet driver to be more efficient in generating soundwaves. This can result in higher distortion levels, more accurate responses to transients in music, and an authentic soundstage.
While there are a number of advantages to headphones with a planar magnetic drive but the technology comes with some limitations you must keep in mind. First, you should be aware that these kinds of headphones tend to emit more sound than normal open-back dynamic models. This is due to the fact that the flat diaphragm of the planar magnetic headphones will push sound in both directions, so sound waves will leak out of the ear cups and into your surroundings. If you are planning to use your headphones in public areas or at work, this is something that you should consider.
Another issue is that planar magnetic headphones typically require more power to achieve their full potential than other types of headphone. what is a planar headphone are large and thin, and require more energy to be able to move evenly, so they are heavier and heavier. This is a disadvantage when you want to keep your headphones light and portable.
Additionally, planar magnetic headphones are sometimes lacking the slam and punch many listeners like. This is because the diaphragm's flat shape doesn't vibrate in a pistonic manner, like traditional dynamic headphones, and thus cannot be as 'plucked' as some listeners would like. But, this isn't an unpopular opinion, and there are some high-end planar magnetic headphones (like the HiFiMAN Sundara) that provide excellent image distribution and punch.
If you're willing to overlook the problems and are seeking a headphone that offers a unique soundstage with unsurpassed clarity these headphones might be worth considering. Make sure to take into consideration the extra costs and power requirements, as well as the weight and size of your headphones before making a choice. The good news is that you can find numerous top-quality planar magnetic headphones available at an affordable cost, including the renowned HiFiMAN Sundara. This gives you a taste of what planar magnetic headphones can offer without costing you a fortune.
Advantages
Although there are a lot of great headphones that use dynamic drivers, the majority of the best headphones in a variety of price ranges employ planar magnetic technology. These headphones are usually more expensive than dynamic headphones, but they also offer superior performance. They offer a larger soundstage, and offer a more immersive listening experience.
Planar magnetic headphones use two or more magnets placed on the flat surface of the driver, and a conductor tracks on the diaphragm to create vibrations. The electrical impulses that travel through these wires induce a magnetic force that reacts with magnets and causes them to vibration. The resultant force is evenly spread across the entire surface of the diaphragm and does not cause distortion in the same way as dynamic headphones can.
Due to the way the headphones are built they offer a wider soundstage than dynamic models and offer much better transient response that means they can deal with fast changes in audio with greater precision. They also have a lower resonance as well as a more rounded frequency response. This means they are more precise and deeper in the bass than dynamic headphones.
Because they're more precise and precise, they offer a natural and clear sound quality, which attracts audiophiles. This can be heard in the clarity and distinctness of their sounds and the way that they reproduce the location and stereo balance of instruments. This is particularly important in closed-back designs like the HiFiMAN sundara, which provide an even more realistic and spacious soundstage.
They are also less likely to break up, which happens when forces acting on the diaphragm compromise the diaphragm's structural integrity and cause various points to become out of sync. This could be due to a poor design or manufacturing. It is one of the reasons planar headphones are considered to be the best alternative.
This kind of headphone comes with some disadvantages. It first requires a lot of power to drive the driver. They can be heavy and heavy, making them less mobile than their dynamic counterparts. They also tend leak more sound. This means you'll require a quiet area to listen to these headphones without disturbing others. The latest models offer improved sealing 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's all about what you value and what your priorities are.