The majority of headphones and IEMs use dynamic drivers that use cones that move back and forth, generating sound waves. These headphones are more expensive and come with flat diaphragms, but give a more clear image.
However, they require more power to run the big drivers, and might not be suitable for portable devices. This is where the phrase 'punch and slam' comes from and could be an improvement for some audiophiles.
The Basics
Planar Magnetic Drivers have become the standard for headphones due to their clear sound and immersive quality. Even though they aren't quite as popular as dynamic driver headphones however, you can find some of the top 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 in that they don't use an oscillating voice coil to generate vibrations in the diaphragm. Instead, the charged part of the driver is spread across the flat surface of the diaphragm, which allows for more uniform motion.
A simpler mechanism makes the planar magnet driver more efficient in producing soundwaves. This can result in higher distortion levels, a more precise response to music's transients, and a more natural soundstage.
There are many advantages for choosing headphones with a planar magnet drive. However, you should be aware of a few drawbacks. You must first be aware that these headphones leak more sound than open-back dynamic models. This is a result of the fact that the flat diaphragm of the planar magnetic headphone will push sounds in both directions, meaning that sound waves will be released out of the earcups and into your surroundings. This is something you should take into consideration if you will use your headphones in public or at the office.
Another issue is that planar magnetic headphone s generally require more power to achieve their full potential than other types of headphone. The large, thin diaphragms require more energy to be able to move evenly which is why they are heavier and bulkier. This is a problem if you're looking to keep your headphones lightweight and portable.
In addition, planar headphones are sometimes lacking the punch and slam that many listeners prefer. This is because the diaphragm's flat shape doesn't vibrate in a pistonic fashion, like traditional dynamic headphones, and thus cannot be as 'plucked' as some listeners may wish for. This is not an opinion that is widely shared. There are some premium planar magnet headphones (like the HiFiMAN Sundara) which provide a clear image and excellent image distribution.
If you're willing to overlook these issues, and are ready for a headphone with distinct soundstage and unmatched clarity and sound quality, then magnetic headphones with planar design are definitely worth a look. Make sure to take into consideration the extra costs and power requirements as well as the size and weight of your headphones before making a choice. The good news is that you can find numerous top-quality planar magnetic headphones available at reasonable prices, such as the popular HiFiMAN Sundara. This gives a taste the speed precision, accuracy, and clarity that planar magnetic headphones offer without costing a fortune.
Benefits
Although there are a lot of top headphones with dynamic drivers, the majority of the top headphones available in a variety of price ranges use the planar magnetic technology. These headphones are typically more expensive than their dynamic counterparts, but also offer superior performance, with the wide soundstage and immersive listening experience.
To create vibrations in the diaphragm, planar magnetic headphones use two or more magnets positioned close to the flat surface of the driver, and conductor trace on the diaphragm. When electrical signals pass through these wires, they induce a magnetic field that reacts with the magnets and causes them to vibrate. The force produced is evenly distributed across the entire surface of the diaphragm. This does not cause distortion as dynamic headphones do.
Because of the way they are built, they have a larger soundstage than dynamic models and offer more responsive transients, meaning they can handle rapid 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 richer in bass than dynamic headphones.
The more precise headphones are better and have a more natural sound. This makes them more appealing to audiophiles. This is evident in the clarity of their sound and how they reproduce stereo balance and position of instruments. This is especially true for closed-back models like the HiFiMAN Sundara that provide a more spacious and realistic soundstage.
These headphones are also less likely to break up in the event that forces acting on the diaphragm degrade the structural integrity of the diaphragm and cause various points to become out of sync. This can be caused by an unsuitable design or manufacturing. This is one of the reasons why planar headphones are considered to be the best option.
However, this kind of headphone does come with disadvantages. It requires a large amount of power to operate. They can be heavy and heavy, making them less mobile than their dynamic counterparts. They also tend to leak more sound. This means you'll require a quiet area to listen to these headphones without disturbing others. The latest models come with improved seals and noise-isolation to reduce this issue. For these reasons, it's hard to give an absolute answer to whether or the headphones with planar magnetics are actually superior to dynamic ones. It's based on what you value and what your priorities are.
