headphonesshop.uk and IEMs make use of dynamic drivers that make use of cones to move back and forth, creating sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones have a flat diaphragm, and are more expensive, however they provide a better image and clarity.
However, they require more power to run the large drivers, so could not be suitable for portable devices. This is where the term 'punch' and slam comes from and can be an improvement for some audiophiles.
The Basics
Planar Magnetic Drivers are quickly becoming a standard in headphones due to their resonant audio and clear sound. Although they're not as well-known as dynamic driver headphones however, you can find some of the best Planar Magnetic Headphones from big-name brands such as Audeze or Oppo. Planar Magnetic Headphones are a slightly different from traditional driver headphones as they don't employ an active voice coil to generate vibrations in the diaphragm. Instead, the charged part of the driver is distributed across the flat diaphragm's surface, which allows for a more uniform motion.
A less complex mechanism makes the planar magnetic driver more efficient in creating soundwaves. This could result in better distortion levels, a more accurate response to the transients of music, and a more natural soundstage.
There are many benefits for choosing headphones with a drive planar. However, you should be aware of a few drawbacks. It is important to be aware that these headphones release more sound than open-back dynamic models. The diaphragm that is flat on planar magnetic headphones send sound both ways. This means that sound waves will leak out of the earcups into your surroundings. If you plan to use your headphones in a public place or at work you should think about this. you should consider.
Another issue is that planar magnetic headphones often require more power to reach their full potential than other styles of headphones. They require more power to uniformly move their large, thin diaphragms, and as a result, they tend to be somewhat heavier and bulkier. This is a disadvantage if you're looking to keep your headphones lightweight and portable.
Additionally, planar magnetic headphones can sometimes lack the punch and slam that many listeners like. This is due to the diaphragm's flat shape doesn't move in the same way as traditional dynamic headphones and can't be 'plucked,' as some listeners might wish. This is not an opinion that is widely accepted. There are some premium planar magnet headphones (like the HiFiMAN Sundara), that provide a clear image and a great distribution of the image.
If you're willing to overlook these issues and are ready for a headset that has distinct soundstage and unmatched clarity the magnetic headphones with planar design are definitely worth exploring. Make sure to factor in the additional costs and power requirements, as well as their weight and size before you purchase. The good news is that there are now several exceptional planar magnetic headphones available at an affordable price, including the popular HiFiMAN Sundara. This offers a taste of the speed as well as accuracy and detail that planar magnetic headphones can offer without spending a fortune.
Benefits
There are many great headphones with dynamic drivers. However, the most effective headphones across a wide range of price points use the technology of planar magnetic. These headphones are usually more expensive than dynamic ones but they also provide superior performance. They feature a wider soundstage, and offer a more immersive listening experience.
Planar magnetic headphones make use of two or more magnets suspended near the flat surface of a driver and a conductor track on the diaphragm to generate vibrations. Electrical impulses passing through these wires create magnetic forces that interact with magnets and causes them to vibrate. The force generated is evenly distributed over the entire surface of diaphragm. This doesn't cause distortion like dynamic headphones.
Because of the way that they are built they offer a wider soundstage than dynamic models and have much better transient response, meaning they can handle rapid changes in audio with greater precision. They also have a lower resonance as well as a flatter frequency response. This makes them more precise and richer in bass than dynamic headphones.
These headphones are more precise and have 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 important in closed-back designs such as the HiFiMAN sundara, which create a more realistic and spacious soundstage.
Moreover, these headphones are generally less prone to breakup, which happens when the forces acting on the diaphragm weaken its structural integrity and cause various points on the surface to go out of sync. This can be caused by an unsuitable design or manufacturing. It is one of the reasons why planar headphones are considered to be the best alternative.
However, this type of headphone does have some disadvantages. It first requires a lot of power to run the driver. They are often bulky and heavy, which makes them less mobile than their dynamic counterparts. They also tend to emit more sound, which means you'll have to be in an isolated space to listen to them without causing disturbance to others around you. The most recent models have improved noise isolation and seals to alleviate this issue. It's difficult to decide whether planar magnetic headphones or dynamic ones are better. It's all about your preferences and what you want from your audio experience.