What Are Planar Headphones?
If you're in the market for earphones or headphones, then you may have seen some models that have planar drivers. What exactly are they and how do they differ from dynamic-driver headphones?
They have a larger sound wavefront than headphones with dynamic drivers. This provides a more clear image and clarity of stereo sounds.
What is a Planar Driver?
The planar driver is the kind of speaker (or headphone) driver that's found in a variety of the latest and most loved headphones. It's an advanced technology that aims to overcome some of the limitations of traditional drivers, and so offers the highest audio quality currently available.
A planar driver is a diaphragm laid flat on top of the conductor. This conductor is then surrounded by powerful magnets on one or both sides. The magnets react to an audio signal by generating an electric field that pushes the diaphragm into a particular direction. The result is an all-directional sound wave that can create a more accurate and detailed sound than a dynamic driver.
Planar headphones are generally designed for people who listen to music with a high level of focus, and they often require a stronger amplifier to effectively drive them. They're therefore more expensive than other headphones, however they provide better audio quality and a wider soundstage.
For those who are new to the world of planar headphones, it can be a bit daunting to try and understand the technical terms and jargons that are used in the industry. We've created a quick guide that explains the basics of a driver for planar headphones and how it differs.
While the term "planar driver" can be a little confusing, it's actually quite simple. The key difference between a planar driver and other kinds of headphones is that a planar driver has an elongated diaphragm instead of a traditional dome or cone-shaped diaphragm.
Planar drivers also employ an exclusive magnet system to create sound waves. This means that they are able to create a more precise and precise sound wave than dynamic drivers can produce, resulting in better audio reproduction and a much larger sound stage than conventional headphones.
In addition, planar headphones tend to have a slightly more natural and relaxed sound than dynamic drivers, which can be appreciated by a large number of listeners. Planar headphones come with some drawbacks like their weight and size, as well as the need for higher power output compared to other kinds of headphones. These issues make them not suitable for use on the go, but they can still be a great option for serious audiophiles who are looking to fully experience the potential of this advanced technology.
What are the advantages of a driver with a planar design?
Planar drivers are the hottest technology in the world of high-end headphone. They are well-known for the accuracy and detail they provide, allowing users to listen to the music exactly as it was recorded.
In contrast to other types of headphone drivers that use middle-men metal conductors to move the diaphragm as well as produce sound waves Planar magnetic headphones have the unique feature of having the diaphragm itself move directly. This is achieved through an extremely thin piece of electrically charged material, typically made of mylar which is sandwiched between two conductive plates. When an audio signal plays, the conductive sheet moves in and out of contact with the diaphragm and causes it to move.
The benefit of this is that there are no mechanical distortions that might occur with other headphone technologies. This results in a more natural and organic sound quality that is free of harshness and unwanted resonant frequencies. The force applied to the surface of the diaphragm makes it more responsive to audio signals.
Another advantage of planar magnetic headphones is their capacity to offer a superior bass response. This is because the bass response of the planar headphone is more precise than a dynamic driver headphone. The reason is that with a plane headphone the diaphragm's entire surface vibrates in response to an audio signal, which results in an even more stable bass response than a dynamic driver headphone.
There are a few disadvantages for using planar magnetic headphones such as their price and the fact that they sometimes require a specific headphone amplifier or DAC to function, overall the advantages outweigh these drawbacks. For example, with an excellent headphone amplifier/DAC, such as the Monolith Hi-Res model, the sound quality produced by a planar magnetic headphones can be extraordinary.
Take a look at our selection of planar magnetic headphones below or give us a ring! We'd love to help you in finding a pair that is more than your expectations.
What are the disadvantages of a planar driver?
Planar drivers are more expensive and complicated to build, yet they have numerous advantages. They also require a greater amount of power than conventional dynamic drivers and are therefore less transportable. This is the reason you'll find headphones and IEMs with planar drive units mainly in the higher price bracket.
Another drawback of a planar driver is that it isn't as responsive to changes in audio signal, which makes it more difficult to get a good frequency response. This can be compensated for by tuning and sound engineering, but could lead to an audio signature that is slightly different than you're familiar with.
Planar drivers are not as physically slammable as dynamic headphones. This is due to the conductor trace on the diaphragm doesn't interact with the magnetic field as effectively as the voice coil on dynamic headphones. But there are exceptions. The HIFIMAN sundara, for instance provides the same clarity of image and structure as top-end planar headsets, but is affordable.
The final choice to go with the planar or dynamic headphones comes down to what you value the most. Do you prefer the precision speed and accuracy of the planar drivers or the power and slam that dynamic drivers offer? There are many options to suit both budgets and preferences.
Whether you're in the market for a new pair of headphones or simply want to expand your music listening horizons, planar drivers are worth a look. With their outstanding frequency response, low distortion and expansive soundstage they can take your listening experience to a whole new level. With so many options at TTVJ it's easy to find the perfect headphones for you.
What are the top planar headphones?
When it comes to headphones, there are many elements that make a good pair. You want them to fit your head, feel comfortable for long listening sessions, and possess the features you require to make use of them. Planar headphones, also referred to as orthodynamic headphones, provide an exceptional and precise listening experience. The unique design of these headphones utilizes a flat, thin diaphragm, which is sandwiched between two magnets to produce sound waves. This technology makes them a great choice for audiophiles who demand the highest quality of sound.
There are many choices for planar headphones. It is crucial to pick the right pair for your needs and preferences. The most well-known options are closed-back and open-back headphones and over-ear and in-ear designs. It is also important to think about your budget and preferences for comfort.
The best way to begin is by reading reviews from professional websites like Popular Science, Headphoneia, and r/headphones on Reddit. You can also read reviews and other comments from users to get an idea of how the headphones work in real-world situations. Once you've narrowed down your choices, try on several headphones and listen to music in various environments.
You may be tempted by the idea of spending thousands on premium headphones, but there are many budget-friendly options available. Some of the best planars headphones are priced under $200, and they offer top-quality audio. For Home Page , the Audeze LCD-2 Classics are a excellent choice for anyone who wants to try out planar headphones for a reasonable price.
Dan Clark Audio's AEON 2 closed-back headphones are an excellent option. These headphones are extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear, which makes them ideal for long listening sessions. They are also the most affordable pair of headphones we carry.
Keep in mind that planar headphones require an amplifier specifically designed for them to function. They have an impedance that is higher than dynamic driver headphones and will require more power to move the diaphragm. However, if you choose an amplifier that is of high quality and DAC, they can deliver an amazing listening experience for less than the cost of other headphones of a premium quality.