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Planar Magnetic Vs Dynamic Driver Headphones Most headphones and IEMs make use of dynamic drivers that use cones to move back and forth, creating sound waves. Planar magnetic headphones are more expensive and come with an elongated diaphragm, however they give a more clear image. However, they do require more power to drive the large drivers, so might not be suitable for portable devices. This is where the 'punch and slam' comes from, and where they can be an improvement for some audiophiles. The Basics Planar Magnetic Drivers are quickly becoming a standard in headphones for their immersive sound and clear quality. 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 work on an entirely different model from traditional dynamic driver headphones, in that they do not use the voice coil that moves to generate vibrations within the diaphragm. Instead, the charged portion of the driver is spread across the flat surface of the diaphragm, which allows for more uniform motion. Generally speaking the planar magnetic driver is more effective in generating sound waves than a dynamic driver because of a simpler mechanism. This could result in better distortion levels, a more accurate response to music's transients, and an overall more natural soundstage. While there are a lot of advantages to headphones with a planar magnetic drive but the technology comes with a few limitations that you must be aware of. It is important to be aware that these headphones release more sound than open-back dynamic models. This is due to the fact that the diaphragm, which is flat, of the planar magnetic headphone can push sound in both directions, so sound waves will be released from the earcups and into the surrounding. This is something to take into account if you'll use your headphones in public or at work. Planar magnetic headphones require more power than other headphone models to reach their full potential. The thick, wide diaphragms require more energy to be able to move evenly which is why they are heavier and more bulky. This is a disadvantage if you want to keep your headphones light and portable. Planar magnetic headphones may not provide the heft or slam that some listeners want. This is because the diaphragm isn't vibrating in the same way as traditional dynamic headphones and can't be 'plucked' as some listeners would like. However, this is not an opinion that is universally accepted and there are a few premium planar magnetic headphones (like the HiFiMAN Sundara) that provide excellent image distribution and punch. If you're willing to overlook the shortcomings and are searching for a pair of headphones that has a unique soundstage with unsurpassed clarity, planar magnetic headphones may be worth investigating. Be sure to consider the extra cost and power requirements as well as the size and weight of your headphones prior to making a decision. The good news is that you can find many excellent planar magnetic headphones available at reasonable prices, such as the well-known HiFiMAN Sundara. magnetic planar headphones offers a taste of the speed as well as accuracy and detail that planar magnetic headphones offer without spending a fortune. Advantages There are many great headphones that use dynamic drivers, many of the best headphones in a variety of price ranges employ the planar magnetic technology. These headphones are generally more expensive than their counterparts with dynamic drivers, but also provide superior performance, including large soundstages and an immersive listening experience. Planar magnetic headphones make use of two or more magnets that are suspended near the flat surface of the driver, and a conductor track on the diaphragm to generate vibrations. Electrical impulses passing through these wires induce magnetic forces that interact with the magnets, causing them to vibration. The resulting force is evenly distributed across the entire diaphragm's surface, which does not produce distortion in the same way that dynamic headphones do. Due to the way they are built they offer a wider soundstage than the dynamic models and provide more responsive transients which means they can handle rapid changes in audio with greater accuracy. They also have lower resonance and a broader frequency response, which makes them more accurate in the bass range than dynamic headphones and offering an even, fuller sound. The more precise headphones are better and have an edgier sound. This makes them more appealing to audiophiles. This is evident in the clarity and distinctness of their sound as well as the way they reproduce the location and stereo balance of instruments. This is especially important in closed-back designs such as the HiFiMAN sundara that provide an even more realistic and spacious soundstage. Moreover, these headphones are less likely to breakup, which occurs when the forces acting on the diaphragm degrade its structural integrity and cause different points of the surface to be out of the sync. This could be due to the design or manufacturing defect. This is among the reasons that planar headphones are considered the premium choice. This kind of headphone comes with certain disadvantages. It requires a large amount of power to drive it. This means that they can be heavy and bulky, which may make them less mobile than their more powerful counterparts. They also tend to leak more sound, which means you'll have to be in a quiet area to listen without disturbing others. Fortunately, the latest models have better seals and noise isolation to mitigate this issue. For these reasons, it's difficult to provide a definitive answer as to whether or whether magnetic headphones that are planar are better than dynamic ones. It's all about what you value and what are your top priorities.