A Step-By-Step Guide To Selecting The Right Dynamic Vs Planar Vs Electrostatic
Electrostatic Vs Dynamic Headphones and Speakers Headphones with planar driver have a flat diaphragm covered by conductors and responds equally to the audio signals, instead of the focused wavefront of dynamic headphones. They also require an amplifier and are typically more expensive than dynamic headphones. They are known for their image structure and clarity, but they may not have the punch and slam of dynamic headphones. They are also a little larger and use more power. Dynamic Dynamic headphones and speakers are the most popular models that consumers buy however audiophiles have for a long time preferred planar drivers due to their superior sound quality. Planar magnetic headphones tend to be more expensive than dynamic ones and require a special amplifier (although modern technology is reducing the cost). The technology behind planar speakers and headphones is different from traditional moving-coil systems. It works on a more sophisticated principle. The concept is simple: A thin, flat diaphragm is suspended between two plates that are perforated. When audio signals are applied to the plates, the film membrane is able to move between them due to electrical attraction and repulsion -similar to how condenser microphones work. When paired up with a top quality headphone amplifier, you can enjoy an extremely precise and natural sound reproduction. There isn't any distortion or other artifacts, as can happen with more traditional designs for dynamic sound. Planar headphones provide the most precise soundstage however, they also provide a more neutral sound signature and better transient response when compared to dynamic models. Dynamic drivers are more vulnerable to distortion when they are played at higher volume because they only vibrate a portion of the diaphragm that is connected to the voice coil. This can cause tiny distortions, which can reduce the overall quality of the audio reproduction. Planar headphones typically have superior imaging capabilities, making it easier to locate instruments in the stereo image. This is due to the fact that the diaphragm of a planar model is more spherical, and it has an even wavefront when responding to an audio signal. However, older dynamic headphones have a tendency to drop around 20hz, which can negatively impact their bass extension and punch. Planar headphones also have the ability to reproduce the full spectrum of frequencies. This lets the listener hear the music exactly as it was designed by audio engineers. Dynamic headphones might have trouble recording frequencies that aren't within their intended range. This is particularly applicable to closed-back models. Planar headphones can be slightly more difficult to drive when compared to dynamic models. The conductors of the planar driver only cover half of the diaphragm and thus require a greater current to drive than dynamic headphones. This results in a more demanding power requirement and increased overall complexity which requires the headphones to be significantly larger for comfort and portability. In addition, they typically require a separate bias supply for operation (though modern technology is reducing the requirements). Planar headphones are a great option for those looking for a premium headphone. They are extremely comfortable to wear and have an unmistakably natural sound that is unmatched by most other headphone types. They are also very durable, which means they will last for many years. Planar Traditionally, headphones with dynamic drivers cause cones to vibrate using voice coils. This technology has been used for over 100 years and is fairly inexpensive. However, it does have its disadvantages. The distortion is caused by the voice coil is only moving part of the diaphragm. This is the reason why a lot of high-end headphones (especially ones that require an amplifier for function) provide a flat frequency response, which reduces distortion at higher frequencies. Planar magnetic headphones are a more recent alternative. They utilize flat diaphragms and a variety of magnets for sound. These headphones usually have more consistent motion and less distortion than dynamic headphones, and can also produce an impressive amount of bass. They are difficult to drive using integrated amplifiers. They usually require a separate headphone amplifier to achieve their full potential. HiFiMAN and Audeze make some of the most popular headphones that are planar. These headphones are usually constructed from exotic materials like beryllium. This allows them to have an extremely wide frequency range, but still able to reproduce detailed sounds. But, what we're witnessing is that even though these headphones can provide amazing image quality and clarity however, they may not have that sense of “punch” or slam” that you'll experience when you use a dynamic headphone. Another issue with headphones made of planar is that they can be susceptible to resonances, which can cause unintentional noise or acoustic leakage. Although these issues aren't a deal-breaker for most listeners, it's important to be aware of what you're getting into when considering an investment in a pair planar headphone. We recommend that you test several different models regardless of whether you choose to purchase an active headphone or a planar one. This will help you decide the type of headphones that are the best fit for your specific needs. If you are an occasional listener and need something easy to drive, then a dynamic headphone might be the right choice for you. If you'd like to listen to everything clearly and with clarity the headphones with a planar design are the best option. The SR-009 by Stax is an excellent example of this. There are numerous other planar headphones that provide top-quality sound quality for a reasonable price. They may not carry the Stax brand name or the expensive price tag, but they will certainly provide the sound you want without any of the pitfalls that come with expensive electronics. If you can afford to pay a little more, you may be interested in an electrostatic headphone. This uses a completely different principle and requires special power sources and amplifiers. For the majority of users however, the more dynamic headphone that is priced reasonably is a great choice. Electrostatic Electrostatic forces are forces that are not contact that exert pressure or pull on objects, without touching them. Coulomb's Law defines them as in terms of repelling like charges and unlike charges draw. To help students grasp this principle, you might like to show them some examples of everyday electrostatic phenomena, such as plastic wrap attracting lightweight particles when taken out of a bag or rulers attracting pieces of paper that have been rubbed against them. Dynamic headphones operate by utilizing the simplest of concepts: a voice coil creates a magnetic field which causes a diaphragm move. This motion then creates sound waves which are pumped into the ear via the earcups or earbuds. Dynamic headphones are relatively inexpensive because of this simple mechanism. This could also mean that they require a lot more power, which could drain the battery of your smartphone very quickly. In contrast, headphones with planar designs use an advanced technology to create sound. They use an extremely thin diaphragm that is floating between perforated metal plates. Electrostatic forces cause the membrane to move when audio signals are applied over the plates. This produces uniform sound waves which are more precise and accurate compared to those generated by traditional dynamic headphone drivers. Another benefit of this technology is that it can operate at lower frequencies than dynamic headphones. This results in richer, more natural sound and better bass response. Planar headphones also tend to be more comfortable than their dynamic counterparts. Their more complex design and price make them an expensive choice for many listeners. planar magnetic headphone of planar headphones is their tendency to leak sound outwards. The diaphragm can move in both directions rather than pushing sound towards your ear canal. This is why it is commonplace for headphones with a planar design to be used in acoustic-free environments to avoid disrupting the people surrounding you. The cost of planar headphones is higher than dynamic ones, but they offer superior audio. This is due to the intricate manufacturing process needed to create the ultra-thin magnets and ultra-thin membranes. Despite their high cost some users claim that they offer better image clarity, separation and representation of transients that are fast than dynamic headphones.