Planar Magnetic vs. Dynamic Headphones
Picking the right pair of headphones can be an overwhelming experience! You need to consider the design, the sound quality, the price, the comfort, and several other factors. When it comes to selecting between Planar Magnetic and Dynamic Headphones, things might even seem more confusing. That is why we’ve created this post to help you understand the differences, benefits, and drawbacks of both types of headphones.
The Basics
Before we dive into the differences, let's cover the basics.
Planar Magnetic headphones use a flat diaphragm with a printed conductor pattern on it, resulting in improved transient response and better accuracy. While Dynamic Headphones use a voice coil and a magnet to move the diaphragm. Dynamic headphones tend to produce sound through the vibration of the coil, and Planar Magnetic headphones tend to produce sound by vibrating the entire diaphragm.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, Planar Magnetic headphones tend to be superior in several aspects. Planar Magnetic headphones have better bass and mid-range response, and they are often more detailed and accurate than dynamic headphones. Planar Magnetic headphones also tend to have a more natural sound, with less distortion.
Dynamic headphones, on the other hand, tend to be more affordable, and some of them do a great job in replicating sound quality with great accuracy. However, they do tend to have less accurate bass response and less detail within the music.
Comfort and Design
Comfort is an important factor when choosing headphones, and both types have their advantages and drawbacks. Planar Magnetic headphones tend to be more substantial and bulkier than dynamic headphones, but they often provide a more comfortable fit by distributing the headphone’s weight evenly over your head.
Dynamic headphones tend to be more compact and portable. They are more popular with casual listeners who take their headphones on the go.
The Verdict
So which is better? Well, that depends on your audio requirements and preferences. If you are looking for more accurate sound with greater detail, Planar Magnetic headphones are probably the right choice for you. However, if you are more likely to listen to music on the go, dynamic headphones might be better suited to your needs.
References:
- Baldvinsson, Baldur. “Dynamic vs. Planar Magnetic Headphones: Which Is Best for You?” Audio46, 12 Aug. 2020, www.audio46.com/blogs/headphones/dynamic-vs-planar-magnetic-headphones-which-is-best-for-you.
- W., Will. “Dynamic Vs Planar Magnetic Headphones - What's The Difference?” Headphones Addict, 22 June 2021, headphonesaddict.com/planar-magnetic-vs-dynamic-headphones/.