Electrostatic Vs Dynamic Headphones and Speakers
Headphones with planar drivers have flat diaphragms surrounded by conductors that react equally to the audio signal, rather than a spherical wavefront that is focused like dynamic headphones. However, they also require a specialized amplifier and are typically more expensive than their dynamic counterparts.
They are well-known for their image structure and clarity, but they aren't as powerful and slam of dynamic headphones. They're also larger and use more power.
Dynamic
Dynamic headphones and speakers are the most popular types that consumers purchase however audiophiles have always preferred planar drivers for their superior sound quality. Planar magnetic headphones are generally more expensive than dynamic ones and require a special amplifier (although modern technology is reducing the price). The technology behind these headphones differs from traditional moving-coil systems. It works using a more sophisticated model.
The idea is simple: a thin, flat film diaphragm is suspended between two perforated plates. The film membrane is able to move upwards and downwards due to electrical attraction and repellence when audio signals are applied. This is similar to how condenser microphones work. When combined with a high-quality headphone amplifier and a headphone amplifier, the result is a natural and accurate reproduction of music, without distortion or other issues that are common with conventional designs for dynamic sound.
In planar vs electrostatic headphones to a more precise sound stage, the planar headphones often offer a more neutral sound quality and better transient response than dynamic models. Dynamic drivers are more prone to distortion when they are played at higher volume because they only vibrate a small portion of the diaphragm connected to the voice coil. This can cause tiny distortions that can affect the overall quality of the audio reproduction.
Planar headphones tend to have greater imaging capabilities, which makes it easier to identify instruments in the stereo image. This is because a planar diaphragm is more spherical and carries an even wavefront when responding to the audio signal. Older dynamic headphones tend to sag at 20hz. This could affect their bass extension.
Planar headphones also have the ability to reproduce the full range of frequencies. This lets the listener hear the music exactly as it was designed by audio engineers. These headphones can have a difficult time recording frequencies that aren't within their intended range. This is particularly applicable to closed-back models.
Planar headphones can be somewhat more difficult to drive when compared to dynamic models. The conductors of the planar driver only cover half of the diaphragm and therefore require a larger current to drive than dynamic headphones. This results in a more demanding power requirement and increased overall complexity and requires the headphones to be larger for comfort and portability. They also require a bias source to function (although newer technologies are decreasing the need for a bias supply). Planar headphones are a great option for those looking for an excellent headphone. They are incredibly comfortable to wear and feature a clear, natural sound that is not offered by most other headphone types. They are also very durable, which means they'll last for many years.
Planar
Traditionally headphones with dynamic drivers make use of voice coils that vibrate cones to produce sound. This technology has been in use for a century and is relatively cheap. However, it does have its drawbacks. The voice coil only moves only a tiny portion of the diaphragm. this causes distortion that reduces the quality of the audio signal. Many high-quality headphones, especially ones which require an amplified signal in order to function, have a 'flattened frequency response. This helps reduce distortion in higher frequencies.
Planar magnetic headphones are a newer alternative. They utilize a flat diaphragm with an array of magnets to produce sound. These headphones typically have a more uniform motion and less distortion than dynamic headphones, and they can also produce an impressive amount of bass. These headphones are difficult to drive using integrated amps, which is why they require a separate headphone amp to reach their full potential.
HiFiMAN and Audeze make up some of the most popular headphones that are planar. These headphones are often constructed from exotic materials like beryllium. This allows them to have an extremely wide frequency range, and yet still be able to reproduce precise sound. The trend we're seeing is that these headphones, although they offer incredible clarity and image structure however, they do not always have the 'punch or slam' that you get with dynamic headphones.
Planar headphones can also be susceptible to resonances. This can result in unintentional noises or acoustic leakage. While these issues aren't necessarily an issue for the majority of listeners, it's essential to know what you're putting your money on when considering the purchase of a pair of planar headphones. We suggest that you try various models regardless of whether or not you decide to choose an active headphone or a planar one. This will help you identify the kind of headphones most appropriate for your requirements. If you're a casual listener who wants something that is simple to use and comfortable, a dynamic headphones could be the right choice for you. If you want to listen to everything clearly and in great detail, then planar headphones are the ideal choice. Stax's SR-009 is a perfect example. There are many other planar headphones that provide high-quality sound at affordable prices. These headphones might not be the Stax brand or have the high price tag but they will give you the sound you want without the pitfalls of expensive electronic devices. If you have money to spend, you might be interested in an electric headphone. This is an entirely different approach and requires a special power source and amplifier. For the majority of people however, the more dynamic headphone that is priced reasonably is a great choice.
Electrostatic
Electrostatic forces are non-contact forces that pull or push objects that are not touching. They are built on the interaction of electric charges and are described by Coulomb's law that states that like charges repel, unlike charges attract. To help students understand this principle, you might be able to show them examples of electrostatic phenomena that are commonplace like plastic wrap that attracts light particles when removed from a container or rulers attracting pieces of paper which have been rubbed onto them.
Dynamic headphones work by utilizing the simplest of concepts that a voice coil generates a magnetic field that causes a diaphragm to move. This motion creates sound waves that are transmitted to the ears via the ear cups or earbuds. Dynamic headphones are relatively inexpensive because of this simple mechanism. However this also means they require a lot of power, which could drain your smartphone battery quickly.
Planar headphones, on the other hand, use advanced technology to produce sound. They use an ultra-thin diaphragm that is suspended between two metal plates that are perforated. Electrostatic forces cause the membrane to move when audio signals are pushed across the plates. This results in uniform sound waves that are much more precise and accurate than those generated by a traditional dynamic headphone driver.
Another benefit of this technology is that it can operate at lower frequencies than dynamic headphones. This could result in a more natural and richer sound as well as more responsive bass. Planar headphones are also more comfortable than dynamic counterparts. Their more complicated design and price make them an unaffordable choice for many listeners.
The planar headphones are prone to leak sound outwards. This is because the motion of the diaphragm causes it push sound both ways, rather than just pushing it towards your ear canal. In the end, it is common for planar headphones to be used in quiet environments to prevent them from disturbing those around you.
While planar headphones offer superior audio quality, they also come with a higher price tag than their dynamic counterparts. This is primarily due the complicated manufacturing process needed to produce the ultra-thin membrane and the premium magnets that are required to drive them. Some listeners say they cost more, but they also provide better image separation, clarity and representation of transients.