Nowadays, there are various types of headphones currently on the market. In this post, you will learn about different categories to find the best headphones, which you are interested in. These categories are mainly based on type of technology, which is used in producing sound from them. The main difference lies in type of transducer or the principle used in converting electrical signals into the sound waves.
Types of headphones
Dynamic headphones
These headphones use a moving coil driver that produces a static magnetic field. Usually, a voice call is attached to the diaphragm that is placed on the magnetic field and then a current is run through voice coil. This makes the diaphragm to produce sound waves and vibrate.
The majorit
y of these types of headphones require electricity for them to work. This explains why most of headphones currently on the market are simply dynamic headphones. They are popular among average music listeners, professional studio mixers, and musicians. The renowned manufacturers of these types of headphones include Beyer, Grado, Audio-Technica, Sennheiser, and Sony. The good thing about dynamic headphones is that they are cheaper as compared to electrostatic and orthodynamic ones. They need minimal amount of power to drive them and can easily work with computers and portable devices. However, when it comes to electrostatic and orthodynamic headphones, they beat them as far as clarity and speed are concerned.
Orthodynamic headphones
They are also known as Isodynamic headphones. They were popular across the world in 1970s. Although they are regarded as old technology, they have been revived. The popular manufacturers of these types of headphones include Kenwood, Dual, Audeze, Hifiman, and Fostex. They have bigger and flat voice coils that cover the diaphragm. The current is better distributed to diaphragm. The good thing about these headphones is that they provide excellent sound quality and response. They are quite expensive as compared to dynamic ones.
Electrostatic headphones
They have
drivers that do not have voice coil. Electricity is used to charge the diaphragm. It is mainly placed between electrodes that are perforated. When it vibrates, air gets through perforations producing sound wave. These types of headphones are uncommon and more expensive as compared to other types. They require large amount of electricity. Thus, a special amplifier is required. However, they are popular because they deliver excellent sound quality.