Wired headphones use various types of drive units, mainly including the following:
First, the most common is the dynamic drive unit. The working principle of this drive unit is similar to that of a general speaker, and it produces sound by driving the diaphragm through magnetic force. The advantages of the dynamic drive unit are low cost and mellow tone, especially in low-frequency performance, which is the first choice for many entry-level and mid-range wired headphones.
Secondly, there is the planar magnetic drive unit. The voice coil of this drive unit is placed in a large area of diaphragm, which can make the entire diaphragm vibrate to produce sound. The design of the planar magnetic drive unit provides a wider frequency response range and higher resolution, making the sound quality clearer and more delicate.
In addition, the electrostatic drive unit is also a technology used by some high-end wired headphones. The electrostatic drive unit relies on the electrostatic field to make the diaphragm vibrate to produce sound. It has a fast speed and high resolution, and can present more musical details.
In addition to the above types, some wired headphones use dynamic iron drive units or coil-ceramic piezoelectric drive units. These technologies have their own characteristics and provide different sound quality experiences for wired headphones.
Regarding the effect of driver size on sound quality, generally speaking, larger drivers move more air and usually provide deeper, more powerful bass. This is because a large diaphragm can produce larger air pressure waves when vibrating, which enhances low-frequency performance. However, large drivers may perform slightly worse in the high-frequency range because their diaphragms are larger and respond relatively slowly. Conversely, small drivers may be better at clarity and detail in the high-frequency range.
There are many types of drivers used in wired headphones, and size has a significant impact on sound quality. When choosing wired headphones, you can choose the right driver type and size based on your musical taste and budget considerations.
