The Benefits of a Planar Magnetic Driver

Planar magnetic drivers are commonly used in the most high-quality headphones and IEMs. It is a superior technology with many advantages that distinguish it from other dynamic or balanced armature driver types.

However planar drivers have some disadvantages to note. They are more expensive and require an amplifier to be driven.

Ultra-thin diaphragms

Every sound we hear, from the loudest sound of a cymbal crash to the most subtle creak of piano bench, is represented by a turbulent pressure wave. The driver of a top headphone has to reproduce these waves accurately without distortion or omitting any details. This requires an extremely thin and diaphragm that is able to respond quickly to a broad range or frequencies.

Planar magnetic drivers employ a flat diaphragm that is covered with a conductive layer and is able to float between magnets. This allows them to create a uniform field of magnetism across the entire diaphragm, reducing distortion.

This method, however, creates additional challenges like the possibility of membrane resonance problems and turbulent airflow within the grid-like magnetic arrays. These issues result in a mechanical resonance frequency of the diaphragm that may be several times higher than the input frequency and reduces the sensitivity of the voice pressure sensor.

Final was able to overcome these limitations by using a single component that serves as a diaphragm, and a conductor. This solution was inspired by ribbon speakers and their spherical conductor, but was more cost-effective and practical for headphones due to its size and power requirements.

Another challenge common to many planar magnetic designs is a ringing sound that is present on high-frequency, low-frequency bass notes. This is due to a mismatch between the force of the magnet applied to the diaphragm compared to the natural diaphragm's flexing.

To solve this problem, Final used an ultra-thin polymer film referred to as Parylene. This material was selected because of its superior mechanical stability, bendability, and thickness uniformity. These qualities were essential to ensure that a thin, solid film would stretch without forming unwanted wrinkles or wrinkles.

Superior Sound: HiFiMAN Deva-Pro Open-Back Headphone transient response

While the basic operation of planar magnetic drivers is similar to traditional dynamic drivers, the way they generate sound waves is different. The main difference is that in a planar magnetic driver the conductor is laid out on the diaphragm in a 2D flat pattern instead of a coil around an oval diaphragm. The conductor can react to magnetic fields on the diaphragm's sides and produce sound waves that are extremely precise. This technology eliminates the requirement for voice coils that alter their impedance based on frequency, which results in distortion-free music.

Planar magnetic drivers are lighter and more durable than conventional drivers because they don't have moving parts that wear out over time. They are also less susceptible to distortion in the harmonic spectrum which can result in a decrease in the quality of audio. They also have a quicker response time and are able to reproduce transient sounds at a higher speed.

The large surface area of the diaphragm planar however it requires more power in order to move it and create sound waves. These headphones need an amplifier for headphone that can be driven at a suitable level. The extra weight and cost could be a deterrent for certain listeners.

Planar magnetic drivers also provide a wider soundstage than dynamic headphones, which can make them more spacious. This is because a large, flat diaphragm creates an unidirectional wavefront, rather than the focused spherical sound wavefront typical of dynamic drivers. This is a major feature of planar headphones and provides an immersive listening experience.

True and natural audio reproduction

Planar magnetic drivers deliver natural and faithful audio reproduction when compared to traditional dynamic driver models. Contrary to conventional dynamic drivers, which have a cone-shaped diaphragm that oscillates back and forward using two rows of magnets to generate equal magnetic force on the diaphragm. This causes the diaphragm moving in a wave-like manner, which helps avoid distortion. They are also able to reproduce music with a greater frequency range - from the lowest lows to the highest highs, making them an ideal choice for music lovers as well as audio professionals.

The diaphragm, which is thin and flexible, of a planar magnetic driver is able to move much faster than that of a conventional dynamic driver, allowing it to respond to changes in the sound signal, and create an precise reproduction. In addition, the absence of a coil positioned behind the diaphragm reduces the possibility that there could be contact between the mechanical components that can cause distortion at higher volume levels.

The diaphragm has the ability to easily move large volumes of air in order to reproduce bass frequencies. The diaphragm's size and its flexibility are vital to produce the deep bass you hear in your favorite music. Dynamic drivers are typically small and stiff. This means they are not able to handle the high-speed excursions required to reproduce bass.

Despite their advantages however, planar magnetic drivers are not used as much in headphones or IEM products due to the high cost and complexity of their design. This is due to the fact that they require amplifiers to power them, which limits their mobility and ease of use. Nevertheless, they remain well-liked by music lovers and critical listeners who appreciate their exceptional performance and excellent audio quality.

Wide frequency response

Planar magnetic headphones utilize flat and uniform diaphragms to produce sound in a steady and controlled way. This results in a broad frequency response, which allows for superior sound: hifiman deva-pro open-back headphone a precise and faithful reproduction of music. They are also renowned for their superior transient response, which means they can respond quickly to audio signals and reproduce them as precisely as possible.

To do this, they employ a planar array of conductors that're distributed across a thin diaphragm that's sandwiched between two magnets. When an electrical signal is delivered to this array of conductors, it turns into electromagnetic and interacts with the diaphragm's magnetic fields which causes the push/pull motion mentioned earlier. This allows the diaphragm to respond quickly to audio signals, resulting in high-quality music reproduction with exceptional quality and precision.

Another thing that makes these drivers so popular with audiophiles is their low distortion rate. They can't produce as much harmonic distortion because they don't use the same moving components. They also have lower impedances than their counterparts and present a pure resistive load to amplifiers, which makes them easier to drive using a greater amount of power.

planar magnetic speakers magnetic drivers are commonly used in high-end audio equipment due to their superior performance. However, this means that they are more expensive and require an amplifier, making them less suitable for a grab and go' type of driver. Audiophiles will pay for the extra cost and effort in exchange for the quality that these headphones offer. They are regarded as the best choice for those seeking the best listening experience.

Low distortion

The diaphragm of a planar magnet driver is thin and therefore it can move at a high speed without losing control. This allows for a very precise and rapid response to sudden changes in audio signal. This allows you to hear the subtleties of music and makes them sound more natural and lifelike.

Another advantage of planar magnetic drivers is that they create an equal driving force across the entire diaphragm, which reduces distortion when you increase the volume. This is one of the main reasons why headphones with planar magnetics sound so good. Dynamic drivers have thicker and more heavy diaphragms, which are not capable of moving as fast or with as much acceleration. They may even fail if forces are too high or exceed their structural integrity limits, which causes diaphragms that are out of sync.

On the other side, planar magnetic drivers produce an extremely strong electromagnetic force that is directly applied to the diaphragm. This removes the voice coil that is required in the majority of headphones that use traditional dynamic cone drivers. This allows for more dynamic sound, a bigger soundstage, and a superior bass response.

Due to these advantages due to these benefits, planar magnetic drivers are thought of by many audiophiles to be the best headphone driver. Although they have considerations such as power requirements and cost, their ability to deliver outstanding sonic quality makes them a great option for those who want the highest quality in audio reproduction. When compared to other kinds of headphones, these models offer superior detail and exceptional clarity in all frequencies, with the exception of for bass frequencies (where dynamic drivers are generally still preferred). If you're looking for a pair that can deliver excellent sound at any price, then make sure to check our top selections!