The Benefits of a Planar Magnetic Driver

Planar magnetic driver is a type of audio technology that is found in some of the top-quality headphones and IEMs. It offers numerous advantages that make it distinct from other balanced or dynamic armature drivers.

It is important to be aware of the disadvantages of planar drivers. They are more expensive and require an amplifier to be driven.

Ultra-thin diaphragms

Every sound we hear - from the loudest cymbal crashing to the tiniest crack on a bench for a piano - is captured by a complex turbulent wave of pressure. The driver of a high-quality headphone must reproduce these waves faithfully without losing any details or Headset Planar distorting the audio. This requires a lightweight, thin diaphragm that can respond quickly and swiftly to a range of frequencies.

Planar magnetic drivers use flat diaphragms that are covered by a conductive layer and is able to float between magnets. This allows them create an uniform field of magnetic energy across the entire diaphragm surface and reduce distortion.

This approach, 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, which can be several times higher than the input frequency and reduces the sensitiveness of the voice pressure sensor.

Using a patented technology called "Spherical Acoustic System" (SAS), Final was successful in overcoming these limitations of the D8000 by making use of a single piece material that functions as a diaphragm as well as conductor. This solution was inspired by ribbon speakers and their spherical conductor but was more cost-effective and suitable for headphones due to its size and power requirements.

Ringing sounds are another challenge that many planar magnetic designs have to face. It occurs when high-frequency and low-frequency notes are played. This is caused by a mismatch between the force of the magnetic field applied to the diaphragm as well as the natural flexing characteristics of the diaphragm itself.

To solve this problem, Final used an ultra-thin polymer film referred to as Parylene. This material was selected due to its superior mechanical stability, bendability and uniformity of thickness. These characteristics were essential to ensure that the pliable, thin film could be stretched without forming undesirable creases or wrinkles.

Superior transient response

The way that planar magnetic drivers generate sound waves differs from traditional dynamic drivers. The main difference is that the conductor in the planar driver is laid out in a flat, 2D pattern on the diaphragm instead of an individual coil that is wrapped around the diaphragm in a cone. This allows the conductor to react to magnetic fields on both sides of the diaphragm to generate sound waves with high accuracy. This technology eliminates the need for a voice coil that can alter its impedance according to its frequency, resulting in a distortion-free reproduction of music.

Planar magnetic drivers are also lighter and more durable than conventional drivers because they don't contain moving components that wear out over time. They are also less prone than conventional drivers to harmonic distortion that can reduce the audio quality. They also have a faster response time and are able to reproduce transient sounds at a higher speed.

The large surface area of the diaphragm planar, however requires more power in order to move it and create sound waves. This is why these headphones require an amplifier to be able to drive them at a sufficient level. This additional cost and weight can be a turnoff for certain listeners.

Another benefit of planar magnetic drivers is that they produce a wide soundstage, which is more expansive than conventional dynamic headphones. This is due to the fact that a large flat diaphragm produces an asymmetrical wavefront instead of the focused spherical sound wavefront typical of dynamic drivers. This is a key feature of planar headphones, which provides an immersive listening experience.

Natural and faithful audio reproduction

Planar magnetic drivers give more natural and accurate sound reproduction than traditional driver models. Planar magnetic drivers generate equal magnetic forces using two rows of magnets unlike conventional dynamic drivers, which have a cone-shaped, curved membrane that vibrates. This causes the diaphragm to move in a wave-like manner, which helps avoid distortion. They can also reproduce music across a wider range of frequencies that range from the lowest lows to the highest highs. This makes them a great option for sound professionals as well as music enthusiasts.

The diaphragm, which is thin and flexible, of a planar magnetic driver is able to move much more quickly than the traditional dynamic driver which allows it to react to changes in the sound signal, and create an precise reproduction. The lack of a coil that runs behind the diaphragm reduces the possibility that mechanical parts will meet up with each with each other, which can cause distortions at higher volume.

The diaphragm has the ability to easily displace large volumes air to reproduce bass frequencies. The size of the diaphragm and its flexibility are crucial to produce the deep bass you hear in your favorite music. Dynamic drivers are typically small and stiff. They are unable to handle the high-speed excursions needed to reproduce the bass.

Despite the advantages that come with planar magnetic drivers, they are not as widely used in headphone and IEM products as dynamic driver models due to their high cost and complex design. This is due to the fact that they require amplifiers to drive them, which limits their accessibility and ease of use. However, they are still popular with music lovers and critical listeners who value their outstanding performance and high sound quality.

Wide frequency response

planar headphone magnetic headphones utilize diaphragms with flat and uniform diaphragms to produce sound in a measured and even way. This results in wide frequency response, delivering precise and accurate reproduction of music. They are also renowned for their outstanding transient response. This means that they can react quickly to audio signals and reproduce them as accurately as possible.

To do this, they use a planar array of conductors placed over a thin diaphragm, sandwiched between two magnets. When an electrical signal is sent through this conductor array, it transforms into electromagnetic energy, and then interacts with the diaphragm's magnetic fields to create the push/pull effect. This allows the diaphragm's magnetic field to interact with audio input quickly, resulting in high-quality audio reproduction.

The low distortion rate is another reason why these drivers are extremely popular with audiophiles. Since they don't contain the same moving parts as other types of headphones which means they don't produce as much harmonic distortion. Additionally, they have lower impedances than their counterparts, and offer an unresistive load to amplifiers, which makes them easier to drive with a greater amount of power.

Due to their superior performance due to their superior Headset Planar performance, Headset planar magnetic drives are commonly used in higher-end audio equipment. They can be more expensive and require an amplifier which is why they aren't suitable for a 'grab and go' driver. Nevertheless, audiophiles are willing to pay the extra expense and effort in exchange for the quality that these headphones offer. They are considered to be the best choice for those seeking an outstanding listening experience.

Low distortion

The diaphragm in a planar magnetic driver is extremely thin, which means it can move at high speeds without losing control or breaking. This allows for a very precise and rapid response to sudden changes in the audio signal. This allows you to perceive the details of music more clearly and makes them sound natural and lifelike.

Planar magnetic drivers also have the advantage of generating a uniform driving force throughout the diaphragm, which prevents distortions when the volume is increased. This is one of the main reasons why planar headphones sound so good. Dynamic drivers use thicker and heavier diaphragms that aren't capable of moving at the same speed or with as much acceleration. In fact, they could fail if the forces are too powerful or exceed the limits of their structural integrity, which causes different points on the diaphragm to begin shifting out of sync.

Planar magnetic drivers, however, produce a very powerful electromagnetic force that is directly applied to the diaphragm. This eliminates the requirement for a voice coil that is commonly required in headphones that employ traditional dynamic cone drivers. This allows for greater bass, more dynamic soundstage, and a superior bass response.

Because of these benefits due to these advantages, planar magnetic drivers are widely considered to be the best headphone driver for audiophiles. They do have some considerations, such as cost and power requirements, but their ability to provide excellent audio quality makes them a perfect choice for those seeking the highest quality audio reproduction. In comparison to other types of headphones, these drivers provide superior clarity and clarity in all frequencies, with the exception of for bass frequencies (where dynamic drivers are typically still preferred). If you're in search of a pair of hi-fi headphones that can deliver superb sound for any price be sure to look through our top choices below!