The Benefits of a Planar Magnetic Driver

Planar magnetic driver is a type of audio technology that can be found in many of the top-quality headphones and IEMs. It has many advantages that distinguish it from other dynamic or balanced driver types.

However the planar driver has some drawbacks that are important to note. 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 slightest creak on a bench for a piano - is represented by an intricate turbulent wave of pressure. The driver of an excellent headphone has to reproduce these waves accurately without losing any detail or distortion. This requires a thin, diaphragm that is able to respond quickly to a variety or frequencies.

While dynamic drivers are powered by a voice coil bonded to a conical diaphragm planar magnetic drivers have a flat diaphragm sprayed with a conductive film that floats between fixed magnets. This allows them create a uniform field of magnetism across the entire diaphragm surface and reduce distortion.

This method, however, introduces additional challenges such as the possibility of membrane resonance problems and airflow turbulent within the grid-like magnetic arrays. These issues could lead to a diaphragm mechanical resonance frequency that is several times higher than the input frequency, which reduces the sensitivity of a voice pressure sensors.

Final was able overcome these limitations 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 suitable for headphones due to its size and power requirements.

Another issue that is common to all plansar magnetic designs is a ringing sound that is present on high-frequency, low-frequency bass notes. This is caused by a mismatch between force of the magnetic field applied to the diaphragm and the natural flexing characteristics of the diaphragm.

Final utilized a thin polymer film known as Parylene to solve this problem. The material was selected due to its superior mechanical strength, bendability and uniform thickness. It also has thickness consistency. These characteristics were essential to ensure that the thin, rigid film was able to be stretched without forming unwanted wrinkles or creases.

Superior transient response

The way planar magnetic drivers generate sound waves differs from traditional dynamic drivers. The primary difference is that the conductor in a planar driver is laid out in a flat, 2D pattern on the diaphragm rather than a coil wrapped around a cone-shaped diaphragm. The conductor is able to react to magnetic fields both on the diaphragm's edges and generate sound waves very accurately. This technology eliminates the need for voice coils that can alter their impedance depending on frequency, creating distortion-free music.

In addition, planar magnetic drivers are more robust and durable than conventional drivers, as they do not have moving parts that can wear out over time. They are also less prone than conventional drivers to harmonic distortion, which can affect the quality of audio. They have a quicker reaction time and are able to reproduce sounds more quickly.

However, the large surface area of a planar diaphragm requires more power to move and produce sound waves. These headphones require a headphone amplifier that can be driven at a suitable level. The extra weight and cost could be a deterrent for some listeners.

Planar magnetic drivers also provide a wider soundstage than dynamic headphones planar, making them appear more spacious. This is due to the large diaphragm, flat, moves more evenly to create a planar sound wavefront, rather than a focused spherical wavefront that is typical of dynamic drivers. This is an important attribute of planar headphones and offers a more immersive listening experience.

Audio reproduction that is natural and accurate

Planar magnetic drivers give more natural and accurate sound reproduction than traditional driver models. Planar magnetic drivers generate equal magnetic forces by using two rows of magnets unlike conventional dynamic drivers which have a cone-shaped, curved membrane that is vibrating. The diaphragm moves in a wavelike motion. This helps to avoid distortion. They also reproduce music across a wider range of frequencies that range from the lowest lows to the highest highs. This makes them an ideal option for sound professionals as well as music enthusiasts.

The diaphragm, which is thin and flexible, of a planar magnetic closed back headphones magnetic driver moves more quickly than a conventional dynamic driver, allowing it to respond to changes in the sound signal, and create an precise reproduction. The absence of a coil that runs behind the diaphragm reduces the chance that mechanical components will come into contact with each other, which could result in distortions at higher volumes.

This means that the diaphragm has the ability to effortlessly move large amounts of air to reproduce bass frequencies. The size of the diaphragm and its flexibility are vital in generating the rich bass that you hear in your music. Dynamic drivers are usually small and stiff. They are unable to handle the high-speed excursions required to reproduce bass.

Despite the benefits that come with magnetic drivers that are planar, they are not as widely used in headphones and planar driver IEM products as dynamic driver models due to their high cost and intricate design. Partly, this is because they need amplifiers to be driven. This limits their portability. Yet, they are well-liked by music lovers and critical listeners who value their exceptional performance and excellent sound quality.

Wide frequency response

While most headphones and IEMs use traditional dynamic drivers with cone-shaped diaphragms that move back and forth to create audio waves, planar magnetic headphones utilize diaphragms with flat and uniform diaphragms to create sound in a controlled and even manner. This produces a wide frequency response that delivers accurate and faithful reproduction of music. They are also known as having a superior transient response. This means they can respond quickly and precisely to audio signals.

To do this, they employ 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 diaphragm magnetic fields to cause the push/pull effect. This allows the diaphragm to react quickly to audio input, resulting in top-quality music reproduction with incredible quality and precision.

Another factor that makes these headphones so popular among audiophiles is their low distortion rate. Because they don't have the same moving components as other types of headphone, they can't create as much harmonic distortion. They also have lower resistance and are a pure resistance load to amplifiers. This makes them simpler to drive.

Planar magnetic drivers are utilized in audio equipment that is of high-end quality due to their superior performance. However, this does mean that they can be more expensive and require an amplifier and are therefore not suitable as a 'grab and go' kind of driver. Audiophiles will pay for the extra expense and effort for the quality that these headphones provide. They are considered to be a top choice for those seeking the best listening experience.

Low distortion

The diaphragm in a planar magnetic driver is very thin, meaning it can move at high speeds without losing control or breaking down. This allows for a highly accurate and quick response to sudden changes in the audio signal. This allows you to hear the subtleties of music more clearly, and makes them sound natural and lifelike.

Planar magnetic drivers also have the benefit of creating an even driving force across the diaphragm, which prevents distortions when the volume is increased. This is one of the main reasons why planar headphones sound so great - dynamic drivers use thicker and heavier diaphragms, but they aren't capable of moving as fast or with as much acceleration. In fact, they may fail when the forces are too powerful or exceed the limits of their structural integrity, planar driver causing various points on the diaphragm to begin shifting out of sync.

On the other side these drivers create an extremely powerful electromagnetic force that is directly applied to the diaphragm. This eliminates the voice coil which is needed in most headphones with traditional dynamic cone drivers. This can result in more dynamic sound, a bigger soundstage, and a superior bass response.

Because of these advantages they are widely considered to be the best type of headphone driver for audiophiles. There are some issues to consider regarding the cost and power requirements, however their ability to provide excellent sonic reproduction makes them an ideal option for those who require the highest quality audio reproduction. Compared to other types of headphones, these drivers offer superior detail and exceptional transparency in all frequencies except for bass frequencies (where dynamic drivers are typically still preferred). If you're seeking a pair that will deliver great sound at any price, then be sure to check our top picks!