The Benefits of a Planar Magnetic Driver

Planar magnetic drivers are used in the most high-quality headphones and IEMs. It has numerous advantages that distinguish it from other dynamic or balanced armature driver types.

However, planar drivers do have certain disadvantages that are important to be aware of. They are more expensive and require an amplifier to be driven.

Ultra-thin diaphragms

Every sound we hear, from the loudest cymbal crash to the faintest creak of the piano bench is portrayed by a complex turbulent pressure wave. The driver of a top headphone has to reproduce these waves accurately, without losing any detail or distortion. This requires a light, thin diaphragm that can move quickly and respond to a range of frequencies.

While dynamic drivers are powered by a voice coil attached to a conical diaphragm, planar magnetic drivers feature an elongated diaphragm that is skinned with a conductive film that floats between fixed magnets. This allows them to create a uniform magnetic field across the entire surface of the diaphragm, thereby reducing distortion.

However, this approach introduces additional issues, including the potential for membrane resonance problems and airflow turbulence in the grid-like magnet arrays. These issues can result in a diaphragm mechanical resonance frequency that is several times higher than the input frequency, which reduces the sensitivity of voice pressure sensor.

Utilizing a patent-pending technology called 'Spherical Acoustic Structure' (SAS), Final was able to overcome these limitations with the D8000 by making use of a single piece material that is both diaphragm and conductor. This design was built on ribbon speakers that have their spherical conductors. However, it was more affordable for headphones because of its size and power requirements.

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

To resolve this issue, Final used an ultra-thin polymer film referred to as Parylene. The material was selected because of its superior mechanical strength, bendability, uniform thickness, and consistency in thickness. These characteristics were essential to ensure that the thin, rigid film could be stretched without forming undesirable wrinkles or creases.

Superior transient response

The way that planar magnetic drivers generate sound waves differs from traditional dynamic drivers. The major 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 the diaphragm in a cone shape. This lets the conductor react to magnetic fields on both sides of the diaphragm and create sound waves with high accuracy. This technology eliminates the need for voice coils that alter their impedance based on frequency, which results in distortion-free music.

Planar magnetic drivers are also lighter and more durable than conventional drivers since they don't contain moving components which can wear over time. They are also less susceptible to harmonic distortion which can result in a decrease in the quality of audio. They have a faster response time and are able to reproduce sounds faster.

However, the huge surface area of a planar diaphragm requires more power to move and create sound waves. These headphones need an amplifier for headphone that can provide them with a sufficient level. The additional weight and cost could be a deterrent for certain listeners.

Planar magnetic drivers also create larger soundstages than dynamic headphones, which can make them appear more spacious. This is due to the large, flat diaphragm moves more uniformly to create a planar sound wavefront, rather than a narrow circular wavefront typical of dynamic drivers. This is a major characteristic of headphones that planar and provides an immersive listening experience.

Audio reproduction that is natural and faithful

Planar magnetic drivers give more natural and precise sound reproduction than traditional driver models. Planar magnetic drivers produce equal magnetic forces by using two rows of magnets unlike traditional dynamic drivers that feature a cone-shaped membrane that oscillates. The diaphragm moves in a wavelike motion. This allows for less distortion. They are also able to reproduce music with a greater frequency range, from the lowest lows to the highest highs which makes them a great option for music lovers and audio professionals.

The thin, flexible diaphragm in a planar magnetic driver moves faster than dynamic drivers. This allows it to react to changes in sound signals and provide accurate reproduction. The lack of a coil in the diaphragm also reduces the possibility that mechanical parts will meet up with each other, which could cause distortions at higher volumes.

The diaphragm has the ability to easily move large volumes of air in order to reproduce bass frequencies. The diaphragm's size and flexibility is vital to create the rich bass you enjoy in your music. Dynamic drivers, on the other hand tend to be smaller and stiff, making it difficult for them to endure the high-speed movements required to reproduce bass.

Despite the advantages associated with planar magnetic drivers but they aren't as widely used in headphones and IEM products as dynamic driver models because of their high price and complicated design. Partly, this is because they need amplifiers to be driven. This restricts their portability. However, they are still popular with music lovers and critical listeners who value their exceptional performance and excellent audio quality.

Wide frequency response

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

To accomplish this, they use a planar array of conductors placed across a thin diaphragm sandwiched between two magnets. When an electrical signal is sent to this conductor array it transforms into electromagnetic energy and interacts with the diaphragm's magnetic fields producing that aforementioned push/pull action. This allows the diaphragm's magnetic field to interact with audio signals quickly, producing high-quality sound reproduction.

Another thing that makes these drivers loved by audiophiles is their low distortion rate. They don't cause as much harmonic distortion because they don't utilize the same moving parts. They also have lower resistance and provide an unresistance load to amplifiers. This makes them simpler to drive.

Due to their superior performance Due to their superior headphone performance, planar magnetic drivers are often used in higher-tier audio equipment. This makes them more expensive and require an amplifier in order to function, so they are not suitable for a 'grab and go' driver. However audiophiles will pay the extra cost and effort for the superior quality these headphones offer. They are considered to be the best option for those looking for an outstanding 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 results in a high transient response, which means that the driver will respond to sudden changes in audio signals very quickly and accurately. This lets you hear details in music and makes them sound more natural and lifelike.

Planar magnetic drivers also have the advantage of generating a uniform driving force throughout the diaphragm, preventing distortions when the volume is increased. This is one of the primary reasons why planar headphones sound so great - dynamic drivers have thicker and more heavy diaphragms, which are not capable of moving at the same speed or with the same acceleration. They may even fail when the forces are too high or exceed their limit of structural integrity, causing diaphragms that are out of the sync.

Planar magnetic drivers however, produce an extremely powerful electromagnetic force that directly applies to the diaphragm. This eliminates the voice coil which is needed in most headphones that use traditional cone drivers that are dynamic. This helps to achieve more dynamic sound, a bigger soundstage and a more powerful bass response.

Because of these advantages Due to these advantages, planar magnet drivers are thought of by many audiophiles as the best headphone driver. Although they do have considerations such as the power requirements and costs but their capability to provide superior sound quality makes them a perfect option for those who want the highest quality in audio reproduction. Compared to other types of headphones, these models have superior clarity and transparency in all frequencies except for bass frequencies (where dynamic drivers are usually still preferred). If you're looking for the best headphones for high-end music that can deliver superb sound at any price point be sure to take a look at our top selections below!