The Benefits of a planar headphone Magnetic Driver

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

It is crucial to be aware of the disadvantages of planar drivers. These include their higher cost and the requirement for an amplifier to drive them.

Ultra-thin diaphragms

Every sound we hear, from the most raucous crash of a cymbal to the tiniest creak of the piano bench is represented by a complex turbulent pressure wave. The driver of a high-quality headphone must reproduce these waves accurately without distortion or omitting any details. This requires a lightweight, thin diaphragm that can respond quickly and swiftly to a range of frequencies.

While dynamic drivers are powered by a voice coil bonded to a conical diaphragm, planar magnetic drivers are powered by a flat diaphragm sprayed with a conductive film that floats between fixed magnets. This creates an even field of magnetism across the entire diaphragm, reducing distortion.

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

Utilizing a patent-pending technology called 'Spherical Acoustic Structure' (SAS), Final was successful in overcoming these limitations with the D8000 making use of a single piece material that functions as a diaphragm and conductor. The idea was derived from ribbon speakers and their spherical conductor, but was much more cost-effective and practical for headphones due to its size and power requirements.

Another issue that is common to all plansar magnetic designs is a ringing sound that occurs on high-frequency, low-frequency bass notes. This is due to a mismatch in the force of the magnet that is applied to the diaphragm in comparison to the natural diaphragm's flexing.

To address this problem, Final used an ultra-thin polymer film referred to as Parylene. This material was selected due to its superior mechanical flexibility, stability, and uniformity of thickness. These qualities were crucial to ensure that a rigid, thin film would stretch without creating unwanted wrinkles or wrinkles.

Superior transient response

The basic operation of planar magnetic drivers is the same as traditional dynamic drivers, the method by which they generate sound waves is different. The key difference is that the conductor in a 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 respond to magnetic fields on both sides of the diaphragm to produce sound waves with high accuracy. This technology also eliminates the requirement for a voice coil that can alter its impedance based on its frequency, which results in a clear, distortion-free reproduction of music.

In addition the planar magnetic drivers are more robust and durable than conventional drivers, since they don't contain moving parts that could wear out over time. They are also less susceptible than conventional drivers to harmonic distortion that can reduce the quality of audio. They also have a quicker response time and are able to reproduce transient sounds with greater speed.

However, the vast surface area of a planar diaphragm requires more power to move and produce sound waves. These headphones require an amplifier to be driven at a suitable level. Some listeners may not be interested in the additional weight and cost.

Planar magnetic drivers also produce an even larger soundstage than dynamic headphones, making them appear more spacious. This is due to the large diaphragm, flat, moves more uniformly to create the planar sound wavefront rather than a focused spherical wavefront that is typical of dynamic drivers. This characteristic is a key attribute of planar headphones and provides an immersive listening experience.

Natural and faithful audio reproduction

Planar magnetic drivers provide a more natural and faithful sound reproduction than traditional driver models. Planar magnetic drivers create equal magnetic forces with two rows of magnets unlike conventional dynamic drivers which have a cone-shaped, curved membrane that oscillates. This results in the diaphragm moving in a wave-like motion, which helps avoid distortion. They can also reproduce music in a wider frequency range, from the lowest lows to highest highs, making them an ideal choice for music lovers as well as sound professionals.

The thin and flexible diaphragm of a planar magnetic driver moves more quickly than traditional dynamic drivers and is able to respond to changes in the sound signal, and create an accurate reproduction. In addition, Planar Headphones the lack of a coil sitting behind the diaphragm decreases the likelihood that there will be contact between the mechanical components which could cause distortion at higher volume levels.

This means that the diaphragm is able to effortlessly displace huge amounts of air to reproduce bass frequencies. The diaphragm's dimensions and flexibility are crucial to produce the deep bass you enjoy in your music. Dynamic drivers are usually small and stiff. This makes them unable to withstand the high-speed excursions required to reproduce bass.

Despite their advantages, planar magnetic drivers aren't used as often in headphone or IEM products due to their high price and the complexity of their design. This is due to the fact that they require amplifiers to drive them, which hinders their mobility and ease of use. However, they are still popular with music lovers and critical listeners who appreciate their exceptional performance and excellent sound quality.

Wide frequency response

Planar magnetic headphones utilize flat and uniform diaphragms to create sound in a controlled and even way. This results in a wide frequency response, providing accurate and precise reproduction of music. They are also referred to as having a superior transient response. This means that they are able to react quickly and accurately to audio signals.

To accomplish this, they use a planar array of conductors spread across a thin diaphragm sandwiched between two magnets. When an electrical signal is delivered to this array of conductors, it becomes electromagnetic and interacts with the diaphragm's magnetic fields creating the push/pull effect mentioned earlier. This allows the diaphragm's magnetic fields interact with audio input quickly, producing high-quality sound reproduction.

Another thing that makes these headphones so loved by audiophiles is their low distortion rate. They can't produce as much harmonic distortion because they don't use the same moving components. Additionally, they have lower impedance than their counterparts, and offer an entirely resistive load to amplifiers, making them easier to drive using the power they require.

Planar magnetic drivers are commonly used in high-end audio equipment because of their superior performance. However, this also means that they can be more expensive and require an amplifier in order to function which makes them less suitable for a grab and go' driver. Audiophiles will sacrifice the additional cost and effort for the quality these headphones offer. They are considered to be an excellent choice for those who want the best listening experience.

Low distortion

The diaphragm in a planar magnet driver is thin which means it can move at a high speed without losing control. This allows for an extremely accurate and quick response to sudden changes in audio signal. This allows you to hear details in music and make them sound more natural and lifelike.

Another advantage of planar magnetic drivers is that they create the same force of driving across the entire diaphragm which prevents distortion at higher volumes. Planar magnetic headphones sound great because dynamic drivers employ diaphragms which are larger and heavier and cannot move as fast or with the same acceleration. They may even fail when forces are too strong or exceed their structural integrity limits, which causes the diaphragms to go out of the sync.

Planar magnetic drivers however, produce an extremely powerful electromagnetic force which is directly applied to the diaphragm. This eliminates the voice coil that is needed in most headphones using traditional cone drivers that are dynamic. This allows for greater dynamic range, a wider soundstage, and an outstanding bass response.

Because of these benefits, planar magnetic drivers are widely considered to be the most suitable headphone driver for audiophiles. They have a few limitations like the price and power requirements, however their ability to provide superior sound quality makes them a perfect choice for those seeking the best quality audio reproduction. In comparison to other types of headphones, these models provide superior clarity and clarity across all frequencies, except for bass frequencies (where dynamic drivers are generally still preferred). If you are looking for a pair that can deliver excellent sound at any price, then be sure to look at our top picks!