Why Is Planar Magnetic Driver So Popular?

The Benefits of a Planar Magnetic Driver

Planar magnetic driver is an audio technology that can be found in many of the highest-quality headphones and IEMs. It offers many advantages that set it apart from other balanced or dynamic driver types.

However, closed-Back Planar Magnetic headphones drivers do have some disadvantages to take note of. These include their higher cost and the requirement for an amplifier to drive them.

Ultra-thin diaphragms

Every sound we hear Sennheiser HD 660S2 - Unleash Audiophile Quality! from the loudest cymbal crash to the slightest creak on a piano bench - is represented by an intricate tumultuous wave of pressure. The driver of a high-quality headphone has to reproduce these waves with precision without distorting or missing any details. This requires an extremely thin and light diaphragm which can respond quickly to a broad range or closed-back planar magnetic headphones frequencies.

Planar magnetic drivers use an elongated diaphragm covered by a conductive layer and is able to float between magnets. This enables them to create a uniform magnetic field over the entire diaphragm and significantly reduce distortion.

However, this approach poses additional challenges, such as the possibility of membrane resonance problems and airflow turbulence in the grid-like magnet arrays. These issues could lead to the frequency of mechanical resonance in the diaphragm which is a lot higher than the input frequency, thus reducing the sensitivity of the voice pressure sensors.

Final was able to overcome these limitations making use of a single material that acts as both diaphragm as well as a conductor. This idea was inspired by ribbon speakers and their spherical conductor however, it was more affordable and suitable for headphones due to its size and power requirements.

A ringing sound is a different challenge that many planar magnetic designs have to face. It occurs when high-frequency and low-frequency notes are played. This is due to an inconsistency with the force of the magnet that is applied to the diaphragm as compared to the natural diaphragm's flexing.

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

Superior transient response

While the basic operation of planar magnetic drivers is similar to traditional dynamic drivers, the method by which they generate sound waves is different. The primary difference is that in the case of a planar magnetic device, the conductor is laid out on the diaphragm in the form of a 2D flat pattern instead of a coil centered around a cone shaped diaphragm. This allows the conductor to respond to magnetic fields on both sides of the diaphragm and produce sound waves with high precision. This technology eliminates the need for an instrument that could change its impedance depending on its frequency, resulting in distortion-free music reproduction.

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

The large surface area of the planar diaphragm, however it requires more power in order to move it and generate sound waves. Therefore, these headphones require a headphone amplifier that can provide sufficient power. The extra weight and cost can be a turnoff for some listeners.

Planar magnetic drivers also create an even larger soundstage than dynamic headphones, making them appear more spacious. This is due to the fact that a large flat diaphragm produces an asymmetrical wavefront instead of the spherical wavefront that is focused typical of dynamic drivers. This is the main feature of planar headphones, which provides a more immersive listening experience.

True and natural audio reproduction

Planar magnetic drivers offer more natural and precise sound reproduction than traditional driver models. Planar magnetic drivers generate equal magnetic forces by using two rows of magnets, unlike conventional dynamic drivers which feature a cone-shaped membrane that vibrates. The diaphragm's movement is in a wavelike manner. This can help to reduce distortion. They also reproduce music across a wider range of frequencies, from the lowest lows all the way 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 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 provide an accurate reproduction. The absence of a coil in the diaphragm also reduces the possibility that mechanical parts will come into contact with one with each other, which can result in distortions at higher volumes.

The diaphragm can easily displace large volumes air to reproduce bass frequencies. The diaphragm's size and flexibility is vital to create the rich bass in your favorite music. Dynamic drivers are usually small and stiff. They are unable to handle the high-speed excursions required to reproduce the bass.

Despite the benefits that come with planar magnetic drivers, they are not as commonly used in headphone and IEM products as dynamic driver models because of their high cost and complex design. This is partly because they require amplifiers to power them, which limits their accessibility and ease of use. Yet, they are well-liked by music lovers and critical listeners who appreciate their excellent performance and superior audio quality.

Wide frequency response

While most headphones and IEMs use traditional dynamic drivers with a cone-shaped diaphragm that moves back and forth to produce audio waves, planar magnetic headphones utilize diaphragms with flat and uniform diaphragms to create sound in a precise and even way. This creates a wide frequency response that delivers accurate and faithful reproduction of music. They are also referred to as having a superior transient response. This means they can respond quickly and accurately to audio signals.

To do this, they use a planar array of conductors distributed over a thin diaphragm, sandwiched between two magnets. When an electrical signal passes through this conductor array it transforms into electromagnetic energy, and then interacts with the diaphragm's magnetic fields to cause the push/pull effect. This allows the diaphragm's magnetic fields interact with audio signals quickly, producing high-quality sound reproduction.

The low distortion rate is yet another reason for these drivers to be so popular with audiophiles. They can't produce the same amount of harmonic distortion since they don't use the same moving parts. They also have lower resistance and are an unresistance load to amplifiers. This makes them easier to drive.

Planar magnetic drivers are used in audio equipment that is of high-end quality due to their superior performance. They can be more expensive, and they require an amplifier in order to function which is why they aren't suitable for a grab-and-go driver. However audiophiles are willing to pay the extra cost and effort for the quality that these headphones can provide. They are regarded as an excellent choice for those who want an exceptional listening experience.

Low distortion

The diaphragm in a planar magnet driver is very thin, so it can move at a fast speed without losing control. This provides an excellent transient response which means that the driver will respond to sudden changes in audio signals very quickly and accurately. This lets you hear the subtleties of music more clearly and makes them sound more natural and real.

Planar magnetic drivers also have the benefit of generating the same amount of force throughout the diaphragm, which prevents distortions at higher volumes. This is one of the main reasons why planar magnetic headphones sound so good. Dynamic drivers use thicker and heavier diaphragms, but they aren't capable of moving at the same speed or at the same speed. In fact, they can be destroyed when the forces are too powerful or exceed the limits of their structural integrity, causing different points on the diaphragms to begin moving out of sync.

Planar magnetic drivers, however, produce powerful electromagnetic force that directly applies to the diaphragm. This eliminates the requirement for a voice coil which is required in the majority of headphones that use traditional dynamic cone drivers. This can result in better dynamics, a wider soundstage, and a superior bass response.

Due to these benefits, planar magnet drivers are thought of by many audiophiles as the most effective headphone driver. There are some issues to consider like the price and power requirements, however their ability to provide superior audio quality makes them an ideal option for those who require the highest quality audio reproduction. Compared 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 are searching for a pair of headphones that will deliver great audio for any price, make sure to check our top selections!