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7 Secrets About Planar Magnetic Driver That No One Will Tell You
magnetic planar speakers of a Planar Magnetic Driver

Planar magnetic driver is an audio technology that is found in some of the top-quality headphones and IEMs. It provides numerous advantages that help it distinct from other balanced or dynamic armature driver.

However, planar drivers do have some disadvantages to be aware of. They are a higher price and requirement for an amplifier to drive them.

Ultra-thin diaphragms

Each sound we hear - from the loudest cymbal crashing to the slightest creak on a bench for a piano - is captured by a complex tumultuous wave of pressure. The driver of an excellent headphone must 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.

Planar magnetic drivers utilize a flat diaphragm that is coated with a conductive coating and is able to float between magnets. This allows them create an uniform field of magnetic energy across the entire diaphragm, reducing distortion.

However, this approach introduces additional challenges, such as the possibility of membrane resonance issues and airflow turbulence in the grid-like magnet arrays. These issues can result in 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 sensor.

Using a patented technology called 'Spherical Acoustic Structure' (SAS), Final was capable of overcoming these limitations with the D8000 by using a single piece of material that functions as a diaphragm and conductor. This solution was based on ribbon speakers with their spherical conductors. However, it was more affordable for headphones due to its dimensions and power requirements.

Another problem that is common to many planar magnetic designs is a ringing sound that is present on high-frequency, low-frequency bass notes. 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.

To resolve this issue, Final used an ultra-thin, polymer film known as Parylene. The material was selected because of its superior mechanical strength, bendability as well as its uniform thickness and consistency in thickness. These qualities were essential to ensure that a thin, rigid film would stretch without creating unwanted wrinkles or wrinkles.

Superior transient response

The fundamental operation of planar magnetic drivers is the same as traditional dynamic drivers, the way they produce sound waves differs. The primary difference is that the conductor of the planar driver is laid out in a flat, 2D pattern on the diaphragm instead of the coil being wrapped around the diaphragm in a cone. This lets the conductor react to magnetic fields on both sides of the diaphragm to create sound waves with high-quality. This technology also eliminates the requirement for a voice coil that could alter its impedance based on its frequency, resulting in a clear, distortion-free reproduction of music.

Planar magnetic drivers are lighter and more durable than conventional drivers because they don't have moving parts that wear over time. They are also less susceptible than conventional drivers to 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 planar diaphragm, however it requires more power to move it and generate sound waves. These headphones require a headphone amplifier that can provide them with a sufficient level. The extra weight and cost can be a turnoff to certain listeners.

Planar magnetic drivers also provide a wider soundstage than dynamic headphones, which can make them appear more spacious. This is due to the large diaphragm, flat, moves more uniformly to create an asymmetrical sound wavefront rather than a narrow and spherical wavefront, which is typical of dynamic drivers. This is the main feature of planar headphones that provide a more immersive listening experience.

Audio reproduction that is natural and accurate

Planar magnetic drivers provide an authentic and reliable audio reproduction in comparison to traditional dynamic driver models. Unlike conventional dynamic drivers that feature a cone-shaped diaphragm which is able to move back and back and forth, planar magnetic drivers use two rows of magnets in order to create equal magnetic forces on the diaphragm. The diaphragm is moved in a wavelike manner. This allows for less distortion. They also have the ability to 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 is able to move much more quickly than a conventional dynamic driver and is able to respond to changes in the sound signal, and create an accurate reproduction. The lack of a coil behind the diaphragm is also a deterrent to the possibility that mechanical parts will come into contact with one other, which could result in distortions at higher volumes.

The diaphragm is able to easily move large volumes of air to reproduce bass frequencies. The diaphragm's size and its flexibility are vital in generating the rich bass you hear in your music. Dynamic drivers are typically small and stiff. This means they are not able to handle the high-speed excursions required to reproduce the bass.

Despite their advantages however, planar magnetic drivers aren't used as often in headphone or IEM products due to their high price and complexity of their design. This is partly due to the fact that they need amplifiers to be driven. This makes them less portable. They are still popular with music fans and critics who appreciate their exceptional audio quality and exceptional performance.

Wide frequency response

Planar magnetic headphones employ flat and uniform diaphragms to create sound in a measured and even way. This creates a wide frequency response, which allows for a precise and faithful reproduction of music. They are also known for their high transient response, which means they are able to react quickly to audio signals and reproduce them as precisely as they can.

To accomplish this, they use a planar array of conductors that're distributed across a thin diaphragm sandwiched between two magnets. When an electrical signal passes through this conductor array, it becomes electromagnetic, and interacts with the diaphragm's magnetic fields to produce the push/pull effect. This allows the diaphragm to respond quickly to audio signals, resulting in excellent quality music reproduction with outstanding clarity and precision.

The low distortion rate is another reason why these drivers are so loved by audiophiles. They aren't able to produce the same amount of harmonic distortion since they don't have the same moving parts. They also have lower resistance and provide only a pure resistance load to amplifiers. This makes them simpler to drive.

Due to their superior performance Due to their superior performance, planar magnetic drivers are often used in higher-tier audio equipment. This can make them more expensive, and they require an amplifier to work, so they are not suitable for a 'grab and go' driver. Audiophiles will trade the extra expense and effort for the quality that these headphones provide. They are regarded as the best choice for those who wish to have a fantastic listening experience.

Low distortion

The diaphragm inside a planar magnetic driver is extremely thin, meaning it can move at high speeds without losing control or breaking down. This allows for an extremely precise and rapid response to sudden changes in audio signal. This lets you listen to the details of music and make them sound more natural and real.


Planar magnetic drivers also have the advantage of creating an even driving force across the diaphragm. This prevents distortions at higher volumes. Planar magnetic headphones sound great due to the fact that dynamic drivers use diaphragms that are larger and heavier and cannot move as fast or at the same acceleration. In fact, they could break down if the forces are too powerful or exceed the limits of their structural integrity, causing different points on the diaphragm to start shifting out of the sync.

Planar magnetic drivers on the other hand, generate a very powerful electromagnetic force that is directly applied to the diaphragm. This eliminates the need for a voice coil, which is required in the majority of headphones with traditional dynamic cone drivers. This allows for more dynamic sound, a bigger soundstage and a more powerful bass response.

Due to these advantages Due to these advantages, planar magnet drivers are regarded by many audiophiles as the most effective headphone driver. There are some issues to consider regarding the cost and power requirements, however their ability to provide excellent sound quality makes them an ideal option for those who want the best quality audio reproduction. When compared to other kinds of headphones, these models have superior clarity and clarity across all frequencies, except for low bass (where dynamic drivers are usually still preferred). If you're looking for a pair of hi-fi headphones that provide exceptional audio at any price be sure to take a look at our top picks below!

Website: https://www.headphonesshop.uk/categories/planar-magnetic-headphones