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Why Is Planar Magnetic Driver So Famous?
The Benefits of a Planar Magnetic Driver

Planar magnetic drivers are utilized in the best headphones and IEMs. It provides numerous advantages that help it stand out from more conventional balanced or dynamic armature driver.

However planar drivers have certain disadvantages that are important to take note of. 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 tiniest rumble on a piano bench is portrayed by an intricate turbulent wave of pressure. The driver of a top headphone must reproduce these waves accurately without omitting any details or distortion of the audio. This requires an extremely thin and light diaphragm which can respond quickly to a broad range or frequencies.

Planar magnetic drivers utilize a flat diaphragm that is covered with a conductive layer and is able to float between magnets. This enables them to create a uniform magnetic field over the entire surface of the diaphragm, thereby 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 result in a mechanical resonance frequency of the diaphragm, which can be several times higher than the input frequency, and reduces the sensitiveness of the voice pressure sensor.

Using a patented technology called "Spherical Acoustic Structure" (SAS), Final was capable of overcoming these limitations of the D8000 by making use of a single piece material that doubles as a diaphragm as well as conductor. The idea was based on ribbon speakers with their spherical conducting, but it was cheaper for headphones due to its dimensions and power requirements.

Another challenge common to many planar 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 applied to the diaphragm as compared to the natural diaphragm's flexing.

Final used a thin polymer film called Parylene to solve this problem. This material was chosen due to its superior mechanical strength, bendability as well as its uniform thickness and thickness consistency. These traits were necessary to ensure that the thin, rigid film could be stretched without creating unwanted creases or wrinkles.

Superior transient response

The fundamental operation of planar magnetic drivers is the same as traditional dynamic drivers, the way they generate sound waves is different. The key difference is that the conductor of the planar driver is laid out in a flat, 2D pattern on the diaphragm rather than a coil wrapped around a cone-shaped diaphragm. This allows the conductor to respond to magnetic fields on both sides of the diaphragm, and create sound waves with high-quality. This technology eliminates the necessity for voice coils which can change their impedance based on frequency, which results in distortion-free music.

In addition the planar magnetic drivers are more durable and lighter than conventional drivers, since they don't contain moving parts that can wear out over time. They are also less susceptible than conventional drivers to harmonic distortion, which can affect the quality of audio. They have a faster reaction time and reproduce sounds faster.

The huge surface area of the planar diaphragm, however, requires more power in order to move it and generate sound waves. Therefore, these headphones require an amplifier to provide sufficient power. Some listeners may not be interested in the extra weight and expense.

Another advantage of planar magnetic drivers is that they create a wide soundstage, which is more expansive than conventional dynamic headphones. This is because a large flat diaphragm produces an unidirectional wavefront, rather than the spherical wavefront that is focused typical of dynamic drivers. click through the up coming page is one of the key features of planar headphones that provide a more immersive listening experience.

Audio reproduction that is authentic and true

Planar magnetic drivers provide authentic and accurate audio reproduction as contrasted to traditional dynamic driver models. Planar magnetic drivers create equal magnetic forces by using two rows of magnets unlike conventional dynamic drivers which have a cone-shaped, curved membrane that oscillates. The diaphragm is moved in a wavelike motion. This allows for less distortion. They can also reproduce music across more frequencies that range from the lowest lows to the highest highs. This makes them an excellent option for sound professionals and music lovers.

The thin, flexible diaphragm in a planar magnet driver is able to move faster than an active driver. This allows it to react to changes in the sound signal and create precise reproduction. Additionally, the absence of a coil positioned behind the diaphragm reduces the likelihood that there will be contact between the mechanical components which could cause distortion at higher volumes.

The diaphragm has the ability to easily move large volumes of air to reproduce bass frequencies. The diaphragm's size and flexibility are crucial to produce the deep bass you enjoy in your music. Dynamic drivers are typically small and stiff. This makes them unable to withstand the high-speed excursions needed to reproduce bass.

Despite the advantages that come with planar magnetic drivers but they aren't as popular in headphone and IEM products as dynamic driver models due to their high cost and complex design. This is partly due to the fact that they need amplifiers to be driven. This limits their portability. Nevertheless, they remain popular with music lovers and critical listeners who value their outstanding performance and high sound quality.

Wide frequency response

While most headphones and IEMs employ traditional dynamic drivers with cone-shaped diaphragms that move between two directions to create audio waves Planar magnetic headphones use flat and uniform diaphragms which create sound in a more controlled and consistent manner. This leads to a wider frequency response, delivering accurate and precise reproduction of music. They are also known for their superior transient response. This means that they can respond quickly and precisely to audio signals.

To do this, they employ a planar array of conductors spread over 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's magnetic fields interact with audio input quickly, producing high-quality sound reproduction.

Another thing that makes these drivers so popular among audiophiles is their low distortion rate. Since they don't contain the same moving components as other types of headphone and therefore don't cause as many harmonic distortions. They also have a lower resistance and present only a pure resistance load to amplifiers. This makes them simpler to drive.

Planar magnetic drivers are commonly used in high-end audio equipment due to their superior performance. This can make them more expensive, and they require an amplifier to work which is why they aren't suitable for a grab-and-go driver. However, audiophiles are willing to sacrifice the additional expense and effort for the quality that these headphones can offer. They are considered to be a top choice for those seeking an exceptional listening experience.

Low distortion

The diaphragm inside a planar magnetic driver is extremely thin, which means it can move at high speeds without losing control or breaking. This results in a high transient response, which means that the driver will respond to abrupt changes in audio signals very quickly and precisely. This lets you hear the subtleties of music more clearly, and makes them sound more natural and real.

Planar magnetic drivers also have the advantage 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 magnetic headphones sound so good. Dynamic drivers have thicker and more heavy diaphragms, which are not capable of moving as fast or at the same speed. In fact, they could fail when 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 however, produce an extremely powerful electromagnetic force which directly applies to the diaphragm. This eliminates the need for a voice coil which is required in most headphones with traditional cone drivers that are dynamic. This allows for better dynamic range, a wider soundstage, and exceptional bass response.

Because of these benefits they are widely considered to be the best type of headphone driver for audiophiles. They have a few limitations like the price and power requirements, however their ability to deliver excellent sound quality makes them a perfect choice for those who require the highest quality audio reproduction. These drivers provide superior clarity and detail at all frequencies, with the exception of low bass. Dynamic drivers are still preferred. If you are searching for a pair of headphones that can deliver excellent audio for any price, then be sure to look at our top choices!

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