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15 Things You Don't Know About Planar Magnetic Driver
The Benefits of a Planar Magnetic Driver

Planar magnetic drivers are used in the best headphones and IEMs. It offers many advantages that allow it to distinct from other balanced or dynamic armature driver.

It is crucial to be aware of the drawbacks of planar drivers. They are a higher price and the need for an amplifier to drive them.

Ultra-thin diaphragms

Every sound we hear, from the loudest sound of a cymbal crash to the most subtle creak of a piano bench is represented by a complex tumultuous pressure wave. The driver of a top headphone needs to reproduce these waves accurately without missing any details or distorted audio. This requires an extremely thin and light diaphragm that can react quickly to a variety or frequencies.

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

This approach, however presents additional challenges, such as the possibility of membrane resonance problems and airflow turbulent within the grid-like magnetic arrays. These issues result in an amplitude of resonance in the diaphragm that may be several times greater than the input frequency, and reduces the sensitiveness of the voice pressure sensor.

Using a patented technology called 'Spherical Acoustic Structure' (SAS), Final was able to overcome these limitations with the D8000 making use of a single piece material that is both diaphragm and conductor. This design was based on ribbon speakers with their spherical conductors, however it was more affordable for headphones due to its dimensions and power requirements.

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

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

Superior transient response

The basic operation of planar magnetic drivers is similar to traditional dynamic drivers, the method by which they produce sound waves differs. The key 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 a cone-shaped diaphragm. This allows the conductor to respond to magnetic fields on both sides of the diaphragm and generate sound waves with high precision. This technology also eliminates the requirement for an instrument that could alter its impedance according to its frequency, which results in distortion-free music reproduction.

In addition that, planar magnetic drivers tend to be more robust and durable than conventional drivers, as they do not have moving parts that can wear out over time. They are also less prone to distortion in the harmonic spectrum, which can cause degradation in the audio quality. They also have a faster response time and are able to reproduce sounds that are transient with greater speed.

However, the vast surface area of a planar diaphragm requires more power to move and create sound waves. These headphones need an amplifier for headphone that can be driven at a suitable level. The extra weight and cost can be a turnoff to certain listeners.

Another advantage of planar magnetic drivers is that they produce a large soundstage, which can be larger than conventional dynamic headphones. This is because a wide diaphragm that is flat creates a planar wavefront rather than the focused spherical sound wavefront typical of dynamic drivers. This is one of the key features of planar headphones that provide an immersive listening experience.

Natural and faithful audio reproduction

Planar magnetic drivers give more natural and precise sound reproduction than traditional dynamic driver models. Planar magnetic drivers produce equal magnetic forces using two rows of magnets unlike conventional dynamic drivers which feature a cone-shaped membrane that is vibrating. The diaphragm moves in a wave-like motion. This helps to avoid 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 perfect choice for music lovers as well as sound professionals.

The diaphragm is thin and flexible. of a planar magnetic driver moves much more quickly than a conventional dynamic driver, allowing it to respond to changes in the sound signal, and create an accurate reproduction. Additionally, the absence of a coil positioned behind the diaphragm reduces the possibility that there could be contact between the mechanical parts which could cause distortion at higher volume levels.

The diaphragm can easily displace large volumes air in order to reproduce bass frequencies. The diaphragm's size and flexibility is crucial to produce the deep bass in your favorite music. Dynamic drivers are typically small and stiff. This means they are not able to withstand the high-speed excursions needed to reproduce the bass.

Despite their benefits they aren't as frequently used in headphones or IEM products due to the high cost and the complexity of their design. This is partly due to the fact that they need amplifiers to be driven. This restricts their portability. They are popular with music fans and critics who appreciate their exceptional audio quality and exceptional performance.

Wide frequency response

Planar magnetic headphones use diaphragms that are flat and uniform to create sound in a measured and even way. This results in wide frequency response, providing accurate and faithful music reproduction. headphones shop are also referred to as having a superior transient response. This means that they can react quickly and precisely to audio signals.

They accomplish this by using an array planar made up of conductors arranged 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 create the push/pull effect. This allows the diaphragm's magnetic fields to interact with audio signals quickly, resulting in superior sound reproduction.

The low distortion rate is another reason these drivers are so popular with audiophiles. They don't cause the same amount of harmonic distortion since they don't utilize the same moving parts. They also have lower resistance and present only a pure resistance load to amplifiers. This makes them simpler to drive.

Planar magnetic drivers are used in high-end audio equipment because of their superior performance. This makes them more expensive and require an amplifier to work and are therefore not 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 a top choice for those seeking the best listening experience.


Low distortion

The diaphragm of a planar magnetic driver is extremely thin, meaning it can move at high speeds without losing control or breaking down. This provides an excellent transient response, which means that the driver will respond to sudden changes in audio signals very quickly and precisely. This allows you to hear the details in music more clearly, and makes them sound natural and lifelike.

Planar magnetic drivers also have the advantage of generating the same amount of force throughout 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 use thicker and heavier diaphragms, which are not capable of moving as fast or with the same acceleration. In fact, they could fail if the forces are too powerful or exceed the limits of their structural integrity, causing various points on the diaphragms to begin moving out of the sync.

On the other hand the planar magnetic drivers generate a very strong electromagnetic force that directly reaches the diaphragm. This eliminates the voice coil which is typically required in headphones with traditional dynamic cone drivers. This provides better bass, more dynamic soundstage, and exceptional bass response.

As a result of these benefits due to these advantages, planar magnetic drivers are widely considered to be the best headphone driver for audiophiles. Although they do have concerns regarding power requirements and cost, their ability to deliver superior sound quality makes them an ideal choice for those who demand the highest quality in audio reproduction. They offer exceptional clarity and clarity in all frequencies, except for low bass. Dynamic drivers are preferred. If you're looking for the best headphones for high-end music that provide exceptional sound at any price point be sure to look through our top picks below!

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