Notes

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

Planar magnetic drivers are used in the best headphones and IEMs. It has numerous advantages that make it stand out from more conventional balanced or dynamic armature drivers.

However planar drivers have certain disadvantages that are important to note. They are a higher price and requirement for an amplifier to drive them.

Ultra-thin diaphragms

Every sound we hear, from the most raucous sound of a cymbal crash to the most subtle creak of a piano bench is represented by a complex turbulent pressure wave. The driver of a high-quality headphone has to reproduce these waves with precision without distorting or missing any details. This requires a light diaphragm with a thin, smooth surface that can be responsive and move quickly to a wide range of frequencies.

While dynamic drivers are powered by a voice coil bonded to a conical diaphragm planar magnetic drivers have an elongated diaphragm that is skinned with an conductive film that is floating between fixed magnets. This allows them to create a uniform field of magnetism across the entire diaphragm which reduces distortion.

However, this method introduces other challenges such as the potential for membrane resonance issues and airflow turbulence within the grid-like magnet arrays. These problems result in the frequency of mechanical resonance of the diaphragm that may be several times higher than the input frequency and reduces the sensitivities of the voice pressure sensor.

Utilizing a patent-pending technology called "Spherical Acoustic Structure" (SAS), Final was successful in overcoming these limitations of the D8000 by making use of a single piece material that is both diaphragm and conductor. This solution was inspired by ribbon speakers and their spherical conductor but was more cost-effective and practical for headphones due to its size and power requirements.

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

Final utilized a thin polymer film dubbed Parylene to address this issue. This material was selected due to its superior mechanical flexibility, stability and uniformity of thickness. These qualities were essential to ensure that a thin, rigid film would stretch without forming unwanted wrinkles or wrinkles.

Superior transient response

While the basic operation of planar magnetic drivers is the same as traditional dynamic drivers, how they generate sound waves is different. The major difference is that in a planar magnetic driver the conductor is laid out on the diaphragm in an 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 create sound waves with high precision. This technology also eliminates the need for a voice coil that can alter its impedance based on its frequency, resulting in a distortion-free reproduction of music.

Planar magnetic drivers are lighter and more durable than traditional drivers due to the fact that they don't contain moving components that wear over time. They are also less prone to distortion in the harmonic spectrum which can lead to degradation in the audio quality. They also have a faster response time and can reproduce sounds that are transient with greater speed.

However, the vast surface area of a diaphragm planar requires more power to move and create sound waves. These headphones need an amplifier for headphone that can drive them at a sufficient level. This additional cost and weight could be a deterrent for some listeners.


Another benefit of planar magnetic drivers is that they produce a large soundstage, which is more expansive than conventional dynamic headphones. This is because a wide diaphragm that is flat creates a planar wavefront rather than the narrow spherical sound wavefront typical of dynamic drivers. This characteristic is a key attribute of planar headphones and provides an immersive listening experience.

Audio reproduction that is accurate and natural

Planar magnetic drivers provide an authentic and reliable audio reproduction when compared to traditional dynamic driver models. Unlike conventional dynamic drivers that have a cone-shaped diaphragm, which is able to move back and forward using dual rows of magnets to generate equal magnetic force on the diaphragm. This causes the diaphragm moving in a wave-like motion, which helps avoid distortion. They also have the ability to reproduce music in a wider frequency range - from the lowest lows to the highest highs, making them an ideal choice for music enthusiasts and audio professionals.

The diaphragm is thin and flexible. in a planar magnetic driver moves more quickly than a dynamic driver. This allows it to respond to changes in sound signals and provide precise reproduction. In addition, the lack of a coil sitting behind the diaphragm decreases the possibility that there could be contact between the mechanical components that can cause distortion at higher volume levels.

The diaphragm can effortlessly displace large volumes of air in order to reproduce bass frequencies. The diaphragm's size and flexibility are vital to create the rich bass that you hear in your music. Dynamic drivers are typically small and stiff. This means they are not able to withstand the high-speed excursions needed to reproduce bass.

Despite the advantages that come with magnetic drivers that are planar however, they aren't as popular in headphones and IEM products as dynamic driver models because of their high cost and intricate design. This is partly because they require amplifiers to drive them, which hinders their portability and ease of use. However, they are still popular with music lovers and critical listeners who value their outstanding performance and high sound quality.

Wide frequency response

While many IEMs and headphones utilize traditional dynamic drivers that have a cone-shaped diaphragm that moves back and forth to produce audio waves, planar magnetic headphones employ flat and uniform diaphragms that create sound in a more controlled and even manner. This produces a wide frequency response that provides accurate and accurate reproduction of music. They are also known for their high transient response. This means that they are able to react quickly to audio signals and reproduce them as precisely as they can.

They do this by using a planar array consisting of conductors arranged across a thin, diaphragm sandwiched in between two magnets. When an electrical signal is transmitted through this array of conductors, it becomes electromagnetic, and interacts with the diaphragm's magnetic fields to cause the push/pull effect. This allows the diaphragm to react quickly to audio input, resulting in top-quality music reproduction with incredible clarity and precision.

Another factor that makes these drivers so popular among audiophiles is their low distortion rate. They don't cause the same amount of harmonic distortion since they don't have the same moving components. They also have lower resistance and are 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 drives are commonly used in higher-end audio equipment. They can be 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 pay the additional expense and effort for the superior quality these headphones offer. They are regarded as the most suitable choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a wonderful listening experience.

Low distortion

The diaphragm inside a planar magnetic driver is very 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 can respond to sudden changes in audio signals very quickly and accurately. This allows you to listen to the details of music and make them sound more natural and real.

Planar magnetic drivers also have the advantage of creating a uniform driving force throughout the diaphragm, preventing distortions at higher volumes. This is one of the main reasons why headphones with planar magnetics sound so good. Dynamic drivers use thicker and heavier diaphragms, but they aren't capable of moving at the same speed or with the same acceleration. In fact, they can be destroyed if the forces are too powerful or exceed the limits of their structural integrity, which causes different points on the diaphragms to begin shifting out of the sync.

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

Due to these benefits due to these benefits, planar magnetic drivers are thought of by many audiophiles to be the best headphone driver. Although they do have concerns regarding power requirements and cost but their capability to provide superior sound quality makes them an ideal option for those looking for the highest quality in audio reproduction. These drivers offer superior clarity and detail at all frequencies, with the exception of low bass. Dynamic drivers are still preferred. If you're seeking a pair that can deliver excellent sound at any price, then make sure to look at our top choices!

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