Where Can You Find The Most Reliable Planar Magnetic Driver Information
The Benefits of a Planar Magnetic Driver
Planar magnetic driver is a type of audio technology that is found in some of the top-quality headphones and IEMs. It has many advantages that distinguish it from other balanced or dynamic armature driver types.
However, planar drivers do have certain disadvantages that are important to note. They are more expensive and require an amplifier to be driven.
Ultra-thin diaphragms
Every sound we hear, from the most raucous cymbal crash to the faintest creak of the piano bench is portrayed by a complex and turbulent pressure wave. The driver of a top headphone should reproduce these waves with precision without distortion or omitting any details. This requires a thin, light diaphragm which can respond quickly to a variety or frequencies.
Planar magnetic drivers utilize a flat diaphragm that is coated with a conductive coating and is able to float between magnets. This creates an uniform field of magnetic energy across the entire diaphragm surface and reduce distortion.
However, this approach poses additional issues, including the possibility of membrane resonance issues and airflow turbulence inside the grid-like magnet arrays. These issues can result in a diaphragm mechanical resonance frequency that is several times greater than input frequency, reducing the sensitivity of voice pressure sensors.
Utilizing a patent-pending technology called "Spherical Acoustic System" (SAS), Final was successful in overcoming these limitations with the D8000 by using a single piece of material that doubles as a diaphragm as well as 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.
Another problem that is common to many plansar magnetic designs is a ringing effect that occurs on high-frequency, low-frequency bass notes. This is caused by a mismatch between 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 referred to as Parylene. The material was chosen because of its superior mechanical flexibility, stability and thickness uniformity. web page were essential to ensure that a rigid, thin film would stretch without creating unwanted wrinkles or wrinkles.
Superior transient response
The way that planar magnetic drivers generate sound waves is different from traditional dynamic drivers. The primary difference is that the conductor of a planar driver is laid out in a flat, 2D pattern on the diaphragm rather than a coil wrapped around a cone-shaped diaphragm. This lets the conductor react to magnetic fields on both sides of the diaphragm and generate sound waves with high accuracy. This technology eliminates the need for voice coils that can change their impedance based on frequency, which results in distortion-free music.
In addition that, planar magnetic drivers tend to be more durable and lighter than traditional drivers due to the fact that they do not contain moving parts that could wear out over time. They are also less prone to distortion in the harmonic spectrum which can result in a decrease in the audio quality. They also have a quicker response time and are able to reproduce sounds that are transient with greater speed.
However, the large surface area of a diaphragm planar requires more power to move and create sound waves. Therefore, these headphones require an amplifier to drive them at adequate levels. This additional cost and weight can be a turnoff for some listeners.
Another benefit of planar magnetic drivers is that they create a wide soundstage, which is more expansive than traditional dynamic headphones. This is due to the large diaphragm is able to move more evenly to create the planar sound wavefront instead of a narrow circular wavefront typical of dynamic drivers. This characteristic is a key attribute of planar headphones and offers a more immersive listening experience.
True and natural audio reproduction
Planar magnetic drivers provide authentic and accurate audio reproduction when compared to traditional dynamic driver models. Planar magnetic drivers create equal magnetic forces by using two rows of magnets unlike traditional dynamic drivers that have a cone-shaped, curved membrane that oscillates. The diaphragm moves in a wavelike motion. This allows for less distortion. They are also able to reproduce music in a wider frequency range, ranging from the lowest lows to the highest highs, making them an ideal choice for music enthusiasts and sound professionals.
The thin, flexible diaphragm in a planar magnet driver moves faster than a dynamic driver. This allows it to respond to changes in sound signals and produce precise reproduction. In addition, the absence of a coil that sits behind the diaphragm decreases the likelihood that there will be contact between the mechanical parts that can cause distortion at higher volume levels.
The diaphragm is able to easily move large volumes of air to reproduce bass frequencies. The diaphragm's size and its flexibility are vital for producing the rich bass you hear in your music. Dynamic drivers are typically small and stiff. They are unable to withstand the high-speed excursions required to reproduce bass.
Despite the advantages that come with magnetic drivers that are planar however, they aren't as popular in headphone and IEM products as dynamic drivers due to their high cost and intricate design. Partly, this is because they require amplifiers to be driven. This limits their portability. Yet, they are well-liked by music lovers and critical listeners who value their excellent performance and superior audio quality.
Wide frequency response

While most headphones and IEMs utilize traditional dynamic drivers that have a cone-shaped diaphragm which moves back and forth to produce audio waves, planar magnetic headphones utilize diaphragms with flat and uniform diaphragms to create sound in a more controlled and even manner. This leads to a wider frequency response, which allows for precise and accurate reproduction of music. They are also renowned for their outstanding transient response. This means that they are able to react quickly to audio signals and reproduce them as accurately as is possible.
They do this by using an array planar made up of conductors that are spread across a thin, diaphragm sandwiched in between two magnets. When an electrical signal is sent to this conductor array, it becomes electromagnetic and interacts with the diaphragm's magnetic fields, producing that aforementioned push/pull action. This allows the diaphragm to respond quickly to audio input, producing excellent quality music reproduction with outstanding quality and precision.
The low distortion rate is a further reason why these drivers are so loved by audiophiles. They don't cause as much harmonic distortion because they don't use the same moving parts. They also have lower resistance and are only a pure resistance load to amplifiers. This makes them more convenient to drive.
Due to their superior performance due to their superior performance, planar magnetic drives are commonly used in higher-end audio equipment. However, this also means that they are more expensive and require an amplifier to operate and are therefore not suitable for a grab and go' type of driver. Nevertheless audiophiles are willing to sacrifice the additional expense and effort for the superior quality these headphones offer. They are considered to be the best choice for those who want the best listening experience.
Low distortion
The diaphragm of a planar magnetic driver is very thin, which means that it can move at high speeds without losing control or breaking down. This gives a great transient response which means that the driver is able to respond to abrupt changes in audio signals quickly and accurately. This lets you listen to the details of music and makes them sound more natural and realistic.
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 are made of thicker and heavier diaphragms, which are not capable of moving as quickly or with the same acceleration. In fact, they may break down when the forces are too powerful or exceed the limits of their structural integrity, causing various points on the diaphragm to start moving out of sync.
Planar magnetic drivers, on the other hand produce an extremely powerful electromagnetic force which directly applies to the diaphragm. This removes the voice coil that is typically required in headphones with traditional cone drivers that are dynamic. This can result in better dynamics, a wider soundstage and an exceptional bass response.
Due to these benefits Due to these advantages, planar magnet drivers are thought of by many audiophiles to be the most effective headphone driver. They do have some considerations regarding the cost and power requirements, but their ability to provide excellent sound quality is a great choice for those who want the highest quality audio reproduction. In comparison to other types of headphones, these drivers provide superior clarity and clarity in all frequencies, with the exception of for low bass (where dynamic drivers are usually still preferred). If you're looking for a pair of hi-fi headphones that can deliver superb sound at any price point be sure to look through our top choices below!