The Benefits of a Planar Magnetic Driver

Planar magnetic drivers are utilized in the top headphones and IEMs. It is a superior technology with numerous advantages that differentiate it from other balanced or dynamic driver types.

However, planar drivers do have some drawbacks that are important to take note of. magnetic planar headphones include their higher cost and the requirement for an amplifier to drive them.

Ultra-thin diaphragms

Every sound we hear, from the most raucous cymbal crash to the faintest creak of a piano bench is portrayed by a complex and turbulent pressure wave. The driver of a top headphone must reproduce these waves with precision without distortion or omitting any details. This requires a light diaphragm with a thin, smooth surface that can respond quickly and swiftly to a wide range of frequencies.

While dynamic drivers are powered by a voice coil attached to a conical diaphragm planar magnetic drivers have a flat diaphragm sprayed with an conductive film that is floating between fixed magnets. This allows them to create a uniform magnetic field that covers the entire diaphragm and significantly reduce distortion.

This approach, however presents additional challenges, such as the possibility of membrane resonance problems and turbulent airflow inside the grid-like magnetic arrays. These issues can result in a diaphragm mechanical resonance frequency which is a lot higher than the input frequency, which reduces the sensitivity of the voice pressure sensors.

Utilizing a patent-pending technology called "Spherical Acoustic Structure" (SAS), Final was capable of overcoming these limitations with the D8000 making use of a single piece material that functions as a diaphragm as well as conductor. This solution was inspired by ribbon speakers and their spherical conductor however, it was more affordable and practical for headphones due to its size and power requirements.

Another challenge common to many plansar magnetic designs is a ringing effect that is seen on high-frequency and low-frequency bass notes. This is caused due to a mismatch in the force of the magnetic field applied to the diaphragm as well as the natural flexing characteristics of the diaphragm itself.

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

Superior transient response

The way that planar magnetic drivers produce sound waves is different from traditional dynamic drivers. The primary 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 around the diaphragm in a cone shape. This allows the conductor to react to magnetic fields on both sides of the diaphragm, and generate sound waves with high precision. This technology eliminates the necessity for voice coils which can change their impedance based on frequency, resulting distortion-free music.

Additionally, planar magnetic drivers are more robust and durable than conventional drivers, since they do not have moving parts that wear out over time. They are also less prone than conventional drivers to distortion which can degrade the audio quality. They have a quicker reaction time and reproduce sounds faster.

The huge surface area of the diaphragm planar, however requires more power to move it and create sound waves. These headphones need a headphone amplifier that can drive them at a sufficient level. The extra weight and cost can be a turnoff for certain listeners.


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

Audio reproduction that is authentic and true

Planar magnetic drivers deliver authentic and accurate audio reproduction compared to traditional dynamic driver models. Planar magnetic drivers create equal magnetic forces using two rows of magnets, unlike traditional dynamic drivers that have a cone-shaped membrane that is vibrating. This causes the diaphragm moving in a wave-like motion which prevents distortion. They are also able to reproduce music with a greater frequency range - from the lowest lows up to the highest highs which makes them a great option for music lovers and sound professionals.

The diaphragm, which is thin and flexible, of a planar magnetic driver moves faster than that of a conventional dynamic driver, allowing it to respond to changes in the sound signal and provide an accurate reproduction. The lack of a coil that runs behind the diaphragm reduces the chance that mechanical components will come into contact with each and cause distortions at higher volume.

As a result, the diaphragm is able to effortlessly displace huge amounts of air to reproduce bass frequencies. The size of the diaphragm and its flexibility are vital for producing the rich bass that you hear in your favorite music. Dynamic drivers on the other hand, tend to be small and stiff, making it difficult for them to stand up to the high-speed excursions needed to reproduce the bass.

Despite their benefits, planar magnetic drivers aren't used as often 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 require amplifiers to be driven. This makes them less portable. They are still popular with music lovers and critics who appreciate their superior audio quality and exceptional performance.

Wide frequency response

Planar magnetic headphones use diaphragms with flat and uniform diaphragms to create sound in a steady and controlled way. This results in wide frequency response, delivering precise and accurate reproduction of music. They are also referred to as having a superior transient response. This means they can respond quickly and accurately to audio signals.

To accomplish this, they use a planar array of conductors that're placed across a thin diaphragm sandwiched between two magnets. When an electrical signal is sent to this array of conductors, it turns into electromagnetic and interacts with the diaphragm's magnetic field, producing that aforementioned push/pull action. This allows the diaphragm's magnetic fields to interact with audio input quickly, resulting in superior sound reproduction.

The low distortion rate is yet another reason these drivers are very well-liked by audiophiles. Since they don't have the same moving parts as other types of headphones which means they don't produce as many harmonic distortions. In addition, they have a lower impedance than their counterparts, and offer an entirely resistive load to amplifiers, making them more efficient to drive with the power they require.

Planar magnetic drivers are utilized in audio equipment that is of high-end quality due to their superior performance. However, this does mean that they can be more expensive and require an amplifier to operate and are therefore not suitable for a 'grab and go' kind of driver. Nevertheless audiophiles will sacrifice the extra expense and effort in exchange for the quality that these headphones offer. They are regarded as an excellent choice for those seeking an outstanding listening experience.

Low distortion

The diaphragm of a plane magnet driver is very thin, so it can move at high speed without losing control. This provides an excellent transient response which means that the driver is able to respond to sudden changes in audio signals quickly and accurately. This allows you to hear details in music and make them sound more natural and lifelike.

Another advantage of planar magnetic drivers is that they create the same force of driving across the entire diaphragm which prevents distortion at higher volumes. This is one of the primary reasons why planar headphones sound so good - dynamic drivers have thicker and more heavy diaphragms that aren't capable of moving as fast or at the same speed. In fact, they may be destroyed when the forces are too strong or exceed the limits of their structural integrity, which causes different points on the diaphragm to begin shifting out of sync.

Planar magnetic drivers however, produce 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 dynamic cone drivers. This allows for more dynamic sound, a bigger soundstage and an exceptional bass response.

Because of these advantages due to these benefits, planar magnetic drivers are regarded by many audiophiles to be the best headphone driver. Although they have issues like cost and power requirements but their capability to provide superior sound quality makes them a perfect option for those looking for the highest quality of audio reproduction. When compared to other kinds of headphones, these models provide superior clarity and clarity in all frequencies, with the exception of for bass frequencies (where dynamic drivers are generally still preferred). If you're looking for the best headphones for high-end music that will provide excellent audio at any price, be sure to look through our top selections below!