9 Signs You're The Planar Magnetic Expert
How a Planar Magnetic Diaphragm Headphone Driver Works
Typically, dynamic drivers comprise a voice coil that is connected to the middle of the conical diaphragm. When an electrical signal flows through a voice coil, the diaphragm shifts.
The force is applied to a small part of the diaphragm, so it is difficult to move multiple points simultaneously. This can lead to distortions caused by breakup patterns.
Sound Detail
Many audiophiles are looking to get an accurate sound from their headphones. One way to achieve this is with a planar magnetic diaphragm. This type of headphone driver functions in a similar way to cone drivers with dynamic characteristics however with more advanced technology behind it.
A planar diaphragm is an elongated structure that is embedded within the headphone's frame and is made of a fine and lightweight material. It's made to be as uniform as it can be and its flat surface permits an even distribution of pressure across the whole surface which, in turn, improves the clarity of sound.
The flat design of a planar magnetic diaphragm also creates a more controlled soundstage. A more precise wavefront leads to better sound staging which helps you identify the exact location of an vocal or instrument on the track. This is a significant advantage over the more spherical wavefront that is typical of dynamic drivers.
Unlike traditional dynamic drivers, which utilize a voice coil attached close to the center of a paper or plastic cone, a planar diaphragm utilizes a series of magnets on each side of its flat face. The electrical current flowing through the voice coil interacts with these magnets to drive the diaphragm and produce sound. The entire diaphragm can be driven at the same time. This removes breakup modes, mechanical filters, transmission delays and local resonances, which could have a negative impact on the quality of sound.
A flat and uniform diaphragm is also capable of accelerating faster than the thicker and more heavy ones used in dynamic drivers. Physics' laws of physics say that force is proportional to mass and acceleration so the faster a diaphragm can move and the greater power it will exert. This gives planar magnet drivers a more accurate response to bass as well as superior detail retrieval.
The advantages of a planar magnet driver are not without cost. They are more expensive than dynamic drivers since they feature a huge diaphragm as well as a complex motor. They also require a larger amplifier to work efficiently. However, a lot of manufacturers of planar magnetic headphones can make the most of their technology to make high-quality headphones at a reasonable price. Some examples include the Audeze LCD-4 and HiFiMAN Susvara.
High Sensitivity
Planar drivers differ from moving coil drivers that are used in the majority of headphones or IEMs in that they use a flat membrane instead of the conventional cone or dome membrane. As an electrical signal passes, it interacts both with the magnets and diaphragm, generating sound waves. The flat diaphragm is able to react quickly to sound and it can produce a wide range in frequencies from lows to highs.
One of the main advantages of the planar magnetic design is that it's more sensitive than other types of headphone drivers, which can use a diaphragm that can be several times larger in volume than a typical planar headphone. This allows you to hear all the details in your music.
Planar magnetic drivers also produce an extremely constant driving force that is evenly distributed throughout the diaphragm. This reduces breakup and produces an undistorted, smooth sound. This is especially important for high-frequency sounds in which the presence of breakups can be quite loud and distracting. This is achieved in the FT5 by utilizing a material called polyimide which is both ultralight and extremely durable, as well as a sophisticated design of conductors which eliminates distortion of intermodulation caused by inductance.
OPPO's planar magnetic drivers have a much better phase coherence. This means that when the sound wavefront hits our ear, it is flat and unaltered. Dynamic drivers however, have a spherical wavefront, which disrupts this coherence and leads to less-than-perfect signal peak reconstructions particularly in high frequencies. OPPO headphones sound incredibly real and natural.
Wide Frequency Response
Planar magnetic diaphragms are able to reproduce sounds at higher frequencies than traditional drivers. This is because their diaphragms are thin and light. is very precise in its movement. They can provide an excellent transient response. This makes them a perfect option for audiophiles who are looking for headphones and speakers that can reproduce the most exquisite details of music.
This flat structure also provides them with a more uniform soundstage than headphones with dynamic drivers that are coiled. Additionally, they are less prone to leakage, which is the sound that escapes the headphone cups and into the environment around you. In some cases, this is a problem because it can distract listeners and alter their concentration while listening to music. In other instances however, it can be beneficial since it lets listeners enjoy their music in public areas without worrying about disturbing people near by.
Instead of using the coil that is behind a diaphragm that is shaped like a cone, planar magnetic headsets have an array of printed patterns on a thin film of the diaphragm. This conductor is then suspended in between two magnets, and when an electrical signal is applied to this array, it turns into electromagnetic which causes the magnetic forces on either side of the diaphragms to interact with each with each other. This is the reason why the diaphragm begins to vibrate, creating a sound wave.
The smooth motion of the diaphragm that is light, and the fact that force is evenly distributed across its surface this means that distortion is extremely low. This is an improvement over traditional dynamic drivers, that are known for causing distortion when you are listening.
Some high-end headphones use the old-fashioned design of moving coils. However, the majority of HiFi audiophiles are now embracing this old technology to create new generation of planar magnetic headphones that produce a stunning sound. Certain models require a top-of-the-line amplifier to provide power. For those who are able to afford it, they can provide an experience that is unmatched by any other headphones. They deliver a deep and detailed sound without the distortion that is common with other types of headphones.
Minimal Inertia
Due to their design the planar magnetic diaphragms are extremely light and move faster than traditional drivers. This means that they reproduce audio signals more accurately and can be tuned for a wider range of frequencies. They also produce more natural sound and have less distortion than traditional dynamic speakers.
The two rows of magnets in a planar magnetic driver generate equal and uniform magnetic forces across the entire diaphragm's surface. This prevents unwanted and unnecessary distortion. The diaphragm that is lightweight can be more easily controlled since the force is evenly distributed. This allows the diaphragm vibrate in a perfectly pistonic motion, which results in an accurate and smooth music reproduction.
They also have the capability of achieving high levels of performance with minimal weight. This makes them perfect for use as a portable headphone. In addition, they can be produced to have a wide range of frequencies, ranging from deep bass to high-frequency sounds. The high frequency response and the precise sound reproduction make them a popular choice for audio professionals.
Planar magnetic drivers are different from dynamic drivers that utilize coils to push the diaphragm. They do not have any mechanical parts which can cause distortion. This is due to the fact that the flat array sits directly on top of the diaphragm, rather than in the form of a coil behind.
In contrast the slim and light diaphragm of a planar magnetic driver can be driven by an extremely powerful magnetic field without any loss of energy. In the end, the diaphragm is driven by an even pressure, preventing it from deforming and producing distortion.
best magnetic planar headphones of inertia is an important property that defines an object's resistance to rotation. It can be calculated using the formula I = mr2. The shape of the object determines its minimum moment of inertia. Longer and smaller objects have lower moments of inertia.