Why Nobody Cares About Planar Magnetic Speakers Planar Magnetic Speakers

Planar magnetic speakers use a flat diaphragm that converts an electrical signal into sound. They are known for accuracy and clarity, as well as low distortion. They also have a broad frequency response, which makes them easy to listen to.

Dynamic drivers feature larger and more rigid diaphragms compared to the ultra-light and thin ones that are used in planar magnetic speakers. This makes it difficult for them to move and accelerate rapidly and can cause distortion in the sound.

They are easy to build

Many people believe that building planar magnet speakers is hard. However they are incredibly simple to construct. The trick is to follow the instructions and build a high-quality speaker. The result will be a top-quality audio system that can compete with any model that is commercially available. Planar magnetic speakers are simple to build and provide better sound quality than traditional dynamic drivers. They provide superior detail as well as a larger dynamic range and a more controlled directivity that all contribute to an immersive listening experience.

Planar magnetic speakers emit flat, highly directional waves, unlike conventional loudspeakers that project sound in circular wavefronts. This enables them to reproduce sounds at very low frequencies, which can be difficult for conventional speakers to achieve. Their precise imaging brings the music to life, making standard speakers sound sluggish in comparison.

A planar magnetic drive produces a sound by using a thin metal sheet suspended between two conductive plates. The audio signal is transmitted as an electric current to the panel which rapidly changes between negatives and positives. The magnetic array is able to move the panel's negative end in a circular motion and causes the diaphragm to vibrate. The result is a superb dynamic response and a large soundfield that is not distorted.

The maximum excursion of a planar magnet speaker is one of the most important aspects in its performance. This is the maximum distance that a speaker can travel before it starts to distort. This is measured at a particular frequency and output level. For instance, if you are looking to hear a 20-Hz bass note, you will require a speaker with an excursion limit of approximately 1 mm.

A solid planar magnetic driver should be able to handle high excursion while maintaining its structural integrity. It must be able to disperse heat efficiently and handle a substantial amount of power. The voice coil of the speaker must be large and thick enough to satisfy these requirements. In addition, the voice coil must be wrapped in an conductive material that is able to conduct electricity.

They efficiently disperse heat

This is an essential aspect of any speaker, and especially a planar magnetic. The voicecoil is close to the magnet array, and has a high flux density in the gap. This is the source of heat in a speaker, and it needs to be eliminated to avoid damage and distortion. The voicecoil has two ways of getting rid of heat - radiation and convection. Radiation is preferred since it does not have the convection's pumping effects. However, it has to be done with care and the design must manage the power being that is applied.

The first step is to make sure that the distance between the array and the voicecoil is a minimum of 1 millimeter. This is critical, as the gap can create some quite a bit of distortion if it's greater than this. The gap should also be large enough to permit the voicecoil's movement without hitting the rearplate. The wide gap designs that are popular with manufacturers aren't efficient and only work at low frequencies.

headphonesshop.uk to test the gap is to put a magnet in the gap and measure the resistance between the magnet and the voicecoil. The higher the resistance, the less heat is dissipated and also the more likely it will distort. The lower the resistance the more efficient and distortion-free the speaker will be.

Planar magnetic speakers reproduce the upper octaves accurately, but cannot reproduce lower frequencies due to the massive diaphragm that is required. Many planar magnetic speakers combine a woofer with a tweeter. This allows them cover more frequencies with less distortion.


Planar magnetic drivers are known for their low distortion and excellent bass. The dipole design ensures that the drivers radiate equal amounts of energy in both directions and have an inverted phase. This is a significant advantage over conventional drivers that can be subjected to mechanical distortion and strong Q resonances.

They can handle plenty of power

Many people are worried that planar magnetic speakers will not be able to handle the amount of power that they require, but the truth is that they can. The "voice coil" has a larger surface area than a dynamic driver, and will therefore be able to disperse more heat. The diaphragm is thin and light, also helps to reduce distortion.

It's important to keep in mind that a planar magnetic speaker will require a lot power to produce an excellent sound. They aren't able to disperse energy like a conventional speaker, so they are sensitive to the way the room is installed. Additionally, they're directed, which means that listening to them from just a few degrees off the axis could result in the sound level dropping significantly.

Inefficiency is another reason that allows them to handle large amounts of power. This is due to the fact that they have a much lower impedance than conventional drivers, so they require more power to attain the same volume of listening. Furthermore, they are susceptible to magnetic saturation, which could cause distortion.

One of the best ways to test the capacity of a planar magnetic speaker to handle lots of power is to determine its maximum excursion. This is the length the diaphragm can move before it reaches the magnet array and starts to distort. The best planar magnetic speakers can reach a distance of about 1 millimeters before this happens.

Planar magnetic speakers may also offer a higher frequency response than conventional cone drivers, which can be a benefit in some circumstances. They can produce higher frequencies, which can enhance the quality of music. This can make it easier to distinguish between instruments and vocals in a song.

The best planar speakers are able to reproduce a range of frequencies, including bass frequencies. This is an excellent benefit for people who want to listen to music in a variety of environments. They can be more expensive than conventional loudspeakers, but they offer a unique and immersive experience. They're also a good option for home theater systems.

The direction of the arrow is vital

When an electrical signal is applied to the conductive trace pattern the magnetic field creates an oscillation of the diaphragm which generates sound waves. The movement is more precise and controlled as compared to traditional cone drivers. This allows for an improved frequency response. This allows planar speakers reproduce more clarity and detail in music.

These diaphragms with flat sides are available in two designs such as dipole (radiating in both directions, like electrostatics and Maggies) or Monopole (radiating in just one direction, much like traditional dynamic speakers). This flexibility lets designers choose from a wide range of options when designing on-wall or built-in loudspeakers. They can provide excellent performance at reasonable prices.

The diaphragm of a planar magnetic driver is typically constructed from an ultra-thin, light polymer that is coated with a circuit of copper which conducts electricity. The diaphragm with metal is enclosed by magnets in bars that are widely separated. The magnets in these bars create a powerful magnetic field that attracts and disperse air particles in the diaphragm. The magnetic fields help disperse heat away from the speakers without straining the voice coil.

Planar magnetic speakers have greater sensitiveness than traditional cone speakers, and they can handle a large amount of power without overheating. They also have lower impedance, which means they require less amplification to achieve the same listening levels. They are able to reproduce the entire spectrum of audio frequency, including bass and highs. They are usually paired with woofers boxed to reproduce low frequencies with greater precision.

One of the drawbacks of single-ended planar magnetic loudspeakers is that they have poor damping. This can lead to high-Q resonances at the low frequency range of the speaker's frequency response, which can cause a coloration of the sound. The solution is a hybrid design, that combines the benefits of planar and dipole technologies.

One of the most important elements that determine the performance of a planar magnetic speaker is the correct positioning in a room. This impacts a variety of sound characteristics, including bass response imaging, soundstage depth and breadth. Toe-in is a negative influence on the midrange and higher frequencies. The ideal speaker will be located at the point where the central image is at its thinnest.