Planar Magnetic driver
TL;DR
Planar magnetic is a headphone driver technology using a thin conductive diaphragm suspended between two rows of magnets. Faster transient response than dynamic drivers, lower distortion, but often less efficient (needs a good headphone amp).
Planar magnetic is a headphone driver technology where a thin, flat diaphragm (with a conductor pattern etched or bonded onto it) is suspended between arrays of permanent magnets. Audio signal in the conductor pushes the entire diaphragm evenly across its surface.
Advantages over dynamic drivers
- Faster transient response – less mass to move
- Lower distortion across the audible band
- More extended treble
- More uniform frequency response
Trade-offs
- Heavier – planar cans typically weigh 350-500g vs 250-350g for dynamic
- Less efficient – needs a proper headphone amp to sound its best
- More expensive to manufacture
Popular brands
HiFiMAN (Sundara, Ananda, HE-400se), Audeze (LCD series), Meze Empyrean. Chi-Fi options: 7Hz, Moondrop, LETSHUOER. Budget planars start around $150.
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