What is the real planar unit?
1. From the acoustic performance, because of the inherent advantages of the structure of the planar unit compared to the dynamic unit without excess split vibration, the planar unit's high frequency and ultra-high frequency performance are far superior to the dynamic unit. Because a very thin wire generates the vibration of the Balanced Armature unit to the diaphragm to produce sound, the balanced armature unit is not destined to withstand large currents and large vibrations. Thus the low-frequency performance of the balanced armature unit could be more satisfactory. But the planar unit can efficiently perform very low bass frequencies and a large stroke because there is no fixed voice coil or solid connection to drive. Through the above arguments, the planar unit is beyond the existence of dynamic and balanced armature in terms of acoustic quality.
2. ln terms of product material, the most expensive material for manufacturing planar units is the diaphragm, and the thickness of this diaphragm is only 2-8 microns on average. The main reason for making this diaphragm expensive is that the circuit is to be plated on the diaphragm with a silver plating process on such a thin diaphragm, and the precision of the circuit needs to be controlled within 2 microns. Therefore, it is easy to have a high scrap rate in the production process. Another is the planar unit's magnetic circuit system is very complex. The traditional dynamic unit and balanced armature unit are generally built-in only 1-2 magnets, while the planar unit's average is starting design to 14 magnets. Of course, this number is far greater than the dynamic and balanced armature units. The advantages are very obvious. It brings a powerful resolution and wide sound field for the planar unit.
3. From the manufacturing process, because the number of parts used is much higher than the dynamic and balanced armature unit, and the production process is made of strict precision requirements than the former, the manufacturing of planar units is very complex. Compared to the production process of dynamic and balanced armature units, planar units have additional processes such as diaphragm shaping, diaphragm secondary pressing, magnetic circuit calibration, connection impedance testing, etc. These will make the traditional dynamic and balanced armature unit manufacturers helpless.
A combination of the above three aspects constitutes the main reason that determines the price of the planar unit is much higher than the dynamic and balanced armature units. However, its excellent acoustic performance is also destined to be the hobby of a few people positioned in the high-end Hi-Fi market.