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A Small Forward

Introducing a new patent pending generation of planar magnetic audio transducers which promises to address some of the problems inherent in the design of the current breed of both the planar and the ubiquitous cone loudspeaker.

This technology represents a bridge between some of the characteristics of the aforementioned technologies and is readily adaptable to applications including automobile installations, in-wall usage and others where its small depth provides a definitive solution to mounting in awkward spaces. This technology offers the clarity, transparency and large, deep soundstage characteristics of the best planar magnetic and electrostatic technology available today, along with the considerable ruggedness, cone displacement and dynamic range of the best cone drivers to date. Planarsonics drivers are not to be confused with distributed mode type drivers nor conventional ribbon drivers as we know them. They do not consist of a thin film stretched across a frame, nor of a “ribbon” suspended at their vertical ends only.

Here are some of the highlights of this new technology:

  • Narrow, but tall rectangular shape provides wide horizontal dispersion while limiting vertical dispersion to minimize both floor and ceiling bounce. Transducer width is small compared to wavelength of reproduced sound, thus maximizing off-axis response
  • Rectangular shape is also useful in maximizing surface area in installations as in an ordinary box-like enclosure
  • Woofer is not a drum-like film with a large resonant signature; it has the capability of a large Xmax displacement equivalent to that of a conventional cone woofer along with a large surface area, if desired. Due to its construction, there is also no possibility of voice coil bottoming during large woofer excursions, nor the possibility of a transducer slapping the magnets during large excursions
  • Predominantly open area in front of and behind transducers
  • Impedance is largely resistive; can be made any typical impedance necessary
  • Technology not based on exotic, difficult to build and expensive principles. Very simple physics and engineering principles used thoughout design, perhaps simpler than the cone loudspeaker as we know it. Maximum “bang for buck” utilization of materials, as shall be demonstrated
  • Very low harmonic and intermodulation distortion
  • Excellent transient response and dynamic range
  • Large, deep soundstage
  • Excellent midrange clarity and transparency akin to current electrostatic and magnetic planar technology offerings
  • Transducer conductors are kept within magnetic field at all times, eliminating the need for a “push-pull” arrangement
  • Exceptional power handling ability; moderate to high sensitivity
  • Latest dipole prototype offers a frequency response of 22 Hz to 20 KHz, plus or minus 3 dB @ 2 meters. It is a two-way loudspeaker, and the crossover is a 4th order LP/HP Linkwitz-Riley @150 Hz. It has extraordinary midrange clarity and dynamics with highly accurate and nonresonant bass (dipole) along with very smooth, extended treble. The sound is truly breathtaking and offers a “you are there” experience on well-recorded program material.