Speaker design is always about compromise.
The first time I heard a well-set-up planar loudspeaker, I was stunned by the openness and speed. Voices seemed suspended in space, free from the boxiness I had grown used to in dynamic speakers. That level of transparency can be addictive, and it’s why planar designs continue to fascinate me even after decades in this industry.
Planars excel at midrange and treble reproduction. Their ultra-low-mass diaphragms respond instantly to musical transients, avoiding the resonances that can color box speakers. The result is a see-through quality that makes vocals and acoustic instruments feel uncannily real. But these designs rarely reach deep into the bass, and they often require careful placement to sound their best.
Box speakers, by contrast, can produce powerful bass and fill large rooms with ease. The trade-off is the enclosure itself. Even well-braced cabinets impart some coloration, and careful crossover work is needed to keep midrange and bass coherent. A great dynamic design can sound extraordinary, but it will always sound different from a great planar.
That’s why some of my favorite speakers combine the two approaches. Our Aspen series of loudspeakers use planar magnetic drivers for the midrange and treble, mated with dynamic woofers for bass. This hybrid design marries the speed and openness of a planar with the weight and impact of a dynamic system. When executed properly, the transition is seamless and you get the best of both worlds.
Understanding these design choices helps set realistic expectations. Every speaker is a set of trade-offs, but the right one disappears into the room, leaving only music. That moment when the technology vanishes and the performance takes over is the goal we all share.
