Rinaro MZ3 Isodynamic Hybrid Array® Driver for Meze Audio Empyrean headphone
Rinaro have collaborated with Meze to create a new standard in planar magnetic audio with the MZ3 Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver for their Empyrean headphone.
The MZ3 is an Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver that has been created exclusively for Meze audio. Over 30 years of research and development in the field of Isodynamics have led to the creation of the first dual shaped voice coil array to be seen in the field of planar magnetic headphones. The resulting technology is one of the lightest and most advanced planar magnetic drivers on the market.
The MZ3 combines individual switchback and spiral shaped voice coils in the one driver, their unique shapes allow sound to be targeted with more accuracy around the natural form of the ear. This combination has allowed for an increased exposure of direct sound wave frequencies over the 10kHz range and improved imaging and localisation by decreasing the impact of short wave time delays caused by diffused field reflections.
Higher efficiency through weight reduction has been key to enabling longer listening sessions without increased discomfort. This has been achieved by maximizing active driver surface area while keeping the weight down to just 67g per driver. The result is an ultra efficient driver that punches above its weight, putting user-comfort at the same level of priority as audio performance.
Constructing a Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver
The first of its kind the Empyrean Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver combines two independently shaped voice coils within the same diaphragm delivering more selective acoustic performance to the various areas within the structure of the ear.
ISOPLANAR® Diaphragm MATERIAL
The diaphragm is manufactured from a custom developed isotropic thermally stabilized polymer with a conductive layer. Through unique processing methods an ultralight yet rigid diaphragm has been achieved.
An ergonomic approach leads to a new way of thinking about driver construction
To create an audiophile headphone that is powerful yet light the driver needed to maximise power output while reducing weight as much as possible. Weight was minimised by optimising a magnet structure around an ovoid shape that fits the ear more closely, reducing unnecessary inactive surface area (and weight). Power output was increased through the use of a completely bespoke coil and magnet array design that optimised the active usable area of the driver within it’s ovoid shape.
Audible benefits of a dual driven system
One of the problems with conventional planar magnetic arrays is coming from reflected signals entering the ear canal with different time a, thereby worsening the focus of 3D sound imaging.
Combining different voice coil configurations makes it possible to create a better sound intensity distribution across the sound wave front at high frequencies when directed at the auricle and ear canal.
Managing short sound waves
At frequencies above 10kHz, where sound wave length is smaller than the cushions inner cavity, the sound field becomes diffused with an amount of the direct and reflected sound waves within the ear canal.
A significant increase of direct sound waves can be achieved by positioning the most efficient part of the diaphragm in mid-high frequencies directly over the ear canal.
