The Sound of the Speaker - How Electricity Makes High-End Speakers Work

The Sound of the Speaker – How Electricity Makes High-End Speakers Work

Everyone loves to hear and feel sound of a great pair of speakers from world class brands like Bowers & Wilkins, Dynaudio, Paradigm, and Goldenear. But just how does electricity make speakers work? Speakers come in a plethora of sizes and shapes and can accommodate us anywhere from our cars to our homes. With advances in technology, speakers play a huge role in listening to our phones and iPads as well.

Speakers contain an electromagnet that allows an electrical signal to be translated into an audible sound. The electromagnet is a coil made of metal that creates a magnetic field with electric currents flowing through it.

Three Main Components of a Speaker:

  • Permanent Magnet
  • Electromagnet
  • Cone

The Action is Inside the Speaker

Yes, this is where it all goes down! Engineers place a permanent magnet behind an electromagnet. The permanent magnet is stabilized or fixed into a certain position, while the electromagnet has freedom of movement or mobile. The direction of the magnetic field is quickly altered when pulses of electricity pass through the metal coil of the electromagnet. As a result, the movement of the electromagnet vibrates. Inside there is a cone that is attached to the electromagnet. This cone is made of pliable material such as plastic or even paper. These materials amplify the vibrations from the electromagnet and push sound waves into the outside environment for your listening pleasure. Now that you know how electricity and speakers work hand-in-hand to make your favorite songs that much better, feel free to turn up the volume and rock out!

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