Some abstract & dated thought on IEM design and analogy to human life:
1. LEGISLATION
A. Dynamic diaphragms
Dynamic drivers are the most common type of earphones available. Their overall fidelity of sound is dependent on dividends ranging from the weight, size etc of the membrane to the material used & the stiffness of the voice coil but this is just for talks and there are lots of other factors that judge the fidelity. To quote :
"The operating principle consists of a stationary magnetic element affixed to the frame of the headphone which sets up a static magnetic field. The magnetic element in headphones is typically composed of ferrite or neodymium. The diaphragm, typically fabricated from lightweight, high stiffness to mass ratio cellulose, polymer, carbon material, or the like, is attached to a coil of wire (voice coil) which is immersed in the static magnetic field of the stationary magnet. The diaphragm is actuated by the attached voice coil, when the varying current of an audio signal is passed through the coil. The alternating magnetic field produced by the current through the coil reacts against the static magnetic field in turn, causing the coil and attached diaphragm to move the air, thus producing sound."
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/Headphone-transducer.jpg/220px-Headphone-transducer.jpg
The bigger the better is a fad much less a universally acknowledged statement for dynamic membranes. They will work better with more voltage, more freedom for movement and more size. Just like how the human behavior tends to be - free, lethargic and always wanting more. Very laid back, undemanding. Looking for that extra space and 'to be free'. Rid of all guilt and taking as it comes. Relaxed and unassuming. I am just notifying how we completely forget our instincts to help judge so many things and rely on technology and silver spoon feeders to make decisions based on their statistics and good will.
B. Balanced Armatures
Balanced armatures are slightly different in their operation and sound ; very filled/un-airy. On top of this trait, they hold a taut bass response and better measurements of Total Harmonic Distortion(THD). It might not be that more armatures are needed to render a better sounding earphone and just one might be enough to do wonders(Etymotic ER-4S is reference flat earphone considered to be the golden standard of accuracy for decades together). These are more studio oriented technology, and a couple of balanced armatures channeled will give dynamics equivalent to higher full size headphones. Balanced armatures earphones aim at retrieval of details in music. They are generally over-sensitive and can provide deafening volumes at half the volume bar of say an I-pod touch.
To quote :
"A balanced armature is a sound transducer design primarily intended to increase the electrical efficiency of the element by eliminating the stress on the diaphragm characteristic of many other magnetic transducer systems. As shown schematically in the first diagram, it consists of a moving magnetic armature that is pivoted so it can move in the field of the permanent magnet. When precisely centered in the magnetic field there is no net force on the armature, hence the term 'balanced.' As illustrated in the second diagram, when there is electric current through the coil, it magnetizes the armature one way or the other, causing it to rotate slightly one way or the other about the pivot thus moving the diaphragm to make sound."
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRyq11V0SvVqmO7eDe9K_PjMgra2lAXnc0tMQrlfCq8Y5AgGQBJ
Balanced Armatures don't take much space, provide excellent isolation due to their ability to be incorporated into small housings or in custom moulds. Some high end multi-driver customs(like JH-13 Pro) even provide more dynamics and detail than higher end full sized open back headphones.
2. PRE-SUPPOTHESIS
What I am getting to is nothing but my plight of analysis for the world. I was and am(in view of feedback from my parents) a laid back guy. I never fight for the higher spot or compete. I prefer the safe relaxed way of life. But I am sure if the world was full of people like me, bribery for example would have been tripled. I need more than what I get, more space and freedom from any routine. In other words, I am or at the least was a dynamic driver kinda person. If all of us were free beings with infinite amenities and assets that always overcome our needs, we would be the same old dynamic driver, would n't we? Incompetent and plebeian.
But our community has given us that extra current, that change in out-look. Our society has put that extra pressure on us to compete and be on top. Be tight in what you wish for. Be aggressive and get what you want, no matter the route or tools. Its funny is n't it? Community and in general today's world wants us to behave like balanced armatures.
3. RE-ELECTION
Yet we are in essence, dynamic drivers trying to live up to what our community wants of us? Have to compete and disgrace our fellow humans with taut bass response and aggressive precision?
Is life a hybrid venture?
C'est la vie
