Graphene Sounds Better All The Time

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Gizmag member DonGately sums it up nicely (see comments section following article).

Why compare apples (dynamic voice-coil earbuds) with oranges (graphene-membrane electrostatic speaker)? The choice was completely arbitrary as Sennheiser MX-400s are mid-quality, USD $10 earbuds.

The selection of a mid-range-price-and-quality earbud as the benchmarch means nothing. There are better and there are worse units available as a basis for comparison. They picked the Sennheiser MX-400. So what? What makes it 'better' or 'worse?' What IS 'better' or 'worse?' Even the industry can't agree!

The two graphs shown are comparable. Margins of error overlap. This article merely says they built an electrostatic earbud using a graphene membrane when, as DonGately says, ordinary Saran Wrap (an electret-type material and superior to graphene in this respect for reasons Gately gives) would have performed just as well, and I agree.

The author should stick to writing about motorcycles, IMHO, a topic he does in fact seem to know something about.

Why compare apples (dynamic voice-coil earbuds) with oranges (graphene-membrane electrostatic speaker)? The choice was completely arbitrary as Sennheiser MX-400s are mid-quality, USD $10 earbuds.

They didn't fool you. The technology is going to look better going against mediocre equipment. I suspect the ear bud price has more to do with marketing than the cost to manufacture the product. I have seen crap sell for crazy high price while I always try to buy the cheapest ear buds with good stats. Very few consumers understand the stats even if they are provided. I have seen a great deal of 'high-end' products with no stats available.

Will it ever hit the market?

Why not? Most eart bud 'advances' are just hype this is real.

This will further raise the maximum fidelity of the HiFi earbuds and mics. I suspect this technology will be used in mics first. Professionals will see the possibilities before consumers and will not balk at a high price.

The heavier the membrane, the more momentum it has on the move, and the more energy needs to go into moving it or changing its direction.

This is true for mid-range to upper frequencies. Low to sub-sonic tones need plenty of power to move the air.

Did you read the Gizmag article about mesh for growing vagina's? I wonder if grapheme might be useful there?

scary thought