Every sound speaker, from the smallest towards the strongest, carries a permanent magnet.

Neodymium

To obtain good sound from the speaker, you need a strong magnet. Neodymium provides the greatest field strength of any permanent magnet known. Speakers constructed with these magnets have good frequency response, and furthermore , as the magnets are strong, you can use smaller magnets, reducing speaker size.

Ferrite

Magnets made from ferrite, also known as ceramic magnets, are less costly and crack easier than metal magnets. However they maintain their magnetic strength more than time, provided you don't bring a stronger neodymium magnet close. Their greater weight makes speaker systems heavier--a drawback for portable speakers and guitar amplifiers. Speakers with ferrite magnets are likely to sound better when played louder.

Alnico

The original permanent speaker magnets were crafted from alnico, an alloy of aluminum, nickel, iron and cobalt. Alnico is tougher and fewer vulnerable to cracking than other magnet materials, though they can lose their magnetism more readily. More pricey than ferrite or neodymium, alnico gives speakers a warm, classic tone.

Tags: neodymium magnets permanent magnet Smco magnets