A micro speaker having a first core assembly and a second core assembly, with a diaphragm between the first and second core assemblies. Each of the core assemblies includes a housing with a pole and a cover plate, and a permanent magnet within the housing. At least one of the core assemblies includes an electrically conductive coil positioned around the pole. Each of the cover plates has a groove therein. The micro speaker further includes a soft magnetic armature present between each cover plate and the diaphragm, with a portion of each armature present and moveable within the grooves.