Amp For Planar Headphones

When it comes to amps that are suitable for planar headphones, you want something that has plenty of power to drive them. Planar headphones require higher voltage and power than dynamic headphones, which only need a small amount of current.

Look for an amplifier that has a recommended range of impedance for headphones. Most will have this listed on their specifications sheet or on their website.

AP10H+

The NVA AP10H+ is a headphone amplifier developed and hand made in Great Britain. It is an extremely powerful amplifier that can power almost any headphone planar (and some dynamic headphones) on the market regardless of their impedance or sensitivity. Its high voltage and current output will provide exceptional dynamic headroom for an outstanding sound.

In contrast to speakers, planar magnetic technology magnetic headphones are essentially resistive loads, making them relatively easy to drive. They require a higher level of drive than that which can be produced by most receivers. In order to achieve their 130dB SPL rating they require either 4V5 or 10V5 input at 1mW. Class A solid state amplifiers are the best choice for them.

The AP10H+ features an output transformer which boosts the voltage and has a volume matching resistance that is suitable for headphones in 95percent of cases. This allows the AP10H+ to provide more than twice the amount of power to 32 ohms dynamic headphones.

Nirvana IV

If you love tubes with a warm sound profile, then the Nirvana IV is the one for you. This powerful amplifier is capable of driving planar magnetic headphones effortlessly and comes with a range of output options to accommodate most headphones with different impedances. It also has a high-quality external power supply unit that provides constant current to the amplifier. The amplifier was designed in Serbia by Milomir Trosic, and it utilizes hand-crafted transformators that offer incredible musicality.

The Nirvana IV has a single-ended design that can deliver 6.5W of pure class A power. It is capable of driving high-impedance headphones and can handle the HiFiMan SUSVARA open-back magnetic headphone with ease. Its bass performance and dynamic range are superb. The Nirvana IV has a rich midrange, smooth highs, and a dazzling amount of detail.

This amp can be compared to the Auris Ha-2SE and the Headonia amplifier however, it's superior overall since it offers more clarity and precision, as well as more balanced sound. When paired with the right headphone, it can reveal the hidden layers of music, and is a joy to listen to. Its balanced mode is especially impressive, as it adds a layer of warmth and smoothness to the sound that is difficult to find in other headphone amplifiers.

Many people who love headphones appreciate the warm sound of vacuum tube amplifiers. They can be difficult to operate and require an extensive investment. In addition, they produce lots of heat, so it is important to choose one with a robust cooling system. The Nirvana IV can be customized to meet the preferences of audiophiles.

The Cayin Ha-6A is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy the power and elegance of a tube amplifier for an affordable price. The amplifier is compatible with various types of headphones, and it is compatible with most popular digital audio formats. The output switch lets you select between three gain modes that are suitable for headphones that have medium, low and high impedance. It also comes with the ability to control the remote and an external power supply.

Dragon Inspire IHA-1

The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is a high-end audio heritage It was designed by (and is produced under the watchful eye of) Dennis Had, founder of Cary Audio. It has a timeless appearance that is reminiscent of classic tube equipment, despite the bizarre red paint job.

The IHA-1 can be used with any headphone since it utilizes the 6SN7 dual triodes for driving headphones. It also features transformer coupling on both inputs as well as the outputs. It's also very compact and has a clear signal path with no feedback loop.

The IHA-1 is a rich, harmonic sound that we've found to be a hit with listeners who love a rich listening experience. It's a great choice for classical, indie/alternative and the acoustic genres. It's an excellent amp for tracks in pop, country, R&B, Headphone planar and rock. However, it's a bit on the warmer side for genres with high energy like EDM and Metal. You can compensate for this by tube rolling.

The IHA-1 is not an exception to this rule. In general, headphones with higher sensitiveness tend to be compatible with tube amplifiers. We tested the IHA-1 with various headphone models including the Focal, HiFiMan HE-560, and Grado RS-1. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 delivered a full round sound, with an impressively precise lateral imaging and spatial sense that was truly revelatory.

The standard IHA-1 comes with a pair of Russian 6SN7 tubes. It can however be upgraded to a NOS RCA GZ34 tube for an extra $100. The GZ34 has a more warm sound than the 5Y3GT that was reissued, but it has a more natural and bassy sound. It also has a sweet response to the treble that is not too recessed to allow the majority of listening experiences to be stunning and fatigue-free.

The IHA-1's 3-D soundstage becomes especially apparent when paired up with the Focal headphones Utopia. The more spacious sound allowed the Focal's already precise lateral imaging to expand outward and forward, creating a vast sonic landscape. Listening to 'Nublado' by Sera Una Noche [MA Recordings, 16/44.1], for instance, was akin to being in a hall that just happened to have your headphones in it.

Cayin HA-6A

This tube headphone amplifier that is affordable from Cayin is a portable amp with surprising power. It can drive headphones with a planar design like the HiFiMan SUSVARA and also sound fantastic when paired with dynamic headphones like the Audio-Technica's ATH A1000X. It's also extremely scalable, making it a good option for those with a variety of listening preferences.

The HA-6A is a transformer-coupled design with output transformers matched to give true balanced output. The power supply has also been fully controlled to minimize the ripple effect resulting from voltage amplifying. The circuitry is handcrafted with premium wires and point-topoint handling, resulting in greater transparency and signal integrity. This amp comes with a premium UV meter that displays the levels of signal.

The HA-6A has the option of switching between triode and ultralinear modes to offer a distinct sound experience based on your preferences. If you are looking for a deep, warm, and musical sound, use the EL34 tubes in triode mode with moderate output impedance. On the other hand, if want an exceptionally fast and detailed sound with plenty of muscle, use a pair of KT88 tubes in ultra-linear mode, with a low output impedance.

The HA-6A is a tube with an option of rectification option for those who prefer an unison sound. This enhances the overall sonic performance of the amplifier. This feature is perfect for users who listen to a wide range of genres, ranging from hip-hop and EDM to classical and orchestral music.

The amp also has a large custom-made transformer with the highest-quality nickel plating. This ensures the amplifier is durable and robust. It also has an innovative current adjustment which can match the impedances of various headphones.

In contrast to the Schiit Vali 2+, the Cayin Ha-6A has a bit of a tube-like bloom and sound stage that's not quite as large or as precise. It also has a much faster decay time than Vali 2+ and it has a more neutral tone overall. It has an advanced midrange that has more bass and better detail than the Vali 2+, but it doesn't have as much extension in the treble.