Amp For Planar Headphones

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

Look for an amp that has a recommended range of impedance for headphones. The majority of amps will have this information on their specifications sheet or on their website.

AP10H+

The NVA AP10H+ headphone amplifier is built by hand in Great Britain. It is an amplifier with a lot of power that can be used to drive virtually any headphone planar (and some dynamic headphones) on the market, regardless of their impedance and sensitivity. Its high-voltage and current output will give you a dynamic headroom that is an outstanding sound.

Planar magnetic headphones unlike speakers, are almost entirely resistive loads. They are, therefore, relatively easy to drive. They require a much higher level of drive than that which can be achieved by the majority of receivers. To reach their 130dB SPL rating they require 4V5 or 10V5 input at 1mW. Class A solid state amplifiers are the ideal option for them.

The AP10H+ comes with an output transformer that boosts the voltage to a much greater degree, and comes with a volume-matching resistor that can be used with the majority of headphones. This enables the AP10H+ to provide more than twice the amount of power to the 32 ohms of dynamic headphones.

Nirvana IV

If you are looking for tubes with a warm sound profile, then the Nirvana IV is the one for you. This powerful amplifier can power headphones with magnetic planar design easily and offers a range of output modes that support the majority of headphones' impedances. It comes with an external power supply unit that is of high quality that delivers constant currents to the amplifier. The amplifier was designed in Serbia by Milomir Trosic, and it utilizes hand-crafted transformators that offer exceptional musicality.

The Nirvana IV has a single-ended design that can provide 6.5W of pure class A power. It can drive high-impedance headphones and is capable to handle the HiFiMan Susvara open-back planar magnetic headphone effortlessly. Its bass performance and dynamic depth are outstanding. The Nirvana IV has a rich midrange, smooth highs, and a dazzling amount of detail.

The amp is similar to the Auris ha-2SE and Headonia amplifiers however, it's a superior one overall because it has more balanced and precise sound. It can reveal hidden layers in music when used with the right headphone. It's also enjoyable to listen. Its balanced mode is impressive, as it adds warmth and smoothness to the sound that's hard to discover in other headphone amplifiers.

Vacuum tube amplifiers are popular with headphone planar magnetic lovers because they offer a warm sound that many people enjoy. However, they are difficult to use and require a substantial investment. Additionally, they generate plenty of heat, so it is important to choose one with a robust cooling system. The Nirvana IV is a good option for discerning audiophiles, because it can be customized with a variety of different tubes.

The Cayin HA-6A is an excellent alternative for those who want to experience the power of a tube amplifier but with a price that isn't too expensive. This amplifier is designed to work with a variety of headphone models and is compatible with most popular digital audio formats. The output switch lets you to select from three gain settings that are suited for medium, low and high-impedance headphone. It also comes with a remote control as well as an external power supply.

Dragon Inspire IHA-1

The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is an impressive hi-fi device. It was developed (and manufactured) by Dennis Had, founder Cary Audio. In spite of its sexy red paint scheme it has a timeless appearance that evokes classic tube gear.

The IHA-1 is compatible with every headphone because it uses dual triodes 6SN7 for driving headphones. It also has transformer coupling at both inputs and outputs. It's also very compact and has a clean signal path with no feedback loop.

We've found that the IHA-1 produces a rich and acoustic sound that is sure to please listeners who prefer an immersive listening experience with a rich and enveloping music. It's an excellent choice for classical, indie/alternative and acoustic music. It's a great amp for pop, country, R&B, and rock. However, it's a little warm side for high-energy genres such as EDM and Metal. It is possible to compensate for this by tube rolling.

As a rule higher-sensitivity headphones are likely to mate well with tube amplifiers and the IHA-1 is no exception. We tested the IHA-1 on a variety of headphones, headphone planar including the Focal, HiFiMan HE-560, and Grado RS-1. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 offered a full, rounded sound with impressively precise lateral imaging as well as a 3D space perception that was truly revelatory.

The standard IHA-1 comes with a pair of Russian 6SN7 tubes. It is possible to upgrade it for an additional $100 to a brand new RCA GZ34. The GZ34 has a more warm sound than the 5Y3GT that was reissued, but a more organic and bassy sound. It also has a lovely response to the treble that is recessed enough for the majority of listening experiences to be stunning and fatigue-free.

The IHA-1's 3-D soundstage is particularly evident when paired with the Focal headphones Utopia. The Focal's already precise imaging was able to expand outwards and forwards to reveal an expansive sonic landscape. Listening to the track 'Nublado' from Sera Una Noche [MA Recordings, 16/44.1], for instance, was akin to wandering around a huge hall that just happened contain your headphones.

Cayin HA-6A

This budget-friendly tube headphone amplifier from Cayin is a portable amplifier with a surprising amount of power. It can drive headphones with a planar design like the HiFiMan SUSVARA and sound fantastic when paired with dynamic headphones, such as the Audio-Technica's ATH A1000X. It is also highly adaptable, making it a great option for those who have diverse preferences for listening.

The HA-6A has a transformer-coupled construction with matched outputs transformers in order to ensure a balanced output. The power supply is also fully controlled, which minimizes the ripple effect of voltage amplification. The circuitry is made by hand with the finest wires and point-to-point using, which results in superior transparency and integrity of the signal. This amp also comes with an ultra-high-quality UV meter that shows the signal level.

The HA-6A features an ultralinear/triode switchable mode that allows you to alter the sound to fit your needs. If you're looking for a warm, rich sound, use the EL34 tubes that have an output impedance of medium in triode mode. If you want a fast and precise sound with lots of muscle and power, then choose KT88 tubes set to ultra-linear with low output impedance.

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

This amp is also designed with a huge, custom-designed output transformer that offers high-grade nickel plating. This ensures the amplifier is rugged and durable. It also features an innovative current adjustment feature that will allow you to match the impedances of various headphones.

Unlike 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 faster decay time than the Vali 2+ and it has a more neutral tone overall. It also has a forward-looking midrange, with more detail and a higher bass than the Vali 2+. However it does not have as much treble.